Dave’s Doggie Den

Basic Obedience is a 6-week group class held on Tuesday or Thursday evenings at 6:00 PM, teaching sit, down, stay, come, and manners. Intermediate and Advanced Training are ongoing weekly Wednesday classes focusing on off-leash obedience and distraction resistance. Protection Training is an ongoing Wednesday class requiring prior completion of Advanced Training and a dog evaluation. Private sessions are available for personalized training at the facility or in-home. All classes require a training collar, six-foot flat leash, and proof of vaccinations.

Pricing Summary

6-week Basic Obedience class pricing available upon request. Private in-facility sessions: $100/hour. Private in-home sessions: $165/hour (covers Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Cherry Valley). All other services require a phone call for current rates.

Policies

Classes require registration in advance. All dogs must be evaluated before protection training. Vaccinations and proper equipment are mandatory. No mention of cancellation or rescheduling policies.

Dave’s Doggie Den is a dog training business founded by Dave, who has over 30 years of experience training all dog breeds. The business offers group training classes, private in-home and in-facility sessions, and specializes in Basic Obedience, Intermediate and Advanced Training, and Protection Training. Dave emphasizes pack leadership and uses training collars such as martingale, prong, and e-collars to establish clear communication and control. In addition to training, Dave’s Doggie Den provides dog grooming, daycare, and pet supplies, though as of August 2024, grooming and daycare are no longer offered at the new location. The team includes Dave and Kristy, who are known for their patience, calm teaching style, and willingness to explain the “why” behind training techniques. They cater to owners seeking to improve their dog’s behavior and build a stronger bond through structured, consistent training.

Training classes are held at their facility in Loves Park, IL, with Basic Obedience offered as a 6-week course on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:00 PM. Intermediate, Advanced, and Protection Training occur weekly on Wednesdays. Private sessions are available both at the facility ($100/hour) and in-home ($165/hour) within Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park, and Cherry Valley. All dogs must be evaluated before protection training, and proof of vaccinations is required for all classes.

Dave’s background includes working with the Chicago Transit Authority as a K-9 trainer, judging obedience and protection competitions, and competing in dog events since 1988. He holds certifications as a Master Trainer, Certified Trainer/Agitator, and AKC Good Citizen Trainer. The business has won the Rockford Register Star’s “What Rocks in Rockford” award three years in a row (2014–2016). Clients consistently praise Dave’s knowledge, patience, and ability to transform reactive or poorly behaved dogs into well-mannered companions.

Accomplishments

Dave has over 30 years of training experience since 1987. He is a Master Trainer, Certified Trainer/Agitator, and AKC Good Citizen Trainer. He competed in Walter Ward’s Street Wise Competition (1988–2004), Iron Dog Competition (1998–2004), and judged obedience and protection events in Chicagoland. Dave’s Doggie Den won the Rockford Register Star’s “What Rocks in Rockford” award in 2014, 2015, and 2016.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must call to schedule an evaluation for protection training or private sessions. For group classes, register early to secure a spot. All dogs must have proof of vaccinations and appropriate equipment before attending any class.