Smart Dogs Training & Lodging

We had never used a trainer before but needed to find one for our foster failure mama, Skye. Skye had never been on a lease before, or in a house. She needed to learn a few things. Like how not to pull on a leash! Our other dog, Darby was pretty good with the leash, but she has serious issues with greeting people she loved by jumping up on them. Soon Skye developed the same issues. So, we need help with leash pulling & jumping up on people. We called and set up a consult with Ian. First of all, we think Ian is a dog whisperer! On our first meeting with Ian our dogs fell in love with him so that was a good sign. Second, watching him with our dogs on a leash was amazing. We learned how to walk both dogs at the same time with no pulling!! I can now walk both my 68 pound dogs at the same time with control over their pulling. We learned methods to stop the jumping up on people, and some new sit/stay training to keep them from being in the kitchen while prepping/eating dinner. We have referred Smart Dogs Training to friends & pet parents walking in our neighborhood. Are our dogs always good on leash or jumping up on people they love? 98% of the time yes. We are not Ian!! We have to be consistent & ritual with their training so that is on us. We recommend Ian/Smart Dogs Training & Lodging 100%!

Toby spent a week at Smart Dogs with Ian when he was 6 months old. He had the basics down, but needed help with leash pulling and listening to direction indoors. While Toby stayed at Smart Dogs, I got daily updates and pictures of Toby's progress. He seemed to be having too much fun :) The dog I picked up after training is a dream. He is calm, takes direction, controls his impulses, and still just as loveable and cuddly as ever! Walks are no longer a chore, they're enjoyable. Living downtown Chicago, it's important that I felt in control of walks, instead of my dog. Toby sat in place for 45 minutes during a visit from a plumber last week - did not get in their way and happily sat on his bed playing with his toys. I can't recommend Smart Dogs enough! Thank you!

As a first time dog mom, I wasn’t sure where to start with training. My little puppy was terrible on a leash and extremely hyper and jumpy when meeting new people. I tried YouTube videos, taking advice from other dog owners, Facebook groups, etc. but nothing really gave me the confidence that I really needed to train my dog. Then I found Smart Dogs and Ian not only gave me the confidence to teach Nova some basic manners but encouraged me to continue and to train her to be a therapy dog, so i could take her with me to do speech therapy with my students! We are not at therapy dog status YET, but Nova is still the best behaved dog by far at family and friend gatherings and I’m always so proud when her great behavior and manners are noticed!

Ian and Kim found their life's passion... these are 2 of the most dedicated and talented people I've ever met! Their training is the perfect balance of kindness with structured learning....the results are evident!!! Trusting your pet with Ian and Kim at Smart Dogs will be the most lovingly "smart" thing you will EVER do! Thank you both for giving me 9 wonderful years with "Benjamin Franklin"....and counting♡