Charm School

Do you have a rambunctious pooch? Does your dog easily become over-excited? Is your dog difficult to control in stimulating environments? Is your dog shy or fearful around other dogs? If you answered yes, then you need to enroll in the Urban Pooch Charm School for Dogs.

This class will give you and your dog the skills to participate in polite society. Never again will you decline an invitation to a dog party, hide your dog from guests or apologize for your dog’s exuberance. You will have a dog who is the toast of the neighborhood!

Age Requirements:

This class is designed for dogs 4-months or older. 

Vaccination & Health Requirements:

Click here to view our vaccination requirements.

Cost:

$185

Duration:

6-Classes/60-Minutes Each

How to Register:

Please call the front desk at 773-961-8880 or email us at info@urbanpoochtraining.com to sign-up! Thank you!

Class Dates:

Thursdays at 8:30pm
Starts: Thursday, March 19th
Instructor: Karen Okura
Meets: 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16 & 4/23
Time: 8:30pm – 9:30pm

Saturdays at 11:45am
Starts: Saturday, March 21st
Instructor: Karen Okura
Meets: 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18 & 4/25
Time: 11:45am – 12:45pm

Thursdays at 8:30pm
Starts: Thursday, April 30th
Instructor: Karen Okura
Meets: 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 6/4 & 6/11 (NO CLASS 5/28)
Time: 8:30pm – 9:30pm

Confidence Club

Does your dog shut down in new situations? Do they startle at noises, or shy away from people? Are they playful at home, but timid in public? Do you wish you could do more to help your shy dog?

Confidence Club is a 6-week class for frightened pups (and their humans) to grow more comfortable and resilient in everyday life, while building skills to cope with those unavoidable scary situations. Moving at your dog’s individual pace, each week will bring new opportunities to experience successful problem-solving, incorporating elements of K9 Nose Work, physical fitness, and trick training. We will also discuss tried and true, evidence-based methods for addressing your dog’s specific fears over the long term, and help you plan your path forward. Come join the Club!

Age Requirements:

This class is designed for dogs 4-months or older. 

Vaccination & Health Requirements:

Click here to view our vaccination requirements.

Cost:

$195

Duration:

6-Classes/60-Minutes Each

How to Register:

Please call the front desk at 773-961-8880 or email us at info@urbanpoochtraining.com to sign-up! Thank you!

Class Dates:

Sundays at 5:00pm
Starts: Sunday, February 16th
Instructor: Pamela Davis
Meets: 2/16, 2/23, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15 & 3/22
Time: 5:00-6:00pm

Reactive Dog 1: Stop the Chaos

• Learn how reactivity develops and how to change it.
• Teach your dog the life skills they need to exist comfortably and thoughtfully in environments that previously provoked anxiety, heightened arousal, and reactivity.
• Become an expert handler able to respond to surprises and emergency situations.

Age Requirements:

This class is designed for dogs ages 6-months or older. 

Vaccination & Health Requirements:

Click here to view our vaccination requirements.

Cost:

$275

Duration:

6-Classes/60-Minutes Each

Notes:

A consultation with one of our Certified Trainers is required prior to signing-up for class. 

You will attend the first class of Reactive Dog 1 without your pooch.  

How to Register:

Please call the front desk at 773-961-8880 or email us at info@urbanpoochtraining.com to sign-up! Thank you!

Class Dates:

Sundays at 2:45pm 
Starts: Sunday, February 16th
Meets: 2/16, 2/23, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15 & 3/22
Instructor: Shannon Sullivan
Time: 2:45pm – 3:45pm

Mondays at 7:15pm 
Starts: Monday, February 17th
Meets: 2/17, 2/24, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16 & 3/23
Instructor: Shannon Sullivan
Time: 7:15pm – 8:15pm

Sundays at 4:30pm 
Starts: Sunday, March 29th
Meets: 3/29, 4/5, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3 & 5/10 (NO CLASS 4/12)
Instructor: Pamela Davis
Time: 4:30pm – 5:30pm

Sundays at 5:45pm 
Starts: Sunday, March 29th
Meets: 3/29, 4/5, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3 & 5/10 (NO CLASS 4/12)
Instructor: Shannon Sullivan
Time: 5:45pm – 6:45pm

Mondays at 7:15pm 
Starts: Monday, March 30th
Meets: 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27 & 5/4
Instructor: Shannon Sullivan
Time: 7:15pm – 8:15pm

Reactive Dog 2: Grow Their Comfort

In this class we create curated versions of real-life situations to grow both yours and your dog’s skills and comfort. You will learn how to keep your dog’s focus and attention in increasingly closer proximity to their triggers. Our goal for this class is for you to be able to take your dog out on a walk, or out in the world, without explanations or embarrassment.

Age Requirements:

This class is designed for dogs ages 6-months or older. 

Vaccination & Health Requirements:

Click here to view our vaccination requirements.

Cost:

$275

Duration:

6-Classes/60-Minutes Each

Notes:

Prerequisite: Reactive Dog 1

How to Register:

Please call the front desk at 773-961-8880 or email us at info@urbanpoochtraining.com to sign-up! Thank you!

Class Dates:

Sundays at 6:00pm 
Starts: Sunday, TBD
Meets: TBD
Instructor: Shannon Sullivan
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

What to Bring to Training Classes

How to prepare for your awesome & FUN classes at Urban Pooch Training and Fitness Center:

• Bring a variety of very yummy, small-sized treats (the size of a green pea). You may mix the treats with your dog’s meal if you’re concerned about over-feeding.

• Consider using a treat pouch – it’s easy to forget you have treats in your pocket. We have treat pouches for sale at Urban Pooch Training & Fitness Center.

• Bring motivational toys that don’t make noise and that won’t roll away.

• Please, no choke or electronic collars. Also, most back-clip harnesses are not recommended. A flat collar is best, but if you need a training collar or harness, our trainers are happy to make the appropriate suggestions for you and your dog.

• Use a 6-foot leather or cloth leash. Chain leashes are not recommended. Retractable leashes are not allowed.
  • CLICK HERE to read WHY we do not allow retractable leashes in class

• As always and everywhere, Please bring poop bags.

• Wear your play attire to class – comfortable clothes, closed-toe, and rubber-soled shoes

The Red Bandana Program

Red bandanas will be worn by dogs who need a little space. Perhaps they are not confident around other dogs, they may be shy of people, or maybe they have a temporary injury or are older and don’t want to be bumped. Please offer space when you see a dog wearing a red bandana.

Policy on Payment, Refunds & Cancellation

Reserving A Spot & Initial Payment

We do not accept partial payments for class. Classes must be paid in full at sign-up in order to reserve a spot. Only payment in full for class can reserve your spot in a future class or training service.

Refund Policy If You Wish to Drop Out of Class

In the case a student wishes to drop out of a class, a refund will only be issued if UPTFC is given notice 48 hours or more prior to the start time/day of class. So, for example, if you are signed up for a class that begins June 5th at 7:15pm, then the absolute latest UPTFC could be notified is June 3rd before 7:15pm in order for you to obtain a refund for the full amount you paid for said class. 

If you wish to drop out of class outside of these parameters – that is, with less than 48 hours notice – then no refund will be granted unless it is due to a sudden illness or injury to yourself or your dog that makes it either impossible or unsafe for your participation. For parameters regarding dropping out of class for injury or illness to either yourself or your dog, see subsequent sections for more information. 

Please note we do not grant requests for refunds or credit for future training due to changes in a student’s availability, business trips, simply missing class for being too busy, forgetting class dates or unexpected personal/business/holiday/vacation plans. 

Refund Policy in the Case of Injury or Illness

In the case a student needs to remove their enrollment in a class due to an injury or illness to either themselves or their dog that makes their involvement impossible or unsafe, then one of four policies will apply to them with regards to the time in which UPTFC is notified of said injury/illness:

1. If you notify UPTFC 48 hours or more prior to the start time/day of class, then the previous policy will take precedence in which a full refund will be granted. 
2. If you notify UPTFC less than 48 hours prior to the start time/day of class up until the actual day of class, then you will be granted a credit of the full amount of your original payment for said class to be used towards future training. However, this credit may only be used towards training services and must be used within 6 months of giving said notice; all remaining credit granted from this notice will be forfeited after this 6 month grace period. So, for example, if you are registered for a $180 class that is set to begin June 5th at 7:15pm, and you let us know on June 4th your dog has contracted kennel cough and thus cannot be around other dogs, then we would credit your account $180 to be used towards future training services. Please note that these training services still must be scheduled and are subject to both the availability of trainers and open spots in future classes; that is, we cannot guarantee you a spot in a future class due to dropping out of a past class if said future class already has registered the maximum amount of students. To continue this example, even if you have not used the total sum of your original $180 credit in training services by December 4th, then the difference in initial payment would become forfeit and any new future training expense would need to be paid for separately from this now expired credit.
3. If you notify UPTFC during the duration of your class that either your dog or yourself has become too ill/injured to continue attending class, then you will be granted a credit for the presumed remaining dollar amount of your original payment to be put toward future training services. So, for example, if you are registered for a $180, 6-week class that began on June 5th and you have to drop out of class because a few days after week 3 of class (let’s say June 22nd) you sustain injuries that would make it impossible for you to attend class and act as a proper handler for your dog, then we would credit your future training account $90 since you used 3/6 of the class you signed-up for originally. However, the entirety of this $90 training credit would have to be used by December 22nd or else be forfeit. Please note that these training services still must be scheduled and are subject to both the availability of trainers and open spots in future classes; that is, we cannot guarantee you a spot in an upcoming class due to dropping out of a past class if said future class already has registered the maximum amount of students.
4. If an injury or illness occurs to yourself or your dog, but you make no reasonable attempt to make us aware of the situation, then UPTFC reserves the right to not only keep the total payment for class, but also fill your spot in class if we receive no communication follow-up to establish a protocol specific to your circumstances. 

Please note that if your dog is approved to be removed from a class for an injury or ailment, we may require proof of proper treatment and clearance from your vet prior to attending a subsequent training session. For example, if you had to drop-out of an upcoming class because your dog’s fecal sample tested positive for giardia, then prior to starting another class we would need proof from your vet that the dog has had a new fecal sample tested that resulted negative for infection for giardia or any other communicable ailment. Simply putting your dog through vet-recommended treatment is not sufficient for proof of a negative fecal–only proof that a more recent fecal sample tested negative will clear your pooch for class in this scenario.  

Refund Policy in the Case an Upcoming Class Session is Cancelled or Rescheduled

UPTFC reserves the right to cancel an upcoming class session if said class has not reached the minimum number of students required to properly conduct class. For the vast majority of classes the minimum number of students needed to run a class session is 3 students. If we have not registered the minimum amount of students 48 hours prior to the start time/day of class, then we reserve the right to cancel the class session entirely, delay the start date of class to a future date in the hopes we can find more students or else modify the class structure to reflect the lower attendance. In any of these cases, you will be contacted immediately and you can choose 1 of 4 options:

1. Remain in the class roster, but realize the class will actually start at a later date than was originally scheduled. Please note that if said class is one with specific age restrictions like many of our Puppy class offerings, then it may be necessary to move you to a different class entirely if your dog would then be outside the correct age range of the class you originally signed-up for at the now newly proposed start date.
2. Request a full refund for your original payment. This would be issued as soon as possible.  
3. Request to be transferred to an upcoming class or training program that was different than the one you originally signed-up for, but is an alternate option in which you are also interested in and for which your dog meets the age/curriculum requirements. Please note that these alterations to training services still must be scheduled and are subject to both the availability of trainers and open spots in future classes; that is, we cannot guarantee you a spot in an upcoming class due to the cancellation if said future class already has registered the maximum amount of students. Additionally, if the program/class you are switching to joining costs more than the original amount paid for the program/class you initially signed-up for, then payment for the difference in said amounts would be due at the time of switching between programs/classes.
4. In the event we have to cancel a class you were originally signed-up for, but you don’t want a refund and also don’t know yet what training service you would be interested in joining in the near future, then we will keep on file a credit for your account in the equivalent dollar amount that can be applied towards training services in the next 6 months. So, for example, if you were originally signed-up for a $180 Junior Dog class that is set to begin on June 5th, and we contact you on June 3rd that said class session is cancelled due to the lack of other students. Then, if you so choose, that $180 could be applied to other training services until December 3rd. However, after December 3rd, any unused part of that original payment would become forfeit and future training experiences would need to be paid for separately from this now expired credit. Please note that these alterations to training services still must be scheduled and are subject to both the availability of trainers and open spots in future classes; that is, we cannot guarantee you a spot in an upcoming class due to the cancellation if said future class already has registered the maximum amount of students.

Instructors

Pamela Davis, CPDT-KA

Obedience Trainer

Pamela comes from a theatre and education background, and her approach to dog training is very much informed by those fields. A lifelong animal lover whose earliest ambition was to be an entomologist, Pamela began her journey as a “serious” dog trainer when she adopted the world’s best bad dog, a reactive pit mix named Bea Arfur, and became active in Chicago’s rescue and rehabilitation community.

The more she studied dog behavior and learning, the more she realized how many of the tools used in teaching and theatre-making applied! She now structures her training around empathy (to understand the dog’s point of view), communication (making clear requests and “listening” closely to the responses), and follow-through (being patient and consistent, day in and day out). Pamela’s classes are positive-reinforcement, force-free, dynamic, and equally focused on human and canine learning. Come play! Pamela is a CGC Evaluator and has her CPDT-KA certification.

Karen Okura, CPDT-KA

Senior Trainer & Curriculum Development Manager

Karen has over 30 years experience in training and animal behavior. She worked at The Anti-Cruelty Society of 30 years in roles ranging from Adoption Counselor to Humane Educator with her most recent role there being Manager of Behavior and Training.

While at Anti-Cruelty, Karen developed and grew the Behavior Hotline, crafted many of the training manuals and behavior policies and assisted adopters with behavior issues. She also contributed to the Anti-Cruelty publications as the pet behavior expert, acted as spokesperson on radio and TV and contribute to many print articles in publications such as The Chicago Tribune and Dog Fancy Magazine.

Most recently, Karen was Senior Dog Trainer at Collins Canine where she focused on dogs with behavioral issues, puppies and obedience training. “I gained an enormous amount of experience and knowledge in the private sector of animal welfare. I also found my passion in work – helping people help their companion animals, both dog and cat,” says Karen.

Karen will be leading all of our training programs at Montrose Dog Beach and will be in charge of developing new curriculum and training procedures for the company alongside Head Trainer, Jim Bahr. 

Shannon Sullivan, CPDT-KA

Obedience Trainer

Shannon understands how a great human-canine relationship can increase the quality of life for both the pet and pet parent. Her own journey rehabilitating her reactive Mountain Cur rescue, Virginia, encouraged Shannon to transform her personal passion into a professional career.

Shannon’s approach to training is relationship-centered and reward-based, and she works hard to bring her personal values of deep listening and respect to every class.

Animal training began for Shannon at 8 years old when she began showing American Quarter Horses. She progressed to win a Reserve World Championship before taking a break to study chemistry in college. Shannon later
re-entered the animal training world by adopting her first Mountain Cur, Abby.

Around that same time, Shannon began teaching humans in multiple roles from ski/snowboard instructor, college chemistry instructor, and practitioner of somatic (body-based) education modalities including the Feldenkrais Method. Shannon’s diversity of experience enables her to break-down difficult situations into simple pathways to success.

Shannon knows that no single approach is right for every human or dog, so she continues to study and perfect her ability to adapt to the needs of each dog-human team she works with. She has shadowed numerous trainers, completed certificate programs with Michael Ellis and Ian Dunbar, and is currently preparing for independent certification.

Shannon believes in the importance of strong foundation and shares this passion every day with her Urban Pooch clients in Levels Obedience Classes and Puppy Social Playtime.