Unleash Your Dog’s Potential with Big Sky Dog Training.

Specialized training programs for dogs of all ages and abilities

Big Sky has been in business for over 35 years.

We provide positive Puppy and Dog Training Services. Our service area covers 18 miles from Wonder Lake, IL. All training methods are humane, reward-based, and use positive reinforcement techniques. Training should be fun and include games and play. We specialize in Puppy Head Start Programs, Private in-home lessons, Group Classes, Concierge Services, and Virtual Lessons.

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Private In-Home & Group Canine Training Program

PRIVATE IN-HOME LESSONS

Initially, we will talk on the phone with you about your needs, then send you a registration form so you can fill out all the issues you are having with your puppy or dog. We will come to your home, or a location of your choosing, for our Private Dog Training lesson. The first private lesson is 1.5 hours. When we arrive, we will evaluate your dog, and listen to what your objectives are. We use reward-based, positive reinforcement training methods to teach obedience skills and correct inappropriate behaviors.

GROUP CLASSES

Group Classes will be taught at Riverside Animal Clinic and Holistic Center in McHenry, IL, beginning on Saturday mornings and Thursdays in the late afternoons, beginning on April 13th, 2024.

Full-Service Dog Training & Concierge Services

  • Shopping list and help shopping for your canine before getting him/her

  • Best places to shop and get the best prices

  • Evaluating your home for your pet

  • Help adopt a dog or puppy

  • Puppy and dog temperament testing

  • Individual and Group personalized training

  • Certification in AKC Star,  CGC, Prep for Therapy Dog

  • Navigating the Service Dog and ESA Processes (Emotional Service Animal)

  • Dog Surrender Options

  • Evaluating senior dogs for needs to make the aging process easier

  • Free Phone Consultations

  • Follow-up Phone support 24/7

Why choose Big Sky Dog Training?

"Our family is working with Montana to train our 4 mo old Aussiedoodle. After 1 session we felt so much more confident that our puppy would meet and exceed our expectations to be a great companion dog to our extended family. Montana is an excellent teacher/trainer to both pups and humans. Her directions are SO clearly communicated- we learned what to do, how to do it and most importantly WHY we were doing it. She is magic! We hope to work with her for years to come."

- Deb Meredith

Because you would be working with an honest, forthright individual dog trainer. A person who has worked most of her life learning how to train horses and dogs using only positive science-based methods. A trainer who does not charge unreasonable prices or require you to take multiple lessons. Because she answers the phone when you call and is available to talk 7/365.

  • PUPPY TRAINING

    Are you a proud puppy parent looking to shape your furry friend into a well-behaved and happy canine companion? Look no further! At Big Sky Dog Training, we specialize in providing top-notch training services for adorable puppies like yours in our Puppy Head Start Program.

  • GROUP OBEDIENCE CLASS

    From basic commands like sit, stay, and heel to more advanced skills, Big Sky Dog Training will work with you and your dog to develop a solid foundation of obedience. We also address common behavior challenges such as leash pulling, jumping, and excessive barking.

  • PRIVATE TRAINING

    We design personalized training programs based on your dog's current skills and desired obedience and behavior goals. Whether it's mastering basic commands or addressing specific behavior issues, we'll develop a plan that suits you and your dog's individual needs.

Wolf's Story

It was the spring of 1994. I had just moved to a new job working for the State of Washington in Olympia, Washington. I searched for a place that had a fenced yard; I knew I wanted to get a dog. I grew up with dogs and was training horses and riding at that time. The image of me, my dog, and, horseback riding through the mountains and streams in the Washington Mountains was the vision I wanted to complete.

A friend from work and I went to the Counties Animal Control Shelter to look for a puppy or dog. As I remember, it was on the very first visit. We looked at a bunch of the dogs, including "Wolf." I knew I wanted a dog that had some sport in him, but also a softness and quiet personality. We came back to look at Wolf again. He was a chocolate dog that looked part lab. He had floppy ears and a soft medium/short coat and brown eyes that could make anyone fall for him. He was about three months old.

When we asked about him, the shelter told us that he had been wandering down Hwy 99, a rural, two-lane highway, and was picked up by Animal Control. I adopted him and found a great vet, and Wolf and I were off on an adventure. Wolf was healthy, and I went shopping. Collar and tags were the priority. He was already chipped but with no registration. I followed up on that also.

Wolf's first few years were impressive. I quickly found out why they found him on the highway. He loved to take road trips. The first chance he could get away, he would look back at me, give me a quick look, and take off. It drove me crazy. He was also a garbage dog. So, garbage had to be on top of the counter, and finally, he was a digger. My yard was small, and it looked like land mines had been dug up everywhere. – Next – training classes.

Shortly after getting him, I started working as a dog trainer, and Wolf was my demo dog. I cannot even count the number of classes he went to. He knew what I wanted even before I asked for it - which made for great laughs in class. Everyone thought he was great. When I would go on private lessons, everyone wanted me to trade their dog for Wolf, and then bring their dog back when he/she would act just like him.

So, did I get the vision I wanted to complete? Yes! Many times over. He came with me everywhere. He went to the barn with me. When I went riding, he was by my side. He would even lead my horse across bridges if my horse were too nervous. He became a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and passed his test to become a therapy dog also. He has brought pleasure to hundreds of people. I was also lucky that he has so many friends - he has never spent a day in a kennel. He would go to Camp Orr - my best friend, Lynn Orr's lake house when I had to go out of town. There he would swim and plays with her dog. He also went to Camp Lucas - my sister, Denice Lucas’s house, with her dog when I was in Illinois.

I moved to Illinois, where my parents and sisters lived when Wolf was about ten years old. When Wolf was about 15 1/2 years old, I did not train horses anymore, but still trained dogs. Wolf did not go to class with me anymore; he was an older man, 93 in human years. He still went out with me but was a little nervous in the car. His vision was greatly diminished, he could be 5 feet from me, and if I was not moving, he could not tell where I was. His hearing was almost gone also, so I had to raise and change the tone of my voice so he could hear me. I am glad I taught him with voice and hand signals, that’s how we communicated then. Other than that, he never had any health problems his whole life.

I did not know how much more time we had together; tears were always in my eyes when I think about it. I loved him and have been very blessed to have had him in my life.
— Montana---
Wolf passed away in January 2009