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Transform your relationship with your dog through our unique, owner-led approach that teaches you how to be the leader your dog needs. It will change their life–and yours.

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Lead with love. Live in harmony.

Our Philosophy

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.

Why we're different

Meet Our Founder, Bill Balatsos

As a dog trainer who is an educator at heart, I train people first and foremost.

Home Meet Bill (Landscape)

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. Of course, I understand how to teach these skills, but my perspective on training is unique – and this differentiates me from the pack. My passion is empowering dog owners to discover their inner leader and transform their relationship with their dogs.

Our story

Get started for free.

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation today so we can help you find a program that fits you best.

Schedule now

Get started for free.

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation today so we can help you find a program that fits you best.

Schedule now

"I don't suggest dog trainers often, but all I saw here was quality dog training."

@tomdavisofficial

"I don't suggest dog trainers often, but all I saw here was quality dog training."

@tomdavisofficial

What We Do

Every dog needs a confident leader, and that must be you.

Home What We Do (Landscape)

At Balanced Behavior Dog Training Center, we take an owner-led approach to training that teaches you how to be the leader your dog needs. Our programs are designed to give you effective strategies that bring lifelong success so you and your dog can live in harmony together.

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"

I can’t recommend Bill Balatsos highly enough—he is the best dog trainer in the Chicagoland area.

Bud

LIFE CHANGING for both us and our dog. Our pup has made so much progress, it’s like I have a different dog now. Our bond is so much stronger.
Floyd
We started with a reactive young dog who couldn’t see other people/dogs on a walk without reacting. We now have a confident boy!
Cedar
The transformation we've seen with Onyx and our relationship with him is night and day.
Onyx
From the very first session, I noticed a significant improvement in my dog's behavior. My dog is now well-behaved, confident, and happier than ever.
Jaclyn
I’ve worked with trainers before, but the results with Bill were different: practical, personalized, and sustainable.
Fred
Bill has given us and our boys the tools and skills to live a happier, safer, and more fulfilling life together.
Frank & Hank
Bill trained our puppy from a nervous, unconfident stray who didn't listen or walk well on a leash to a well behaved and very confident boy.
Forest
My relationship and bond with Logan has increased tremendously and the result is a happier dog and one that has a much more consistent and predictable behavior.
Logan
Bill trains you and your dog as a team. It was life-changing. He truly cares and sets you and your dog up for success.
Dante
Bill trained my puppy and the change was very noticeable in her behavior. This is my first dog and he was excellent at explaining behaviors of dogs in general.
Sage
Bill helped us tremendously with our very difficult dog, Joy. His knowledge, patience, and clear communication skills helped us to form a deeper bond with our pup.
Joy
Bill's training taught me how to become a better dog owner and leader for Saoirse. Our communication and trust have significantly improved, boosting her self-confidence and strengthening our relationship.
Saoirse
Training with Bill has been wonderful for our pup. The change was almost immediate. Bill has trained us how to lead better, so grateful!
Hawk
The training helped out so much from having guests come over and not having to worry about Biscuit being too crazy, to taking him on walks.
Biscuit
Absolutely a must for any reactive dog! Chai is much calmer and overall a better dog now - and we have valuable skills to continue her training.
Chai
I can’t recommend Bill Balatsos highly enough—he is the best dog trainer in the Chicagoland area.
Bud
Bill explains everything clearly and supports both me and my dog, giving me the confidence I need as an owner.
Harley
Bill taught me how to be consistent, calm, and clear with my very energetic puppy. The help and guidance of his professional experience made my life with Chelsee so much more manageable.
Chelsee
Check out our 5-star Google Reviews!

Follow Bill on Instagram to get free tips

@thebigdogguy

  • One of the best ways to get your dog tired in a meaningful and fulfilling way is to PLAY with them — really play! 🎾 Not just stand there tossing a toy half-heartedly 👎 Get into it. Make it fun. Make it something your dog wants to do with you! The truth is that a solid 5–10 minute play session where you’re fully engaged can do more for your dog’s state of mind than an hour of passive stimulation or a 30 minute walk filled with reactivity. But you’ve gotta commit — don’t be boring and expect your dog to be excited! Too many dog owners outsource all the fun. Daycares, walkers, playdates — and then wonder why their dog ignores them or doesn’t listen 🫠 When you make everyone else the source of entertainment for your dog, you devalue yourself in your dog’s eyes. If you want your dog to see you as valuable, start acting like you’re worth playing with! 👊🐶 #playwithyourdog #dogplaytime #dogbehaviorist #dogtrainingtip #chicagodogtraining
  • Teaching the speak command isn’t about encouraging barking — it’s about putting the bark on cue so you control it, not your dog. For guardian breeds like my Cane Corso Booker, barking is instinctive. It’s part of what they were bred to do. Trying to suppress that drive completely often backfires and can lead to much more problematic behaviors. Instead, we channel it into something more productive 🙌 By teaching the speak command, we give the dog a productive outlet for that instinct so we’re less likely to see it in unwanted areas. Plus it’s a fun one to teach 😎 Btw ignore Bones speaking in the background, this isn’t about him 🙄 #dogspeak #dogtrainerlife #dogbehaviorist #canecorsolife #guardianbreed
  • Booker’s first bite work session in the books 🔥 Just having fun, building drive, and giving my boy a new job to love. Just for fun 😎 #biteworktraining #canecorso #canecorsolife #drivebuilding #workingdogfun #dogsportstyle #playwithyourdog
  • Does your dog have an off switch? 🛑 Now, I love how much drive and energy Booker has most of the time, but sometimes he’s just too much 🤣 Having an off switch for him is an absolute MUST. Watch how one word — enough — tells Booker it’s time to stop being a maniac. Whether he’s barking, playing, or just too amped up, this command helps him settle. Clear communication builds calm, reliable dogs. An off switch isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifesaver. #calmdog #playfuldog #dogowners #dogbehaviorist #chicagodogtraining
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@thebigdogguy
@thebigdogguy
•
Follow
One of the best ways to get your dog tired in a meaningful and fulfilling way is to PLAY with them — really play! 🎾 Not just stand there tossing a toy half-heartedly 👎 Get into it. Make it fun. Make it something your dog wants to do with you! The truth is that a solid 5–10 minute play session where you’re fully engaged can do more for your dog’s state of mind than an hour of passive stimulation or a 30 minute walk filled with reactivity. But you’ve gotta commit — don’t be boring and expect your dog to be excited! Too many dog owners outsource all the fun. Daycares, walkers, playdates — and then wonder why their dog ignores them or doesn’t listen 🫠 When you make everyone else the source of entertainment for your dog, you devalue yourself in your dog’s eyes. If you want your dog to see you as valuable, start acting like you’re worth playing with! 👊🐶 #playwithyourdog #dogplaytime #dogbehaviorist #dogtrainingtip #chicagodogtraining
15 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/4
@thebigdogguy
@thebigdogguy
•
Follow
Teaching the speak command isn’t about encouraging barking — it’s about putting the bark on cue so you control it, not your dog. For guardian breeds like my Cane Corso Booker, barking is instinctive. It’s part of what they were bred to do. Trying to suppress that drive completely often backfires and can lead to much more problematic behaviors. Instead, we channel it into something more productive 🙌 By teaching the speak command, we give the dog a productive outlet for that instinct so we’re less likely to see it in unwanted areas. Plus it’s a fun one to teach 😎 Btw ignore Bones speaking in the background, this isn’t about him 🙄 #dogspeak #dogtrainerlife #dogbehaviorist #canecorsolife #guardianbreed
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
@thebigdogguy
@thebigdogguy
•
Follow
Booker’s first bite work session in the books 🔥 Just having fun, building drive, and giving my boy a new job to love. Just for fun 😎 #biteworktraining #canecorso #canecorsolife #drivebuilding #workingdogfun #dogsportstyle #playwithyourdog
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
@thebigdogguy
@thebigdogguy
•
Follow
Does your dog have an off switch? 🛑 Now, I love how much drive and energy Booker has most of the time, but sometimes he’s just too much 🤣 Having an off switch for him is an absolute MUST. Watch how one word — enough — tells Booker it’s time to stop being a maniac. Whether he’s barking, playing, or just too amped up, this command helps him settle. Clear communication builds calm, reliable dogs. An off switch isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifesaver. #calmdog #playfuldog #dogowners #dogbehaviorist #chicagodogtraining
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/4
Lead with love. Live in harmony.