Hi, I’m Shir.
When I was younger, I always heard people say, "I'll give you one more chance…" But what if that wasn’t enough? I’ve always believed in giving as many chances as it takes. That belief shaped who I am today and is the heart of Another Chance Training.
I didn’t think I was ready for a dog. Life had thrown some hard punches—stressful corporate jobs, personal struggles, and a few too many life-altering events. Then, one day, a nine-week-old chocolate Lab entered my life. I wasn’t prepared. I could barely take care of myself. But I took one look at him, and we decided to give each other another chance. That’s how it all began. And that’s how he got his name—Chance.
Celebrating 5 Years!!
In November of 2024, we celebrated our 5-year anniversary in Chicago, and what a journey it has been! When Another Chance Training first launched, nobody in the city had heard of us. Fast forward five years, and we’ve had the honor of training over 3,000 families, earning nearly 100 five-star reviews, and welcoming most of our new clients through word of mouth—a testament to the lasting impact we’ve made in our community.
What brings me the most joy isn’t just the number of families we’ve helped—it’s the lifelong relationships we’ve built. Clients who started with us as single pet parents have invited us back through their major life milestones—marriage, buying their first home, welcoming a baby, and even expanding their fur-family with a second (or third) dog. Watching these families grow, evolve, and thrive alongside their dogs has been the greatest gift.
Another Chance Training has also grown into something bigger than I ever imagined. We are now a registered trademark and a well-respected name in the Chicago canine community. Beyond training, we are proud to give back to causes that matter deeply to us. Our initiative, Another Chance To Hear You Matter, has raised over $25,000 for organizations dedicated to suicide prevention and ending the stigma of mental health, and we will continue to create awareness and events to support this cause.
Through these years, we’ve witnessed something truly special—families bonding closer together through training, confidence blossoming not only in dogs but in the humans who care for them, and a continued mission to keep dogs in their loving homes by equipping families with real-life, positive reinforcement training tools tailored to their everyday lives.
Here’s to another 5 years and beyond—continuing to be part of this beautiful, dog-loving community that Chance and I are proud to call home.
In Chicago!!
My Philosophy
I believe challenges bring change. Things may be simple, but they’re never easy. I started this career later in life, proving that nothing is impossible with dedication.
Having a dog is a lifetime commitment. Having me at your side? It’s like having a village supporting you, reminding you why you started this journey in the first place.
Qualifications
What Makes Shir Certified…
+ Pet CPR and First Aid Certified
+ Canine Nutrition Certified
+ Mentor Trainer for Animal Behavioral College Students
Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement. Using operant conditioning, I help you teach your dog behaviors you want by reinforcing the good and ignoring the bad. Whether it’s using high-value treats, favorite toys, or just good old belly rubs, we find what motivates your dog.
Clicker training is another valuable tool we use. A clicker ensures clear, consistent communication so that your dog understands exactly what you want from them. When used correctly, it leads to faster, more reliable results.
I can’t wait to help you and your dog build a language together, one that strengthens your bond and turns training into a lifelong journey.
