The Big Wags Chicago story

Training philosophy

When I started working with dogs professionally in 2013, I thought it was the best job ever. I was outside all day and hanging with lots of cool pups. What’s not to love, right?

But one thing didn’t sit right with me working for other dog walking companies, especially as I began studying dog training and behavior at FetchFind Academy. The walking companies I worked for would often turn down dogs that were considered difficult or that had some behavior issues. But I knew that the skills I had as a trainer would allow me to help those dogs and their guardians that might not have other options.

That, folks, is why I decided to start Big Wags Chicago in 2019. I wanted to combine my love of walking dogs with my love of training and create a sort of one-stop shop. Whether it’s walking a reactive dog who’s been turned away by other companies or providing custom-tailored, private training, I want to help all the quirky, challenging dogs and their people.

In addition to my knowledge of dog behavior and training, I’m certified in canine first aid and CPR through DogSafe.

Thank you all for being a part of this journey with me. By the way, I still think it’s the best job ever.

My goal as a trainer is to set you and your dog up for success and help you create a bond with them that’s built on trust, love and mutual respect.

I’m a purely positive reinforcement and force-free trainer. The idea is fairly simple: I use rewards – treats, praise, petting, toys, anything your dog likes – as motivation for your dog to repeat desirable behaviors. By rewarding the desirable behaviors and NOT rewarding the others, the undesirable behaviors start to fade away because the dog has no reason to do them.

Long story short – teaching a dog what TO do is much more effective than trying to teach them what NOT to do. Set your dogs up for success, people!

In that same vein, I don’t use any force or punishment to either correct undesirable behaviors or make a dog perform a desirable behavior. No choke chains or leash corrections. No shock or prong collars. No alpha rolls. No force at all. As member in good standing of the Pet Professional Guild, I’m bound by the organization’s code of ethical conduct (in addition to my own morals and principles) to always consider the emotional, physical and environmental well-being of both pet and guardian and to never be a party to or condone any action that compromises a pet’s physical or mental well-being.

Above all, I want training to be a happy, fun experience for you and your dog.