About Us

 

Your Dog’s Guru is a Boarding, Playschool, Training and Gurooming facility for dogs located in Northbrook, IL. Founded by husband and wife duo, Michael Jayko and Annie Challenger, the company focuses on real-time dog training with an emphasis on an education for both the dog and the owner.

 
 
 

Our Team

With over 30 years of experience,
our family of trainers are masters of their craft.

 

Michael Jayko

Owner, The Dog Guru

Dog training found me in the late 80s when I brought home my first dog, a Doberman named Kazoo. As I worked with her to teach her more than basic manners, friends and family began seeking me out for dog training advice. Shortly after I decided to make dog training my carreer, moving to the West coast and became a trainer at Guide Dogs for the Blind. I found my way back home to Chicago and started the business. Annie and I incorporated in 2008 and we’ve been helping people connect with their animals ever since.

Annie Challenger

Owner, Head of Operations

With a background in sales and management, my journey to dog training came a little bit later in life when I met Michael. His passion for dog training and rehabilitation rubbed off on me, but the business itself was lacking a strong sales pitch and organization. That’s where I came in. Being able to spend my days working both with dogs and their owners has filled my second act with joy. We started Your Dog’s Guru to bring companionship and behavior-focused dog training to the North Shore and haven’t looked back since.

 
 
 

Maddy

Manager & Trainer

Growing up, my home was always filled with all kinds of animals, but dogs were a constant. I’ve always found my peace with animals, and from a young age, I knew working with them was my calling. I started my dog training journey five years ago and have since graduated from Animal Behavior College. I’m still a forever student, always eager to learn something new and continue growing as a trainer. I especially love helping owners better understand their dogs and build a deeper connection with them. At home, I have my own dog, Maka, a 5-year-old Kelpie mix who reminds me every day why this work is my passion.

Andrew

Manager & Trainer

Having grown up with dogs of my own, I have always had a soft spot for canines. I began working at YDG after high school in pursuit of something that was more rewarding than your typical 9-to-5. In my time here, I have seen dogs change for the better through behavioral adjustment and mental and physical challenges. I am currently working here in tandem with pursuing a training certification with Animal Behavioral College. My goal is to use the breadth of resources and mentors YDG has to become the best trainer I can be.

Yzabelle

FOH Manager

I started working in the dog care industry in 2017 as a dog handler and canine specialist. After many years of doing so, I took a step back to pursue my career in music and film. I am currently aiming to earn my degree in Interdisciplinary Music Studies for media composition, as well as vocal performance. It was hard to set aside the passion I have caring for dogs, which brings me here at YDG. I’m excited to learn more and more as I grow with the company and everyone involved. YDG’s mission to educate you and your dog(s) to focus on the value of companionship is such an inspiration and I love being a part of that.

 

Brianna

Front Office Receptionist

I’ve been around dogs since I was a little girl, and they’ve always been a huge part of my life. I was first introduced to Your Dogs Guru when I had a dog with extreme reactivity, which gave me a deeper appreciation for understanding and supporting dogs. I’m so excited to now be part of the team! Outside of work, I’m a nail artist, love baking, and spending time with my own dogs.

Maggie

Guroomer

I have been working in the dog industry for over 10 years. I worked as a dog bather at my previous job for a few years, oftentimes helping the staff with grooming when they were pressed for time. It was then that I decided that I really loved working hands on with the dogs and making them feel and look their best. I went to the Academy of Dog Grooming Arts and graduated in 2015. In collaboration with the other staff at  YDG, it is my goal to make all dogs more comfortable with grooming when they’re on my table.

Alex

Guroomer

I have always had a big heart for animals and a passion for helping them look and feel their very best. I find joy in making dogs feel comfortable and beautiful in their own fur, especially senior pups who need a little extra patience and TLC. With 10 years of grooming experience, I’m adept at working with older dogs and those who may need a gentler touch, creating a calm and caring grooming experience tailored to each pet’s needs.

 

Dawn

Trainer

I’ve been a trainer since 2024 and have been working with dogs since 2020. I like training agility and I have a Pitbull/Husky mix named Simba.

Jake

Trainer

I’ve been working in animal care since 2017 with a strong focus on dogs, building meaningful connections and supporting their well-being in daycare environments. I’m passionate about helping dogs grow through positive experiences; sending them home a little happier and more confident each day. At home, I have two dogs, Huckleberry, an older Pitbull mix, and Jinx, a young Husky mix who inspire my work and deepen my understanding of canine behavior. I plan to continue growing my skills as a professional dog trainer here at YDG.

Noe

Trainer

I got my start working in animal control. It was not an easy job, seeing the way that dogs were being abandoned or abused around town, but it’s what led me to training. I believe that every dog, no matter what it’s been through can find comfort in structure. I am passionate about working with dogs who struggle with socialization or aggression—and helping them realize the world is not so scary. That training might take shape in working on the basics, agility, bite work, etc. but I am along for the ride.

 

Ben

Dog Handler

I grew up always loving dogs, especially large breeds. The bigger the dog, the better. The bond that people create with dogs always fascinated me. I have a 2 year old Doberman and a Pit/Shepherd that I rescued in 2018. Both of them have inspired me to start on the path to dog training so I started working in the dog industry in 2020. My love for these dogs motivates me to learn more about them, so I look forward to working with everyone at YDG to do so.

Valentyna

Dog Handler

I’m originally from Ukraine, where I studied at the Faculty of Law. Even while pursuing a different career path, I always knew that my heart belonged with animals—especially dogs. I’m a proud dog mom to three wonderful dogs who have taught me so much about patience, trust, and unconditional love. Living with them has shown me that every dog is unique and deserves to be understood as an individual. Whether it’s spending time playing, going for walks, or simply helping them feel safe and comfortable, I love getting to know each dog’s personality and building their trust. I’m so grateful to be part of the Your Dog’s Guru team. It’s inspiring to work alongside people who are always willing to support one another, continue learning, and provide the very best care for every dog. I’m excited to keep growing with the team while caring for your pets as if they were my own.

Bella

Dog Handler

I have always had a deep appreciation for working and caring for animals. In 2024, I started working in the industry as a tech assistant at the River Forest Animal Hospital. I can’t wait to extend my knowledge of treating animals and be able to train and learn new skills here at YDG. I’m passionate about making sure every pet feels safe and loved, so I look forward to applying everything I know to the dogs here.