Theo's Doggos
Fear Free Dog Training for Puppies, Sensitive Dogs, and Overwhelmed Guardians
Build calmer walks, easier routines, and a more connected relationship with personalized coaching rooted in emotional wellbeing, modern behavior science, and gentle guidance.
You're in the right place if...
> Your puppy feels chaotic
and you want a kind approach
> Walks feel stressful or unpredictable
> Your dog struggles with
fear, anxiety, or reactivity
> You want humane guidance
without pain, fear, or intimidation
> You want a trainer
who supports you between sessions
Everything you'll need...
Personalized Plans
Curated Supplies
Written Recaps
Helpful Homework
Between-Session Support
Emotional Well-Being Focus
Lifetime Resources / Recordings
Hello, I’m Theodora Iancu.
Native Chicago resident and certified professional Fear Free dog trainer at your service!
It’s truly my passion and privilege to guide dogs and their humans toward mutual understanding, harmony, and an unbreakable lifelong connection.
After over a decade of caring for and training dogs while capturing moments their families cherish, my focus has evolved into providing thoughtful, positive reinforcement dog training education in the Chicago area and virtually worldwide!
Here at Theo's Doggos, dog training is approached as a relationship—one built slowly, thoughtfully, and with attention to the individual dog in front of us.
Every course is shaped around your dog’s needs, your household’s rhythms, and attainable, sustainable progress long term.
Nothing rushed. Nothing forced. Just steady, supportive guidance that allows confidence to develop naturally for dogs and for the humans learning alongside them.
Your dog training journey
starts here...
Individually tailored private dog training education with guidance from me, Theo, every step of the way.
Wherever you’re located, I’m honored to be considered as a guide in your dog training journey. All sessions can optionally be held virtually, and for some dogs—like those who experience fear or stress around unfamiliar people in their home, remote coaching may be the least aversive, most supportive, and effective option.
Whatever phase your dog is in, these courses are designed to build essential life skills that allow dogs to navigate our human world with calmness, confidence, and emotional safety.
Compassionate dog training education for guardians who want to truly understand and help their canine family members.
Meet Penny, a rat terrier mix and one of my very first training pups. We focused on helping her feel safer and more confident on walks. With thoughtful, gentle guidance, the outside world became less overwhelming and much more enjoyable for her! This photo I took of her is one of my all-time favs.
Isn’t she a curious little cutie?
My passion lies in providing education and guidance to help you build a strong foundation with your dog—now and for the future. This isn’t your average dog training, no no. It’s personalized, high quality guidance for people who see their dogs as family and want to give them the best life possible.
With over a decade of experience working with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and behavioral backgrounds under my belt, I'll help you cultivate a calm, well-mannered companion through fear free based training designed to enhance your dog’s psychophysiological well-being.
No one-size-fits-all “solutions" just thoughtful, tailored support to help your dog thrive. Your priorities are my priority, and together, we’ll set your dog up for a happy, well-balanced life.
Theo's Dog Training Mission Statement
I believe dog training should feel like connection, not control.
As a lifelong animal lover and advocate, I stand up for the dogs who can’t speak for themselves. Too many dogs sadly go through life misunderstood, and I refuse to be part of that cycle. I do not and will never use ANY aversive tools or fear-based techniques EVER. No shock, choke, pinch, prong collars, leash jerks, alpha rolls, or intimidation tactics of any kind. This includes "leveraging" your body and tone or the use of any scary sounds or overwhelming smells from any devices.
Here’s why, both science and first hand experiences of myself and many others like me have shown that those methods absolutely don’t fix the root of any unwanted behavior.
They only:
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Increase fear, stress, and even reactivity
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Break the trust and bond between humans and dogs
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Suppress communication and warning signs (which makes bites more dangerous)
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Create learned helplessness—when dogs shut down because they realize there's no escaping
And honestly, who wants that for their family members?
Unfortunately, there are many quick-fix focused "trainers" that do it for fast money. You see, because my industry is unbelievably unregulated, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. Personally I think it's absolutely insane that there's a required training certification for grooming but not dog training, sadly this is the reality in the U.S. at the moment.
Some “boot camps” or “board and train” programs may promise fast results—usually a red flag, but they often use aversive tools and methods relying on pain, force, and fear leaving dogs traumatized. All while robbing you of any chance to learn hands on and build a lifelong bond with your dog, not ideal or "what's best" for anyone if you ask me or your pup.
I Choose to do Better for You and Your Dog
Your dog isn’t a just project. They’re family. They’re a living, feeling being with their own unique personalities, fears, joys, and quirky little habits, even annoying ones—just like us! Sure, positive training takes a little more patience, but don't we all deserve a little grace? Also patience really does pay off because results are designed to be life long, aka, totally worth it.
So with me, you’ll get:
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Science-based training—not scare tactics
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Communication, not domination
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Compassion over control
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Trust, not trauma
They Give Us Everything. So Let’s Give It Back And Then Some.
I’m here to help your dog not just behave—but truly thrive in our big, confusing human world. With empathy, clarity, patience, and yes… endless treats and love.
Apply for a FREE virtual consultation with Theo!
Start your Course Enrollment Application by clicking the button below
Business Hours
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
You'll hear back within a few business days of submitting your application.
Looking forward to helping you become the best dog guardian you can be and supporting you and your dog every step of the way!