Training Classes

OB1: focus

luring
engagement
marker system
basic behaviors: sit/down/place/indoor leash walking

OB2: Focus

Introduction to Negative Reinforcement
Basic behaviors + duration: sit/down/place/indoor-outdoor leash walking
increased distraction
introduce training equipment

E-collar Basics: Focus

Introducing the collar without stimulation
First-time stimulation: how to do it right
Building confidence and clarity through e-collar work
Layering the e-collar into obedience behaviors
Understanding the difference between negative reinforcement and positive punishment in e-collar training

Canine Good Citizen: Focus

The focus of CGC is to methodically work through every test item and build the skill needed to pass. At the end of the course we will do a real live test with a certified evaluator. Those that pass will receive their official AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. Those that do not pass may test again at a different time or they may choose to participate in more training before the next attempt.

Bio: Justin Wilcox – Certified Dog Trainer | Behavioral Rehabilitation Specialist | Chicago, IL

My name is Justin Wilcox, and I’m a Certified Dog Trainer based in the great city of Chicago. I’ve spent the last eight years working with dogs in various capacities, participating in bite sports but my deepest passion lies in behavioral rehabilitation. Whether your dog is fearful of the world or seems aggressive beyond help, I’m here to work with you.

My journey into dog training began in my early 20s while working at several dog daycare facilities. I noticed that dogs who didn’t thrive in group settings were often isolated or even dismissed from the program entirely. This frustrated me—owners were investing in their dogs’ care, yet many dogs were left unfulfilled. That’s when I realized I needed to approach the problem from a different angle, and I began pursuing formal dog training.

Everything changed when I found a mentor who introduced me to the NePoPo® training system. I quickly fell in love with its ability to create clearer, more effective communication between humans and dogs. I also discovered how sport dog training could blend with pet dog training to give everyday dog owners a more rewarding, less stressful life with their companions.

Early in my career, I worked extensively with high-drive working dogs, an experience that deepened my understanding of canine psychology—especially in dogs needing rehabilitation. I’ve seen firsthand how quality training, paired with the right tools, can transform both a dog’s life and their owner’s.

Dogs struggling due to genetics, poor handling, or traumatic experiences often need more than just treat-based methods. My mission is to build a world where we better understand these dogs and provide them with the tools, patience, and structure they need to thrive. As well as be a pillar or support for the owners that want to provide the best quality of life for their dogs. Over the last several years I have devoted my full time to pursuing that mission.