Our dedicated staff walk, talk and speak the language of dog with credentialed knowledge in dog behavior. The A Sound Beginning team includes a DVM with a speciality in veterinary behavior, Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified trainers as well as trainers with Masters and Bachelors degrees in animal behavior and numerous other certifications in the world of dog training.

We are committed to helping you to understand exactly what your dog is telling you and to teaching you how to shape behavior and build a lifelong relationship with your dog that is based on mutual trust.

The bottom line is that training should be fun for both you and your dog. It should be a bonding experience. This relationship begins the moment you decide to bring a new dog into your home.

We will help you to avoid common mistakes and guide you through laying a great foundation where your new dog can thrive. Along the way you will learn how to speak dog language too and you will be amazed how quickly your dog will respond to our positive training methods.

We have expertise in working with shelter and rescue dogs and we are very experienced in working with dogs that are shy, nervous or fearful. But anyone who wants to build a great relationship with a new dog can benefit from our program.

We are not your average dog training program. We are about setting you and your new dog onto a path for success. All great friendships should start with a sound beginning that continues for a lifetime.

Jake on the Job of Fox 32 news met with our A Sound Beginning trainers at the A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter in Naperville to learn how to train a dog using positive reinforcement methods.

This is a short film about our experiences working with the Galgos (Spanish Greyhounds). Our eyes were opened to their plight and the mass killing and abuse that is happening. Please help us to help the dedicated people who work every day to save these beautiful dogs by watching and sharing this film far and wide. The more awareness we can bring to this topic, the better chance we have at effecting change. There is no graphic content in this film - it is a small window into the aftermath of mass breeding and dumping of dogs and a portrayal of resiliency and our hope for the future of the Galgo..

The Daily Herald met with our founder, Julie Dorsey-Oskerka to discuss the ASB Program, the music and how we are helping shelter dogs through the pre and post-adoption phase.

• We are totally positive reinforcement trainers using humane, science-based methods.
• We do not advocate nor use choke chains, prong collars, shock collars, force, fear, or intimidation.
• We dedicate our training program to improving the relationship between dogs and their people.
• References: American College of Veterinary Behaviorists www.dacvb.org