GETTING STARTED

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Where do you offer training?

Redstone Dog Training is based in Glenview, IL and serves the greater Chicagoland area. Most sessions are conducted in your home and in real-world environments; parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces, so your dog learns to listen where it actually matters.

 

How do I get started?

The first step is a free consultation. We'll talk about your dog, the challenges you're dealing with, and what you want life with your dog to look like. From there, I'll give you honest guidance on the best path forward; no pressure, no hard sell. You can book directly online or reach out by phone or email.

 

Is the consultation really free?

Yes, completely. No commitment required. I'll give you clear direction whether or not you end up enrolling in a program.

 

What ages of dogs do you work with?

The Foundation Method (puppy program) is designed for puppies 8–16 weeks old. The Basic Obedience and Family Dog Programs are open to dogs 4 months and older. If you're unsure, bring it up during the free consultation and we'll figure out the right fit.

 

 

THE TRAINING

 

What training methods do you use?

Redstone uses a balanced training approach, combining positive reinforcement with clear, fair accountability. I use e-collars, slip collars, and prong collars as tools when appropriate, but there's a non-negotiable rule: every dog learns what a tool means before it's ever used as a cue. No dog gets corrected with something it doesn't understand yet. The result is a dog that's confident, not confused and an owner who knows exactly how and why each tool is being used.

 

Do you use e-collars, prong collars, or slip collars?

Yes, and I'll be straight with you about it. These are tools, and like any tool, what matters is how they're used. Before any tool is introduced as a communication cue, the dog is conditioned to understand it first. That means your dog knows what the tool means, what the expectation is, and how to turn it off. Used correctly, these tools give dogs clearer information faster — which means less frustration for the dog and faster, more reliable results for you. If you have questions or concerns about any tool, bring them to the consultation. I'll walk you through exactly how it works.

 

Is balanced training cruel or harmful?

No,when done right, it's the opposite. The problem with labeling tools as cruel is that it ignores how they're used. A prong collar on a dog that hasn't been taught what it means is unfair. A prong collar on a dog that understands it as a clear communication signal is a different thing entirely. At Redstone, dogs always learn the tool before the tool is used. That's not a shortcut, it's the standard. The goal is always a confident, stable dog with a clear understanding of expectations.

 

Will you train my dog, or will you teach me to train my dog?

Both, but the emphasis is on coaching you. Your dog lives with you, not me. If you don't know how to reinforce the right behaviors at home, the training doesn't stick. I coach you step by step so you can read your dog, handle real-life situations confidently, and keep making progress long after our sessions end.

 

How long does training take?

Programs range from 10 to 12 private sessions depending on the program. How quickly you see results also depends on how consistently you practice between sessions, which is why every program includes homework and check-ins. There are no shortcuts here, but clients who put in the work see real change.

 

Do you offer board and train?

No. Board and train programs teach the dog but leave the owner out of the process entirely, which is exactly the problem. When the dog comes home, the owner doesn't know how to maintain results and behavior falls apart. Everything at Redstone is done with you involved, because that's how results actually last.

 

What if my dog has a specific behavior problem — like jumping, pulling, or reactivity?

Those are among the most common issues I work with. The Basic Obedience and Family Dog Programs both address real-world behavior problems directly. If you have a specific concern, mention it during the free consultation and I'll tell you exactly how I'd approach it.

 

PROGRAMS AND PRICING

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What programs do you offer?

There are five options: The Foundation Method (puppy program, $1,000 / 12 sessions), Basic Obedience Program ($900 / 10–12 sessions), Family Dog Program ($1,050 / 12 sessions), Private Coaching Sessions (single $120, or 4-pack for $400), and Puppy Group Classes ($240 / 6-week course). Each is built for a different situation — the free consultation helps you figure out which one fits.

 

What's the difference between the puppy program and the basic obedience program?

The Foundation Method is for puppies 8–16 weeks and focuses on building the right habits from scratch, potty training, crate training, socialization, bite inhibition, and early obedience. The Basic Obedience Program is for dogs 4 months and older who need to build or refine their listening, leash skills, and real-world manners. If you have a young puppy, start with the Foundation Method.

 

What makes the Family Dog Program different?

Most training programs work with one person and one dog. The Family Dog Program is designed for households where multiple people including kids, interact with the dog. If your dog listens to one person but ignores everyone else, this program builds a consistent system that works for your whole family.

 

What are Private Coaching Sessions best for?

Private sessions are great for smaller, specific issues; a tune-up on one behavior, a particular skill, or getting started before committing to a full program. Single sessions are $120; a 4-pack is $400.

 

What are the Puppy Group Classes?

Group classes run 6 weeks and cover puppy socialization, basic obedience, and leash walking skills. Class sizes are kept small so every dog and owner gets real attention. It's a great way to build focus and confidence around other dogs and people. Cost is $240 for the full course.

 

ABOUT REDSTONE

 

Who is Ryan, and what's his background?

Ryan is the sole trainer at Redstone. He's a full-time firefighter, husband, and dad with 15 years of hands-on dog experience, starting as a search and rescue K9 handler, where reliability wasn't optional. He founded Redstone after seeing the same pattern repeat: families who loved their dog but had no system for raising one.

 

Do you work with all breeds?

Yes. The principles behind clicker training and positive reinforcement apply across breeds. Every dog is different, which is why every program at Redstone is tailored to your specific dog, not a one-size-fits-all script.

 

Do you work with rescue dogs?

Yes. Rescue dogs often come with unknown histories, which means a more careful, patient approach to building trust. Mention your dog's background during the free consultation and I'll give you an honest picture of what to expect.

 

What support do I get between sessions?

All programs include ongoing text support between sessions, structured homework, and progress tracking. You won't be left guessing what to do on your own.

 

THE REDSTONE GUARANTEE

 

Do you offer a guarantee?

Yes. Complete the program, finish every homework assignment, and if you don't see real structure and reliable results in your dog, you get your money back. Full refund. No hassle. No questions asked. If you've tried training before and it didn't stick, that's not your fault — most programs train the dog and send you home. We train you both.

 

What are the conditions of the guarantee?

There are three: First, complete all sessions in a timely manner, no more than one week between appointments. The program is a sequence and momentum matters. Second, spend a minimum of 5–10 minutes daily on homework assignments between sessions. What happens at home between our sessions decides everything. I train your dog once a week, you train your dog every day. Third, the guarantee applies only after all sessions are completed. That's when we evaluate. That's when the promise is due.