Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Arteaga.
Melissa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have loved dogs my entire life. My interest in dog training started when I was doing volunteer shelter work and fell in love with Timmy a 4 month old pointer mix. Timmy was a handful and full of energy. To keep him busy I started trick training as well as obedience. While working with Timmy every day I realized my true calling.
After years of professionally training dogs in group classes, and private lessons at another facility I decided to branch out on my own.
In 2013 Pawsome Dogs was born to provide clients with specialized, in home private training tailored to the individual needs of every dog I meet.
I’m a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers A.P.D.T as well as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator for the AKC.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I first started I didn’t realize how many aspects there where to starting a business. It’s not just about providing dog training, but taking into account marketing, website development and upkeep, licensing, insurance and financial details.
I felt the hardest part was marketing and getting the word out that I was a new business in the area.
Over the years I have worked with many wonderful clients, built lasting relationships and received many five star reviews and referrals.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Pawsome Dogs offers reward based dog training in Chicago customized to fit every dog’s needs which helps you build a bond with your dog. We offer in home lessons and group classes.
We specialize in beginner to advanced obedience, puppy training, leash manners, reactivity, fear aggression, resource guarding, and anxiety.
I offer group classes for puppies, beginners, intermediate, advanced, and trick training.
What sets me apart is I see each dog as an individual and offer multiple training techniques to find the best fit to ensure the dog and client are successful.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in central Illinois, I always had animals. I had a rabbit, guinea pig, leopard gecko, and a cat. Since I couldn’t have a dog until I was older I taught my cat to walk on leash and many other tricks. I would walk my uncles dog every chance I could. My uncle taught his dog a ton of cool tricks like sneezing on command which sparked my interest in training dogs.
Pricing:
- Private Lesson 1 hour $85.00
- Private Lesson Package of 3 Lessons $245.00
- Private Lesson Package of 5 Lessons $350.00
- Group Classes $150.00
Contact Info:
- Address: Servicing the Northside of Chicago and surrounding areas.
- Website: www.pawsomedogs.net
- Phone: 773 818 7204
- Email: Melissa@pawsomedogs.net
- Instagram: @pawsomedogstraining
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PawsomeDogs/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pawsome-dogs-chicago
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
