Smart Dogs Training & Lodging - Downers Grove, Illinois

Cynthia Hlad

Ian is truly a dog whisperer. When we first got our Goldendoodle Gabby she was constantly biting me and my clothes. We were very close to giving her up. Ian came to our home and gave us techniques to eliminate this behavior. Within a very short time she stopped the nipping. We were able to keep our girl and now she is a sweetheart. Ian also taught us how to correct pulling on the leash. Ian trains owners with simple, insightful instructions with emphasis on repetition. We highly recommend Smart Fogs to anyone who wants a richer, happier relationship with their dog.

Frankie Oakeshott

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!

Adam Fonseca

We just adopted our new puppy, Matty, and he would NOT stop biting us to the point of breaking skin. We were ready to surrender him back to the shelter, but Ian from Smart Dogs offered to move our in-home training appointment earlier to help us out. Within 90 minutes Matty stopped biting, learned to go up/down stairs, and we were equipped with tools to continue his training. We purchased a full in-home training package right on the spot. I know this sounds too good to be true, but we were AMAZED at Ian's expertise, patience, and the results speak for themselves. Smart Dogs is HIGHLY recommended.

Kathleen Pozen

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%!

Heather Parker

Here was the pricing I got.

Board & train program
10 days - $500/day
15 days - $400/day
30 days - $300/day

10 days - 5000
15 days - 6000
30 days - 9000

Boarding
$300/day ($250/day once you receive training from us. You can do board & train and combine with boarding only program to save on the cost).

In comparison to many other places I checked with, this is 4/5x the price when pinned against one-on-one board trains as well as facilities with multiple trainers and overnight stays in luxury dog suites.

While I'm sure people are satisfied with the service, there are at least a dozen other training programs with equally satisfied or higher satisfied customers that are a substantially better value in the Chicago area.

When we all saw this pricing we thought it was a typo.

Dr Debra Blight DVM

I have Rhodesian Ridgebacks. My first Ridgeback needed a Training and Boarding place without chain link fencing or obnoxious smells. I looked frantically because I sustained a severe injury. I came across Smart Dogs. I called them immediately. Ian knew all my concerns would be met
I drove my dog there and fell in love. I'm now a member of the Smart Dogs family. I just had to board my puppy so off I went to see Ian. We have become great friends with Ian & his family! In all my years of owning Dogs, I have never seen a place like Smart Dogs. Ian should rename it to Smart Dogs & People Training & Lodging. See you soon Ian!

Jamie Gross

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!

Diane Rudnick

Ian & Kristy are AWESOME! We were on the verge of giving up our French Bulldog, Lola, because of her wild behavior and terrible potty training problems. We made the desperate call to Smart Dogs and our situation dramatically improved after the first visit. We made the decision to let Smart Dogs take Lola into their facility because we have three small children that acted as a distraction for us in the training process. This was an absolute God send!! They taught us how to control Lola's craziness and most importantly how to properly potty train her. Kristy & Ian have taught us to feel confident as owners and we can now enjoy our Lola instead of resenting her! I highly recommend Smart Dogs for first time & seasoned dog owners. We can't begin to thank them enough!!