Frequently Asked Questions

The sooner puppies start exploring the world around them by meeting friendly people and other dogs, the happier, more confident, and well-adjusted they’ll grow up to be! That’s why we recommend starting training and fun socialization from the very first day you bring your pup home. Our private puppy in-home training begins at 8-12 weeks. Puppy drop-off school and classroom training begins at 12 weeks.

Yes! Dogs can learn new things at any age. Training keeps your dog mentally engaged, stimulated, and connected to you as they get older. Working on everyday good behavior and social skills for real-life situations, like visiting restaurants, outdoor patios, and the vet, helps build your dog’s confidence. Mix in new games along the way to keep things fun for both of you.

Positive reinforcement training means rewarding the desired behaviors you want to see. At Trusted Tails Dog Training, we use treats, toys, or praise instead of correcting or punishing the behaviors we don’t want. Positive reinforcement training helps dogs learn faster, stay more motivated, and experience less stress than those trained with punishment-based methods. It’s also a more enjoyable way to train. Rewarding your dog during training strengthens your bond and makes the whole process something you both look forward to.

Trusted Tails serves the Northern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin communities.

1. Download the Paw Partner app

Paw Partner is where you’ll find your pup’s Trusted Tails profile, schedule, records, and other important information.

2. Send us your pup’s vet records

Upload current vaccination records directly to Paw Partner or email them to getstarted@ttdogtraining.com.

3. Read & sign your forms

You’ll receive two required forms to review and sign digitally before participating in class.

Once those are complete, you’re ready to go!

Sure! Our class content complements what our dogs learn in day school. In fact, your presence in class helps reinforce what the dogs are learning during the day. The mutual work and bonding experience will help you and your dog grow together.

For 6 Week Classes (including puppy, tweens, teens and trail prep) 

Life happens, and we don’t want one missed class to derail your progress.

If your dog is sick or recovering from a medical procedure:

Please let them stay home and recover! You can attend class without your dog and still learn that week’s material. Once your pup is feeling better, schedule a make-up lesson to practice together.

If you need to miss class because of travel, your own illness, or another conflict:

Don’t worry! You’ll still receive that week’s class email and materials, and you’ll be able to schedule a make-up lesson for you and your pup.

We want you to feel supported throughout the entire six weeks — not stressed about falling behind. 

For Drop-in Classes (Trail Markers):

Because Levels classes are drop-in rather than a set six-week program, we don’t offer make-up lessons for missed classes.

Simply sign up for the next available class that works for your schedule and pick right back up with us!

This flexibility is one of the things we love about Levels — you can keep practicing and progressing with your dog while choosing the dates that work best for you.

Just remember:

class size is limited, and spots are first come, first served, so reserving your available dates ahead of time is the best way to guarantee your spot.

A 6-foot leash

A standard 6-foot leash gives us room to practice while keeping everyone safe and comfortable.

A flat collar or harness

Trusted Tails uses positive reinforcement training methods, so please leave prong collars, e-collars, and choke collars at home.

Three varieties of treats

Think of them as your pup’s paycheck!

• Low value: something they’ll happily work for when things are easy
• Medium value: something a little more exciting
• High value: the really good stuff when we’re working through harder distractions

Small, soft (smelly) treats that your dog can eat quickly work best.

A mat, flat dog bed, or blanket

We’ll use this throughout class for settling, place work, and giving our dogs opportunities to take a break between exercises.

Bring lots of good energy and a willingness to learn, practice, and have some fun with your pup!