Dog Tribe Academy is housed inside a 45,000 sq. ft. campus that includes Pup Start Chicago, Found Chicago, and the Dog Tribe training hall - giving you access to live clients, advanced tools, and seasoned trainers pushing industry standards every day.
Train Where the Pros Train
You won't just sit in a classroom — you’ll work side-by-side with experienced trainers, behaviorists, and handlers across multiple disciplines, from obedience and reactivity to protection sports and working dogs. This is where theory meets real-life application.
Hands-On, Real-World Training
Our program is built on mentorship, growth, and grit. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your career to the next level, you’ll earn your place here - and you won’t do it alone.
Our School
Your Journey Starts Here
We Train Dogs. We Build People.
This training has set me up to not only train and rehabilitate dogs effectively, but also to better relate to the families they go back to. On top of that, Fabian didn’t just teach me how to train — he helped me build my business from the ground up. From structure to strategy, his mentorship gave me the tools to launch with confidence. Highly recommend this school!
Peter C.
Los Angeles, CA
Second Chance K9 Training
Dog Tribe Academy Process
Step 1: Apply
Dog Tribe Academy operates on an application-based admissions process. Every submission is carefully reviewed to ensure candidates align with our values, expectations, and professional standards.
This program is not designed for everyone. Admission is reserved for individuals prepared to earn their place, commit to the craft, and take ownership of their development as future leaders in the dog training industry. Acceptance is based on readiness, accountability, and long-term commitment, not enthusiasm alone.
If you are serious about dog training and prepared to do the work, you are encouraged to apply and take the first step toward becoming part of the Tribe.
Step 2: Interview
Applicants who advance beyond the initial review will be invited to a one-on-one interview. This conversation allows us to look beyond the application and better understand your goals, mindset, experience, and readiness for growth.
We are not evaluating perfection. We are assessing grit, humility, self-awareness, and commitment to the process. The interview is designed to determine mutual fit, ensuring Dog Tribe Academy aligns with your professional path and that you are prepared to earn your place within the program.
Step 3: Acceptance & Enrollment
Upon acceptance into Dog Tribe Academy, students are granted access to the Academy’s online class sign-up portal. Through this platform, students can view upcoming classes, program opportunities, and required coursework that guides their progression through the Academy.
As students complete foundational milestones, they unlock additional scheduling options, including morning or evening classes and expanded hands-on training opportunities. This structured access ensures each student advances with the appropriate preparation, accountability, and readiness before increasing their level of practical involvement.
Step 4: Attend the Academy
The final stage of Dog Tribe Academy is the on-campus experience at our Chicago location. During this phase, students train alongside certified, practicing professionals across a range of real-world programs, including pet obedience, behavioral cases, working dogs, and operational leadership within an active facility.
The Academy experience is led by multiple instructors and includes structured classroom instruction, written and practical testing, hands-on training, shadowing, and direct participation in Chicago’s leading canine programs. Students are required to complete a defined number of academic credit hours, husbandry hours, and hands-on training hours, supported by video documentation and performance-based evaluations.
Each student is assigned a dedicated coach who provides ongoing feedback and oversight. This phase is high-accountability and performance-driven. Attendance alone does not guarantee completion or certification. Students must demonstrate measurable growth, initiative, professionalism, and technical competence throughout the program.