The Reinforced Canine

Training is delivered through private, in-home sessions tailored to the dog’s needs. Clients begin with a 45-minute introductory session to assess goals and behavior. Packages of 4 or 8 hour-long lessons are available for ongoing support, ideal for puppies or complex behavioral issues. Each session includes personalized exercises, and a written training plan is emailed after every session. Nose work and trick training are offered as standalone or integrated programs. Training is designed to be fun, science-based, and focused on building communication and confidence.

Pricing Summary

Offers an introductory session for $65 (45 minutes), single lessons at $110/hour, and discounted packages: 4-pack for $420 ($105/lesson), and 8-pack for $780 ($95/lesson). Nose work options include a $45 intro lesson and a 4-pack for $160 ($40/lesson). All payments are due 24 hours before the first lesson via Zelle or Venmo. No refunds, but sessions must be used within six months of purchase.

Policies

Cancellations must be made in writing via text or email at least 24 hours in advance; otherwise, the lesson is charged against the payment. All payments are due 24 hours before the first lesson in full. Sessions must be redeemed within six months of purchase. No refunds are offered. Two adults are required if more than one child under 13 is present. One dog per session.

Elizabeth Emelene Jefferis is a certified professional dog trainer and Search & Rescue specialist serving dog owners from The Loop to Calumet in Chicago. She offers private, in-home training focused on building communication, trust, and joy between dogs and their people. Her services include puppy training, basic obedience, behavior modification for reactivity and fearfulness, nose work, and trick training—all grounded in science-based, positive reinforcement methods. She specializes in high-drive working-line breeds and puppies, helping owners prevent problems before they start. Elizabeth combines her academic background in human-animal interaction with hands-on experience training her own certified Search & Rescue dog, Desi, to deliver personalized, compassionate training that prioritizes the dog’s emotional safety and choice. Her approach emphasizes mutual respect, clear communication, and fun enrichment to create lasting behavioral change.

She also offers specialized nose work programs that engage dogs’ natural scenting abilities, ideal for anxious, fearful, or overstimulated dogs. Training is conducted in the client’s home environment to ensure real-world applicability, and all sessions include a written training plan emailed afterward.

Elizabeth is not a breeder, groomer, or boarding facility; her focus is exclusively on private training and behavior support.

Accomplishments

Elizabeth is a certified Search & Rescue specialist with her dog Desi, who holds multiple national certifications in air scent live find and trailing, including highest-level designations from the National Association of Search & Rescue and American Mantrailing. Desi is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen and holds titles in Nose Work and Tricks. Elizabeth holds a Master’s in Organizational Non-Profit Sociology from the University of Chicago and completed formal trainer certification while apprenticing at For Your K9. She has over 20 years of experience working with animals, including horse training from childhood and professional dog training since 2001.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must complete the New Client Form online or download and submit it, then schedule a 45-minute introductory session for $65. This session includes a behavior assessment, goal-setting, and the beginning of a customized training plan. After the intro session, clients may purchase a 4-pack or 8-pack of lessons for ongoing training.