Hi there I’m Ellie, the owner of Shake!, and this is my story.

After completing my degree in Theatre, I began working at a dog daycare and boarding facility to support myself while acting in various small-scale productions in Chicago. There, I worked with thousands of different dogs with all kinds of temperaments and levels of training. Additionally, I walked dogs through apps like Wag! and Rover. What started as a side job soon became my passion, and I found myself working 14-16 hour days regularly. One day I found myself in a particularly difficult and dangerous situation with a dog that had unaddressed behavioral issues. I was completely unequipped and unprepared. This event inspired me to pursue a certificate in Advanced Canine Training from the Animal Behavior Institute. There, I received in-depth training in behavioral science and hands-on experience in treating complex behavioral problems in dogs using humane, science-backed, force-free methods. After my training, I had the privilege of shadowing some amazing trainers who share my vision for force-free training. Through this education and mentorship, I transitioned from feeling powerless to feeling empowered. Now, my mission is to provide pet parents with the tools, knowledge, and compassionate approach needed to transform their pets' behavior. I am eager to get to know you and your pet and to help empower you. From basic training to more intensive behavior modification, I’m here to support you and your pet every step of the way.