My name is Patti Howerton. My family has been active in showing, breeding and training dogs for over 50 years. Their influence had instilled in me the love of dogs. In 1975, I began teaching dog obedience classes at the Schaumburg and Elk Grove Park districts as a way to pay for my bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Illinois. After graduating, I continued teaching by adding additional classes at the Wood Dale and Roselle Park Districts along with private lessons. Since 1975, I have had over 13,000 dogs in my classes. This experience has allowed me to develop a successful method of training while having a career that I am passionate about.


     Over the recent years it became clear to me that many dogs did not have as much of an obedience problem, but a lack of exercise. Because of busy lives, dogs are more often left home alone. People love dogs, and want dogs but find it difficult to give them enough exercise, while leading busy lives. Trusted, full service play care centers allow people to have happy dogs who otherwise might not even be able to have a dog. Years ago my partner at Pals for Pups, Val LaFontaine, and I became fast friends while working together in the dog training industry. Val’s extensive business background in the dog industry has enabled her to be a leader in customer care. By combining our skills, we were determined to open a full service play care/ training facility together. Finally in December of 2006 our dreams were fulfilled.