About Bear Down Dog Training LLC

<h2>Force-free training on Industrial Drive in Elmhurst</h2><p>Bear Down Dog Training states its position without hedging: "all of our training programs are built on the principles of evidence-based positive reinforcement, rewarding good choices to inspire lasting, confident behavior." The training page adds that the team uses "only force-free, fear-free, and science-based methods," and the site argues directly against choke and prong collars and punishment-based handling. The business runs by appointment only, Monday to Friday.</p><h3>Programs</h3><p>Group classes run a full ladder &mdash; Puppy Kindergarten, Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Obedience, a Senior Dog Class, Confidence Building, specialty classes and workshops, Canine Good Citizen, S.T.A.R. Puppy, puppy socialization and pack walks. <strong>In-Home Private Sessions</strong> bring a trainer to the house for reactivity, leash manners and confidence work. The <strong>Day Academy</strong> is the flagship: dogs arrive between 7:30 and 9:00 AM and leave between 4:00 and 5:30 PM, training sessions are recorded and shared with explanations, and the day is balanced with play and crate rest. It is priced at <strong>$200 per day</strong>, and the site pitches it explicitly as an alternative to board-and-train, arguing that sending a dog away risks old habits returning at home.</p><h3>The team</h3><p>The about page is written as a personal story built around two dogs, Zeus and Bear, with the business named for the latter. Founder Sara Graham describes herself as "a certified fear free dog trainer, Canine Good Citizen evaluator, canine and feline CPR trained business owner," and says she enrolled in Animal Behavior College. Katie Turrentine is listed as Dog Training Associate and Dan Bartley as Certified Trainer; the site credits Dan with service in the U.S. Navy Seabees before he moved into fostering and training.</p><h3>Worth knowing</h3><p>Dog sports are not run in house. The site names For Your K9, Inc. as "our recommended partner for advanced training" for nose work, agility, barn hunt and rally, so owners chasing sports should expect a referral.</p>