Business Details
29 Years
experience
Professional Dog Training in Peoria IL
Founded in 1997 by Joan Segler with Chuck Summers' support, our non-profit organization promotes responsible dog ownership and strengthens the human-animal bond. Our Peoria, Illinois facility features a handicap-accessible obedience ring, air-conditioned building, and fully fenced outdoor training areas. Our all-volunteer staff brings decades of dog training and showing experience, emphasizing AKC Novice Platform methods. We offer small-class environments with personalized attention to address behavioral issues while maintaining a non-judgmental atmosphere.Our community contributions include donations to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, Methodist Medical Center, and local animal shelters. Through training programs, we aim to reduce pet surrenders by addressing behavior problems. Financial sustainability comes from class fees, donations, and volunteer time contributions. Our facility's secluded location provides distraction-free training environments with ample grassy spaces. We maintain transparent operations through volunteer-led instruction and community engagement initiatives.
Services
Puppy Training
Beginner Obedience
Intermediate Obedience
Rally Obedience
Behavior Problem Resolution
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- Our volunteer instructors have decades of dog training experience
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized attention
- Our facility includes specialized obedience training spaces
- We follow AKC Novice Platform training standards
- Community-focused organization with proven behavior improvement results
Services
Puppy Training
Our puppy training program addresses early socialization needs for dogs aged 3-6 months. The six-week course focuses on leash walking, basic commands, and social behavior. Family participation is encouraged to establish consistent training patterns.
Beginner Obedience
Eight-week beginner obedience classes develop essential skills including leash control, stay commands, and recall training. Dogs learn to remain calm during grooming and veterinary visits while mastering fundamental obedience cues.
Intermediate Obedience
Six-week intermediate program builds on basic obedience with advanced commands and hand signals. Designed for dogs that completed beginner training, focusing on Canine Good Citizen certification standards.
Rally Obedience
Rally obedience combines elements of obedience and agility training. This six-week course teaches dogs to navigate obstacle courses while maintaining focus and responsiveness to handlers' commands.
Behavior Problem Resolution
Our facility provides dedicated spaces for addressing specific behavior issues. Trainers work with owners to develop customized solutions for problems like excessive barking, leash aggression, and separation anxiety.
People
Joan Segler
Founder
Established Heartland Dog Training in 1997 with Chuck Summers. Decades of experience in dog training and community outreach initiatives. Continues to guide the organization's mission and training philosophy.
Chuck Summers
Co-Founder
Supported Joan Segler in founding the organization. Provides strategic guidance based on extensive dog training and showing experience. Active in maintaining training standards and community partnerships.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We follow AKC Novice Platform standards emphasizing positive reinforcement and consistent command training.
Do you offer private training sessions?
Our programs focus on group classes but provide individualized attention within those sessions.
What vaccination records are required?
Current rabies, distemper, and bordetella vaccinations are required for all participating dogs.
How do I register for classes?
Download applications from our website or attend walk-in registration before session start dates.
Are there age requirements for dogs?
Puppy classes require dogs aged 3-6 months. Adult classes require dogs 6 months or older.
What facilities do you have available?
Our Peoria facility includes an obedience ring, air-conditioned building, and fully fenced outdoor training areas.
