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I’ve been an educator my entire adult life. First, as an elementary school teacher, then a coach, a tutor, and now a dog trainer. When people think of a dog trainer, most picture someone who is really good at teaching skills to dogs. I understand how to teach these skills, but my perspective on training is unique – and this differentiates me from the pack. As a dog trainer who is an educator at heart, I train people first and foremost. I’m passionate about empowering people to discover their inner leader and transform their relationship with their dogs.
I have multiple years of hands-on experience working with dogs of all ages, breeds, and backgrounds. My specialty is obedience and behavior modification training, especially for owners with dogs dealing with reactivity or aggression issues. I’ve also deepened my knowledge by completing canine educational coursework from highly regarded dog trainers in the industry as well as a shadow trainer program led by world-renowned dog trainer, Tom Davis.
Throughout my professional experience and continued education, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless dogs and owners to hone my craft and discover my dream of helping people and dogs thrive together. Balanced Behavior Dog Training Center opened in November 2024. Here, I take a human-led approach to training that transforms owners into confident leaders who can effectively communicate with their dogs so they can live in harmony together.
When my wife and I adopted our first dog, Blaze, together in 2019, my passion for dog training really began. Blaze was an incredible dog from the very beginning (we got lucky!), but having him in my life really inspired my passion for training. I had so much fun teaching Blaze commands and taking him everywhere with me so people could comment on his good behavior- it was the absolute best compliment anyone could ever give me. Unfortunately, Blaze passed away suddenly from brain cancer at just 4.5 years old, but I’m forever thankful for everything I was able to learn from working with him. Blaze inspired my lifelong journey of becoming a dog trainer.
In April 2022, my wife and I adopted our first Cane Corso, Booker. He showed me that I had a lot to learn when it came to understanding dog behavior. When we adopted Booker, he was explosively reactive on the leash which made him very difficult to take anywhere. This was my first experience with reactivity, so I didn’t know what to do. After unsuccessfully trying to work with a couple of professional dog trainers to help with Booker’s behaviors, I decided that I was going to figure it out myself. I dedicated all of my time to studying dog behavior and really understanding the cause of behaviors. Long story short, Booker and I practiced every single day. It certainly was not easy, but I am incredibly proud to say that we overcame all of our problems together. Booker inspired my lifelong journey of becoming a dog behaviorist.
Most dog trainers only focus on training dogs when in reality, that’s not nearly as important as making sure you – the owner – can do the same things that we do with your dog. All it takes is a willingness to embody our core values which will give you everything you need to live harmoniously with your dog.
Get started for free.
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation today so we can help you find a program that fits you best.
Get started for free.
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation today so we can help you find a program that fits you best.
Our facility is located at 453 S Vermont Street Unit G, Palatine, IL 60067.
Our facility is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 6:00pm, by appointment only. If you are interested in a free 30-minute consultation, email us at info@balancedbehavior.com or fill out an interest form on our Contact page. We will reach out to you to schedule a time to come in.
No, we are closed on all major US holidays. If your regular training session falls on a holiday, we will communicate with you in advance and find another day that works.
Our facility is 1,800 sq ft.
We can accommodate a maximum of 8 dogs in the facility at one time. We keep our capacity low to ensure your dog’s safety as well as to provide proper individualized time for every dog.
Training begins as soon as you bring your dog into your home! You can begin training with us as soon as your dog is 6 months old.
Dogs must be a minimum of 6 months old to participate in any of our training programs. Also, Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella vaccinations must be up-to-date.
We offer three foundational training programs: Rookie Mode, GOAT Camp, & GOAT Camp+. We recommend coming in for a consultation & evaluation to find the perfect fit for you and your dog!
Rookie Mode is best if you want to learn the basics and ‘how tos’ of dog training. This program is designed to show you how to train your dog, but it does not allow any time for us to train your dog directly.
GOAT Camp is best if you want to learn how to better communicate with your dog and build a stronger relationship with them. This program is designed to help you become the leader your dog needs. We encourage you to email us with any specific questions or schedule your free 30-minute consultation to view the facility and find the right program fit for you and your dog.
GOAT Camp+ is best if you are struggling with extreme behavioral problems and want more direct time with Bill during each session. This is very important when dealing with behavioral issues because they are often complex and require a lot of human learning in order to help your dog overcome their behavioral challenge. This program is ideal if you have some level of training experience, but you are struggling with behavioral issues such as anxiety, fear, reactivity, aggression, or resource guarding.
We encourage you to contact us with any specific questions or schedule your free 30-minute consultation to view the facility and find the right program fit for you and your dog.
Not necessarily. We will collect the information we need to assess your dog when you submit an interest form or if we have an email/phone conversation. We encourage you to email us at info@balancedbehavior.com with any specific questions or schedule your free 30-minute consultation to view the facility and we will help you find the right program fit for you and your dog.
Please bring a proper leash, collar, and training treats to each session.
You can register your dog for any of our training programs on our website or by using our app called PocketSuite.
Yes, we ask you to complete four forms: a new client intake form, a payment information form, a photo release form, and a general waiver.
We accept credit card or cash payments.
Yes, please contact us to purchase a gift card.
Yes, please contact us if you need to set up a payment plan.
Once you have booked an appointment with us it means that we have reserved time in our schedule exclusively for you and your dog. If you cancel your appointment less than 24 hours before it is scheduled to take place, you will be subject to a $25 cancellation fee.
To avoid a cancellation fee, please provide a cancellation notice at least 24 hours prior to your appointment by emailing us at info@balancedbehaviordtc.com
If you miss a 1-on-1 training session without prior notice or communication, there is no fee but you forfeit that session.
In our GOAT Training Camp, dogs are training from the moment they walk through the door until you pick them up on a variety of different skills. This includes a focus on developing strong obedience, loose leash walking skills, the ability to relax, and overall dog neutrality.
Your dog is training throughout the day while they are at the facility with a focus on developing reliable obedience, loose leash walking skills, and overall dog neutrality. This includes many sessions of obedience training, agility work, leash walking, and play with the trainer. When they are not training, your dog is either relaxing on a Kuranda Dog Bed or in their Impact Dog Crate to focus on recovery and relaxation.
The real magic happens during the 1:1 private training session that you receive with each day of the program. Our GOAT training program follows a custom-made curriculum that was designed to teach you, the owner, how to effectively communicate with your dog so that your dog listens to you just as well as it listens to the trainer!
The biggest difference between a board and train program and our GOAT Training Camp is that you do not have to send your dog away for multiple weeks. Instead, your dog will get all of the benefits of intensive training without being apart from you for an extended period of time.
Your dog will go outside for bathroom breaks, and we will train with your dog outside when appropriate.
Dogs stay in Impact Dog Crates when they are not working with the trainer. These are top of the line crates to ensure that your dog is comfortable and is able to relax during their down time – just like they would be doing at home! Our dog beds are Kuranda Dog Beds which also offer industry-best comfort.
Not yet, but programs for specific advice will be available in the future. In the meantime, you can follow our founder, Bill Balatsos, on Instagram at @thebigdogguy for free tips.
You can find Balanced Behavior Dog Training Center on Facebook or Instagram. You can also follow our founder, Bill Balatsos, on Instagram @thebigdogguy or YouTube for free education and resources.
At Balanced Behavior Dog Training Center, we empower dog owners with the knowledge and skills to create a lifelong relationship with their dog that is rooted in love, trust, and mutual respect.
© 2025 Balanced Behavior Dog Training Center. All Rights Reserved.
Phone
(773) 900-8922
© 2025 Balanced Behavior Dog Training Center. All Rights Reserved.
