Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

The Best Dog Trainers for Herding Training in Chicago, IL of 2024

David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Herding training in Chicago, IL. Based on feedback and votes from our Herding training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the Chicago area.

  • Sophie Amphlett Photo

    Sophie Amphlett

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Deaf dog training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    I was born in North Wales, U.K., living in a rural area and my closest companion as a child was my black labrador dog, Nellie, with whom I would spend hours a day walking in the woods.

    ‚ÄãAfter school, I moved to London and worked in the city for 14 years where I met my husband.

    We moved to the USA, had some kids, adopted a dog, Bentley, and our family was complete. As our you...


  • Judit Arroyo Photo

    Judit Arroyo

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    Judit was only 17 years old when she found herself in over her head with her first dog, Puffy. Always a timid pup, at two years old he became very aggressive and reactive towards people and other dogs. Not willing to give up on her dog and not able to afford training Judit was determined to learn the art of dog training. In 2002 she launched her career as a professional dog trainer when he appl...


  • Lin Barrett Photo

    Lin Barrett

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    Lin has always been passionate about all animals. Having grown up in a small town in Connecticut, they grew up around dogs, cats, horses, goats, chickens, you name it! Their passion for dogs stumbled into their life with a tiny Westie puppy their parents adopted for the family. Lin took every opportunity to learn about dogs and training after that. With this passion in their back pocket, they m...


  • Bobby Brown Photo

    Bobby Brown

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train

    Bobby Brown started professionally training dogs in 2015. He earned his certification through CATCH and the Council of Professional Dog Trainers. Bobby has 2 personal dogs, Bella, a Bully Breed Mix, and Sugar, a Border Collie/Lab Mix. Together, they enjoy training and competing in Dock Diving, Flyball, Nose work, and their newest passion, Agility. In addition to dog training, Bobby has trained ...


  • Justyna Buettner Photo

    Justyna Buettner

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    Justyna has fostered and helped rescue several animals since her early 20s and is completing her certification with Animal Behavioral College. Jusyna has been training puppies with Anything Is Pawzible for the last two years. When not at work she likes to spend time with her three kids, her fur babies Cooper (dog) and Ziggy (cat) and her reptile babies Ocho (bearded dragon), Pearl (snake) and B...


  • Pamela Davis Photo

    Pamela Davis

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train

    Pamela is a teacher and coach who specializes in helping people understand, communicate with, and train their pet dogs. Her training methodology is compassionate and science-based and focuses on rewarding desired behaviors. Pamela’s approach is also informed by her background in theatre and education. She prioritizes empathy, clear communication, and active participation from both human and c...


  • Andrew Donnelly Photo

    Andrew Donnelly

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    Andrew has been a dog walker for over seven years, serving River North, Streeterville and Gold Coast. After attending Fetch Find Academy’s training program, he became a Field Operations Manager for Chicago Pet Sitters where he trained staff members in safe-handling techniques. His passion for training and educating dog owners stems from a cynopraxic philosophy: enhancing the human-dog relatio...


  • Alison Doubleday Photo

    Alison Doubleday

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    A lifelong animal lover, Alison entered the training world thanks to her two Australian Cattle Dogs, Fox and Rocket. Both Fox and Rocket participated in group classes at Anything is Pawzible when they were first adopted. Helping these two rescue pups work through various challenges and making sure they feel safe and happy in the world has been an inspirational experience and has impacted every...


  • Rachel Fein Photo

    Rachel Fein

    Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Puppy training, Herding training, Deaf dog training

    Rachel grew up working with dogs. Her first experience with training came with her dog, Nico, when she was seventeen. She later trained a rescue dog named Kali. Kali went on to earn a champion title in agility as well as titles in obedience and tricks. Rachel has participated in agility, dock diving, tricks, obedience, nose work, and therapy work. Her dog, Flash, is competed in agility and disc...


  • Tamara Gansz Photo

    Tamara Gansz

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    Tamara Gansz has been obsessed with dogs since her earliest days. While her degree is in Art History, she started Pets-Chicago, a dog walking company, in 2003 and has been humbled and learning every day through the beauty of the animals she cares for. Leeloo, Jinx and Sevro are Tamara’s three rescue dogs and each has been a beacon for her to dive deeper and learn more. Leeloo, a therapy do...


  • Grace Huffman Photo

    Grace Huffman

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train

    For as long as she can remember, dogs have been apart of Grace's life; from getting her first dog at 5 years old, to religiously playing Nintendogs on her DS, and eventually to training her own Service Dog in college. At Urban Pooch, Grace teaches all levels of Agility and Disc as well as puppy and LEVELS classes. Grace has 3 personal dogs: Guster (Mini Schnauzer), Rafiki (Standard Poodle) and ...


  • Elizabeth Jefferis Photo

    Elizabeth Jefferis

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    Elizabeth Jefferis grew up on a horse farm in Southeastern Pennsylvania training, competing, and hunting with her family’s hunter/jumper horses. Teaching has always been so rewarding for Elizabeth, from college sociology professor to property rehab mentor to certified yoga instructor to dog trainer. (Don’t tell anyone, but “dog training” is really “people training.”) She has been te...


  • Coco Johnson Photo

    Coco Johnson

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train

    Coco grew up with a love and understanding of dogs from a young age. Family pets consisted of Golden Retrievers from her grandparents to German Shepards who were too goofy to become police dogs.Prior to working in a caregiver capacity with animals, Coco worked in the entertainment industry. From working as a Radio Engineer at Clear Channel to Promotional work at Victory Records and finally a Mo...


  • Courtney Johnson Photo

    Courtney Johnson

    Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Puppy training, Herding training, Deaf dog training

    Courtney graduated from Downers Grove South High School in 2013. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from University of St. Francis in Joliet as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from American College of Education. Courtney is a teacher at West Leyden High school for students with severe and profound disabilities. She grew up around dogs and her love f...


  • Laura Krill Photo

    Laura Krill

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    There hasn’t been a time where animals weren’t a part of Laura’s life. She grew up with a dog and a cat, had an amazing rabbit, and to her mother’s dismay, even some mice. Laura always wanted to surround herself with animals, so her first job, at 16, was working as a kennel assistant for her local vet. She moved to Chicago after college, and for the last 18 years, Laura has worked in th...


  • Jess Kupsik Photo

    Jess Kupsik

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    I developed an interest in training when I adopted my first American Bully, Kona, in 2017. While we bonded quickly, our relationship flourished once we started training and speaking the same language. Shortly after adopting Kona, I started fostering bully breeds for various Chicago rescues. I realized how much training helped these dogs find homes and stay in those homes.

    While fosteri...


  • Rachel LaMere Photo

    Rachel LaMere

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    I began my career in pet care in 2004 when I moved to NYC with a degree in opera/classical voice from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA and I started walking dogs as a side hustle while I pursued a career in the performing arts.
    My grandfather was a veterinarian, so growing up, our home was never short on animals with behavioral and/or medical challenges, which may explain why I qu...


  • Ashley Olszewski Photo

    Ashley Olszewski

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train

    Ashley’s experience with animals goes back to before she can remember. Her family had three or four dogs (Goldens and Labs) at any given time, as well as horses. She spent her adolescence riding and showing her horses, and worked on general obedience with her dogs. She got her first dog of her own almost 2.5 years ago (Fig, a Silken Windhound). Fig proved to be a very busy pup, so Ashley star...


  • Ania Pniewska Photo

    Ania Pniewska

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    Dogs were always Ania’s biggest passion. From a young age she believed that there was something magical about dogs and felt deeply connected with them. Back in her hometown of Szczecin, Poland, Ania volunteered at the local shelter and at the wild bird rehabilitation center. Shortly after receiving her BA in Sociology with a Psychology minor, Ania moved to the USA.

    For over 11 years ...


  • Rebekah Reynolds Photo

    Rebekah Reynolds

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train

    Rebekah has been animal-crazy since the time she could hold a pencil and draw all of the animals that lived in her imaginary farm, but dogs have always had a special place in her heart. She started training her Nintendogs from a young age, but at 15, her family got their very first dog, and Rebekah was finally able to teach fun tricks, build PVC agility equipment, and play frisbee with a real d...


  • Mario Rodriguez Photo

    Mario Rodriguez

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    I’m a life-long animal lover and my introduction to formal dog training was in 2011, attending a Basic Obedience class at Anything Is PAWZible with my first girl, Willow. The delight Willow expressed during training and the connection we made in that class led us to pursue additional training classes, opening up an incredible level of human-canine communication and creating a stronger bond be...


  • Marie Smith Photo

    Marie Smith

    Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Puppy training, Herding training, Deaf dog training

    Marie Smith is a seasoned competitor in both rally and traditional obedience. Marie and her poodle, Noelle, have earned nine AKC titles and were qualifiers in the AKC Rally National Championship invitational in 2020. After earning their Rally Master title in 2019, Noelle and Marie are working toward their RACH Rally Championship title. Marie loves competing and sharing knowledge about how to br...


  • Robin Taylor Photo

    Robin Taylor

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train

    Robin got started in dog training 10-years-ago when she adopted Dylan from the Anti-Cruelty Society. Because Dylan’s energy and drive needed an outlet, she got started in agility and nose work. Her second dog didn’t have the same drive for sports but loved people, which took them down the path of therapy dog work at grade school reading programs and in hospitals. Today Robin is continuing h...


  • Courtney Temen Photo

    Courtney Temen

    Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Puppy training, Herding training, Deaf dog training, In home training

    Courtney completed her Bachelors of Science, Zoo Science, from Friends University in 2019. In 2017 she completed an internship at Brookfield Zoo where she was able to clicker train tamanduas under supervision. She spent all of her college free time interning and volunteering at Sedgwick County Zoo with various mammals and birds, including gorillas, red river hogs, maned wolves, and lemurs! Afte...


  • Alex Urbanski Photo

    Alex Urbanski

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    My passion for dogs began at a young age. After several years volunteering in shelters and reading books on training, I finally decided to attend Triple Crown Academy. It was at TCA where I learned skills in Basic Obedience, Scent Detection, Protection and Bite Work, Search and Rescue and my personal favorite, Agility. It was also at TCA where I adopted Roxee and Skylar, the dogs I was assigned...


Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Herding training in Chicago, IL is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Herding training, we received 0 total votes, resulting in 25 dog trainers who focus on Herding training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Herding training listed first.

Dog trainers for Herding training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Sophie Amphlett, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Herding training in Chicago, IL.

At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Sophie Amphlett, as well as the other dog trainers on this Herding training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog.

Sniffspot Dog running on field

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Trainers For Herding Training In Other Cities Near Chicago


See The Best Dog Trainers By Type In Chicago


Frequently Asked Questions About Herding Training in Chicago, Illinois

How can I get in touch with these dog trainers?

Each of the trainer profiles contains a link to their website. You can click through to their website where you can find more contact information.

Are these dog trainers certified professionals?

Each dog trainers certifications are listed in their profile. Dog training is not regulated at the federal or state level, so there is no standard dog training certification. However, many private institutions offer certifications. Some of the top certifications in the dog training industry are CPDT- KA, IAABC, Karen Pryor Academy - KPA certification, Jean Donaldson's Academy - CTC certification and Fear Free Certification.

What methods do these dog trainers teach?

There are many methods for teaching dogs. All of the trainers included on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. You can see more information in each trainer’s profile regarding their training specialties.

How much do these dog trainers cost?

Dog trainers have a wide range of costs for different services. We recommend first picking a trainer that provides the services that you are looking for, then reaching out to them to get up to date pricing.

Is training a dog good for the dog?

Yes! Training has many benefits for dogs. Going through a training process with your dog can improve the bond that you share with them. Also, training can do a lot to improve the confidence of a dog; it gives them more certainty that they understand how the world around them works. And lastly, it’s just fun for the dog and for you. Training can be very stimulating and enriching for a dog.

Can an aggressive dog be trained?

Yes! Any dog behavior can be worked on through training. Aggression is a serious issue, but it is also a term that is used very broadly. Many dogs that are thought to be aggressive are actually reactive, which is a different behavior altogether. If you believe you have an aggressive dog, we recommend reaching out to one of your local top trainers to get their diagnosis and advice.

I am a trainer. How can I get listed here?

We update this list once per year, normally starting in January. Make sure to keep an eye on our social media and sign up for email updates with Sniffspot in order to be in the loop on the next round of nominations.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

Sniffspot Dog swimming in pool
David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Follow us

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

TiktokInstagramFacebookYoutube
Related articles
Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnailExplore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners
All categories

Most recent articles

Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnailExplore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners
Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnailExplore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners
Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnail

Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

The Best San Diego, California Dog Parks thumbnailThe Best San Diego, California Dog Parks
The Best San Diego, California Dog Parks thumbnail

The Best San Diego, California Dog Parks

Bikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started thumbnailBikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started
Bikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started thumbnail

Bikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

  • How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.

  • Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.

  • How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog? thumbnail

    How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?

    More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.

  • What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression thumbnail

    What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression

    You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?

  • Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop? thumbnail

    Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?

    Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

  • The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

    Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.

  • Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

    Best Toys for Herding Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

  • The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?

  • Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

    Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

    You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.

  • Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

    Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

  • The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

    The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

    From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.

  • How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

    How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

    Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.” 

  • Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

    Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

    Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.

  • How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

    How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

    Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.  

  • Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

    Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

    Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

  • The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.

  • The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.

  • The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.

  • The Best United States Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best United States Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!

  • The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

Dogs breeds