Dave’s Doggie Den

Dave’s Doggie Den offers a range of training programs. The Basic Obedience & Manners is a 6-week class, with 1-hour sessions, designed to familiarize puppies (at least 12 weeks old) or adult dogs with commands like sit, down, stay, and come, and to address manners such as jumping, nipping, and chewing. This class also introduces hand signals and is available on Tuesday or Thursday nights at 6:00 pm or 7:15 pm.

Intermediate Training, Advanced Training, and Protection Training are ongoing classes that meet every Wednesday. Intermediate Training focuses on off-leash obedience, while Advanced Training is for dogs needing more complex work and distractions. Protection Training aims to develop a dog into a protective, yet friendly and obedient companion, emphasizing a “man stopper, not a man-eater” approach; all dogs must be evaluated and attend the Advanced Session before enrolling in Protection Training.

Private training sessions are available both at their facility and in clients’ homes, offering personalized training tailored to individual schedules and needs. These sessions help set training priorities, establish boundaries, and foster a positive relationship between the owner and dog. All classes require a training collar, proof of current vaccinations (Parvo/Distemper, Bordatella, Rabies), and a six-foot flat leash (no retractables).

Pricing Summary

Pricing for group classes is available upon calling. Private one-hour sessions at their facility cost $100. Private one-hour house call sessions are $165 and cover Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park, and Cherry Valley.

Dave’s Doggie Den is a dog training business founded by Dave, who began his training venture in 1987. He later partnered with Louie in 1989 to start a training business in Chicago, and then branched out to the Rockford area in 1991 to start his own training business for the public. Dave’s Doggie Den officially opened in 2005.

The business offers various dog training programs, including Basic Obedience & Manners, Intermediate Training, Advanced Training, and Protection Training. They also provide private training sessions both at their facility and in clients’ homes.

As of August 9, 2024, Dave’s Doggie Den operates by appointment only from its new location. While they previously offered grooming and daycare, these services are no longer available at the new facility. They do continue to offer dog supplies.

Dave’s extensive experience includes assisting police with K-9 unit training, judging obedience and protection competitions, and consistently placing in the top three in dog competitions since 1988. The training philosophy emphasizes establishing the owner as the “pack leader” and utilizes various training collars, rather than relying on treats or harnesses for dominance.

Accomplishments

Dave began his dog training career in 1987 and co-founded a training business in Chicago in 1989. He later started his own training business in the Rockford area in 1991. Dave has experience assisting police with K-9 unit training and protection work, and has judged obedience and protection competitions in the Chicagoland area.

Since 1988, Dave has consistently finished in the top three in every dog competition he has entered in the Chicagoland area. His certifications and competition participation include Master Trainer Walter Ward’s Street Wise Competition (1988-2004), AKC Good Citizen Trainer (1993-2010), Iron Dog Competition (1998-2004), and Personal Protection Dog Assoc. Certified Trainer/Agitator (1999-2002). Dave’s Doggie Den has also been recognized by customers, receiving The Rockford Register Star’s annual “What Rocks in Rockford” awards in 2014, 2015, and 2016.

How to Get Started!

To get started with classes, clients should register early to guarantee a spot and call for pricing. Protection training requires a prior dog evaluation. For private sessions, clients can call to schedule.