Bonding with Buddies

5.0 Stars,26 Reviews

539 Susan Ln, Deerfield, IL 60015

Service area: Located in Deerfield, Illinois, serving all Chicagoland, including Highland Park, Northbrook, Northfield, Riverwoods, Lincolnshire, Lake Bluff, Glenview, Lake Forest, Bannockburn, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highwood, Glencoe, Kenilworth, and more.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

Family Dog
Service Dog
Therapy Dog
Competition / Agility
Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

Basic Obedience
Puppy Training
Leash Pulling
Reactivity / Aggression
Barking Excessively
Fearfulness
Recall

Training Formats Offered

Private Lessons
Group Classes
In-Home
Board and Train
Day Training

Program Formats

One-Time Consultation
Sessions Package

Types of Dogs

Herding
Sporting
Working

Age of Dogs Trained

Puppy (<1 year)
Adolescent (1-2 years)
Adult (2-8 years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods:

✓ Balanced Training

Equipment:

✓ Food Rewards
✓ Head Halters

Bonding with Buddies offers personalized dog training programs tailored to each dog and companion team. Training sessions are conducted at the client’s home and in real-life situations to address specific needs and goals.

The core training focuses on dog basics for bonding, including commands like sit, stay, down, heel, and come. Programs are designed to help dogs become good companions and citizens, with specialties in preparing dogs for AKC Companion Dog certification and Therapy Dog certification.

For Therapy Dogs, the program involves extensive screening and comprehensive training to ensure dogs are friendly, even-tempered, and tolerant of various interactions in different environments. Both the dog and handler are tested for certification, enabling them to visit institutions such as rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, schools, and hospitals.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

After an evaluation, the trainer provides a few pricing options to best suit the client’s needs and budget.

Testimonials

“I cannot tell you how happy I am with the skills Molly (and I) have learned with Stu. In 3 classes she now heels, sits, stays and no longer chases squirrels and bunnies. We have been to Home Depot and she was an angel! Great Progress.”
– Kathy

“After just one session my 2 year old German Shepherd Hallie is heeling correctly and I no longer need to use a head halter or gentle leader. She had been apprehensive of strangers and now is more confident and obedient. Squirrels had been one of her triggers and today during a session she stayed in a down position in the park ignoring distractions including the squirrels! Hallie also heeled without a leash during what is only our 5th session with Stu. I’m encouraged by the improvement Hallie continues to make and we plan to take the Canine Good Citizen test soon. My goal is to have her certified as a therapy dog so we can make visits together and now I know she will succeed!”
– Barb and Ernie Brandt

“We had an outstanding experience with Stu at Bonding with Buddies! Our 1.5-year-old Doberman was a handful when it came to leash pulling and following commands, but Stu worked wonders. After just one session, our dog was walking calmly on a leash, and by the first few sessions, he was reliably obeying commands like sit, down, stand, stay, and come. Stu’s training style is professional, patient, and highly effective. He focuses on building a bond between you and your dog, which makes the process not only rewarding but enjoyable. What sets Stu apart is his ability to tailor his training to the specific needs of each dog and owner. Other clients rave about his calm and consistent approach, his attention to detail, and his ability to turn even the most challenging dogs into well-mannered companions. We couldn’t agree more! If you’re serious about training your dog and creating a positive, lasting connection, we can’t recommend Stu and Bonding with Buddies enough!”
– Fonda and Todd

About the Trainer

Bonding with Buddies, led by Stu Unger, aims to forge an everlasting partnership between dogs and their companions. They provide personalized dog training services that happen at the client’s home and in real-life situations, working with any dog breed and partner.

Stu Unger emphasizes building a spiritual experience of learning and training, focusing on mutual respect to bring out the best in dogs and eliminate undesirable traits. Beyond training, Bonding with Buddies also offers dog day care and dog boarding in a home-like environment, ensuring dogs are well-cared for, safe, and stimulated. Training can also be provided during these stays.

Additionally, Stu Unger is involved in dog breeding, specifically with AKC-recognized, OFA-certified German Shepherds, providing expert breed guidance and pedigree information. He also assists in finding other breeds if desired.

Accomplishments

Stu Unger’s dogs hold multiple certifications including Companion Dog (CD), Companion Dog Excellent (CDX), German Shepherd Dog Club of America titles, Service Dog, and Therapy Dog certifications (including Therapy Dogs International). His dogs are also Canine Good Citizen (CGC) titled, OFA certified, and have received temperament and herding instinct certifications.

Stu Unger has served as a trainer for the Lincolnwood Training Club for German Shepherd Dogs Inc.

How to Get Started!

Clients are encouraged to send a note describing what they hope to achieve with their dog. Following an evaluation, the trainer will provide pricing options. Clients can also call directly to discuss their goals.

Contact

66+ Years Experience
Free Consultation

Hours

8am-6:30pm

Associations

AKC
Accredited

Languages

English
Spanish
polish
lithuanian
german

wheelchair accessible parking

Other Services Offered

Dog breeder
Dog day care center
Pet boarding service

Location