Training that feels like magic

Imagine life with your dog feeling easier, sweeter, and more joyful, where your bond deepens through play, presence, and discovery.

Certified Professional Dog Trainer Justus Joseph sits in green grass with three adorable, happy dogs.

Whether you’re raising a puppy, preventing future problems, or untangling behaviours already causing stress, we guide you toward simple, effective solutions that also deepen your bond with your dog.

Here, training isn’t just about fixing behaviour — it’s about building understanding.

Whether you’re in the Chicagoland area or farther afield, you’ll learn to listen, your dog will feel heard, and together you’ll unlock possibilities neither of you knew existed.

Ready for a well-trained dog?

This October, dog training gets a spooky twist…

The Familiar’s Field Guide is no ordinary training course; it’s a story you and your dog step inside together.

Through playful quests and haunting audio, you’ll explore real-life skills in a world that feels equal parts eerie and enchanting.

Guided by story, you and your dog will uncover courage, connection, and joy.


Will you and your familiar dare to enter?

Learn how to draw & paint your pet this autumn!

Join our new class

Portraits of the Beloved:

Exploring Pet Portraiture Across Media

Training that’s fun, force-free & effective

  • Cute cartoon illustration of a beige puppy with floppy ears, a black nose, and a pink tongue hanging out.

    Two-way Communication

    Our training teaches you ways to better communicate with your dog, so they understand what you want, and gives your dog ways to communicate with you — in ways you like!

  • Cartoon illustration of a adorable puppy with one eye closed, large eyes, pink nose, and a purple collar, with a small purple heart floating beside its head.

    Without Fear or Punishment

    Our aim is to increase your dog’s confidence and strengthen their trust in you. Our training will always build up your dog! This means we won’t try to intimidate them, physically punish or coerce them, or try to make them afraid.

  • Cartoon illustration of a white dog with floppy ears, wearing a blue collar with pink spikes, sitting next to two purple boxes.

    Safe, Pain-free Equipment

    We do not use choke chains, prong collar, vibration collars, or electronic / shock collars. These tools often rely on causing dogs pain and can create additional problems, including increased aggression. If you’re currently using one of these tools, don’t worry! We understand why they’re used, and if you’re interested, we can work with you to identify alternative equipment that’s safe and comfortable for you and your dog.

Our Specialties

Cartoon illustration of a happy, smiling puppy dog with black, brown, and tan fur, sitting on the ground and peeing with a yellow splash.

Unwanted behaviours

  •  Lost too many meals to counter-surfing?

  • Worried you might lose an arm to all the pulling on your dog walks?

  •  Can’t hear yourself think over your dog’s barking?

  •  Do you avoid having guests because your dog’s too much to handle?

Our Wild Child Program is the answer you’ve been looking for.

Illustration of a French Bulldog with a wheelchair.

dogs with disabilities

(Seniors, shy / fearful, mobility challenged, blind, deaf)

  • Do your dog’s disabilities make communication difficult?

  • Has your dog’s world gotten smaller since losing their vision?

  • Does your fearful dog need a confidence boost?

  • Are you feeling uncertain and concerned about your pup’s future?

We designed our Creating Confidence Program for dogs like yours.

Cute cartoon puppy running with pink ears and tongue out

puppies & adolescents

(For puppies up to 24 months old)

  • Is your adorable new addition an untrained handful?

  • Tired of stepping in pee puddles?

  • Want to stop problem behaviours before they start?

Our Love Starts Here Program helps your puppy grow into your dream canine companion.

Want a dog who’s less wild and more wonderful?

🐾 Free 30-Minute Consultation Call

Let’s talk about your dog — and what’s possible.

This no-pressure, 30-minute phone call is for curious, caring guardians who want to explore what working together could look like.

We’ll talk about:
✔ What’s going on with your dog (behaviorally or emotionally)
✔ What kind of support you’re looking for
✔ Which program or pathway might be the best fit
✔ How I work, and what you can expect

This isn’t a training session or behaviour assessment — it’s a warm, welcoming first conversation. A chance to ask questions, share your story, and find out if this is the right fit for you and your pup.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Let’s take the first step together.

Digital illustration of a small, long-haired papillon dog with brown, white, and black fur.

Ready to stART YOUR TRAINING JOURNEY?

Your journey starts with understanding — not judgment.

This 90-minute session is your opportunity to share your dog’s story, ask questions, and explore the best support options for your unique situation.

Together, we’ll:
✔ Talk through your goals, concerns, and your dog’s history
✔ Observe your dog’s behavior and body language in a safe, supportive space
✔ Begin to uncover the root causes behind unwanted behaviors
✔ Map out a personalized training plan — one that honors both your dog’s needs and your lifestyle

You’ll leave this session with insight, next steps, and a clear path forward — whether you’re navigating reactivity, raising a puppy, or supporting a sensitive soul.

Because every transformation starts with a conversation.
And every dog deserves to be seen, heard, and understood.

Testimonial graphic with quote about Justus, featuring a pink background, a dark gray centered box with a gold border, displaying the words 'TESTIMONIAL' in orange and a quote in yellow that reads 'Justus is the best. She will make you feel comfortab
Testimonial quote card with a pink background, featuring a dark grey box outlined in yellow, containing the quote: 'You would be very lucky to get to work with Justus.' by David Wellman, with the word 'TESTIMONIAL' at the top in orange.
A testimonial quote on a dark gray background with pink border and yellow text, praising someone named Justus for their kindness and helpfulness in a pet adoption process.
Testimonial quote on a dark gray background with a pink border, praising Justus for her teaching methods and patience.
Testimonial quote on a dark gray background with a pink border, reading: 'Justus is very competent. No issue is too big.' attributed to Donna & Emma Rose Too.
A testimonial graphic with a dark gray background and pink border. The word "Testimonial" is at the top, followed by a quote about recommending Justus, attributed to Dave Reinhardt.