RESOURCES

Everything we know, all in one place – because a well-supported owner raises a well-trained dog.

After 25 years of working with Chicago dog owners, we’ve learned that training doesn’t stop at the end of a session. This page is your starting point – answers to common questions, stories from our community, trusted local referrals, and tips straight from our trainers.

Resources for Chicago Dog Owners

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FAQs

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Blog

Tips, insights & training advice

Trainer-written articles on dog behavior, training techniques, enrichment ideas, and life with dogs in Chicago.

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Testimonials

400+ five-star families

Don’t take our word for it. Read what Chicago dog owners say about training with Anything Is Pawzible.

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Trusted Local Resources

Our curated directory of Chicago shelters, rescues, veterinarians, dog-friendly services, and exercise resources – places and people we actually recommend.

Shelter and Rescues

New Leash On Life

New Leash on Life Chicago is an entirely volunteer run, nonprofit organization committed to finding loving homes for shelter dogs who would otherwise be euthanized.
🔗 https://www.nlolchicago.org/

Alive Rescue

We take on the responsibility to save, rehabilitate and place abandoned, abused and stray animals.
🔗 http://www.aliverescue.org/

One Tail at a Time

One Tail at a Time is a Chicago animal rescue with a progressive dog adoption program that supports under-resourced animal shelters and pet families.
🔗https://www.onetail.org

Chicago Canine Rescue

CCR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2001 to help find permanent, loving homes for homeless dogs in our city. CCR has saved the lives of over 8,000 dogs while also finding their forever homes! Traditionally, these animals were automatically euthanized at area shelters. However, today, Chicago Canine Rescue exists to give many of these animals a second chance, too!
🔗 www.chicagocaninerescue.org

Felines and Canines

As a licensed 501(c)(3), no-kill animal shelter, Felines & Canines is dedicated to providing a safe and loving shelter to abandoned, injured, abused and neglected animals until their permanent adoptive home is found. We strengthen the human/animal relationship through counseling, education, and compassion.
🔗 www.felinescanines.org

Dark Horse Dogs

Dark Horse Dogs is Animal Heartline. We had a makeover. Dark Horse Dogs, NPF is currently an assumed name of Animal Heartline. We are permitted and registered to do business as Dark Horse Dogs, NFP. If you see both names when making donations, don’t get worried. It is the same organization, and most importantly, the same people. If you already knew us before the DHD name, then you definitely still know us now.
🔗 www.darkhorsedogs.org

Fetching Tails

Fetching Tails Foundation is a community-minded animal rescue based in Itasca, Illinois. Driven by our commitment to humane practices, we work to take vulnerable pets out of shelters and place them in homes that are warm, compassionate, and caring.
🔗 www.fetchingtailsfoundation.org

Mutts Of The Midway

Mutts of the Midway is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dog rescue based on the southwest side of Chicago. We are foster-based which means we do not have a facility and instead rely on people to give dogs a loving home while we search for their family. The Mutts team is made up of fosters, adopters, donors, volunteers and supporters that believe every dog deserves a home. We would love for you to join us.
🔗 www.muttsofthemidway.org

Heartland Animal Shelter

Heartland rescues pets from various situations and each pet arrives with their own unique needs. Some of our pets require medical care, some require emotional support, some require behavioral help, and all require good old TLC (Tender Loving Care). Heartland’s staff and volunteers are committed to giving our pets everything they need to be healthy, to be the best they can be, and most importantly to feel loved. Heartland asks for your support by spreading the word about the importance of why pets should be spayed or neutered in order to prevent overpopulation of cats and dogs. Together we can make a difference.
🔗 www.heartlandanimalshelter.org

Second City Canine Rescue

Second City Canine Rescue’s mission is to rescue homeless animals and responsibly place them into permanent, loving homes. We believe in rescuing responsibly.℠
Second City Canine Rescue (SCCR) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is largely volunteer-operated. We are dedicated to serving the homeless dogs of Chicagoland, as well as branching out to other areas (such as Oklahoma, Indiana, Kentucky, Southern Illinois, Texas, & Michigan) – wherever homeless dogs & puppies need us.
🔗 www.sccrescue.org

Anti Cruelty Society

Anti-Cruelty is more than a shelter. We are a comprehensive animal welfare organization whose mission is to build healthy and happy community where pets and people thrive together. From our humble beginnings in 1899, we are now at the forefront of animal welfare and humane education. From our open door philosophy to our commitment to find a home for every adoptable animal we provide compassionate care for any animal in need.
🔗 https://anticruelty.org/

Veterinarians and Health Resources

The Royal Treatment

The Royal Treatment Veterinary Center (RTVC), under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Royal, is a veterinary facility for veterinary rehabilitation, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, herbal and nutritional consultation, holistic medicine, and chronic care.
🔗 http://www.royaltreatmentveterinarycenter.com/

Consumer Affairs Dog Food Guide

🔗 https://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/pet-food/#

3 Paws Wellness

3 Paws Wellness was created with a focus on preventative care instead of treating health issues after they arise. 3 Paws Wellness provides supplements that are veterinarian formulated by Dr. Scott Rovner, the owner of Roscoe Village Animal Hospital in Chicago. They are made from the highest quality human grade ingredients, never any fillers and backed by science to help dogs live longer, healthier lives.
🔗 http://www.3pawswellness.com/

Good Vets

Dr. Amanda Trefil opened GoodVets Lakeview in January 2024. Dr. Trefil and her team of veterinarians practice unparalleled medicine, including wellness and preventative care, and urgent care for all of Chicago Lakeview’s dogs and cats. An accomplished surgeon and general veterinarian, Dr. Trefil is excited to deliver the highest-quality veterinary care, with features like seamless online booking, advanced medical technology including x-ray, ultrasound, laser therapy, dental x-ray, in-house diagnostics, and a modern, spa-like environment.

🔗 https://goodvets.com/locations/chicago/lakeview

🔗 https://goodvets.com/locations/chicago/west-loop

Blum Animal Hospital

🔗 https://vcahospitals.com/blum

Anamchara Alchemy

Erin is a certified Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula and the founder of Anamchara Alchemy, supporting individuals and families through the deeply emotional journey of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. With experience in all stages of end-of-life care – including preparation, the final hours, and grief support – Erin provides a calm, compassionate presence during an otherwise overwhelming time.
Drawing on her background working with both personal pets and shelter animals along with certification from the University of Vermont, Erin helps guardians navigate important decisions with clarity and intention, creating space for meaningful, loving final moments. Her work focuses on easing stress, honoring the human-animal bond, and ensuring no one has to face this transition alone.

Whether you’re beginning to question your pet’s quality of life, preparing for their passing, or coping with loss, Erin offers gentle guidance and emotional support every step of the way – so both you and your companion can experience a more peaceful and supported transition.
🔗 www.anamcharaalchemy.com

Exercise

Chicago Dog Walkers

Chicago Dog Walkers offers exceptional, one-on-one dog walking services for your pampered pooch.
🔗 http://chicago-dogwalkers.com

PupStars

PupStars was established in 2006 as a home-based dog walking company which grew to daycare, boarding, grooming and more requiring us to open our first brick and mortar location. In an effort to become a one-stop shop for all of your pet care needs and to make life simpler for our pet parents, PupStars now occupies a 10000 ft² facility with UV lights and air purifiers, luxury boarding suites, low human to dog ratios, indoor and outdoor play spaces, as well other niche services. We also offer shuttle services and will even deliver pet supplies when dropping off your pup. At PupStars our goal is to do what is best for the pet even if that means turning a pup away if it isn’t a good fit. We will always do our best to make recommendations best suited for your pet.
We love what we do and it shows We care, We’re there, No worries!
🔗 http://www.pupstars.com

Fit Dog Chicago

Fit Dog Chicago was established by Saul Ayala in 2005. Saul started as a dog walker for the neighborhood dogs in Logan Square where he was born and raised. As the pack grew and the dogs needed more exercise, Fit Dog evolved into play groups at the park and beach. Saul was excitedly overwhelmed with referrals from his clients and needed more space, so he opened his first daycare at 1526 N. Throop St. in 2006. Fit Dog has grown organically from the beginning until now with referrals from our amazing customers. Fit Dog has evolved into a Dog Daycare with two locations serving the Chicagoland area. Fit Dog is a family-owned business proudly owned by Saul and Emily Ayala. Services include dog daycare, boarding, transportation and baths.
🔗 www.fitdogchi.com

Services

Dog Friendly Real Estate Agent

I have been a top producing real estate broker in Chicago for more than 15 years and am the proud owner of a rescue Frenchie (and Anything Is Pawzible graduate) named Scout. As a home owner and dog lover, I understand the special concerns dog owners face when trying to sell a home for maximum value without adding undue stress to their dogs. I am also able to find homes that satisfy the needs of buyers and their four legged housemates including identification of condo associations that are pet friendly. I welcome the opportunity to be your real estate resource from the simplest question to helping you buy or sell your home and invite you to read more about me.
🔗 www.gregvollan.com

Pet Insurance

Check out the review of various pet insurance companies and find one that fits your needs!
🔗 http://reviews.com/pet-insurance/

Candice C. Cusic Photography

Candice C. Cusic was named “The Best Pet Photographer” in Illinois. As a former Chicago Tribune photojournalist and international award-winning photographer, Candice is the ultimate choice for pet photography. With her skills, patience, and love of animals; her images go beyond mere pictures. They are timeless masterpieces that capture your love for your best friend.
🔗 https://cusicphoto.com/chicago-pet-family-photography/

Destined to be Groomed

Destined to be Groomed are here to support and give our clients a happy grooming experience! Always with a gentle and loving touch. Dogs big and small… We love them all.
🔗 www.destinedtobegroomed.com
📞(773) 641-6106

Four Legs

We are the pet-obsessed people of 4Legs. Since 2000, our customers count on us for healthy food they can trust; for clever, high-quality and eco-friendly supplies; and most of all, for giving you the confidence and tools you need to care for your pet.
🔗 www.fourlegspet.com

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Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out – our team is happy to point you in the right direction, recommend a program, or just answer a quick question about your dog.

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Explore Your Pawzibilities

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Phone

(773) 919-PAWS (7297)

Email

info@anythingispawzible.com

Hours

M-F: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am- 5pm
Sun: 10am - 5pm

Address

3358 N Pulaski Ave
Chicago, IL 60641

Alex Urbanski (Austin, Texas Only)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Dog Behavior Specialist

My love for dogs started when I was young. After years of volunteering in shelters and devouring every training book I could find, I decided to attend Triple Crown Academy. That’s where I learned everything from Basic Obedience and Scent Detection to Protection Work, Search and Rescue, and Agility—my favorite. It’s also where I met Roxee and Skylar, the dogs I was assigned to train and ultimately adopted. Skylar came to me terrified of her own shadow, but she grew into a confident Canine Good Citizen and even won a Blue Ribbon at her first Agility trial. Roxee was found wandering the streets at eight months old and is now both a Canine Good Citizen and a therapy dog.

I spent six years at Anything Is Pawzible Chicago working with tough behavior cases, especially aggression and separation anxiety. In January 2020, I moved to Austin to continue helping families navigate behavior challenges with their dogs. When I’m not training, you’ll find me at home with my family, running agility with my dogs, enjoying a good book and a glass of wine, and soaking up all the puppy cuddles.

Jazz Cooley, CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Dog Behavior Specialist

I started my journey in animal care when I volunteered at the Oceanario Islas del Rosario in Cartagena, Colombia in high school. Maintaining the dolphin habitats gave me perspective on our part in helping animals thrive and live full, enriched lives. After adopting our dog, Nelly, in 2021, my wife and I took her to puppy classes where I discovered a passion that would grow into a new career.

One year after graduating an apprenticeship program in Chicago, my wife and I welcomed our son, Julian, into the world, prompting me to move into independent training and behavior consultation work. In addition, I also obtained my CPDT-KA and became an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. As an ongoing pursuit, I take pride in continuing my education and obtaining further professional certifications.

Joining the Pawzible team has opened exciting new opportunities for myself such as our Proxy programs. Proxy has given me the opportunity to use our fantastic studio space and resources to help educate families on how best to achieve their training/behavior goals while providing a safe and enriching environment for their pups.

I’m incredibly excited to work with you and your pup(s) to meet your training and behavior-related goals!

Claire Laster Horvat, CPDT-KA, CDBC
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant

As a dog trainer and behavior consultant, I bring a wealth of experience from various animal care environments, from dog daycares and veterinary offices, to professional dog walking and in-home pet boarding. My approach is rooted in force-free methods, and I am proud to be Fear Free certified and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). Currently, I am expanding my expertise by pursuing a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) credential with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). My passion lies in creating stronger bonds through improved communication between dogs and their pet parents. I find joy in guiding guardians through the infamous adolescent “tornado” phase and in helping to start puppies off on the right paw for a lifetime of success. I look forward to getting to meet you and your pup, and be your biggest supporter!

Jamie Ramos, VSA-CDT, LFDM-SP, FDM-BDWA
Proxy Pawzibilities Program Director, Licensed Family Dog Mediator, and Certified Behavioral Diversity Welfare Analyst

Jamie is a Victoria Stilwell Academy–Certified Dog Trainer, holds OCN London Level 5 qualifications in Dog Training, is a Licensed Family Dog Mediator, and is currently one of forty internationally to earn the title of Certified Behavioral Diversity Welfare Analyst under the guidance of applied ethologist, Kim Brophey.

Her work is guided by the Total Welfare model, taking a whole-dog approach that looks beyond obedience to consider each dog’s history, genetics, environment, health, emotional well-being, and access to performing natural behaviors.

Jamie's passion is driven by her own dogs: Emma, a 10-year-old Puerto Rican street dog and amputee following a recent cancer diagnosis, and Nelly, a 4-year-old pit/cattle dog/husky mix whose anxiety and aggressive episodes were ultimately rooted in undiagnosed hip dysplasia and food allergies. These experiences reinforce Jamie’s belief that meaningful behavior change starts by uncovering the why behind the behavior.

As a Licensed Family Dog Mediator, Jamie helps families balance their dogs’ needs with their own to find compassionate, sustainable solutions. She finds that AIP’s Proxy Day Training programming offers a unique opportunity for this work to begin in a supportive, low-pressure environment and looks forward to helping you find the best service to support your lifestyle with your dog.

Andrew (Drew) Ballantyne
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (KPA) and Behavior Specialist

Andrew (Drew) always longed for a dog growing up, but his situation didn’t allow it. Instead, he would visit friends and family to play with their dogs, and occasionally dog sit. At nineteen years old, his first dog Y-Lee came into his life and they had a phenomenal eleven years together. After Y-Lee’s passing, Andrew spent more and more time hanging out with his brother and sister-in-law’s Rhodesian Ridgebacks. So much so that Andrew tagged along to an Animal Behavior Training Concepts puppy class. Andrew was blown away by Laura Monaco Torelli’s teaching style. The welcoming environment and explanation of positive reinforcement really clicked with him (pun intended). Soon after, Andrew attended the next Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional class taught by Laura. It was an amazing learning experience and solidified the next phase of his life: working with and training dogs.

Following his graduation from the Karen Pryor Academy in 2013, Drew adopted his PAWS dog Gus, a goofy hound who continues to bring him joy every day. Gus has also provided Drew with firsthand experience of the challenges of having a dog with behavioral difficulties, such as separation anxiety and overarousal on walks. Thanks to training and help from his veterinary behaviorist, Gus is doing much better!

From 2019-2024, Drew was the head trainer at a veterinary behavior practice, Insight Animal Behavior Services, specializing in animals with medium to severe behavioral issues including aggression, fear, and anxiety. The knowledge and experience gained from working closely with veterinary behaviorists, distressed clients, and distressed dogs strengthened his commitment to helping clients better understand behavioral issues and helping dogs work through their fear, anxiety, and stress.

Jess Kupsik, CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer

I developed an interest in training when I adopted my first American Bully, Kona, in 2017. While we bonded quickly, our relationship flourished once we started training and speaking the same language. Shortly after adopting Kona, I started fostering bully breeds for various Chicago rescues. I realized how much training helped these dogs find homes and stay in those homes.

While fostering, I began studying at CATCH Canine Trainer’s Academy to gain a better understanding of how dogs think and learn and to master the art of positive reinforcement. I fostered over a dozen dogs, many of which had complex behavior issues, before adopting my second dog, Francine, who’s a deaf pit bull mix.

I’m a passionate bully breed advocate and enjoy working and volunteering with Chicagoland rescues. Not only can training foster dogs help make them more adoptable, training is a great way for fosters and adopters to bond with their dogs. My favorite aspect of training is watching people begin to connect with and understand their dogs.

Mario Rodriguez, CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer

I’m a life-long animal lover and my introduction to formal dog training was in 2011, attending a Basic Obedience class at Anything Is PAWZible with my first girl, Willow. The delight Willow expressed during training and the connection we made in that class led us to pursue additional training classes, opening up an incredible level of human-canine communication and creating a stronger bond between us. I sought out dog training books and worked with her at home to improve our bond, provide her with enrichment, and ultimately, to have fun.

We adopted our second girl Winifred in early 2021, shortly after I started volunteering at the One Tail at a Time Behavior Center. While I have experience training my own dogs, I was inspired to pursue my dream of becoming a certified dog trainer after working with rescue dogs in need of a little extra attention and training.

I graduated with honors from Animal Behavior College and completed the Training Shelter Dogs Program. I’m committed to positive reinforcement methods and use (LIMA) least invasive, minimally aversive training techniques. My goal is to help dogs and their humans communicate and forge that special bond that lasts a lifetime.

In my spare time I like to read, bike, volunteer, play games, watch movies, go to concerts and hang out with my furry best friend, Winnie.

Lin Barrett
Certified Professional Pet Dog Trainer

Lin has always been passionate about all animals. Having grown up in a small town in Connecticut, they grew up around dogs, cats, horses, goats, chickens, you name it! Their passion for dogs stumbled into their life with a tiny Westie puppy their parents adopted for the family. Lin took every opportunity to learn about dogs and training after that. With this passion in their back pocket, they moved to Chicago for college in an unrelated field, and when they adopted their first dog, a Doberman German Shepherd mix named Theodore, they realized that they needed to go back to what they really love: dogs. Lin was a dog walker and sitter in the city for a while, and even a manager at a dog boarding and daycare facility. When the pandemic hit, they decided it was finally time to pursue their true passion for dog training and enrolled in Animal Behavior College. Practicing constantly on their tiny Chihuahua named Chiquita Banana, Lin never stopped trying to improve their skills. During this program they were able to intern with Anything is Pawsible, and gain valuable knowledge and insight from their expert trainers. Now that they have graduated, they are finally are able to do what they love, and look forward to continuing learning about these amazing animals and helping pet parents cultivate a loving relationship with their fur-babies.

Rachel LaMere, CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Pet Dog Trainer, Certified Fear Free Trainer, Animal Behavior College Certified Trainer, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

I began my career in pet care in 2004 when I moved to NYC with a degree in opera/classical voice from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA and I started walking dogs as a side hustle while I pursued a career in the performing arts.
My grandfather was a veterinarian, so growing up, our home was never short on animals with behavioral and/or medical challenges, which may explain why I quickly gained a reputation for handling more…challenging dogs.
Eventually I realized that handling challenging dogs wasn’t enough, I wanted to learn how to help them.

Early on, I worked with traditional, punishment-based trainers and gained a working knowledge of those methods, but it wasn’t until I began volunteering at local rescues that I was introduced to positive reinforcement and force-free methods. Over the years, I slowly but surely began to make the shift. First working as a “balanced” trainer, then finally transitioning to force free.

In 2012, I completed the dog trainer certification program through Animal Behavior College, and founded The Positive Pup, dedicated to offering compassionate, effective and fun training for dogs and their humans.
In the winter of 2022, I moved to Chicago with my husband, Ryan, our cantankerous, geriatric cat, Roxie (AKA Doodle) and promptly foster failed a chihuahua called Guillermo.
I’m honored to be working with Anything is Pawzible to continue to bring proven, positive training methods to the people and pets of Chicago!

Justyna Buettner
Professional Dog Trainer

Justyna has been fostering and rescuing animals since her early 20s and is currently completing her certification through Animal Behavior College. She has been training dogs with Anything Is Pawzible for nearly four years. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her three children and her animal crew—Cooper (dog), Ziggy (cat), Ocho (bearded dragon), Pearl (snake), and her Brazilian black tarantula. She loves hiking, camping, road trips, and discovering new adventures.

Elizabeth Emelene Jefferis, VSPDT
Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Elizabeth Jefferis grew up on a horse farm in Southeastern Pennsylvania training, competing, and hunting with her family’s hunter/jumper horses. Teaching has always been so rewarding for Elizabeth, from college sociology professor to property rehab mentor to certified yoga instructor to dog trainer. (Don’t tell anyone, but “dog training” is really “people training.”) She has been teaching private and group clients for several years and enjoying it all!

Elizabeth is VSPDT certified through the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior, a rigorous program including hands-on practice, mentoring, online and in-class lessons, subject-matter expert lectures, and extensive examinations. As a VSPDT degree-holder and Fear Free Certified trainer, Elizabeth engages in positive training methods designed to build people’s relationship and communication with their dogs. Currently, she is working towards attaining her Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA®), an advanced certification offered by CCPDT for dog trainers who offer canine behavior modification. Elizabeth is also working on her PhD in human-animal interaction from University of Chicago after attaining her master’s degree in sociology, also from U of C.

When not training other pupkids, Elizabeth is busy training her own working dog, Desdemona von Fidelis. Desi holds advanced tricks dog titles and scent work titles. Elizabeth and Desi are also part of K9 Search & Rescue teams in Illinois and Indiana. Every weekend, Elizabeth and her husband participate with Desi in K9 SAR team trainings, preparing to assist law enforcement in finding lost persons.

Laura Krill
Professional Dog Trainer

Animals have always been a central part of Laura's life. She was a teenager when she worked as a kennel assistant for a local veterinarian and has remained in the animal healthcare industry ever since. Laura is a certified canine rehabilitation assistant and also trained in canine massage.

Currently, Laura works as the Medical Director for a local rescue and is very active in the rescue community. Having fostered over 30 dogs, Laura has extensive experience with a wide range of canine personalities and behaviors. She finds it incredibly rewarding to help shy or shut-down foster dogs regain their confidence and thrive. She says that watching them learn how to "dog again" is the best gift!

Laura's passion for behavior and training led her to join Anything is Pawzible in 2019. By combining her background in animal health, wellness, and behavior, she helped create and currently leads the Senior Pawzibilities class. She also specializes in integrating canine exercises with training to promote both physical wellness and cognitive enrichment for dogs.

Alison Doubleday, PhD, UW-AAB, CPDT-KA, CCUI
Certified Professional Dog Trainer

A lifelong animal lover, Alison entered the training world thanks to her Australian Cattle Dogs who have all participated in group classes at Anything is Pawzible! Helping these rescue pups work through various challenges and making sure they feel safe and happy in the world has been an inspirational experience and has impacted every aspect of Alison’s life. In 2017 Alison decided to explore her interest in dog training further by completing a certificate program in Applied Animal Behavior from the University of Washington. Alison is continuously working to expand her own knowledge and skill set. In addition to being a Certified Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, Alison is also a Certified Control Unleashed Instructors. These experiences, as well as nearly 20 years of experience teaching anatomy to medical and dental students, reinforced Alison’s passion for education and for the scientific underpinnings of positive reinforcement and force-free methods. She is committed to this evidence-based approach to training and behavioral modification and is excited to be a part of the Anything is Pawzible team. When she is not working, Alison enjoys participating in agility classes and competing in canine nosework trials with her dogs.

Judit Arroyo, CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Judit Arroyo’s journey into dog training began when she was just 17 years old and struggling with her first dog, Puffy. Naturally timid, Puffy developed severe reactivity and aggression toward people and other dogs by the age of two. Unable to afford professional training and unwilling to give up on him, Judit became determined to learn everything she could about dog behavior and training.
In 2002, that determination led her to apply for an internship at one of Chicago’s few dog training schools at the time. She was later hired as part of their training staff, launching a lifelong career helping dogs and their families.

After earning her BA in Sociology with a minor in Psychology, Judit continued to expand her work in dog training. She served as Director of Training for a South Loop daycare facility for 10 years, led the training program for Animal Career Academy for 6 years, and volunteered as a dog/handler team evaluator for SitStayRead for over a decade. Her writings on dog behavior have been featured in both national and international publications. Judit’s Reactive Dog class was modeled in The APDT Chronicle of the Dog.

Judit also competed in Rally-O, CPE, and AKC Agility with her beloved Miniature American Shepherd, Lilu Manai. Her current deaf dog, Saint, introduced her to nosework and taught her the importance of slowing down and simply being present with her dog. Now a senior, Saint enjoys peaceful walks and quiet adventures with Judit and her family.

Education and advocacy remain at the heart of Judit’s work. She currently serves on the board of The Inner Pup as their behaviorist and travels to New Orleans each year to support rescue efforts and community outreach. Becoming a parent deepened her passion for helping children and dogs build safe, respectful relationships. Recognizing the need for gentle, child-friendly education, she began writing children’s books focused on dog safety and empathy.

Her debut picture book, Sugarmint: A Mindful Story About Being Safe with Dogs, will launch in Fall 2026. Learn more about her books at Judit Arroyo

When she’s not writing, teaching, volunteering, or training, you’ll likely find Judit at a local farmer’s market, exploring parks with her family, or meditating in her garden—because everyone deserves a little more nature and peace in their lives.

Yvonne Feeney CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Manager of Operations
Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Certified Behavior Consultant-Canine
Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

It was a one year old rescue dog named Sasha who changed her life back in 2007. They immediately began taking much needed training classes where Sasha went on to earn her CGC and Yvonne developed a passion to learn about animal behavior. Yvonne had previously been a volunteer tutor to kids through Cabrini Green Youth Programs and found her combined passion for educating and empowering inner-city youth and instilling compassion for companion animals through Safe Humane Chicago programs. By getting to the root of animal cruelty, pet overpopulation, breaking the cycle of abuse and developing community through the human-animal bond, Yvonne and Sasha, an SHC Ambassador dog, have been volunteering with the SHC Lifetime Bonds Program at IYC for 10 years. Yvonne leads that program as well as their Youth Safety and Violence Prevention (YSVP) program working with YMCA teens at Chicago Animal Care and Control. She is also a former SHC Board member. She volunteers with ALIVE Rescue, heading up their Barn Wranglers group of volunteer dog handlers/trainers. Prior to dog training, Yvonne worked as a lab manager for 15 years at Northwestern University’s Robert H. Lurie Cancer Research Center. She received her bachelors degree in Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a graduate of CanineLink Academy. Her certifications require continued learning in the field of animal behavior and she specializes in fear and anxiety issues in dogs. After being involved with Chicago Canine Rescue as a volunteer adoption counselor and foster, she foster failed with a returned pup named Kyle. They do agility where Yvonne also assists in training with Stacey Hawk at Hawk City K9. She also has a cat named Indy.