Two Paws Up Dog Training, Inc

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Waukegan, IL
Two Paws Up Dog Training, Inc

Two Paws Up Dog Training, Inc We are a force free training facility that teaches using a cooperative relationship with your dog! We also offer private training sessions in your home.

Serving the Northern Suburbs and Southeastern Wisconsin, with classes at our new location in Lake Forest. Counseling for problem behaviors, basic manners, and new puppy owners.

02/14/2025

🐾💕 Happy Valentine’s Day from Two Paws Up! 💕🐾

Love comes in all shapes and sizes… but the best kind has fur, four paws, and a wagging tail! 🐶❤️

This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate the unconditional love our pups give us every single day! ❤️🐾 Share a photo of your furry Valentine in the comments—we’d LOVE to see

MODELS: Fitz and Tully

Tag your dog-loving besties and spread the puppy love! 💖🐕

02/12/2025

❄️ Snow Day Alert! ❄️

Mother Nature has spoken, and we’re listening! Due to inclement weather, Two Paws Up Dog Training will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday Feb 12th. That means all classes and drop-off programs will take a snow day along with us!

We’ll be back to our regular schedule on Thursday, Feb 13th —ready to train, play, and wag our way through the day!

Stay safe, stay cozy, and enjoy a little extra cuddle time with your pups! 🐾☃️

02/11/2025

⛈️ Storm Watch Update ⛈️

We’re keeping a close eye on the weather and will be deciding soon whether we’ll be open or closed tomorrow, Wednesday, 2/12/2025.

Stay tuned! We’ll send out emails and post an update by 8:00 PM tonight to keep everyone informed.

Stay safe, and we’ll keep you posted! 🐾❄️

02/07/2025

🐾🎉 Shoutout to Our Reactive Rovers Graduates! 🎉🐾

We are beyond proud of these incredible teams who have worked hard in our Reactive Rovers program and are now thriving in new adventures! 👏🐶💙

🐾 Sophie Blakley (Aug '23) – Doing well in our Life Skills Program
🐾 Clarisse Freeman (Nov '23) – Crushing it in DT & LOVES nose work! She’s even meeting new people instead of barking! 👏
🐾 Jovi Shutt (Feb '24) – AMAZING in Nose Work & Life Skills Level 2
🐾 Percy Matthews (Mar '24) – Doing great in DT
🐾 Linus Lesslie (Mar '24) – Now in Life Skills Level 3! 🚀
🐾 Nova Nottoli (Mar '24) – LOVING nose work classes! 🐾
🐾 Leo Porter (Apr '24) – Despite health challenges, he’s making huge progress controlling his excitement in private sessions 💪
🐾 Franklin Mowery (Apr '24) – Helping his new little sister while excelling in Life Skills Level 2! 🐶❤️
🐾 Ella Pearson (Jul '24) – Rocking it in Life Skills Level 1, staying calm around dogs & people!
🐾 Moosie Kuchler (Aug '24) – Doing great in DT
🐾 Woody Arvia (Nov '24) – Starting Life Skills Level 1 after the holidays! 🎉
🐾 Piper Nerstrom (Nov '24) – Getting started in Life Skills Level 1!
🐾 Presley Ladd (Nov '24) – Doing awesome when visitors come over! Excited to start nose work & life skills soon!

We LOVE seeing these dogs and their humans succeed! 🐕💙💪 Thinking about training for your reactive pup? Message us to learn more about our programs! 📩🐾

02/06/2025

🌟 What is Reactive Rovers? 🌟
Reactive Rovers is a structured drop-off program designed for dogs who tend to overreact to things in their environment—whether that’s other dogs, people, or specific triggers. We focus on building strong foundation skills, including:
✅ Walking skills 🚶‍♂️
✅ Focus around distractions 🎯
✅ Impulse control 🧘

As dogs master these skills, we begin introducing their triggers at a comfortable distance where they can stay successful and build confidence! 💪🐾

Seeing these graduates grow, progress, and THRIVE is what it’s all about! ❤️ If you have a reactive pup and need support, message us to learn how we can help! 📩🐶

02/05/2025

⚡ Let’s Talk Class: Ninja Puppy!
Got a wild, energetic pup who loves to climb, zoom, and explore? Or maybe a shy, cautious puppy who needs a little confidence boost? 🐶💨 Our Ninja Puppy class is designed for both types of puppies—helping them develop into confident, well-rounded adult dogs!

🌟 Why is this class so important?
Puppies go through critical socialization periods where they need positive exposure to new people, places, objects, and sounds. Even if your puppy is fearless now, that could change as they hit adolescence—so giving them fun, structured experiences early on is key!

This class blends confidence-building, practical training skills, and socialization while introducing your puppy to safe, age-appropriate agility equipment and everyday obstacles. It’s a great way to burn off energy while teaching valuable life skills!

🐕 What will you and your puppy learn?
✅ Hand & object targeting
✅ Spin in both directions
✅ "Wait" for permission
✅ Collar handling (so they’re comfortable with touch)
✅ Teaching your puppy to put their paws up on things
✅ Fun "Find It" games
✅ & more confidence-boosting exercises!

📅 Starts Friday, 2/28 @ 9:30 AM
📍 Lisa – Classroom #1

🐾 Come have fun, build confidence, and tire out your puppy—sign up today!

💻 https://twopaws-up.com/services/classes/puppy-agility-class/

02/05/2025

🏥 Let’s Talk Class: Therapy Dog Training!
Dreaming of making a difference with your dog? 🐶❤️ Our Therapy Dog Training class is designed to prepare you and your dog for therapy work by covering the rules, regulations, and exercises needed to pass the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) test.

🌟 What is this class about?
You and your dog will learn how to remain calm and confident in different environments, work on handling skills, and practice exercises that simulate real therapy dog scenarios. A mock test will be given in the final week of class to help you gauge your readiness.

🐕 Who can join?
✔️ Non-reactive dogs at least 1 year old
✔️ Dogs must have lived with their handler for at least 3 months (ATD requirement)
✔️ Handlers must be working at Life Skills Level 2 or higher, have a CGC certificate, or receive instructor approval

🔹 Important Class & Equipment Requirements 🔹
✅ Flat collar required (even with a harness or head halter – ATD rule)
✅ No prong, choke, or shock collars allowed
✅ Harnesses must be free of Velcro or clothing snaps
✅ Bring: A flat mat for stays, 4-foot or shorter leash, and small, stinky treats
✅ Wear: Closed-toe, soft-soled shoes

❗Note: We do not conduct ATD testing at our facility, but we can provide information on where to test. This class is not required to take the ATD test but will help you prepare!

📅 Starts Thursday, 2/6 @ 1:30 PM
📍 Dresden – Classroom #1

🐾 Start your journey to becoming a therapy team—enroll today!

💻 https://twopaws-up.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?schedule=2348

02/04/2025

🎓 Let’s Talk Class: Life Skills Foundations!
Want a well-mannered dog in real-world situations? 🏡🐾 Our Life Skills Foundations class helps you and your dog build essential skills for everyday life, ensuring they’re polite, responsive, and confident—no matter the setting!

🌟 Why is this class important?
Every great dog starts with a solid training foundation! This 6-week class is designed to teach you how to effectively communicate with your dog while building essential behaviors like sit, down, focus, and polite greetings. Each session increases in difficulty as you and your dog progress together.

🐶 Who is this class for?
✔️ Any dog 4 months or older
✔️ Those new to training or needing a refresher
✔️ Handlers looking to build a strong relationship with their dog
✔️ Any student wanting to attend the Drop-in Levels Classes

📝 Important! An online orientation is required before attending this class. Once you register, you’ll receive the link!

🐕 What will you and your pup learn?
✅ Sit, down & hand targeting
✅ Focus & impulse control
✅ Loose leash walking
✅ Basic obedience cues for real-life success
✅ How to build engagement & confidence

📅 Starts Saturday, 2/8 @ 11:00 AM
📍 Chris – Classroom #2

🐾 Set your dog up for success—enroll today!

💻 https://twopaws-up.com/services/classes/life-skills-classes/

02/04/2025

Got a teenage pup on your hands? 🐶➡️🐕 Welcome to adolescence—the most challenging (and important!) stage in your dog’s development. Our Adolescent Foundation Skills class is designed for pups 20 weeks to 9 months old who are pushing boundaries, testing limits, and, well… acting like teenagers! 😆

🚨 Why is this class essential?
Adolescence is when many dogs start displaying frustrating behaviors like pulling on leash, jumping, ignoring commands, and counter-surfing. Sadly, this is also the stage when many dogs are surrendered to shelters due to behavior struggles. But don’t worry—we’re here to help!

🧠 Training & consistency are key!
In this class, we’ll strengthen basic obedience, improve impulse control, and teach you how to reinforce the behaviors you want—while managing the ones you don’t. Plus, we’ll guide you through proper socialization, body handling, and confidence-building exercises to help your adolescent dog thrive.

🐕 What will you and your pup learn?
✅ House & crate training
✅ Sit, down & polite walking
✅ Stay & waiting patiently
✅ Coming when called
✅ Impulse control & handling distractions
✅ Socialization & structured puppy play
✅ How to reduce problem behaviors like jumping & pulling on leash

📅 Class Options:
📍 Tuesdays at 9:00 AM (2/4 - 3/11) – Vaughn (Classroom #1)
📍 Saturdays at 1:00 PM (2/8 - 3/15) – Chris (Classroom #2)

🐾 Let’s turn that teenage energy into success—sign up today!

💻 https://twopaws-up.com/services/classes/adolescent-class/

02/03/2025

🐶 Let’s Talk Class: Puppy Foundations!

🐾 This is the most important time in your pup’s life to build confidence, social skills, and a love for learning! Our Puppy Foundations class is designed for puppies 10 to 20 weeks old and focuses on setting the stage for a well-behaved adult dog.

🌟 Why is this class so important?
The experiences your puppy has now—meeting new dogs, people, and environments—will shape their behavior for the rest of their life! We’ll guide you on proper socialization, basic training, and enrichment activities to help your pup thrive. Plus, off-leash puppy playtime helps them learn vital communication skills with other dogs!

🐕 What will you and your puppy learn?
✅ House & crate training
✅ Sit, down & polite walking
✅ Stay & waiting patiently
✅ Coming when called
✅ Impulse control & body handling
✅ Socialization & puppy play
✅ How to manage puppy behaviors like nipping & jumping

📅 Starts Saturday, 2/8 @ 9:30 AM
📍 Chris – Classroom #2

🐾 Give your puppy the best start—sign up today!

💻 https://twopaws-up.com/services/classes/puppy-foundations-class/

02/03/2025

📌 An Update from Two Paws Up 📌

At Two Paws Up, our mission has always been to create a positive, respectful, and enriching environment for both dogs and their humans. We take great pride in fostering a team that shares our commitment to transparency, professionalism, and the highest standards of care.

As part of the natural evolution of our business, we occasionally have to part ways with team members when our paths no longer align. While it’s always difficult when business relationships don’t work out, we remain focused on our core philosophy of integrity, collaboration, and the well-being of the dogs we serve.

Effective immediately, Jennifer Stewart will no longer train for Two Paws Up and will no longer be providing grooming services at our location. While we are sad that our professional relationship could not continue, we appreciate the work she has done in the past and wish her the best moving forward.

As always, we are committed to open and honest communication with our clients and community. If you have any questions about this transition or about future grooming services, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We are grateful for the trust and support of our amazing clients, and we look forward to continuing to provide the highest level of care for you and your dogs. 💙🐾

02/03/2025

📢 February Classes Are Open for Enrollment! 🐶🎓

New month, new training opportunities! Whether you're starting fresh with a young pup or advancing your dog's skills, we’ve got the perfect class for you. Check out our upcoming sessions starting in February:

🐾 Puppy Foundations – Give your puppy the best start with socialization and foundational skills.
📅 Starts Saturday, 2/8 @ 9:30 AM (Chris – Classroom #2)

🐾 Adolescent Foundation Skills – Helping your teen pup navigate the challenges of growing up.
📅 Starts Tuesday, 2/4 @ 9:00 AM (Vaughn – Classroom #1)
📅 Starts Saturday, 2/8 @ 1:00 PM (Chris – Classroom #2)

🐾 Life Skills Foundations – Build real-world manners and confidence for everyday success.
📅 Starts Saturday, 2/8 @ 11:00 AM (Chris – Classroom #2)

🐾 Focused Fido – For dogs struggling with reactivity, teaching calm and focused behavior.
📅 Level 1: Starts Wednesday, 2/12 @ 6:00 PM (Becca – Classroom #1)
📅 Foundations: Starts Tuesday, 2/25 @ 4:00 PM (Stephanie – Classroom #1)

🐾 Therapy Dog Training – Prepare your pup for a future in therapy work and making a difference.
📅 Starts Thursday, 2/6 @ 1:30 PM (Dresden – Classroom #1)

🐾 Ninja Puppy – Agility, problem-solving, and focus—all in one exciting class!
📅 Starts Friday, 2/28 @ 9:30 AM (Lisa – Classroom #1)

📆 Spots are limited, so don’t wait! Secure your place today and give your dog the education they deserve.

💻 Sign up now at: https://twopaws-up.com/services/classes/

01/29/2025

🎉🏆 Huge Congratulations to Mary Lou & Freya! 🏆🎉

This amazing team just earned the National Association of Treibball Enthusiasts Novice Title with three flawless runs in the standard game! 🎈⚽🐾

Way to go, Mary Lou & Freya! Your hard work and teamwork truly paid off! 👏🐕💙

Curious about Treibball? Message us to learn more about this fun and engaging sport for you and your dog! 📩🐶

01/27/2025

📣 Reminder: Resource Guarding Workshop This Saturday at Noon! 🐾

Join us for an informative and engaging Resource Guarding Workshop happening this Saturday, February 1st, at 12:00 PM!

💰 Cost: $35 per person
This workshop is designed for humans who want to better understand their dog's behavior and learn practical strategies to address resource guarding.

✨ What You’ll Gain:
✅ A clear understanding of what resource guarding is and why it happens.
✅ The ability to spot early signs and prevent it before it becomes a problem.
✅ Actionable steps to work through it if it’s already an issue.

📌 Reminder: This workshop is for humans only—leave your pups at home! We’ll be working with pre-selected demo dogs during the session to showcase techniques and provide real-life examples.

🐾 Secure your spot today! Let’s work together to create safer and happier homes for you and your dogs!

See you Saturday! 🐕

01/24/2025

🐾 Sniffing Out Something New! 🐶👃

We’re thrilled to announce our Intro to Nose Work Evening Class starting this March!

🗓️ Start Date: Thursday, March 6th
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
📚 Duration: 6 weeks

This beginner-friendly class is perfect for introducing your dog to the exciting world of scent detection. Together, we’ll focus on:
✔️ Building confidence
✔️ Mental stimulation
✔️ Strengthening the bond between you and your pup

✨ Why Nose Work?
It’s fun, engaging, and great for all dogs—shy, energetic, or anywhere in between. Let your dog’s natural sniffing instincts shine!

🐾 For Advanced Students: If you’ve finished the intro classes or have prior nose work experience, don’t worry! We’re also adding a Drop-In Nose Work Class at 5:30 PM on the same day for those looking to advance and hone their skills.

📍 Spaces are limited, so sign up today! Call or visit our website for more information.

🐕 Let the sniffing adventures begin!

01/22/2025

🐾 Saturday Classes Are Here! 🐶✨

We’re so excited to bring you new Saturday Foundations Classes, designed to give your pup the perfect start on their training journey!

🗓️ Start Date: Saturday February 8th

📚 Class Options:
Puppy Foundations 🐾 For our youngest learners, setting the stage for lifelong success!

Adolescent Foundations 🌟 Guiding those energetic teens to focus and thrive.

Life Skills Foundations 🎓 Building the basics for dogs of all ages, creating strong relationships and teamwork.

Each 6-week course is tailored to meet your dog’s developmental needs, providing:
✔️ Age-appropriate skills
✔️ Confidence-building exercises
✔️ The foundations of a strong human-dog relationship

💡 Why Foundations? These classes prepare you and your dog for our Life Skills Drop-In Classes, giving you both the tools to become the best team you can be.

📍 Spots are limited, so sign up today! Call us or visit our website for more info.

🐕 Let’s get started on this pawsome journey together!

01/21/2025

🐾 Quick Update! 🐾

Due to the chilly temps tonight, we’ll be closing early at 5:00 PM and canceling all evening classes. No worries—our regular hours will resume tomorrow!

Stay cozy, stay safe, and give those pups an extra cuddle tonight! ❄️🐶

Thanks for your understanding! 🐕💙

01/20/2025

🐾 New Class Alert: Therapy Dog Training! 🐶❤️

✨ Ready to make a difference with your dog? Our Therapy Dog Class is designed to prepare you and your pup for meaningful visits to hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and more!

🗓️ Start Date: Tuesday, February 6th
⏰ Time: 1:30 PM
📚 Duration: 6 weeks

This class is perfect for building confidence, social skills, and the calm temperament needed for therapy work. Together, we’ll focus on:
✔️ Polite greetings
✔️ Handling & touch tolerance
✔️ Focus in distracting environments
✔️ Building the bond between you and your pup

🐾 Prerequisite: Dogs must be Level 2 students or higher to enroll.

📍 Spots are limited—secure yours today! Call us or sign up on our website.

🐕 Let’s spread some pawsitive vibes—one wagging tail at a time!

Address

1301 S. Lewis Avenue
Waukegan, IL
60085

Website

http://www.twopaws-up.com/

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It's almost here!

🚨 November Openings are about to drop later today! 🚨 Stay tuned! 🐾 #TwoPawsUp #DogTrainingClasses #NovemberOpenings

Is your puppy a Ninja Puppy ? Come sign up and have fun and see -builds confidence and teaches social skills 11 weeks to 6 months .next session November 1 at 9:30

Becoming a Ninja Puppy - Nova

🐾🐕‍🦺 **Calling all Ninja Puppies!** 🐕‍🦺🐾 Is your pup ready to unleash their inner ninja? 🥋 Our **Ninja Puppy Class** is the ultimate playground for your furry friend to exercise, socialize, and build confidence through exciting games designed to stimulate both mind and body! 🧠💪 🐶 What to expect: ✔️ Fun obstacle courses 🏃‍♂️ ✔️ Confidence-boosting challenges 🌟 ✔️ Puppy playdates & socialization 🐾 ✔️ Mental puzzles & agility games 🧩 Perfect for puppies who want to be the best, most confident versions of themselves! Let’s turn your little ninja into a champion! 📅 **Sign up today** and join the adventure! 🔗 twopaws-up.com #NinjaPuppy #PuppyTraining #ConfidenceBuilding #TwoPawsUp 🦴 Your puppy’s journey to ninja-level confidence starts here! 👏

Resource Guarding is no joke! If you start to see early signs, contact us IMMEDIATELY!! Some early signs are: Taking a toy, chew, or other prized possession away to enjoy it. Hovering or lowering their head over a resource Averting their eyes away from you as you approach Freezing and staring at you as you approach Pinning their ears back There can be other signs as well. If we don't heed these early signs and/or punish them, we can make things drastically worse. https://twopaws-up.com/services/reactivity-aggression/fear-reactivity-private-sessions/

What did your dogs do for fun this FABULOUS Friday? My Wheaten's running in the Two Paws Up Dog Training, Inc yard!

Credited to Pat Miller. This is an AMAZING explaination of what we try to do in our Reactive Rovers drop-off program, Focused Fido classes and our private lessons. She explains the scence behind it in a simplistic way. I just LOVE it!! The concepts are simple, the execution is not. The key of Managment is also explained and why that is SO IMPORTANT!!! https://twopaws-up.com/services/reactivity-aggression/fear-reactivity-private-sessions/

We have a couple of openings in our upcoming Saturday Puppy class! Starts this week. Come learn sit, stay, walking skills, come when called, eye contact/focus, mat training and so much more! https://twopaws-up.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?schedule=2160

When working with reactivity, the foundation skills are a must! Everyone wants to jump in and "fix" the reactivity. We will, but part of that process is having tools to use, ie: your foundation skills. BTW - these skills also work for having good LOOSE LEASH WALKING skills! See how many are used in a minute and half video! Learn the MUST HAVE foundation skills in our Reactivity 101 Class https://courses.twopaws-up.com/p/reactivity-101

Livvy has come SO FAR! Last summer she would bark and lunge uncontrollably at 150ft or more away. This was on our walk this morning. Many more videos to come as part of the Two Paws Up Dog Training, Inc Reactivity Series. The "real-life" level. https://twopaws-up.com/services/reactivity-aggression/fear-reactivity-private-sessions/

What do you do during nosework class when the tornado sirens go off? You search! Great job everyone! Please let us know you got home safely.

Leena solving today's nose work class challenge. It is behind the purple bottle.

Jovi is one of our Reactive Rovers. She didn't love her crate at first. This is our 2nd session on working crate training. She is doing so well!

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Positive Training = Positive Results

Serving the Northern Suburbs and Southeastern Wisconsin, with classes in our air conditioned facility in Lake Bluff, IL. We also offer private training sessions in your home. Counseling for problem behaviors, basic manners, and new puppy owners.

All training is done with the relationship between dog and owner in mind. We are a force free facility and do not use or allow choke chains, prong (pinch) collars, or electronic collars. Our S.A.F.E. Program for Dogs is unique in its approach, combining positive reinforcement training, management, enrichment, and relationship building to change reactivity and aggression.

Whether you want a dog with good manners, have a desire to work as a therapy dog team, or have a dog with behavior problems, we can help!

02/14/2025

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Becoming a Ninja Puppy - Nova

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Positive Training = Positive Results