Training That Lasts

02/05/2026

Looking for dog-friendly things to do this February around Chicagoland?

We put together a solid list of dog-friendly events happening in February 2026, from indoor outings to low-key social spots that actually work for real dogs, not just photo ops.

This is a great way to:
• Practice calm behavior in public
• Build confidence in new environments
• Strengthen your connection outside the house

Training does not stop at the front door. Real life is the classroom.

Check out the full list here:

👉 https://trainingthatlasts.com/dog-training/chicagoland-dog-friendly-events-in-february-2026


That’s how training sticks. 🐾

2026 dog-friendly events across Chicagoland, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will County. One-time outings, local meetups, and winter fun.

01/29/2026

Heading out for a weekend trip or a week-long getaway?
Instead of worrying about your dog or leaving them somewhere that is only supervision... your dog can stay with us, people you can trust!

Our Board & Train program is like hitting the reset button and a power-up at the same time. While your dog lives with us, we work daily on structure, clear communication, leash manners, obedience, and calm behavior in real-world environments. This isn’t a kennel. It’s intentional training, routines, and leadership so your dog comes home more grounded and easier to live with.

Right now, we’re adding extra value in all Board & Train programs booked for February include extra training days at no charge.
• 2-week program → 2 extra days
• 3-week program → 3 extra days

Spots are limited. Message us or visit trainingthatlasts.com/services/board-and-train to see if our Board & Training is the right fit for your dog.

01/29/2026

We have learned that the strongest, longest-lasting changes happen when you're focused more on redefining the relationship between you and your dog and less on perfecting the training methods.

Here's a quick tip that can change everything. Stop treating training like a test! Instead, treat it like a conversation. When your dog makes a good choice, notice it... really notice it. A calm voice, genuine praise, a moment of connection. That matters far more than a "perfectly executed" sit and stay.

Dogs pick up on our energy, our patience, our presence. The best training happens when you're fully with your dog, not just going through the motions. I mean, t`hink about it. A dog trained through force might obey out of fear. A dog trained through genuine connection? They choose you. They want to work with you. That's training that lasts. That's a bond to last a lifetime. That is why we do this!

01/20/2026

Your Dog Isn’t Ignoring You - They’re Confused
The most common thing we see? Owners saying “He won’t listen to me.”

What’s usually happening: Your dog hasn’t learned what you’re asking, or they don’t understand it clearly in that moment.

Here’s the “quick fix”:

- Say their name to get their attention
- Use a happy, calm tone (not a command voice, it can confuse you dog if they aren’t used to that)
- Ask once, clearly - if they don’t respond, ask again, the same way. Clear, calm tone but assertive (confident)
- Reward immediately when they get it right
- Practice the same skill in different places so it sticks

Training that lasts isn’t about force. It’s about clarity.
Your dog wants to listen. You just have to speak their language first.

🔗 Learn more about training methods, dog friendly events, and different topics at trainingthatlasts.com/dog-training

Training That Lasts tips, success stories, and professional advice tailored to enhance your relationship with your dog.

01/15/2026

Dog training is not about control. It is about connection.

Real progress does not come from forcing behaviors. It comes from building trust, clarity, and communication. Just like with kids, dogs learn best when they feel safe, understood, and supported. When the relationship is strong, the behaviors follow.

Connection is what turns training into teamwork. It is what helps your dog choose you, even when distractions are loud and life gets busy. It is what creates confidence instead of compliance. Train the bond first. Everything else becomes much easier after that.

01/13/2026

Doodlin’ around at the best car wash in town Delta Sonic Car Wash

01/12/2026

Take our Dog Training Quiz and test your knowledge!

Here’s how it works:
• Choose your level: 10 questions for beginners or 20 for advanced
• Get helpful tips as you go, not just at the end
• When you’re done, you’ll get personalized results with custom advice and training tips tailored to you and your dog

Start the quiz here 👉

Test your dog training instincts with our free interactive quiz. 20 real-world scenarios covering leash skills, reactivity, puppy biting, and house rules.

01/11/2026

Josie was with us for a 3-week board & train as she works toward becoming a service dog. It’s a long process that takes structure, repetition, and lots of real-world practice but watching her focus and confidence grow was worth every minute.

Sessions like this at Home Depot help both dogs learn to stay calm, collected, and engaged around everyday distractions. Training in public places is truly a game changer for service-dog prospects and family companions alike. Structured socialization and the room to manuever is clutch.

Read more about why we train in real-world environments here:
https://trainingthatlasts.com/dog-training/training-in-public-places-is-a-game-changer/
🐾

12/31/2025

BOARD & TRAINING THAT RESETS THE WHOLE PICTURE

This board and training is about structure, consistency, and daily training that changes how your dog shows up in the real world.

While your dog stays with us, we focus on obedience, leash manners, calm behavior, and clear communication, all built through positive reinforcement and relationship-based training. The goal is a dog that’s easier to live with, not just better in a training session.

Limited-Time Board & Train Bonus
Board & Trains booked for January, or February include extra training days at no charge.

• 2-Week Program - Get 2 Extra Days
• 3-Week Program - Get 3 Extra Days
For First-time Board & Training

Your dog gets daily structure and when they come home, things finally feel manageable while you continue working with them to continue progressing.

12/31/2025

Ever notice how your dog's ears perk up at certain words? That's the power of clear communication. Here's something simple you can do TODAY: Pick one word, let's say "look" – and practice it for just 5-10 minutes. When your dog naturally looks at you, mark that moment with a reward. Within days, your dog learns to check in with you intentionally.

Why does this matter? Because a dog that looks to you for guidance is a dog that's calm, confident, and connected to you. This is about building that mutual trust. This is what we mean by "Redefining Relationships", teaching your dog that you're their guide and their friend at the same time.

📞 Questions? Text us at 630-303-3545. We're here to help!

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all you dog lovers out there!

Give your pups some extra love on this very special day from all of us at Training That Lasts ☺️🐾🎄🎁🎅❤️

12/16/2025

Early morning Indiana road trip to our friends Hoosier Canines to pickup Beauty and her sister Bonnie.

Two total sweethearts 🥰

Beauty is headed to her forever home in the suburbs of Chicago while Bonnie will be my roommate for the next 6 weeks while I teach her a thing or two 😉🐾