Torbel’s Canine Connection

Group classes are 6-week programs held once weekly, with small class sizes (3–6 dogs). Puppy class starts at 10–16 weeks; Basic Manners for dogs 5+ months; CGC is a 7-week program requiring Basic Manners completion. K9 Nose Work offers Intro and Competition Prep tracks. Rally and Agility require Basic Manners prerequisite. Private lessons cover basic obedience and behavior issues like separation anxiety and fearfulness. In-home training is available in select counties. Virtual consultations are offered. NACSW Odor Recognition Tests are hosted monthly.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not listed publicly; clients are advised to call for details on group classes, private lessons, and in-home training. Fees for CGC class include the test. NACSW ORT entry is $30 per odor. Private sessions are 1–2 hours in length; nose work sessions are 45 or 60 minutes.

Policies

For NACSW Odor Recognition Tests, cancellations before 12:00pm CST on November 22, 2025 receive a full refund minus a $5 processing fee per test. No refunds after that date. No refunds for no-shows, disqualifications, or event cancellations due to force majeure. Group class attendance is non-transferable and subject to space availability. Private lesson cancellations require phone notice.

Torbel’s Canine Connection is a professional dog training business founded in 2002, offering reward-based training using positive reinforcement techniques. They provide in-person group classes, private lessons, and in-home training sessions for dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors. Services include puppy training, basic manners, Canine Good Citizen preparation, therapy dog training, K9 Nose Work®, rally, and recreational agility. The trainer, Yolanda Belluso, emphasizes mindful, compassionate, and fun methods to build strong owner-dog bonds and address behavior issues like separation anxiety, resource guarding, fearfulness, and leash reactivity. They do not use choke, prong, or shock collars. The facility is located in Bourbonnais, IL, and offers virtual consultations and hosts official NACSW Odor Recognition Tests. Training is tailored to individual needs with small class sizes and personalized attention.

Yolanda is certified as a CPDT-KA and CNWI, and is an AKC CGC Evaluator and NACSW Certifying Official. Clients praise her patience, clear communication, and ability to help even the most challenging dogs and new owners succeed. Her approach focuses on understanding dog behavior and providing practical, lasting solutions.

In-home training is available in Kankakee, Iroquois, Will, and Cook counties. The business also hosts NACSW trials and offers specialized programs for scent work and competition preparation.

Accomplishments

Yolanda Belluso is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI), AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, NACSW Certifying Official and Judge, and World Cynosport Rally Judge. She is a Licensed Family Dog Mediator and holds memberships with CCPDT, APDT, and NACSW.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can call 815-260-0659 to schedule a consultation, assess dog and handler needs, and enroll in group classes or private sessions. For group classes, enrollment is open on a rolling basis if space permits. For behavior issues or in-home training, a phone call is required to arrange an evaluation.