Montana C. Hayes, Professional Trainer

Certified & Credentialed,
CGC Certified Tester #2927

I have been a professional dog and horse owner and trainer for more than 20 years. I started my professional training career in 1980 in Washington State. Over the years, I have been asked to evaluate and work with dogs at shelters, animal control agencies, and veterinarians. I offer a variety of services as well as private lessons and group classes. With my extensive exposure to all types of canine breeds and temperaments it has greatly contributed to my success as a trainer and owner satisfaction.

As a teacher and professional in the Evanston, Wilmette, Skokie, Des Plaines areas, I am always continuing to update and expand my knowledge by working with other trainers, attending seminars, studying the latest theories, and methodologies. From new sources I select what I believe are positive methods for instruction and add them to my training repertoire. I use five basic rewards; touch, voice, loose leash, treats and play. An emphasis is placed on foundation training, basic to advanced work, and creating a well balanced companion and/or sport dog.

Certification & Experience includes:

Montana & Wolf's Story

It was the spring of 1994. I just moved to a new job working for the State of Washington in Olympia, Washington. I searched for a place that had a fenced yard; I knew I wanted to get a dog. I grew up with dogs and was training horses and riding at the time. The image of me, my dog and horse riding through the mountains and streams in the Washington was the picture I wanted to complete.

A friend of mine from work and I went to the County's Animal Control Shelter to look for a puppy or dog. As I remember, it was on the very first visit. We looked at a bunch of the dogs including "Wolf." I knew I wanted a dog that had some sport in him, but also a softness and quiet personality. We came back to look at wolf again. He was a chocolate dog that looked part lab. He had floppy ears a soft medium/short coat and brown eyes that make anyone fall for him. He was about 3 months old.

When we asked about him, the shelter told us that he had been wondering down Hwy 99 and was picked up by Animal Control. Hwy 99 is a rural 2 lane highway. Well, needless to say, I adopted him and found a great vet. He was healthy and I went shopping. Collar and tags was the first priority. He was already chipped but with no registration. I followed up on that also.

Wolf's first few years were interesting. I quickly found out why they found him on the Hwy. He loved to take road trips. The first chance he could to get away; he would look back at me, give me a quick look, and take off. It drove me crazy. He was also a garbage dog. So garbage had to be on top of the counter, and finally, he was a digger. My yard was small and it looked like land mines had been dug up everywhere. – Next – training classes.

Shortly after getting him I started working as a dog trainer and Wolf was my Demo dog. I cannot even count the number of classes he went to. He knew what I wanted before I even asked for it - which made for great laughs in class. Everyone thought he was great. When I would go on private lessons, everyone wanted me to trade their dog for Wolf, and then bring their dog back when he/she would act just like Wolf.

So, did I get the picture I wanted to complete? Yes! Many times over. He came with me everywhere. He went to the barn with me. When I went riding, he was by side. He would even lead my horse across bridges if my horse was scared. He became a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and passed his test to become a Therapy dog also. He has brought pleasure to hundreds of people. I am also lucky that he has so many friends - he has never spent a day in a kennel. He goes to "Camp Orr" - my best friend’s house on a lake where he swims and plays with her dog. He also goes to Camp Lucas - my sister’s house with her dog.

I moved to Illinois where my parents and sisters live about three years ago. Wolf is now 15 1/2 years old. I don't train horses anymore, but still train dogs. He doesn't go to class with me anymore; he's an old man now (93 in human years.) He still goes out with me, but is a little nervous in the car. His vision is greatly diminished, he can be 5 feet from me and if I am not moving, he cannot tell where I am. His hearing is almost gone also, so I have to raise and change the tone in my voice so he can hear me. I'm glad I taught him with voice and hand signals, that's how we communicate now. Other than that, he never had any health problems his whole life.

I do not know how much more time we have together, tears are always in my eyes when I think about it. But I love him and have been very blessed to have him in my life.

—Montana

Customer Testimonials

"It's been a little over a year since we got Jewel, and she is doing great. She has become such a wonderful addition to our family, and has calmed down...well, calmed down a little. She is obedient, happy, LOVES to go in her crate, and has even become more affectionate. I still use everything you taught me, and try to keep up with little bits of training every day. She has shown that she can obey but still have fun. We try to have play dates as much as possible, and take her to get exercise at the park as often as we can. Thanks again for everything you did for us last year, I think that's why we have such a healthy and happy dog today."
All the best,
Alison P.