Best In Home Dog Services

Training begins with a free consultation to assess the dog’s behavior and the owner’s goals. Programs are tailored individually and delivered in-home using positive reinforcement. Lessons focus on immediate behavioral issues or long-term progress, with options for ongoing sessions to build skills over time.

Pricing Summary

Dog training lessons are $200 per session. Dog walks are $30 for 30 minutes, $40 for 45 minutes, and $50 for 60 minutes, with an additional $10 per extra dog.

Best In Home Dog Services is a premium dog training and walking business based in Cary, IL, founded by Richard Hopkins, a trainer with over a decade of hands-on experience. Richard specializes in positive reinforcement methods and offers in-home dog training lessons tailored to each dog’s unique needs, whether they’re a puppy, rescue, or senior dog with behavioral challenges. He also provides professional dog walking services with options for 30, 45, or 60-minute walks, plus an additional fee for extra dogs. Richard’s training philosophy is rooted in the work of B.F. Skinner, Ian Dunbar, Karen Pryor, and Patricia McConnell, and he was formally apprenticed under Cathryn Jurewicz, a trainer with 30+ years of experience. His journey began with his rescue dog Merlin, a German Shepherd/Husky mix with severe fear-based aggression toward men, whom he successfully rehabilitated—this experience inspired his career. He has trained over 100 dogs daily at large daycare and boarding facilities before launching his in-home service in 2013. His mission is to build trust-based bonds between dogs and their families using only positive methods.

Richard serves clients in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, offering personalized attention in the comfort of the client’s home. He is fully bonded and insured, and provides a free consultation to discuss goals and create a customized plan.

In addition to training and walking, Richard’s services reflect deep experience with dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments—including those with medical or behavioral needs—making him a trusted choice for families seeking compassionate, science-based training.

Accomplishments

Richard Hopkins apprenticed for six months under Cathryn Jurewicz, a trainer with 30+ years of experience, and worked alongside her for four years. He managed head trainer roles at two large dog daycare and boarding facilities, overseeing up to 100+ dogs daily. He successfully rehabilitated his rescue dog Merlin, who had severe fear-based aggression toward men, transforming him into a well-behaved, socialized companion.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins with a free consultation, during which owners provide details about their dog’s breed, age, behavior issues, and availability. Richard then creates a customized training plan and schedules the first session.