Welcome to
Starmark Academy

Ever dream of becoming a professional dog trainer?

Starmark Academy for Professional Dog Trainers is a state approved trade school that offers certification in the science of dog training. Whether you have prior experience in dog training or want to learn a new career path, our certified instructors can teach you a variety of proven and innovative dog training techniques.

Where can this career path take you?

At Starmark Academy, you have the benefit of being immersed in a training environment-something that you simply do not have with home study courses.  Here you will receive supervised hands-on learning with immediate feedback from your instructors.  Understanding that not all dogs are alike, we teach multiple methods to equip you to handle a variety of training issues.  You will also have the opportunity to work with rescue dogs, giving you real-world experience with dogs of varying temperaments.  We also teach you how to instruct and work with people, not just dogs, so you will be more confident when working with future clients. Our well-rounded approach thoroughly prepares you for a future career in professional dog training.

Come experience the wonders of:

  • Basic and advanced obedience
  • Behavior modification
  • Agility, personal protection, police K9 training, search and rescue
  • Dog sports
  • Kennel and breeding management
  • Retriever training, assisted therapy, scent detection, and much more!

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Student Success Stories

Since graduating Starmark Academy I've started my own freelance business called Sits, Downs & Tail Wags. I do all in home private sessions as well as my own board and train. I've been very fortunate in acquiring some really great clientele. All of my advertisement is word of mouth and I have steady work and loyal, repeat customers. I also work at a kennel in the Chicago loop, in which I am one of three trainers (one of whom is also a Starmark grad) and get to spend everyday with dogs of different breeds and backgrounds. Come January I'm also teaching a tricks class. I've also been quoted in the Chicago Sun Times on training tips and how to prepare your dog to go to dog friendly establishments. I am doing a lot of Agility with Skylar, who if you remember used to be afraid of her own shadow. Now she's extremely sociable and an agility champ! She took home a blue ribbon at her first trial! I work 6 days a week and get to bring my dogs almost everywhere with me. I've been very fortunate with my success but I couldn't have done it without Starmark.

–Alex Urbanski