Chicago · Relationship-First Dog Training · Dog Dance · Sport Foundations

You don't get forever with them. Let's make it count.

Chicago dog training centered on real relationship — for guardians who want more than a well-managed dog.

I want to dance with my dog

I want to view upcoming dog sport classes

I want to train my dog

I want to support for my senior dog

Dog Dance

Some people find their way here because they've heard of canine freestyle. Most don't — they just know they want more with their dog, and something about this caught their attention.

Dog dance is a movement-based sport built entirely around your relationship. You choreograph. You interpret music together. You find out what your dog is actually capable of when someone's finally paying attention.

It's also one of the most joyful things I've ever watched people discover.

Come see what it is →

Other Ways to Work With Me

A woman sitting on the grass outdoors, smiling, with a happy dog wearing a colorful bandana. They are in a green, wooded area.

Behaviour & Training For guardians who need practical support — with reactivity, manners, or the everyday friction that makes life with a dog harder than it should be. I work with dogs across Chicago through day training and targeted behaviour support. Learn more →

Dynamic Dog Assessments A structured evaluation for dogs whose behaviour is hard to read or hard to explain. Useful when you want a clearer picture of who your dog actually is before deciding what kind of support they need. Learn more →

Senior & End-of-Life Support Supporting an aging dog is one of the most important things you'll do together. I offer calm, practical guidance for guardians navigating their dog's later years — including quality-of-life conversations and end-of-life decisions. Learn more →

Sport Classes: Fetch & Agility Weekly classes at Urban Pooch in Chicago. A good starting point if you're curious about sport training or want a structured, playful way to build skills with your dog. See upcoming classes →

A woman holding a certificate next to a smiling dog, both posing in front of a cityscape and a sign that reads 'Urban Pooch' with a cartoon dog in a champagne glass and a sunset background.

Man standing in blue indoor space with a small dog between his feet, looking down at the dog.

Training Moments

A woman kneeling on a blue indoor floor, wearing a beige hoodie, beige pants, and a red beanie, kneeling and holding a blue plush toy, with a blue and tan dog on a leash in front of her. The background shows black shelves, some orange fencing, and a colorful cityscape poster.

Group of people with dogs at an indoor training or competition event. Two individuals hold certificates, and the dogs appear to be service or therapy dogs.

Small black and white dog with a red harness looking at a blurry object in the foreground

Dog Dance

Fridays 6:00 & 7:15 pm · Saturdays 2:45 & 4:00 pm

Urban Pooch Training Center, Chicago

Register →

Dog Dance

Upcoming workshops and online options throughout the year.

See what's coming up →

Connected Fetch

Saturdays 5:15 pm

Urban Pooch Training Center, Chicago

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Beginner's Agility

Thursdays 11:15 am

Urban Pooch Training Center, Chicago

Register →

Upcoming Classes & Workshops

A woman kneeling on the blue floor next to a white poodle inside a room with brick walls and orange curtains, smiling while holding the dog's leash.

What People Are Saying

“Justus is the best. She will make you feel comfortable and confident. “

— Bernie Heidkamp

“You would be very lucky to get to work with Justus.”

— David Wellman

"Justus is kind, enthusiastic, and non judgmental, and gives so much information to refer to after each session. We've only met twice so far and don't feel pressured to do more than we can sustain. She gave us confidence in a found dog with an unknown history and no previous vetting from a foster agency, etc. More importantly, she gave us confidence in ourselves and the tools to give our guy a safe, happy home."

— Rachel K.