MEET OUR TEAM

Nick, Lauren, & Lucy

Founders of Chicagoland Dog Training

Nick, Lauren, & Lucy are the heart and soul behind Chicagoland Dog Training. What started in their small Chicago apartment in 2019 has grown into a trusted, highly referred training facility now proudly serving the McHenry, IL and surrounding areas. With a shared passion for dogs and a mission to make a difference, they’ve dedicated their lives to helping owners build strong, lasting bonds with their pets through effective, compassionate training.

Nick, a Chicago native, is the proud founder and co-owner of Chicagoland Dog Training and the former co-founder of Charleston Dog Training in South Carolina. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in behavior modification and has developed fast, practical training programs tailored for busy families. A graduate of Animal Behavioral College and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Nick holds certifications in Basic Obedience, Advanced Off-Leash, Puppy Development, Socialization, Behavior Modification, Breed Identification, and Potty Training. His balanced training approach emphasizes positive reinforcement and real-world results. Nick has also volunteered with shelters such as Right Way Rescue and Ziggy’s Rescue, helping to rehabilitate and rehome dogs in need.

Lauren’s deep love for animals started in childhood, where her natural connection with dogs quickly became clear. She saw early on that every dog was unique and began to develop a passion for understanding and working with them. As her interest in obedience training grew, so did her talent—strengthening the relationship between dogs and their humans. When Chicagoland Dog Training was founded, Lauren knew she wanted to help families create calm, confident, and well-behaved companions. For her, training is more than teaching commands—it’s about building harmony at home. After all, our motto is “A trained dog is a happy dog!”

Meet Lucy – Our Little Mascot
Lucy is our small but fearless sidekick who joined our family during the pandemic. Since then, she’s been a constant source of love, laughs, and motivation as we grew Chicagoland Dog Training into what it is today. Whether she’s supervising training sessions or simply making us smile, Lucy is truly the heart of our pack and an irreplaceable part of our journey.

Together, Nick and Lauren lead Chicagoland Dog Training with passion, experience, empathy, and an unshakable dedication to the dogs and families they serve.

Sara Orgler

Trainer

Sara's passion for training dogs is as boundless as her love for animals. Blending compassion with structure to create well-rounded canine companions. With a wealth of experience in various training methodologies, Sara understands that each dog is unique and requires a tailored approach. She combines balanced approach techniques with firm, yet gentle, guidance to instill obedience and foster trust. Sara's approach ensures that dogs not only learn basic commands but also develop self-control and good manners in various situations. Her dedication to both the emotional and behavioral well-being of her canine sets her apart as a trainer who is committed to nurturing happy, confident dogs and fostering enriching relationships between pets and their owners.

Deanna Butler

Trainer

Deanna is a compassionate, detail-oriented dog lover who brings warmth and dedication to everything she does. With a heart for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and personalities, she ensures each pup in her care feels safe, understood, and loved. Currently apprenticing under our co-owner Nick, Deanna is gaining hands-on experience and expert guidance to become an exceptional trainer. Her commitment to learning, paired with her natural kindness and meticulous attention to detail, makes her a valuable part of our team and a favorite among the dogs!