My Dog Rehab

Top Pro

$60/day

estimated price

Zip code

Number of pets

Length of time

Type of pets

Responds in about 2 hours

Introduction: Training Locations: Illinois Chicagoland / Indiana My name is Gerard and I have mastered the techniques to training dogs used by body language and energy to communicate with dogs. I understands how to teach new behaviors through luring, shaping, capturing or molding and have mastered the behavioral principles of operant conditioning. I have studied positive reinforcement dog training techniques as their primary training tool, which allows your dog to learn the desired behaviors while keeping that unique spark that makes your dog so special to you. Most of my customers require 2-3 training sessions because my methods are easy for dogs to understand and learn quickly. I don’t do group lessons because they aren’t as effective. 10 dogs in a class is extremely distracting for your dog, especially puppy’s! Puppies can’t stay focused for more that 1 second. I don’t do this for the money, I do it for the results and the smiles I enjoy seeing on my clients face. Please take a moment to look over my reviews, all my clients have been very satisfied with my services. My private lesson is hands on training to bridge that language barrier gap between you and your close companion. My partner Peekaboo (Patterdale Terrier Mix in my photos) work as a team to rehabilitate other dogs and change their old way of thinking. From anxiety, aggression, to insecurities. I want to share with you an amazing experience of a lifetime. Give us a call or text us! If I missed your call I am in a private lesson and will return your call as soon as possible after that lesson or leave me your number and I’ll call you ASAP. Thank you for your time and looking forward to hearing from you.

Overview

Current Top Pro

Hired 160 times

Serves Valparaiso, IN

Background checked

1 employee

9 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Instagram

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2023

2022

2021

Featured Projects

51 photos

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.

Excellent 4.9

116 reviews

96%

Read reviews that mention:

Estefania T.

Jan 28, 2021

Hired on Thumbtack

Gerard is deff the canine whisper in south Florida. I was really skeptical at first to allow a dog trainer in my home due to Covid however after speaking to a lot of other pet parents at the dog park I realized that a trend appeared when you compare in house training vs boarding your pet. I can definitely confirm that Gerard follows the CDC guidelines & made me feel comfortable and confident to walk my Great Dane around the block. He educating me on how to properly be a leader for my dog. I recommend in house training with Gerard highly since he teaches you and your dog to co live harmoniously vs sending your dog to a boarding and seeing the results of the training diminish over time. Thank you Gerard, best wishes.

Details: 6 - 12 months old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • House training • Barking • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Nadia T.

Jul 17, 2022

Hired on Thumbtack

I am very grateful to Gerard for helping me to become a better mom for my doggy Asher and more smart dog owner. A couple years ago Asher had a terrible pad paws infection and became more protective of himself when someone tried to pet him. He is a very social doggy and loves to play and be surrounded by people but his tension became a red flag for us. As immature dog owners we followed advises of the different dog trainers but there were no progress until Gerard came to work with Asher and me. First of all, Gerard identified the source of the problem, performed training as a dog whisper and taught me the effective way to connect with my dog and help him. I had only three lessons with Gerard and regularly have practiced very simple steps he suggested. There is a huge progress in Asher’s behavior and increased quality in his communication with me and his daddy. Recently Asher attended a beach party with many strangers, he had lots of fun playing with kids and got new friends whom he let pet himself. He even got a compliment from a few people as “the most well-behaved dog”. I was so proud of him and happy to see he is coming back to his confident and trusted mode. It is also exciting to feel that our bond and understanding became stronger. Thank you, Gerard!

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Biting • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Whitney M.

Mar 28, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

I sent my pup to My Dog Rehab due to his anxious and rowdy behavior. I received daily texts and videos across the week to show his progression. I am amazed at how well my dog was trained! His anxiety level has dropped tremendously and he listens to my commands! I am so happy I sent him to My Dog Rehab. It was a great experience for me and my pup!

Details: 6 - 12 months old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Leash pulling • House training • Barking • Crate training • Biting • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location

Dog Training

Pamela R.

Feb 22, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

He fit a lot of training in a 90 min session! We have been working on the things he taught us! I would use him again and will refer him if someone needs his services.

Details: 1 - 2 years old • Extra large (70+ lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • House training • Digging • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Ashley F.

Jan 5, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

I searched for a dog trainer for my 6 month old German Rottweiler for a few weeks. I did extensive research and finally decided to go with Gerard. It was the BEST decision! My dog left with issues of anxiety, no socializing skills, biting the ankles and shoes, and not knowing to leave items alone upon command. She returned and all my issues were corrected along with new techniques. Gerard sent videos and photos during the week my puppy was with him. When she returned, Gerard gave me some great one on one training. He also recommended some awesome food and treat devices along with a new great leash. I couldn’t have been more blown away when I saw the great behavior my dog displayed when she returned. My entire family is so happy! Thanks Gerard!

Details: 0 - 6 months old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • Barking • House training • Biting • Chewing • Crate training • Destructive behavior • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Credentials

Background Check

Gerard Dolinski

FAQs

How did you get started doing this type of work?
After watching the show called the dog whisperer. I was absolutely amazed the way he would train other dogs. At first I was very skeptical. But once I used the techniques with my dog and saw the results and I was truly amazed! I just had to start my own business to educate people and dogs and create that special bond between us humans and our pets. I wanted to close that language barrier we have between our pets to understand one another what our needs and wants are to be happy together.
What types of customers have you worked with?
From puppy training to extremely aggressive dog training. I’ve worked with all kinds of dogs with all sorts of problems. No dog is too much for me to handle.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
If you go to a big store like PetSmart to train your dog. They will be looking at the clock and have to stop at exactly when the lesson ends. I work for myself, and make sure I finish the training I’m in the middle of doing and go over time at no extra charge to my clients. I put my heart and sole into it and train them with love and care.