Chicago Canine Academy - Chicago, Illinois

Yoliver R. A.

No es lo que buscaba, solo trabajan opcion de campamento

Tatyana F.

The best place for your dog! Might not be everyone’s cup of tea but we love a strong and ethical approach to dog training with lots of love! They offer that here. Our boy Sam is safe, happy and thriving so much in just the two weeks spent in their care. Beyond thankful to the team and can’t wait to send our other pup here. Cannot recommend it enough. If you are willing to put in the work you will see a vast improvement and just how much a dog can thrive with structure!

Brighid M.

Jim and his team are amazing! I dont want to repeat what others have said, so I'm going to address the elephant in the room.

Yes they use electro collars, choke chains, and prongs. They are tools to help your dog learn quickly and obediently. Jim and his team and professionals. They dont abuse dogs. They train them. Its the same as raising kids, some parents are gentle, some spank their kids. Both ways are acceptable, its just different strokes for different folks.
I grew up in a house with dogs Jim trained. My parents sent 2 doberman before I was even alive, then 2 chocolate labs (seperate times), then a german shephard. The obedience the dogs get is LIFE SAVING. Thats their #1 focus. Keeping your dog focused on you, away from trouble, not chasing distractions, and following directions. We live in a big ass dangerous city. Sometimes a firm hand is needed to keep our loved ones safe!

They're old school! And thats okay! But for every time I saw them snap a collar for correction, I saw just as many kisses, hugs, and cuddles. They really love these dogs, and only want whats best for them.
If youre too weak to handle it, go somewhere else. But to call them abusive is just plainly incorrect. They love these dogs, and their services are for more than just the training- they create a lifelong community of loyal owners who swear by them.

Martha D.

They are great, all you have to do is walk in and you can see for yourself. The dogs say it all. It's a sanctuary for them, a safe house with plenty of activities to entertain pups in their care. This also includes their training skills. Top of the line, experienced, knowledgeable and consistent.

Erik H.

Chicago canine has helped me train my Akita mix since she was 4 months old (now 7m). She went through their boot camp/boarding and has been going back constantly for day care twice a week and group training every Saturday. I’ve never had an accident and my pup is always excited to go in. Jim, Algis, and Diane are no nonsense trainers. Will never sugar coat anything and will be strict on the owner and pup.

Heather B.

Bringing my puppy Anniken here has been the best decision. Their number one focus is the safety of your dog. They enforce this with a respect based training, which does include corrections. Seeing this from the outside vs being there and going through the training is truly night and day.
The day before I dropped her off for bootcamp I read some of the reviews and was second guessing this decision.
Going to see her on the second week was like seeing a completely different puppy, I was amazed and knew we made the right decision for her.
In the 4 months that we have been going here after bootcamp I've met a lot of dogs and dog owners. I have witnessed so much love, praise, respect, and success.
I love my dog. If that means I have to give her a few corrections to make sure she is not put into a deadly situation, that's exactly what I'll do.
I'd also like to note that choke (slip) collars, pronged collars and electric collars exist and are used/sold for a reason. The military, police, and even service dog use these collars for training some of the best dogs. It works.
If you're against the use of these, this isn't the place for you.
I will continue to bring my dog here until they get sick of us and tell us to go away.

Abby R.

Jim and his associates at Chicago Canine Academy are very well trained and disciplined. They simultaneously train not only your dog, but you as well so that you can be a confident owner that can cultivate a safe environment for your pup. Their tactics are not for everyone or the thin skinned, but they’re effective and produce results.

HOWEVER. I will never return to Chicago Canine Academy after what I heard. My dog was a former bait dog and was found by my friend on the side of a highway after being shot three times. Needless to say, Sampson (my dog), struggles trusting strangers, used to be fairly reactive, and is extremely stubborn. He’s recently gained weight due to his adversity to exercise of any kind. I take him on two lengthy walks every single day, feed him a raw food diet and only once in the morning, and make sure he’s getting in plenty of basic training when we have the chance.

I had to board Sampson at Chicago Canine Academy a few months ago. He came back with kennel cough first of all, but the worst part is what one employee told my good friend who picked Sampson up. He quickly told my friend that Sampson was overweight which we know and have been working with his vet. Then, verbatim, this man says “you must hate your dog” and then continued on his rant about how irresponsible we are.

I was FLOORED and actually just found out myself. That is extremely uncalled for, inappropriate, and unprofessional. I care a great deal about my dog and go to the ends of the earth for him. Because he’s struggling with his weight, I’m the bad dog owner? I hate him? Absolutely not. The lack of empathy and respect from MOST but not all of the staff is just not worth the money at all. There’s plenty of better training facilities, ones that won’t personally attack you like the holier than thou man.

I wanted to give a better rating but I am beyond pissed. Find somewhere else, I did.

Lisa S.

We have 3 stubborn JRT’s - Jim & crew have helped us to learn how to train them and ourselves to make sure our household is a calm, safe & happy space for everyone!