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 out on the West coast 30 years ago. where worked as a trainer at Guide Dogs for the Blind. My career ultimately brought me back home to Chicago. We started Your Dog’s Guru out of our home, befriending our clients and their dogs while training and boarding in your homes and ours.

Annie Challenger

Owner, Head of Operations

I began my journey as a trainer 16 years ago, and it quickly become my passion. 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.

 
 
 

Riley D

Facilities Manager

I’ve been in the dog care industry since 2013. From daycare attendant to dog trainer to kennel manager and even dog bathing manager, my passion for dogs has persisted. YDG has given me the opportunity to work with dogs in a more meaningful way. I never shy away from what others may call a difficult case and I never give up on a dog. As the Facilities Manager, I value the role I play behind the scenes which allows our trainers to do their best for each animal.

Madison M

General Manager & Trainer

I have long had a love for dogs, but I got my start at a local shelter in New Orleans when I was 19. In the wake of natural disasters, I provided general care and companionship, before becoming a part of the team that wrangled strays on the streets. After moving to Chicago, I began working for a local doggy daycare, where they offered Animal Behavioral College Training certification. ABC brought me to YDG to complete my externship, where I am now putting in the work to learn as much as I can about dog behavior and different training methods.

Andrew C

Playschool 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.

 

Maggie L

Guroomer Exrtaordinaire

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.

Maddy C

Trainer

I have always felt more at home with dogs than I have with people. But my interest in dog training comes from the understanding that dogs are more than just companions, they are highly intelligent creatures, who are willing to work for you if you work for them. I have begun my track at Animal Behavioral College and come to YDG excited to be a part of each dog’s day. I hope to continue my training journey here and grow to be as confident in my training as I am in the value of a dog’s love.

Noe M

Apprentice Trainer

I love dogs!

 

Nessie G

Yard Attendant

I've grown up with animals all my life, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters and gerbils oh my! I've bounced around in my career from dental assistant to retail to life guard to Halloween activities to a zip line instructor to massage therapy before finally starting my career in the animal care industry as a dog walker in 2018. As much as I enjoyed my walks in below freezing weather, I moved onto doggie daycares where the dogs would run rampage. I bounced around before finding YDG and falling in love with the mission here. Dogs here are able to get the mental and physical stimulation they need, and I am happy to be a part of that.

John C

Yard Attendant

Born and raised in the foothills of South Carolina and a recent addition to Illinois, I’ve been raising and working with dogs since I was a kid. I’ve always had a soft spot for the sick, tired, and/or needy dogs. I pursued this passion maintaining a job at local shelters. I did this alongside several acting gigs, as I have a strong passion for theatre and more. I found YDG when I moved to Illinois a few months ago, and it seemed like the perfect fit for me. Me, and my three-legged Pyrenees Wampa, have found a home here. I cannot wait to see where this journey takes us!

Endre C

Yard Attendant

I love dogs!

 
 

Yzabelle D

Front Office Manager

I started working with dogs in 2017 at multiple dog daycares as a dog handler and canine specialist. After many years of doing so, I took a step back to pursue my career in music. I am currently aiming to earn my degree in Interdisciplinary Music Studies for media scoring (movies, TV, and video games) 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 can’t wait to be a part of that.

Aya A

Front Office Receptionist

When I was a baby, my family got two German Shepherds and that’s when my love for canines started! After moving to Chicago from Ukraine in the beginning of 2023, I was looking to discover my place in this new world and I have found a real sense of community here at YDG. With the help of the team, our clients’ and their four-legged friends, I’m learning something new everyday. And being able to combine my experience in office management with my appreciation for dogs, has made me as happy as ever so I’m really excited for the journey to come!