Dog Training, Boarding, Lodging & Walking

We are the Chicagoland dog whisperers. We can train any dog! We can come to you, or your dog can come to us for a Lodge and Learn program.

We are very good at turning things around. Call us today. We will listen and help.

Reviews

• 5/5 stars May 13, 2012

  

  CHAOS IS OUR 11 MONTH OLD DOBERMAN, WHO IN A WORD, WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. AT 80 LBS ALREADY, HE DOMINATED EVERY SITUATION; VERY DEFIANT AND STUBBORN. LOVED HIM BUT DID NOT LIKE HIM. AFTER SPENDING TIME WITH KRISTY AND IAN AT SMART DOGS THE DIFFERENCE IS REMARKABLE.

  – Rosemarie

• 5/5 stars April 25, 2012

  

  I can’t say enough good things about Smart Dogs!!!!!
  I am a first time dog owner with a 1 ½ year old Westie (we have owned him for one year). He looks very cute, but did not act so cute, and trying to figure out how to care for this very “alpha” dog was adding a HUGE amount of stress to my life!!! I was on the edge, and was basically ready to give him to the westie shelter because I didn’t know what else to do.
  When we got him at 6 months old we immediately took the beginner and intermediate level classes at the local pet store. These classes were a small step, but they truly did nothing to help me understand how to lead and connect with my dog…which in my case makes ALL the difference. I read a LOT of books, which helped, but they only took me so far.
  Then I finally made an appointment with Smart Dogs, and within 24 hours after just the first visit with Kristy, I noticed dramatic improvements!!! (No exaggeration, the improvements started that quickly.) She helped everything fall into place for us, and now I am finally starting to enjoy having a dog! Now training him is NOT stressful.
  I am relaxed and he is responsive and it is AMAZING. All of the guilt I was carrying is gone. Kristy answers all our questions and is great at teaching our entire family about caring for our dog.
  The difference is now we are not trying to “get” our dog to do anything…we are now showing him how to behave and he follows our lead (he even listens to my 5 year old). He is so much more calm, and we actually have a great bond now (and this is after only two visits from Kristy).
  All I can say is… I wish I would have called them sooner!!! If it weren’t for Smart Dogs, I truly would not have been able to keep my dog. I spent money on many things, in the mean time, trying to figure out solutions on my own. My money would have been much better spent just starting with Smart Dogs.

  – Sue

• April 13, 2012

  

  What a difference Smart Dogs has made in the behavior of our dog, Zoey! Seriously, after only one lesson our daily walk changed from a nerve wracking, dismal obligation to a relaxing, fun activity. I know it sounds impossible, but one lesson is all it took. We were so impressed that we are now addressing other behaviors. Ian is showing my husband and me how to train Zoey to be a happy and well behaved part of our family. And Zoey is much calmer now that she understands what is expected of her. I really sense that she is relieved to know that she is no longer the “boss” of the house.
  I am so happy that we came across the ad for Smart Dogs. Their knowledge is amazing and their training techniques make sense. I highly recommend Smart Dogs. You will not be disappointed.
  

  – Joanne

• January 25, 2012

  

  January 23, 2012
  
  Our family was recently invited to go on a family vacation with all of the relatives...there was only one BIG problem keeping us from accepting the invitation. The problem was what to do with the newest member of our family, Toby. He was a golden retriever puppy and only 14 weeks old at the time of the scheduled vacation. Our usual boarding kennel could not accept him without his shots and vaccinations being completed.
  
  Luckily, we had learned of Smart Dogs. I called Kristy and she agreed to accept Toby to board and train while we were gone for six days and nights. Of course, I was a little tentative to leave my baby!
  
  We were so PLEASED and IMPRESSED with the results of Toby's training when we returned from our trip. He had learned to walk, sit, stay, and obey in a very short time. Ian and Kristy also gave him exercise on the treadmill. When Ian returned two weeks later for a follow-up visit, we could see how much Toby liked him and respected him. We have learned so much from Smart Dog training. I am not sure if they trained the dog or us, but probably both!
  
  I would highly recommend Smart Dogs training to anyone with puppies or dogs. They are wonderful and truly care for the dogs beyond boarding.
  
  Jayne
  

  – Jayne

• January 6, 2012

  

  Our home was full of stress and chaos for months with our 2 pups, Lila and Petey. They are sweet dogs but they would jump on people coming in the door, potty in the house and taking them for a walk was a complete nightmare. Due to not being able to walk them, they would not get enough exercise which then caused them to chew and destroy everything in the house.
  
  Smart Dogs has completely changed our lives in just a few days. Our house is now an enjoyable place to live. Lila and Petey seem quiet and content because we can take them on walks outside or use the treadmill getting out their excess energy.
  
  We can’t thank Kristy and Ian enough for giving us back our sanity and a comfortable home to live in.
  
  Smart Dogs is absolutely AMAZING!
  

  – Nancy

• November 22, 2011

  

  I have had such a positive experience with Smart Dogs Training and Lodging. My husband and I decided to try out a trainer when we realized our two yorkies were ruling the house as well as us. We also have a baby on the way so we needed to learn the proper tools on disciplining. I researched MANY companies and spoke to many different trainers before deciding on Smart Dogs. The primary reasons for choosing Smart Dogs Training: 1. They come to your house; which is amazing because your dog(s) learns in their own environment and you don’t have to travel 2. They don’t charge you per dog; rather they charge you per household. I cannot even tell you how amazing that is, especially when most companies charge you per dog and it can be very expensive. 3. Talking to them assured me that they could break the girls “habits” and they quickly put my mind at ease 4. They have an affordable rate.
  Our first session was with Ian (the husband of the team) who came to our condo in Chicago. I was so relieved to see him and couldn’t wait to see what happened during our first session. I was very pessimistic because I assumed are dogs were “untrainable”. The main issues we struggled with were barking, pulling on the leash when walking, not listening, jumping on the furniture, not liking other dogs…pretty much you name it they did it. Ian couldn’t have been nicer and had a consultation with us prior to starting the training session. He spent a good amount of time with us understanding what was going on. Just by observing the dogs with us he could identify what we were not doing properly. I could not believe how little things like getting permission to come on the couch could make a difference in their and our lives. We then went to leash training and he quickly proved me wrong that the dogs could indeed walk on the leash without being spastic. He taught us the proper tools on how to deal with the girls behavior. We have had a couple sessions so far and there has been a definite improvement on their behavior and actions. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM!
  One disclaimer I have to make is that it is a lot of work that you and your family have to do on your own. You cannot expect for your dogs to be trained after the first hour that they spend with Kristy or Ian. It has been weeks of hard work for us; but has been most rewarding and is worth every minute and dollar we spent doing it. We are now looking forward to a more zen like household….until the baby comes. After the arrival, we will then invite them back to our home to give us some more guidance
  
  
  

  – Katie

• November 18, 2011

  

  Anyone who has a dog that just won’t behave or doesn’t seem to listen, knows the frustration. Re-homing seems like a good option, but then again you picked him/her for a reason. I myself have been there.
  I first heard about Kristy and Ian, Smart Dogs, through a friend of mine. She had a GSD that was just wild, to say the least. She committed to the Lodge and Learn offered by Smart Dogs. The 10 day program turned that dog completely around. After some time, I ended up adopted an 8 week old Golden Retriever and already had a 1 year old Pekingese. I wanted to train them myself, but just couldn’t seem to get over the initial “hump” of them learning. I was frustrated. I ended up contacting Kristy and Ian for in home training mainly for my Golden. Kristy came out to the house and within an hour, she had made a difference. My 4 month old Golden was walking like a dream on a leash! Before my second session, Kristy called to offer me an opening in their 10 day Lodge and Learn for my Golden and for my Pekingese. I gladly accepted the offer; I need to have well behaved dogs. My Golden was jumping, “happy peeing”, would not sit and stay and just had a whole lot of energy. My Pekingese would not come when called and still was having housebreaking issues. When I got those dogs back…WOW! That sums it up best. My dogs are wonderful! Not only did they not have their “issues” anymore, they had learned other things I never even thought to teach them, fun things. They even learned to walk the treadmill! No more hikes out in the snow and rain, what a great thing that is. The continued training I have to do at home is nothing. It’s only reinforcement; it only takes a few minutes a day to keep their new found obedience. I couldn’t be happier with my dogs thanks to Kristy and Ian. I say to you, if you are at the end of your rope, or just want good dogs…call Smart Dogs. Best decision you’ll make for a long and enjoyable life with your fuzzy friend!
  

  – Nancy

• November 6, 2011

  

  My wife and I would like to thank the staff at Smart Dogs; most importantly Jody, for the help with our new Rottweiller puppy boy. At just over 12 weeks old at the time and only having been in our home for 3 days, he had a few issues that needed to be addressed. The education that Jody provided along with some simple easy to duplicate training lessons have allowed us to enjoy our little guy that much more since the visit. By sessions end, the little guy was doing the stairs on his own which he was extremely reluctant to even attempt prior to the visit. Our puppy has a very dominant personality, but with the help from Jody, my wife and I have learned to instill in our puppy that although he may be the alpha male with his playmates, his mom and dad are still the king and queen and has to listen to us. Believe it or not, he does. Since the visit, he has learned to sit and stay at every doorway and 95% of the time without even having to tell him. He will sit and stay and wait for us to tell him it’s time to eat his dinner and has no aggression towards us with our hands in his food and we can hand feed him with no problems as well. He will also let us know when he has to go potty and has been accident free in the home for well over a week now. He continues to learn daily and has become a Petsmart favorite among all the staff and customers when he visits. He is a very social puppy that enjoys attention from people and animals alike. We owe most of our success to Jody for teaching us patience and the understanding of how to communicate with our male Rottweiller more effectively. Thank you for the help Jody. You rock. We have you on speed dial just in case we need you. Best wishes in your future success that you shared with us.
  T & E
  

  – T E

• October 27, 2011

  

  My wife and I are the owners of two dogs-a Boston and a Chihuahua. We have had them for over a year now and have relied on Smart Dogs to get them in shape-us too. We are a family of 5 and vacation quite a bit and need lodging for our pups. We have used Kristy and Ian multiple times, for as little as three nights to as many as 10. They have taken our little trouble makers from wild and careless to sane and responsible. They are now fully potty trained, crate trained, and obedient. We were the parents that slept with the dogs early on so we didnt have to hear them bark. Come to find out all we needed to do was give them to Smart Dogs for 10 days and we could get our sanity back. We also use them for regular training services as well. Our pups sit on command, are trained to heel on walks and are just incredible to have around. I wouldn't hesitate a second if you you need training or lodging...call Smart Dogs
  
  Chris and Deb

  – Chris

• August 11, 2011

  

  I recently sent my 2 year Boxer Casey to Smart Dogs – He was sent because he wouldn’t come to me when he was outside. I do not have a fence and nor do I want to get a fence. Casey ran to the road on more than one occasion. After a very close call of almost getting hit – I made the ever so important call to Smart Dogs. Casey spent 2 weeks in the home with Kristy and Ian. Casey learned so much!! He learned how to walk along with a bike – now I take both my Boxers for bike rides (see the picture on FaceBook), he learned how to jog on the treadmill, and MOST importantly he learned the COME COMMAND! The training paid off when Casey and Zoey (my 1 year Boxer) wander from the back yard towards the road. I called Casey once and he trotted right back to me with Zoey close behind!! The training truly paid off!! I also take Casey on walks with the leash dragging on the ground and Casey walks right beside me.
  I could not be happier with the work they have done! Kristy now comes to my house to work with Zoey and she too is making great strides in learning the boundaries of the yard and the COME command.
  This training was an investment in a healthy, happy relationship with key members of our family! I would HIGHLY recommend Smart Dogs Training for anyone who wants a WELL trained, Happy, Obedient K-9!
  

  – Jessican

• May 7, 2011

  

  We have a St. Bernard who began showing aggressive behavior when he was around 9 months old. He was a great dog with our family and other animals, but it was a completely different story with strangers. He lunged, broke out of his tie outs, leashes, broke doors and was completely out of control when seeing a stranger. His size and strength caused several injuries to us when we’d attempt to hold him back. I knew we needed the Dog Whisperer, but since that was not likely to happen, I searched the Internet where I discovered Smart Dogs Training. After a few successful training sessions, we decided we should enroll Harley in the “ Lodge and Learn” program. He spent 16 days with Ian and Kristy and he came home a new dog. We are now able to control him with simple leash corrections, walk him without fear and we have a happier, calmer dog. I don’t feel we need Caesar Milan any longer since we have Kristy & Ian!

  – Mary

• April 28, 2011

  

  Kristy and Ian are wonderful trainers and they really care about dogs. Our rescued beagle mix has separation anxiety and was not trained at all when we brought her home. She has done fabulously well-- after a few sessions at our home and a stay with Kristy and Ian, she is doing so much better. I highly recommend Smart Dogs.

  – Sally

• April 26, 2011

  

  Having Smart Dogs come work with my dog was, hands down, the best thing I could’ve done for King, my family, and our house. Being a first time dog owner who adopted a 1year old ridgeback lab mix, I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. Within 3 months I was at my wits end when I finally stumbled upon Smart Dogs. Ian listened to all the problems we had and worked to help the root of the issues (walking, chewing/picking things up, deal with strangers, treadmill for extra energy which lead to plenty of destruction, just to name a few) both inside and outside the house. I couldn’t have asked for a more professional, helpful, and kind group of people to come to the rescue. The schedule flexibility and diverse range of services made them a perfect fit for King and I. And the best part is you can tell they only want the BEST for you and your dog and give them as much love and attention as if they were their own. We’ve used up our 4 training sessions but I wouldn’t hesitate to call them again and highly recommend to ANYONE looking for help! Thanks Ian and Kristy!!

  – Melissa

• April 26, 2011

  

  Kristy and Ian,
  
  Thank you, thank you, thank you! When we brought Sophie and Rex to you for a Lodge and Learn we were really desperate. Our dogs behavior was causing so much stress in our household! I could not believe they were the same dogs when we picked them up. Your expertise in modifying dog behavior truly is amazing and we are forever thankful to both of you for all the hard work you put into Sophie and Rex. We have implemented the things that you taught them (and us) into our daily routine and they are changed dogs. A neighbor was over the other day and commented on how well behaved they were – that’s a first! Thanks Smart Dog!
  
  Susan and Mike Coulson
  

  – Susan

• March 22, 2011

  

  When I met Sadie, an adorable Black Lab and Rottweiler mix, she was about 16 months old. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Smart Dogs for any situation you and your dog might be facing. These folks truly love what they do and the families they work with. They are interested in giving you the best life with your dog and as long as I'm a dog parent, I will be a loyal client to them. Despite the fact that I use a power wheelchair full time and have Cerebral Palsy, I felt an immediate connection to Sadie and that I could handle her 70lbs of young, curious energy. Sadie and I settled into our life together over the next few months but she had her definite issues. She was consistently jumping on and barking at people who came to the door, and while she was not really aggressive she can look intimidating and knows it! She also liked to play bite, never hurting anyone, but it wasn't ideal. Walking her on a leash was a workout for me, even with the help of the power chair. Sadie could not heel on a leash and planted her nose in the ground from the moment we began, tracking the whole time. It was beyond the curious nature of a dog; she couldn't be distracted away from the scents and seemed almost possessed to follow them. Dragging a dog back home when I couldn't get her to listen wasn't exactly what I'd hoped for. It wasn't until we returned to Illinois for an extended stay in the fall that I realized that Sadie's behavior could put her in danger. My family's home has a large yard, perfect for a dog that spends most of her time on a leash. The only problem was that Sadie wouldn't respond to her name or come when she was called once she began tracking something. She ran across the road and through wooded areas, and because of the wheelchair I was unable to catch up with her or keep her in my sights. It was a scary moment. Shortly after the incident I began looking for board and train programs in the area and came across Smart Dogs. I knew that Sadie was no dummy, but that she could be stubborn and independent. She needed trainers who not only cared about her as a happy dog but could give her the structure and basic skills to thrive. Kristi and Ian turned out to be the perfect match for Sadie (and I). Within a few days of our first phone conversation, Smart Dogs took Sadie on for 2 weeks of board and train. When Sadie 'graduated' and came home the day before Thanksgiving, I was greeted by a different dog. To my amazement, Sadie looked at me when I spoke and she listened to me. She sat. She stayed. She lay down. And walking her no longer felt like a marathon! The happiest moment for me was on our first walk afterwards when I watched her look around at the birds and was clearly relaxed. During her time with the Kristi and Ian, Sadie learned how to run on a treadmill and next to a bicycle in addition to her basic manners. These skills seem to have translated well for her to learn how to best adapt to the movements of my chair when we are out and about. Sadie still needs me to guide her in some cases but I trust her behavior enough to take her on her first airplane flight a couple of weeks back….something I could not have done pre Smart Dogs. She was an excellent passenger who diligently listened to me the whole flight. She sat or lay politely while people of all ages asked to pet her in the terminal. Even with all those strangers, she never barked or jumped and I was able to keep slack in the leash. Without the things that this experience taught both Sadie and I, I'm not sure I could have handled her long term. Even though we are back in Texas these days, Kristi and Ian are always a phone call away, ready and willing to give me advice as we conquer new scenarios together. My life will never be easy, and that's ok with me most of the time. I anticipated that having a dog would change my routine, but I had no idea how life changing sharing my life with Sadie would be. Ian and Kristi never questioned my desire or ability to care for Sadie and gave me the confidence I needed to be a good owner. We are probably the happiest pair you'd every meet…two kindred spirits I'm sure were meant for each other….but none of this bliss would've been possible without Smart Dogs. Go as quickly as you can to them…you and your dog will be so happy you did!

  – Lauren

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