We are honored to be recognized as the Daily Herald Reader’s Choice Best of the Best Dog Training Center 2024! A Closer Bond also won Best of the Best Daycare in 2021. 

The NK9DTA is a professional organization formed to promote and maintain the highest ethical and business standards in the care and training of dogs and their owners. The NK9DTA’s mission is to provide support, continuing education opportunities, communication amongst members, and representation for all members in good standing. A Closer Bond Dog Center is proud to be a member of the NK9DTA, meaning we have successfully completed a course at the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers and in doing so, received professional certification that allows us to use the title Certified Professional Trainer and become a member of the NK9DTA. A Closer Bond owner Katy Cushing was the Director of the Association from 1994-1999. 

This certification is awarded upon completion of a program developed by Steven Lindsay, a renowned expert in canine behavior. Cynopraxis was created by Steven Lindsay and is a dog training and behavioral management method that focuses on improving the relationship between a dog and its owner using LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) training principles. 

As a PACCC-certified professional, we uphold the highest standards in animal care and safety. PACCC is a nonprofit created by a team of industry experts to recognize high quality providers and help them meet the challenge of educating pet parents on the value of a pet care provider’s investment in education and training. PACCC’s mission is to bring independent testing and certification to the pet care services industry by means of stringent testing intended to reflect a professional’s broad knowledge of animal care. A Closer Bond Dog Center has completed all of the courses PACCC offers.

This International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) certification is a testament to our our dog trainers’ abilities to incorporate quality dog training methods, tools, and techniques into our training program in a humane and effective manner. Founded in 1999, the International Association of Canine Professionals was established to develop and promote the highest standards of professional and business practice among canine professionals. The IACP has grown to include professionals from all over the globe, encompassing every facet of the dog world.

A Closer Bond Dog Training Center completed the JSDT1 Dog Trainer Certification Course, a hands-on course taught by Hollywood dog trainer Joel Silverman. This is a unique dog trainer certification course focusing 90% on practical dog training, ultimately teaching the foundation for shaping animal behavior. A Closer Bond Dog Training Center is proud to be the only facility in Illinois that holds a dog training certification through Joel Silverman’s program.

We are an IBPSA certified facility, signifying that our staff and trainers have met all necessary standards in skills and knowledge to provide safe, quality care for all pets who enter our facility. The International Boarding & Pet Services Association provides certifications to those who prioritize and exhibit top industry standards and best practices, as well as provide them with business resources, industry expertise, staff education and training, and legislative support for the pet care services industry. As a pet owner, you can rest assured that all staff at A Closer Bond are committed to adhering to the very best standards for your pets.

A Closer Bond Dog Center is proud to be an Approved Evaluator for the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program, demonstrating our committment to helping dog owners experience positive relationships with their dogs. The AKC CGC program is rapidly becoming recognized as the standard of behavior for dogs in our communities. Canine Good Citizen is established on the belief that all dogs can be good dogs and all owners can be great owners.

As a proud women-owned facility, we are a member of Women in the Pet Industry Network. Women in the Pet Industry Network exists to help all categories in the pet industry foster giving, growing, and connecting for mutual benefit. Women in the Pet Industry Network was created to help pet professionals prosper.

A Closer Bond has taken the Off-Leash Play Pet Center Safety Pledge, created by the Dog Gurus. This means we made a commitment to design and operate our enrichment program for the safety of all dogs. We strive to ensure the physical safety of each dog with a goal for every dog to go home behaviorally and emotionally better than when they arrived.

Your pet’s health and safety is our top priority at A Closer Bond. Earned through successful completion of Pet Tech’s specialized training program, Pet Tech certification shows advanced knowledge in pet CPR techniques, first aid skills, health care, and wellness information.

The Daily Herald Readers’ Choice Awards is a local contest where members of the community nominate and vote for their favorite local businesses. A Closer Bond Dog Center is proud to have nominated as Best of the Best in the Daily Herald Readers’ Choice Awards from 2017-2023, and honored to have been recognized as a Top Pick in the Daily Herald Readers’ Choice Awards in 2019 and Best of the Best Daycare in 2021. 

The Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to foster the advancement of commercial, industrial and civic interests that contribute to the growth and development of its members, the business environment, and a stronger community in the Palatine area. A Closer Bond Dog Center is a proud member of the Chamber.