Theo's Doggos
Comprehensive, science backed dog training education—rooted in trust, empathy, and kindness. Because every dog deserves to be seen, understood, and respected.
Private at Home Sessions, Puppy Basics, and Virtual Dog Training Education
Hello, I’m Theodora Iancu—Chicago resident and certified professional dog trainer at your service.
It’s my passion and privilege to guide dogs and their humans toward mutual understanding, harmony, and an unbreakable lifelong connection.
After over a decade of caring for and training dogs while capturing moments their families cherish, my focus has evolved into providing thoughtful, positive-reinforcement training in the Chicago area and virtually worldwide.
At Theo’s Doggos, training is approached as a relationship—one built slowly, thoughtfully, and with attention to the individual dog in front of us. Each program is shaped around your dog’s emotional needs, your household’s rhythms, and realistic, sustainable progress.
Nothing rushed. Nothing forced.
Just steady, supportive guidance that allows confidence to develop naturally—for dogs and for the humans learning alongside them.
Compassionate dog training education for guardians
who truly want to understand their canine companions.
Meet Penny the rat terrier mix, one of my first puppers in training. This pic is one of my all time favorites I took of her!
Providing education and guidance to help you build a strong foundation with your dog—now and for the future. This isn’t your average dog training. It’s personalized, high quality guidance for people who see their dogs as family and want to give them the best life possible.
With over two decades of experience working with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and behavioral backgrounds, I'll help you cultivate a calm, well-mannered companion through positive based training designed to enhance your dog’s well-being and your lifestyle.
No one-size-fits-all “solutions”—just thoughtful, tailored support to help your dog thrive.
Your priorities are my priority, and together, we’ll set your dog up for a happy, well-balanced life.
Theo's Dog Training Mission Statement
I believe dog training should feel like connection—not control.
As a lifelong animal lover and advocate, I stand up for the dogs who can’t speak for themselves. Too many dogs sadly go through life misunderstood, and I refuse to be part of that cycle. I do not and will never use ANY aversive tools or fear-based techniques EVER—no shock, choke, pinch, prong collars, leash jerks, alpha rolls, or intimidation tactics of any kind. This includes "leveraging" your body and tone or the use of any scary sounds or overwhelming smells from any devices.
Here’s why, both science and first hand experiences of myself and many others like me have shown that those methods absolutely don’t fix the root of any unwanted behavior.
They only:
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Increase fear, stress, and reactivity
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Break the trust and bond between humans and dogs
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Suppress communication and warning signs (which makes bites more dangerous)
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Create learned helplessness—dogs shut down because they can’t escape pain or fear
And honestly—who wants that for their family members?
Unfortunately, there are many quick-fix focused "trainers" that do it for fast money. You see, because my industry is unbelievably unregulated, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. Crazy how there's a required certification for grooming but not dog training, sadly this is the reality in the U.S. at the moment.
Some “boot camps” and “board and train” programs may promise fast results, usually a red flag, but they often use aversive tools and methods relying on pain, force, and fear leaving dogs traumatized all while robbing you of any chance to learn hands on and build a lifelong bond with your dog.
I Choose to be Better—for You and Your Dog
Your dog isn’t a project. They’re family. They’re a living, feeling being with their own unique personalities, fears, joys, and quirky little habits, even annoying ones—just like us. Sure, positive training takes a little more patience—but don't we all deserve a little grace? However, the patience really does pay off because results are designed to be life long, aka, totally worth it in the end.
So with me, you’ll get:
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Trust, not trauma
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Compassion over control
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Communication, not domination
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Science-based training—not scare tactics
They Give Us Everything. Let’s Give It Back.
I’m here to help your dog not just behave—but truly thrive in our big, confusing human world. With empathy, clarity, patience, and yes… endless treats and love.
Dog Training Courses & Prices
Force-Free Science-Based Heart-Led
Fully Supported, Comprehensive Training—Guided by Me, Theo
Every course is personally and fully supported from start to finish by me, Theo.
No matter where you’re located, I’m honored to be considered as a guide in your dog’s training journey. All sessions can optionally be held virtually, and for some dogs—particularly those who experience fear or stress around unfamiliar people in their home, remote coaching may be the least aversive, most supportive, and effective option.
No matter the phase your dog is in, these courses are designed to build essential life skills that allow dogs to navigate our human world with calmness, confidence, and emotional safety.
You’ll receive everything you need—thoughtfully selected training tools and equipment (including leashes, harnesses, enrichment toys, and activities), local resources and connections, and a variety of your dog’s favorite high-value treats so you can focus on learning, consistency, and building a strong connection without any guesswork. All the equipment you'll need is chosen specifically based on your dog’s unique personality and training goals.
My premium pricing reflects the level of care, availability, resources, and consistency I provide, allowing me to fully understand and prioritize you and your dog’s unique journey throughout your learning experience every step of the way.
Four Week Calm and Confident Puppy Training Course
This course is for un-trained puppies that you may have just adopted. Coached in-home sessions focusing on puppy basics like potty training, harness training, desensitization training for stress-free grooming and vet visits. Includes basic training introductions such as name recognition, voluntary check-ins, sit, wait, a reliable recall, settling on cue, and crate training.
Includes:
✔ One hour-long initial virtual training plan assessment meeting
✔ All required tools, treats, toys, any supplies needed for your success
✔ A full week of post-program support for follow-up questions or concerns
✔ Four one hour-long in-home sessions focused on 1-3 behaviors each week
✔ Fully customizable training plans based on you and your dog's unique needs
✔ Lifetime access to all of the provided resources & recordings from all past sessions
✔ Detailed session recaps, worksheets, and homework assignments after every meeting
✔ Dedicated email support throughout the program and for up to one week post-graduation
$1,199
Click here for a sample week by week breakdown of this fully customizable course.
Six Week Positive Training Foundations Course
This course is ideal for established puppies or adult dogs who need strong foundational life skills to navigate the world calmly and confidently. Teach your dog key life skills like calm manners, situational confidence, loose-leash walking, a reliable recall, and life-saving impulse control using reward-based methods that build a strong relationship based on empathy and understanding—not fear and intimidation. If you have a dog with concerning issues such as reactivity and anxiety, this course helps build foundational skills every dog needs to cope and adapt in their environment harmoniously. This course is a prerequisite to the Eight Week Calm & Connected Doggo Course and includes any necessary emergency management plans to prioritize everyone's safety. Mastering these life skills is key for your dog's success!
Includes:
✔ One hour-long initial virtual training plan assessment meeting
✔ All required tools, treats, toys, any supplies needed for your success
✔ All session recaps, detailed training plans, worksheets, and homework
✔ Six one hour-long in-home sessions focused on 1-3 behaviors each week
✔ Fully customizable training plans based on you and your dog's unique needs
✔ Lifetime access to all of the provided resources & recordings from all past sessions
✔ Detailed session recaps, worksheets, and homework assignments after every meeting
✔ Dedicated email support throughout the program and for up to one week post-graduation
$1,599
Click here for a sample week by week breakdown of this fully customizable course.
Eight Week Calm & Connected Doggo Course
After mastering basic life skills from the Positive Training Foundations Course-which should help curb many common behavioral concerns, this program is for struggling dogs who may still need extra help managing their big feelings. This is for dogs who bark, lunge, bite, or struggle emotionally in the world due to a lack of social skills or because of phobias. This isn’t “obedience training”—it’s doggy therapy for their nervous system. Individually tailored plans to solve your dog's high risk behaviors such as aggression, reactivity, guarding behaviors, separation anxiety, phobias, etc.
Includes:
✔ One hour-long initial virtual training plan assessment meeting
✔ Safety prioritizing behavioral management plans and strategies
✔ Step-by-step counter-conditioning and desensitization training plans
✔ All required tools, treats, toys, and equipment needed for your success
✔ Eight one hour-long in-home sessions focused on 1-3 behaviors each week
✔ Fully customizable training plans based on you and your dog's unique needs
✔ Lifetime access to all of the provided resources & recordings from all past sessions
✔ Detailed session recaps, worksheets, and homework assignments after every meeting
✔ Dedicated email support throughout the program and for up to one week post-graduation
$1,999
Click here for a sample week by week breakdown of this fully customizable course.
"A La Carte" Sessions for Active Students & Graduates
For current and past students, these services are meant to help cover any additional needs that may not have been addressed in prior sessions. These services are specifically meant to only be used as make-up sessions for missed classes, for addressing any resurfacing of old behaviors, and nipping any new unwanted behaviors in the butt-before they escalate.
Life happens in phases for both humans and their doggos, don't let set backs get you down!
One Sixty Minute Coached Training Session
Includes:
✔ One sixty minute in-home/virtual coached training session
✔ One full week of follow-up direct messaging support post meeting
✔ Training and management plans, homework, recommended supplies list
$199
Are you ready to embark on your positive dog training journey?
...No pun-intended...
Business Hours
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
You'll hear back within one to two business days of submitting your application.
Looking forward to helping you become the best dog guardian you can be—and supporting you and your dog every step of the way!