Chicago Dog Trainer
Home of the ForceFree Method
Marc Goldberg | Patrick Farrell
Text or Call: 224-407-2131

Over the past several years, Arlington Heights has been booming. From people to businesses to recreational activities, the village itself is vibrant and much more than “just” a Chicago suburb.

It is also a popular place for dog owners, and when there are dogs there is often a need for dog trainers. If you are in need of a dog trainer in Arlington Heights, let our team be there to help. Call today at 1-224-407-2131.

Who We Are

Marc Goldberg is a nationally recognized dog trainer, based in the Greater Chicago area who has been featured in newspapers, magazines, and more. He has been training dogs for over 30 years and is well-respected in the fields of dog behavior study and training. His book on dog training, Let Dogs Be Dogs, has changed the way that professional trainers guide pets and their owners.

Together with his partner Patrick Farrell, these two dog trainers offer detailed, in-depth training for both people and pets, to help you manage your dog’s behaviors.

Why Should I Train My Dog?

Dogs are members of the family. But they’re also animals, and sometimes animals need to learn how to control those instinctual behaviors to better be that member of the family. Great dog training is not about tricks. Training helps your dog both be a dog and be ready to be a loving a part of the family.

Dog training helps teach your dog what it needs to survive. But it’s also:

  • Fun – Dog training gives you a chance to spend quality time with your dog. It uses your dog’s mind, helps them complete their bond with you, and provides a fun activity that prevents boredom. They get to figure out a puzzle, eat treats, and spend time with their favorite person: you.
  • Promote Safety – It’s not just frustrating if your dog doesn’t come when called, or when they bolt out the door. Their tendency to engage in those behaviors can be dangerous. Training to listen, come, avoid jumping at items, avoid stealing potentially poisonous food, and otherwise listen to their humans is important for their safety as well.
  • Relieve Stress – Humans and the human world can be confusing for dogs. Dogs in unfamiliar environments or people can become stressed because they don’t know what to expect. Giving them commands learned through training lets them know exactly how they should act and can calm them significantly.
  • Improve Communication – The training process both teaches your dog what you expect of them and teaches you how dogs communicate. This mutual understanding is very helpful during training as well as during everyday life. It leads to a much stronger relationship with your dog.

Most of all, a well-trained dog can interact positively with you, other animals, and the environment around it. When you’re able to trust your dog, you can more fully enjoy your time around them.

What Is the ForceFree Method?

Marc’s “ForceFree” method uses, as the name implies, no force. It relies on using the natural desire of dogs to be a member of the pack to train them in better and more acceptable behaviors.  

The ForceFree method relies on rewarding positive behaviors instead of punishing negative behaviors. The initial part of the training process may take a while as your dog gets used to the routine. Training sessions may need to start out short to keep your dog from losing interest or getting frustrated. Over time your dog will want to do as asked because they know the end result for them is positive.

Like most forms of dog training, ForceFree is about training you as well. Our process teaches you how to communicate with your dog by taking into account dogs’ natural behaviors and your individual dog’s personal habits. In order to successfully train your dog, you must display characteristics like:

  • Patience
  • Consistency
  • Positive Attitude
  • Kindness

It’s important to have a regular training schedule, especially after initially training them, to reinforce what they’ve learned. Your dog’s good behavior stems from a good relationship with you. Practicing the positive habits they’ve learned in training is a great way to build that relationship.

Pack Leader Programs – Where To Start Dog Training in Arlington Heights

Our “Pack Leader” programs are a great starting point. These programs are short sessions with both you and your pet, where we learn the techniques that are so effective at training dogs and start the training together. We have different programs that address common dog behaviors, such as:

  • Pulling on the leash.
  • Accidents in the house.
  • Jumping on people, tables, or furniture.
  • Responding to its name and commands.
  • Learning to come when called, and more.

In many cases, significant behavioral improvements can be seen after a single two hour long session. If you don’t live in Arlington Heights or somewhere else near Chicago, these programs can be provided over the phone or video chat.

Boarding School Programs – Where To Continue Training

If your dog needs a little extra attention, our “Boarding School” programs may be right for them. These programs are best for treating issues like aggression, anxiety, and depression in dogs, or if you don’t have the time to start the training process.

After signing up you’ll drop your dog off with us for an extended stay that can last either seven, 14, or 21 days depending on your dog’s needs. During that stay, we’ll begin the training process. On the last day, you’ll come to visit and train together with your dog the techniques we’ve taught them during their stay.

Contact Us Today for Dog Training in Arlington Heights, IL

We genuinely love dogs, and our methods are built upon that love. For over 30 years, our Arlington Heights dog trainers have helped dogs integrate into new families, and learn some better behaviors along the way. For more information, call us today at 1-224-407-2131 or fill out the form with your dog breed’s information and we’ll respond as soon as we can.

Calvin and Colleen Sheehan (Assoc. Producer - The Oprha Winfrey Show)
Marc Goldberg with Cesar Millan, "The Dog Whisperer"

Our Philosophy & Goals

Our philosophy is simple. Improve the life of both dog and family. All too often, unruly dogs do not fully enjoy life because their families constantly become upset and frustrated with them. This is difficult for both family and dog.
 
Our mission is simple. Make both dog and family happy.
 
What does is take to make your dog happy? He will thrive when you give him leadership and attention.


 
Making the family happy is a bit more complex.

Families typically want their dog to:

  • Come when called, every time, on or off leash
  • Walk nicely on a loose leash without pulling
  • Sit until released
  • Down until released

Families also want their dogs:

  • Not to jump on people
  • Not to charge through doors
  • Not to dig in the garden
  • Not to bark and chew  inappropriately
  • Not to climb on furniture you prefer they avoid
  • Not to sniff and eat off the table and counters.
  • Not to be wild and uncontrollable
  • Not to ignore you when you want their attention