Dave has owned dogs his entire life. He began his venture in training back in 1987 while walking his dog in the park. Louie, who was a dog trainer, saw him struggling to keep his dog under control, so he approached Dave to ask if he would like help training his dog. They became fast friends and in 1989 Dave and Louie started their own training business in Chicago.

In 1989, Dave also joined the Chicago Transit Authority and started out on patrol with his dog, Rambo. Within three months, he became the trouble-shooter for on-street training; whenever someone within the CTA had a problem with their dog, they asked Dave for help.

In 1991, Dave branched out and started his own training business in the Rockford area and has been training dogs for the public ever since. He still occasionally assists police with training and protection work for their K-9 units.

Dave's experience also includes judging obedience and protection competitions in the Chicagoland area.

Along the way, Dave decided to try grooming (since most of the work of grooming is handling the dog). So in 2000, he called upon another friend to teach him the basics of grooming.

This mixture of training and grooming resulted in the creation of a place just for dogs that would offer grooming, training, and day care: Dave's Doggie Den opened in 2005.

Since 1988, Dave has been competing with his dogs in several dog competitions in the Chicagoland area and has finished in the top three in every single competition.

Here are some of Dave's Certifications and Competitions:
Master Trainer
Walter Ward's Street Wise Competition - 1988-2004
AKC Good Citizen Trainer - 1993-2010
Iron Dog Competition - 1998-2004
Personal Protection Dog Assoc. - 1999-2002
Certified Trainer/Agitator

RATES

Please call for current rates for any of our services.
1-815-397-2940

HOURS

Beginning August 9, 2024, Dave's Doggie Den is open By Appointment ONLY
We will no longer be offering grooming or day-care at out new location.

DIRECTIONS

As of August 9, 2024, our NEW LOCATION will be:
7117 Clinton Rd., Unit 2
Loves Park, IL 61111