Happy Hound University

Happy Hound University Dog training and behavior modification using positive, science-based, pain free methods to help you

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Happy Hound University offers certified, professional positive training for you and your dog in your home. I use force-free methods to manage and modify your dog's inappropriate behaviors, and replace them with new, desirable ones. Serving the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, IL. Email today to schedule your initial consult!

Did you recently bring home a new puppy?Don’t let their critical window of socialization pass you by!Young puppies need ...
06/30/2025

Did you recently bring home a new puppy?

Don’t let their critical window of socialization pass you by!

Young puppies need to be socialized with other dogs and new people BEFORE their critical window of socialization starts to close around 16-18 weeks of age. There’s no better time to start puppy classes then NOW.

Our classes are rolling enrollment, which means no waiting for the next class date to start! You can jump in as soon as there’s an opening!

We also separate our puppy class by size and temperament, which means your puppy will be getting QUALITY socialization and our playtime isn’t a free for all. Our goal is that all puppies leave class more confident than they started!

Interested in learning more about our puppy program? Email [email protected] or see our website!

A very happy birthday to one half of Happy Hound University, my husband Phil!Phil answers new client inquiries, assists ...
06/29/2025

A very happy birthday to one half of Happy Hound University, my husband Phil!

Phil answers new client inquiries, assists with classes and socials, offers our enrichment and socialization adventures, and helps me keep Happy Hound University running smoothly!

To say that I would be lost without him is an understatement!

Happy birthday, Phil! ❤️ Thanks for being an amazing husband, business partner, and dog and cat dad!

"It doesn't hurt, it's just a tap""It doesn't hurt, it's like a tens unit"And on and on and on it goes.Euphemisms abound...
06/28/2025

"It doesn't hurt, it's just a tap"

"It doesn't hurt, it's like a tens unit"

And on and on and on it goes.

Euphemisms abound in dog training culture, and they're usually used to try and paint something potentially harmful in a more positive light.

If you're speaking with a trainer ask them point blank how the tool or technique they're using will motivate your dog. Don't be fooled by pretty words and weasel speak. If putting a piece of equipment on your dog will STOP a behavior, it means that that tool, by definition, has to function as an aversive, something the dog works to avoid. And using these aversive training tools has the potential for serious fallout, from learned helplessness on the dog's part, to decreased welfare for the animal, to increased potential for fear and aggression.

This industry needs regulation, badly. But until that happens, advocating for your dog is one of the most important things you can do.

A HUGE congratulations to our sole graduate from this week, Puppy 3 graduate Milo the Barbet! Milo is a very good boy wh...
06/27/2025

A HUGE congratulations to our sole graduate from this week, Puppy 3 graduate Milo the Barbet!

Milo is a very good boy who made great progress in his classes and will continue to learn and grow with his awesome family! Three cheers for Milo! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

I have a confession: as a dog trainer, I never "command" my dogs to do something.And I don't teach them "commands". I te...
06/26/2025

I have a confession: as a dog trainer, I never "command" my dogs to do something.

And I don't teach them "commands".

I teach them cues. And I ASK them to do things.

And if my dog chooses not to do what I asked them to, then I look at that as a failure on my training's part, rather than a dog being "disobedient".

I know it seems like semantics. And I know we've used the term "command" for EVER, so it's easy to use it without thinking. But I feel that the terminology and words we use can shape the world we share with our dogs.

If you look at training with your dog as "commanding" them to do things, and frame them not doing something as them deliberately disobeying you, you really have no choice but to look at that interaction from a place of willful disobedience and conflict. And that's not the relationship I want with my dogs.

But if you look at training as you teaching your dog what you would like them to do, and you look at your "commands" as cues requesting a behavior, then you understand that your dog choosing not to do what you ask is actually information for you to use. Maybe you're not ready for that level of difficulty yet. Maybe your dog is too distracted by the environment. Maybe they're worried! Maybe what you've reinforced them with in the past actually WASN'T reinforcing at all!

These are all things that we can do something about! We can work in less distracting environments, use more motivating reinforcers, and build confidence if our dog is stressed or worried. But if we just frame it as the dog being "bad" or "disobedient" because they didn't respect our "command"? Well, there isn't a ton we can do to change that!

So remember this next time you're talking about your dog's training:

We're cuing our dogs when we train them, leave "command" in the past where it belongs!

We love to hear from our amazing clients!"I met Mary two years ago when Frankie, the lab/border collie mix that we adopt...
06/25/2025

We love to hear from our amazing clients!

"I met Mary two years ago when Frankie, the lab/border collie mix that we adopted from a local shelter, challenged me in ways beyond my imagination. Mary came to our house numerous times through the past couple years to help us with different issues/concerns. Each time, she asked questions, observed us with Frankie, and gave suggestions, all with much care, compassion and understanding to help us move forward in the most loving and effective way.

Mary has a deep respect for dogs and has taught us new ways to interpret and understand his behavior so we can continue to strengthen our bond and increase mutual respect. She remains my go-to when any new issues arise and I have never been disappointed! Her expertise and caring are immeasurable and deeply appreciated!!"

Thank you so much to Frankie's person for the kind words!

I see you, day in and day out putting in the hard work with your dog.Some days it's really hard to stay the course. Mayb...
06/24/2025

I see you, day in and day out putting in the hard work with your dog.

Some days it's really hard to stay the course. Maybe your dog barks and lunges at other dogs or people and embarrasses you in public, or your adolescent dog is driving you up a wall with their constant need for attention. Everyone is telling you to buy a shock collar, send your dog off to board and train, to yell at or get physical with your dog.

"That's what we always did growing up, it's fine."

"Positive reinforcement isn't going to work, you need to show them who's boss, have a firmer hand."

"Haven't you been doing this for a long time? My buddy sent his dog to a board and train and they fixed the dog in two weeks, he's really calm now."

You hear it ALL. THE. TIME. The pressure is constant, and it's frustrating.

But you know what's right for your dog, and for your relationship. And you prioritize that. You prioritize your dog's behavioral welfare and emotions over a promised quick fix. And you celebrate the little wins you see every day, and know that in order to see long term, healthy behavior change, playing the long game is necessary.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You are doing a great job, even on the hard days. This world loves punishment and coercion to control behavior, and it's no different in the world of dog training. Standing strong in the face of the status quo isn't easy, but it's so worth it.

You're doing great. Keep going.

06/23/2025

Did you recently bring home a new puppy?

Don’t let their critical window of socialization pass you by!

Young puppies need to be socialized with other dogs and new people BEFORE their critical window of socialization starts to close around 16-18 weeks of age. There’s no better time to start puppy classes then NOW.

Our classes are rolling enrollment, which means no waiting for the next class date to start! You can jump in as soon as there’s an opening!

We also separate our puppy class by size and temperament when needed, which means your puppy will be getting QUALITY socialization where all puppies are having fun. Our goal is that all puppies leave class more confident than they started!

Interested in learning more about our puppy program? Email [email protected] or see our website!

Just a reminder that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer.Anyone can claim they are certified.Anyone can make CLAIMS...
06/22/2025

Just a reminder that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer.

Anyone can claim they are certified.

Anyone can make CLAIMS even if they aren’t true because dog training is an entirely unregulated field.

And yes, there are dog trainers out there who blatantly lie in order to take people’s money. And the dogs are usually the ones who suffer the consequences.

If a trainer says they are certified, ask who they are certified through, and look into the program to make sure it matches the ethics and values you are looking for. Unfortunately there are still programs that “certify” trainers that recommend abusive and outdated training techniques, so you can never research too much.

Protect yourself. Protect your dog. Interview your trainers and think critically when choosing who you trust your dog with.

Something I want you to think about today:Your dog did not ask to be born into our human world. We designed dogs for cen...
06/21/2025

Something I want you to think about today:

Your dog did not ask to be born into our human world.

We designed dogs for centuries to do specific tasks. Herd these sheep, guard this property, haul these sleds, chase those critters and howl, kill those vermin.

And then, society changed. Rapidly. And we took away those jobs, took our dogs, and placed them in suburban households. We put them behind fences, and limited their freedom. This was good, because it kept our dogs safer. Less dogs got hit by cars or shot by farmers for terrorizing livestock. It prevented more accidental unwanted litters and aided in solving our pet overpopulation problem.

But we’ve been left with millions of dogs, bred for certain purposes with certain genetic propensities, who are left unfulfilled and frustrated. A dog’s perfect world would have no fences, no leashes. They would be able to keep distance from scary things if needed, and approach things they’re curious about at their own pace. They could sniff and investigate, zig and zag through the world at large, unencumbered by a human behind them shouting marching orders at them and yanking on their collars.

Unfortunately we cannot give our dogs this world. It’s not safe, and it’s not practical. But we can listen to our dogs, see what they need, and give them pieces of this ideal reality.

Do you have a retriever? Let them fetch, let them swim, when they’re puppies and they keep picking every little thing up laugh and revel in the wonder that is genetics, how cool that these puppies are doing this without any training at all? Teach them to “bring it” and “give it” instead of getting mad and yelling at them for the 100th time for doing what we’ve designed them to do!

Do you have a scent hound? Stop expecting a perfect show ring heel out in nature. Scent hounds are smart, and if you have the right motivators they’re happy to work with you! But when you get mad at your beagle for sniffing? How unfair, and how counter productive! Buy a long line, drive to a field, and go for a long line walk with your dog! Watch how they chase the odor, zig zagging back and forth with their noses going a thousand miles a minute.

Do you have a herding breed? ENGAGE THEIR BRAIN! Train with them, every day (literally, every day). If you can find a treiball class, take it! Harness their instincts. Hike off leash with them if you can. You have a breed that was designed to work for entire days without tiring, all while paying an amazing amount of attention to both their handler and their flock. You cannot expect them to be happy with a 20 minute walk around the block.

We owe it to our dogs to do these things. Many of the behaviors we deem “problem behaviors” are really things we have literally spent centuries intentionally breeding into our dogs! Understanding that is just the first step to providing an ever better life for your dog, one where you can meet their needs much more fully. We owe it to our dogs to try and fully understand them.

A HUGE congratulations to our puppy 1 class graduates from this week, Maizy, Tagalong (adopted from our rescue friends, ...
06/20/2025

A HUGE congratulations to our puppy 1 class graduates from this week, Maizy, Tagalong (adopted from our rescue friends, Heartland Animal Shelter), Travis (also adopted from Heartland Animal Shelter!), and Riley!

And our good manners 1 class graduates MooMoo (another pup adopted from Heartland Animal Shelter, hooray for heartland alum!) and Hank (adopted from our rescue partner Second City Canine Rescue)!

These are some very good pups who made great progress in their classes and will continue to learn and grow with their awesome parents! I can’t wait to see you all continue your progress!

Friendly reminder that as your dog matures they are most likely going to become more selective about how and who they pl...
06/19/2025

Friendly reminder that as your dog matures they are most likely going to become more selective about how and who they play with.

They may grow out of daycare.

They may decide the dog park is no longer their scene.

They may decide they prefer the company of calm dogs, and no longer find as much joy in rough housing.

These are all normal signs of development, and the only time it really becomes a major problem is when we, the humans who are in control and calling the shots, refuse to see these changes and adjust our expectations.

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Elk Grove Village, IL

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 8pm

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