Cloud K9 Academy Dog Training - Naperville, Illinois

J F.

We got our puppy just before Covid. We did a lot of on line training during lockdown, but fast forward 2 Covid years, and we were living with a dog who was perfect at home, but who was scared of going into strange buildings, stores, the vets office etc. I chose Cloud K9, because our golden is very sensitive and I knew she needed a positive training experience, and I couldn't take a chance with someone yelling at her or punishing her.. We signed up for a basic Manners class just to give her some exposure to a group training class, The first day of class she was a shaking, fearful mess. She was too scared to even eat her treats (and if you have a golden you know that's pretty bad). Rachel provided a great atmosphere for her and gave her activites that made her feel comfortable. She was slowly improving, and Rachel recommended moving to the agility class with Christine to improve her confidence. Its been 2 months since we started. at Cloud K9. Wow, what a difference. She has gone from quivering tail tucked dog to one that leaps out of the car and charges into the training building head up and tail wagging. I'm actually considering trying agility competitions with her which would never have been a possibility before. A positive approach to training makes all the difference in training a nervous or fearful dog (or really any dog) I was very impressed by how at Cloud K9 the training is individualized to each dog, there's no "group" activity, so your dog is working on what your dog needs to work . Highly recommend, wish I had found them sooner.

Meaghan D.

We started going to Cloud K9 in September after adopting our puppy, Archer. We originally enrolled in puppy classes and had a great experience with both the owner, Rachel, and trainer, Marie. Archer had so much fun at each class so we followed up by enrolling in manners classes. We graduated from manners quickly and are now in the canine good citizen class preparing for the test later this month. Once we pass the CGC test, we plan to enroll in either the agility or rally classes as well.

Overall, we’ve had a great experience training with Cloud K9 and would absolutely recommend working with them!

Allison Z.

I will highly recommend Cloud K9 to anybody! My pup Hudson, a 10 month old Newfypoo, just finished his 4 weeks of “school” with the fusion gold program. Not only do I LOVE that they use positive reinforcement only (one of the very few places that do, unfortunately) but I never once had doubts about their expertise or qualifications. I always felt like Hudson was in great hands and was being treated with compassion and patience. Not only that, but upon finishing his 4 weeks I feel like we have had a total break through. His loose leash walking skills are coming along beautifully and we are both more confident in our abilities to take a stress-free neighborhood walk. I was skeptical about the remote learning part of the program, but Rachel’s videos are short, to the point, and very easy to follow. The ability to post questions is a game changer as well compared to other online training programs. Thanks to Cloud K9 I feel like the bond between Hudson and I has improved tremendously and we are excited to continue to follow the online program and keep up with our training! A big thank you from our family to Rachel, Courtney, and Marie!

Kari T.

I took a beginner’s trick class with my dog, Yogi, a year and a half ago. I was waiting for a pre-agility class to open and wanted to keep him in the swing of things until then. It was so fun learning how to train him and practicing at home. He loved all the attention, the treats, and especially showing off!
I realized that tricks aren’t just for fun (although it is very fun!), but it’s also a way to spend more time with your dog in a very positive way and to give him more confidence in every day situations.
After Yogi and I received our Novice Trick Dog Title through Do More With Your Dog!, I wanted to keep going. To do that, I needed to find a Certified Trick Dog Instructor. I searched the area, read reviews, and decided to choose Rachel Fein. She was just opening up her new training center.
Rachel was beyond great. Most of the time it was her teaching me how to train Yogi, but she has the patience of a Saint and truly loves working with dogs and their owners.
Yogi and I eventually earned our Intermediate Trick Dog Title and our Advanced Trick Dog Title. Then, a new puppy I adopted, Athena, was in our lives and through teaching Yogi tricks, I was able to get Athena through her titles more quickly. Yogi, then Athena, earned their Expert Trick Dog Titles, and then they both earned their CHAMPION TRICK DOG TITLES! I am so proud of them!! I was able to submit their awards to the AKC and they each have titles through them, too.
I never could have done it without Rachel!
Yogi and Athena both love an audience and sometimes when I show what they can do to a new person in the house, it’s like dueling trick dogs trying to be the first to make the person smile! Each trying to comically one up the other! Another added benefit is that when they are in stressful situations, I have them do tricks. It focuses them on me and the treat and they forget whatever it was they were nervous about.
With the Champion titles achieved, we are training to do Stunt Dog Work - basically tricks in front of an audience as a routine. It’s opened new doors to us! If you are at all thinking about teaching your dogs tricks, sign up for a class! You will not regret it.
And, when I come home and I’m exhausted at the end of the day, all I have to do to get a drink is to ask Athena. She’ll open the refrigerator, bring the drink to me, and close it - for a couple of treats, of course!

Kari Trotsky, DVM
Owner of Peaceful Endings for Pets

Chris A.

Have loved the training offered by Cloud K9, we feel the utmost confidence handing off our puppies and their new families to her care and training - have seen nothing but positive results in all our babies who have taken classes there. I recommend her very highly!

Lilykins T. P.

I love Cloud K9. Rachel knows what she is doing and how to help any dog. My dog had social anxiety with about everything even though she was in a puppy class at a different facility prior to agility. Rachel took her time working with my dog and my dog gained a lot of confidence through agility. My dog loved going to class and would get excited when nearing the facility. Also like how Rachel makes the dogs stay in a kennel so owners can have one on one work. This helped my kennel trained dog stay relaxed while waiting for her turn. The only reason I left was I moved out of state. I highly recommend anyone to Rachel.

Michael K.

We started bringing our puppy to Cloud K9 two years ago and have now moved through much of the agility classes with her over the years! I can not say enough good things about this business! Rachel is incredible with all the dogs here! She has so much patience and knowledge. The positive reinforcement she uses really motivates our dog as well as builds her confidence and happiness!

Brandon D.

Rachel has helped me with two of my dogs. Rachel is a great instructor. She has a real connection with the dogs and owners. She is very patient and understanding with the dogs. I have a 3 year old lab that Rachel has helped me with doing agility. I also have a 11 month old Pit Bull puppy that I have recently started doing agility also. Rachel has been a HUGE help with both of my dogs. I would HIGHLY recommend her as a trainer. She is a positive reinforcement only trainer. Both of my dogs responded very well to her technique's. Looking forward to future training with Rachel.