Ask Ari - Dog Behavior

(312) 436-2122 info@dtowndogs.com

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IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR DOG, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK ARI BY FILLING OUT THE INFORMATION BELOW.

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Google Rating

4.9

Based on 143 reviews

Downtown Dogs Chicago

4.9

lafayette parker

04:22 31 Dec 19

Wonderful Customer Service And Great Food

Laura Wickstrom

19:00 05 Sep 17

We have a 2 year old cattle dog/collie mix who we needed serious help with training. We met with a couple other trainers, but Ari was by far the best fit for us and our dog. He is incredibly knowledgeable about dog behaviors and training dogs, and he recommended the 3 week board and train program for Leo. He kept us updated throughout the training with photos, videos and phone calls and we were amazed with Leo's progression and improvements! Ari is extremely hands on and truly cares about our dog and he wants us to be happy with the training, and we definitely are!! Ari likes to stay updated on Leo's progress even after he finished the program, which shows how much he cares. He will go the extra mile to help us with training Leo and answering any questions we may have, and we couldn't be more appreciative. We are so happy we found Ari! I'd recommend him to anyone!

04:41 10 Sep 18

We found our dog, Jimmy Carter, as a stray over two years ago. He is leash aggressive and we had tried everything to try to get him to stop aggressively barking at all dogs while on leash. We finally decided to bring him to Downtown Dogs and we’re so glad we did. While he still wants to bark at other dogs, we’re now able to control him on leash and it’s a much better quality of life for all of us. We were nervous he would come back a different dog but he was his same lovable self. We continue to board Jimmy at Downtown Dogs, they can do short notice and never turn us down. Plus, while he’s boarded he’s still with someone to continue the training which helps with any lapse. Thanks Aliya and Ari!

09:07 26 Aug 19

I was referred to Downtown Dogs from a close personal friend who had an amazing experience, so my expectations were high, and Ari and Aliya still found a way to exceed them. They truly care about the customer experience with your best interest in mind and treat your dog like their own. They are as passionate about their craft as any expert in any field I've encountered. Their methods are science and research based, and found a way to train and tame my 12-yr old fox terrier who (prior to Downtown Dogs) barked at everything and was aggressive around my 1 and 2 year old kids. Downtown dogs also boards dogs they've trained as an addition service, which is a great training refresher for my dog too. Ari also went out of his way to train my dog to walk down the aisle for a wedding. I can't say enough good things about how talented they are and how much they care. I highly recommend them.

00:06 10 Jul 18

Ari changed our lives forever. We were very stressed as our doodle would bark continuously when he was alone. Our condo sent us formal notices and we had considered giving him up for adoption. We visited a few trainers and really liked Aris honesty during the assessment. He explained both the dog behaviors and how we as humans were facilitating his bad behavior by expressing frustration over discipline. Duffy is a new dog now. He is calmer when he is home alone and we are so relieved as we can now control him. One of the biggest advantages of going to Ari was his effectiveness in teaching us (humans) how to continue the training on an ongoing basis. We also had a life event during the boarding and he was very flexible with keeping Duffy for longer than planned. Duffy never slept in a crate even as a puppy and now loves it. We cannot thank them enough for changing our lives and making us love and connect with Duffy in an awesome way! We owe you!

00:11 02 Nov 18

Downtown Dogs has been a lifesaver! I sent my 4 year old terrier rescue, Oscar, there after my parents encouraged me to return him to the rescue. Since he was pulled from a kill shelter, I knew little about his history. I had him for about 4 months before I realized he had some issues with personal space and impulse control. By the time of my consult, he had already bitten 4 people. I am really attached so obviously I was anxious at first, but after seeing how happy Ari's dogs were, I felt okay leaving Oscar for the Board and Train. Since I've picked him up, Oscar has improved so much. He is not perfect and I still have to watch him closely in new situations, but I am able to set boundaries for him now, which is huge. If I correct him after he does something bad, he actually understands now. He is much better on a leash as well, which has been helpful (he used to lunge at dogs and garbage trucks). It's only been a few months since his Board and Train but I really feel that with consistency and reinforcement, he will continue to improve over time. If I have another dog in the future, I will definitely send them here for training!

17:17 24 Nov 18

Ari and his team have changed our lives. We have a 4yr old rescue shepherd/rottie mix w/ leash reactive issues. We did the 3 week board and train. The results were amazing! No more hiding around corners from other dogs or late night walks to avoid dogs. Thanks to downtown dogs, we can walk our dog with one hand and a coffee in the other with confidence. Not only did he train our dog, He also trained us to be better handlers; educating us every step of the way. They are very quick to reply to all email/phone inquires. The facility is very nice and big. They are truly passionate about all dogs. This is a trainer that advocates for the dogs safety, obedience and fun. We are very pleased with our experience with downtown dogs chicago and highly recommend.

16:48 09 May 20

From the very first phone call, through our pups dog training and now using Downtown Dogs for boarding when out of town, this place is THE BEST! Extremely professional and accommodating. They send updates on your pup and treat them as their own. I can’t recommend this place more!

Robby Schoenhoft

20:26 04 Oct 20

Our two year old Rottweiler, Frank, loves coming to see Ari and his team at Downtown Dogs. Not only do we always feel safe knowing Frank is being taken care of, he always comes back to us as a better dog. They don’t just board him; they discipline and challenge Frankie. This is the absolute best dog training/boarding facility in Chicago.

04:17 03 Aug 21

This was great place for a quick bite!

16:08 08 Jul 19

Top Notch Training!We could not be more happy with the progression that our German Shepherd has made while training with Aliya and Ari. We started with the 2 week board and train almost 2 years ago and have since continued to train our dog at the Downtown Dogs Chicago Facility. The staff is beyond helpful with meeting your expectations for dog training, not only do they assist in training your dog they also train the owners on how to properly communicate with the dog which helps them to become better handlers.The facility is top notch as well, we board our dog here multiple times through out the year, Ari and Aliya are the ONLY people that we TRUST to properly take care of our pup,We can not say enough about Downtown Dogs Chicago, they go above and beyond to ensure that you and your dog get the most out of every training session. Thank you Downtown Dogs Chicago!!!

20:00 19 Sep 21

Simple. I came in today for an evaluation and left very optimistic about my dog Cooper. I was so impressed with their Knowledge. I am totally moving forward with it. If you are overwhelmed and feel lost about how to help you dog and yourself, don't hesitate about making an appointment. I did and I feel so much better about my dogs future. DON'T GIVE UP ON YOUR DOG. THERE ARE SOLUTIONS. I am so glad I found Downtown Dogs Chicago. PLEASE GIVE YOU DOG AND YOURSELF A CHANCE.

Giuliana Zaccardelli

23:02 14 Feb 18

Ari is a fantastic dog trainer! I did the 3 week board-and-train for my 1 year old German Shepherd and he came back so well-behaved! Ari also spent time walking me through the psychology of how to train a dog so I understood how to get the best results and how to keep up with the skills at home. He's always available when I have questions and to take my dog for boarding when I go out of town.

Reily Kemmerling

23:30 13 Oct 20

Ari & Aliya were wonderful to work with. They took great care of my difficult dog and I would recommend their services to anyone. Downtown Dogs is dedicated, trustworthy, and truly cares about their clients.

Brooke Hruskocy

00:06 28 Oct 17

My dog, Dexter (4 year old Rottweiler-Pitbull mix), and I moved downtown Chicago last year. Out of no where he developed “leash aggression” where he was barking and lunging at other dogs (and sometimes children!). I signed him up for the three week board and train and never looked back. Dexter’s leash etiquette has never been better! This summer he even accompanied me to many out door bars and patios. I am forever grateful to Downtown Dogs and I trust them with Dexter forever!! I am a veterinarian in the suburbs and I highly recommend Aliya and Ari to everyone, and already have to all my fellow veterinarians!

Valeria Stambone

20:21 14 Aug 20

It’s been almost a year since we sent our pup to the three week training. Marvin is a much happier and well behaved dog, he listens to us, doesn’t pull the leash and we are able to communicate with him better. Thanks so much Aliya for training our beloved Marvin.

20:43 30 May 21

Angel Villegas Bautista

22:31 21 Sep 19

Great trainers

Jennifer Kolmos

14:28 01 Mar 21

I’d give Downtown Dogs 10 stars if I could. My French bulldog Mona is a ball of energy, and I was having trouble training her on my own. I had tried classes with some other trainers, but after one suggested medication to calm her down even though her excitability was pretty normal for her breed, I knew I had to find a new trainer. I had a consultation with Ari and felt really comfortable leaving Mona in their hands.We did the 3 week board and train. I got updates every week on her progress, and at the end Aliya gave me a great lesson so I could implement the tools they gave Mona.My favorite part of the whole process? Aliya and Ari are SO responsive even after you take your pup home. I swear I’ve had a million questions, and they have been so helpful and quick with their responses, and Mona has just gotten better and better since being home. The follow up lessons with the rest of the staff have been very helpful as well. Everyone is so knowledgeable and helpful. Great experience!

08:53 04 Jul 19

13:29 15 Nov 18

Brought my one year old rescue dog in for training. She was out of control when adopted. After three week, we have a brand new dog. She obeys commands and is now a sheer pleasure to own. Thank you Ari and staff for giving us a respectful, confident and obedient dog.

21:18 27 Jun 22

I highly recommend Downtown Dogs! I adopted a two year old pittie, Lucy, from the shelter who only knew the command sit. She was leash reactive and pulled so hard that walking her felt impossible. It was so bad that I received complaints from others in my high rise condo building. After completing the board and train program and her follow up lessons, Lucy is a completely different dog. She heels well, no longer has any reactivity, and knows a number of commands. We frequently receive compliments on her obedience during our walks throughout the city. Ari, Aliya, and the team work wonders! The program is worth the investment and has made Lucy’s life so much better.

21:37 15 Jan 22

These guys are truly amazing! My dog Addie is a rescue who had so many issues and bringing her to train with Downtown Dogs was the best decision I could possibly have made. I will be bringing every dog I ever have here because they are truly the best!!!

Veronica Romero

19:12 05 Mar 22

14:34 12 Nov 17

We had heard about Downtown Dogs through a friend and we decided to take our puppy in for the Board and Train program with Aliya. It turned out to be a great move! Our puppy didn't do anything too bad, but we were having trouble training her to heel on her leash, be calm during work calls (we both work from home a lot), and work through her stubbornness. Now, she can "climb" in her bed when we ask her to and will stay there until we release her, she will come over to us when we call her, even if she is playing with other dogs and walks great on a leash! What I really enjoyed about the program, is that we worked with Aliya prior to the Board and Train a few times to understand what our puppy would be learning, so we could give her (and us) a head start in the training process. After the Board and Train, we also go to do some follow up lessons with Aliya to make sure we knew how to continue enforcing the training. About a month later, our pup is still very well trained and continues to progress every day! We can now make the training more challenging to further enforce and develop what she already knows! We would highly recommend this training if you want a well rounded trained dog that will allow them great freedom as they get older. Thank you Downtown Dogs!

12:14 06 Jul 19

Could not be more grateful for all of the love and attention Aliya and Ari have given our little gremlin! Alfie (our 1.5 yr old corgi) went to their 3 week boot camp to help with a LOT of issues we were having at home. Issues included: barking, biting, aggressive tendencies toward anyone while on walks with me, and general alpha male head of the household behavior. It's not like these problems were solved overnight and we're still working on them--but with the help of downtown dogs we've learned to communicate with Alfie in order to get control back in our household. Words cannot describe how happy we are with our experience here and we still continue to go to private and group classes so we can keep learning with our boy! Thank you downtown dogs!!

23:49 27 Sep 20

Can’t say enough positive about Downtown Dogs. We, like many others, took home a puppy at the beginning of quarantine. We had some loose training before then but lockdown made obedience training hard, and we weren’t sure how to make learning stick in the right way...enter Downtown Dogs. Our pup was able to get the focused training she would’ve gotten over a longer period of training classes if they were open. She listens during distractions, can hold in place without breaking...but most importantly I feel like we have the tools to better communicate and hold her accountable. She has never been happier or calmer—she loves keeping up with her training at home and at group classes, and even loved seeing the staff at a recent boarding. Thanks to Ari + Aliya and the full staff!!

02:13 25 Jul 19

Thank you Downtown Dogs, Ari, and team for the better life we now have with our dog! At the time when we came to Ari our dog was 4 and struggling with leash reactive issues. Walks were way more tiring then they should be, and no one wants to feel like they physically and emotionally cannot take their dog for a casual walk. We decided the 3 week Board and Train was best for us, and definitely were impressed with the efficiency, honesty, and care that Ari and the team strive for. After the 3 Week Board and Train, our “old dog” has learned SO many new tricks. He was immediately happier, calmer, and healthier. Almost a year later, and we continue to reflect on our great experience, and share it with literally anyone who will listen. Our dog looks forward to walks, playing off-leash at the park, and socializing appropriately in any setting. The facility is nice, clean, and 100% recommend!

16:30 27 Mar 21

Downtown Dogs Chicago is by far the best training and staff in the city! We did a board and train for our dog Carter who we couldn't quite figure out. 95% of the time he is a super happy dog and loves people and other dogs but would randomly snap / bite for reasons we couldn't really figure out. This became super stressful for us. We did a board and train with Downtown Dogs and it has helped IMMENSELY. I can't say enough positive things about the whole staff. Carter is a much more confident dog, loves to work / train, and is less anxious. We will continue to use Downtown Dogs for group classes and whenever we go out of town (huge perk of working with them as well!) and they always have room and time for Carter. Having worked with other trainers in Chicago and in other states, Ari and his team are BY FAR the best I have worked with. They are caring, professional, passionate, and super helpful. We are so glad to have found them and couldn't be happier!

Allison Dincecco

22:24 01 Jun 22

We found ourselves, literally, with a Covid rescue pup. His previous owner drove down our road and dropped him off and he ended up on our porch at our farm in KY, when he was about 6 months old. He was very sweet and had basic good manners(no barking, potty trained, great in the car and crate), but needed training beyond that. We sent him to Downtown Dogs for his level 1 training. We called it boarding school....he came back happy and with good recall skills. He boards there now when we go away and always is happy to walk in. We appreciate the team there and the fact that they seem to appreciate Wilson and he is happy while there.

Julia Napolitano

15:09 08 Mar 20

I could not recommend downtown dogs enough. We sent our boy Hugo there for a 3 week training course, and he came back a different dog! Previously, he wouldn't walk down the block without stopping, and now he is heel trained like an angel. We use them for our boarding services as well, and they are very trustworthy and good boarders! Ari and Aliyah rock Hugo's socks. 10/10

19:40 12 Feb 20

We are so incredibly thankful our friends told us about Ari, Aliya and Downtown Dogs. When we moved from Tennessee to Milwaukee, our rescue pittie mix started acting out and was not allowed back at our local daycares. We took him to Downtown Dogs for the 3 week training program, and we could not believe the transformation. He was always a great dog, but his obedience is outstanding (and so impressive to all of our visitors). We continue to make the trip to Chicago for follow up sessions and more training. We cannot recommend this team enough!!

00:23 07 Nov 20

Definitely recommend downtown dogs! Our dog Howie is super high energy and they helped us to direct it meaningfully. We didn’t think it could happen but he came out of their board and train program a new dog. But it didn’t end there, Ari, Aliya and Breanna have welcomed us in for multiple private follow-up sessions to really transfer the training to us and make us feel fully confident/troubleshoot issues that continued.

14:04 31 Mar 19

Moving from a house in St. Louis to a high-rise in the West Loop wasn't an easy transition for my Basset Hound, Bo. After a few noise complaints within 2 days, I was beginning to mirror my pup's level of anxiety.Lucky for me, Ari and Downtown Dogs Chicago came highly recommended! Ari was a breath of fresh air and I immediately felt at ease and reassured as soon as we spoke on the phone. We scheduled a time to meet and once doing so,= it was immediately clear that Ari was put on Earth to work with dogs! His own dogs obey him on command - and so did mine (albeit stubbornly!).Ari did a wonderful job working with Bo and I can not express my full gratitude for what he's done to help Bo and me out. Truly blessed to have had Ari's expertise when I needed it!

03:04 07 Feb 18

We rescued a half pit bull half terrier. He was completely undisciplined in every way at 7 months old. At times my wife and I wondered what we got ourselves into. We found Chicago Downtown Dogs and went in for a consultation. We choose the 6 lesson package and combined it with boarding our dog twice with Ari and Aliya when we were out of town for a few days and arranged for them to train him while they boarded him. We are only 4 lessons in and our dog heals perfectly, comes when we call him, sits and lies down on command and stays on the bed we got from them until we tell him he can come off it. They’re really good at what they do and we highly recommend them. They honestly exceeded our expectations. Highly recommended. Good people

20:01 13 Dec 22

Can't explain how much this place changed our lives in regards to our 1.5 year old pitbull. We live in a high rise with many other dogs and our rescue pitbull is very dog aggressive. After three weeks of training, the first day having her home was night and day taking her out for her walks. We were constantly pulling her across the street to avoid other dogs and now we are able to walk right past them with a heel command or have sit calmly while the other dog passes. Definitely recommend this place if you have a dog that has any aggression.

04:26 27 Dec 17

Highly recommended!We had a few challenges with our dog and after we met Ari and understood the process, the tools and the attitude we felt confident to leave our dog for 3 weeks of training and boarding.The results went beyond our expectations- we got back a well behaved and happy dog.No doubt about Ari and Aliya’s love for dogs and thier knowledge on how to train in a great environment and positive attitude.

Andrew LeTourneau

14:12 05 Apr 19

18:38 20 Jun 20

I can't stress enough how amazing this place and these people are! I just moved to the city from a rural town in KY, and my GSD Phoebe was very anxious and uncontrollable at first. I googled dog training and chose Downtown Dogs based on their excellent reviews. I wasn't disappointed! Everyone is very down to earth and you can see that they truly love dogs and are passionate about what they do. I left phoebe there for the 21-day training program and she is a completely different dog now. They addressed all of my concerns with her and city life is so much more comfortable for her and for me. When I dropped her off recently to be boarded for the night, she was so happy to see everyone and was completely comfortable and genuinely happy to be back. By seeing her interact with them, I can promise you that your dog will love Downtown Dogs and they will love him back. It was worth every penny!

19:17 16 Oct 17

i have been using Aliya and Ari at Downtown dogs Chicago for over a year now. when i first moved to Chicago, Shadow was 6 months old and needed training. as i travel a lot for work, they suggested a Baord and Train. Not only did shadow come back very well trained, but he was well looked after. Shadow goes to Downtown Dogs now for boarding, Daycare and walks, depending. They are extremely reliable, they love Shadow like he was their own dog, and he is always happy to see them, so i know he's in good hands. They are always open to giving me advise if im struggling with anything.they are honestly not only the most amazing people, but run a brilliant company and i would suggest Downtown Dogs Chicago anyday!

Elizabeth Ditton

02:13 24 Jul 18

Ari was amazing with my dog, Mathis. Mathis had some leash issues, as well as dog reactivity issues. We signed him up for the 3 week board and train, and he came back a completely changed dog. We now have control when we go on a walk and he sees a dog - he even was able to run around with a dog on vacation! Ari was a total godsend, and I highly recommend Downtown Dogs Chicago. The facilities are clean, training is laid out for you, and Ari makes sure you walk home knowing how to continue working with your dog. He even gives personal and group lessons, included in the board and train. I left feeling confident I could continue to work with Mathis, and Ari even gave his number so I can still text or call if I need help! 10/10 stars - highly recommend!

14:03 26 Jun 20

Can’t overstate how much this training helped

16:50 21 Feb 18

Ari and Aliya have made dog ownership a dream! As a puppy, Lewie was a load of fun, but very difficult to control on walks. As he grew(now 100 lbs) we were concerned with his behavior around other dogs, kids(ours and others), strangers, scooters etc. He constantly jumped and really didn't know his own strength. After a few weeks at Downtown Dogs, it is a completely different story! He is still playful, but we are easily able to tell him when it is time to settle down. The doorbell is a non-issue too as he just goes to his bed and sits until we tell him he is allowed to leave. Amazing.

17:50 19 Mar 21

The staff at Downtown Dogs Chicago truly changed both mine and my dog's life. My Chow Chow Isla had been anxious, nervous, and fearful all 5 years of her life. I had been told previously that there wasn't much help for fearful/anxious dogs. After doing some research I found Ari and Aliya. They quickly set up a consultation where Ari answered any and all of my questions and encouraged me that there was in fact hope for Isla. My biggest fear was her escaping off leash when I wasn't around, as she had when she was 12 weeks old, which was horrifying and caused me to get extremely uncomfortable leaving her with anyone besides family. I mentioned this more than once and everyone I spoke with assured me that my worst nightmare would not come true and that safety was their number one concern. So I signed Isla up and hoped for the best. I didn't expect to see as much progress as I did but I am so unbelievably grateful that they did not give up on her and helped her get to where she is now. She's still herself, but her anxiety is MUCH more manageable. I now have tools to help her move through fears and the positive response I get from her makes continuing training easy and a joy. If you're looking for a sign to get help for your dog THIS IS IT! I could not be happier with the service, experience and compassion from everyone at Downtown Dogs Chicago. 20/10 Would recommend!

16:13 20 Oct 22

Ari, Connor and Aliya did an amazing job with our dog Rocco!The board and training program was worth every penny! Thank-you!

20:26 30 Jul 18

Ari does a fantastic job at training PEOPLE and their dogs. His methods make sense and get results. Our Buddy learned some essential skills and we are still working on learning how to be consistent to keep him on track. We also really appreciate the option to have him board with Ari when we go away. Buddy was so excited to go back again!

Benjamin Allanson

17:52 19 Sep 18

Excellent trainer! Highly recommend. I've known Ari as a trainer for many years. Such a great person to work with.

00:38 24 Oct 18

Amazing Dog Training - Ari and his team changed our dog's behavior for the best. Our family can now enjoy our 1 year-old German Shepherd and live with her on a daily basis. I cannot enough about Downtown Dogs.

02:12 17 Sep 19

I could not be happier with my experience with Ari and Aliya! They truly know their stuff, and really care and respect your dog. My dog was a reactive dog to both people and dogs before my experience with Downtown Dogs, and now I can walk past people and dogs without fear of lunging or jumping. Living downtown, this is such a necessity and I am so happy with the turnaround.I came in for their free consultation, and Ari answer all of my questions both honestly and knowledgeably. While I was sitting there talking with him, I knew this was the place for my pup and me.I did the training/boarding package which, though an investment, I could not recommend more. Along with the 2 week training/boarding, I was also able to get a bed, leashes, collars, and personal and group classes as part of the package. And as an added bonus, since they trained Grey, I can now use them for boarding when I go out of town. Knowing Grey likes both of them and that they trained him, it makes me have peace of mind while I am on the airplane/vacation.With their weekly videos/pictures and report cards, I felt like I was able to track how my dog was progressing. Additionally, my dog requires quite a bit of meds at specific times throughout the day and they assured me this would not be a problem.Ari and Aliya are honestly the best and truly helped bond me and my dog even deeper.If you are debating between them and somewhere else, please pick them.

Justine Sydello

21:45 31 Dec 17

We had a great experience with downtown dogs! Signed our pup up for the three-week class. At first three weeks seemed like a long time, but it was definitely worth it! Ari and Aliya are great trainers who really care about the dogs and take the time to understand and answer your questions. We just went out of town recently and felt very comfortable boarding our dog with them! We look forward to our continued relationship with this business via group classes and future boarding. Thanks, Downtown Dogs!

22:08 28 Apr 21

01:33 21 Oct 17

Ari and Aliya at downtown dogs have been a saving grace for my puppy Jay and I. I came to them as recommended by a friend very frustrated and feeling hopeless about what to do with my dog. He suffered from pretty severe separation anxiety and was upsetting my neighbors as he barked constantly in his crate when left alone among other things including being afraid of people. Ari accepted a meeting with Jay and I on very short notice and told me exactly what to expect. He ended up doing a board and train with Jay that lasted 4 weeks (no extra charge for the extended time) and I got my puppy back, happier, less nervous and most importantly with no separation issues. From taking my dog to the vet when I was on vacation to stopping by to check on him, downtown dogs really goes above and beyond and I would highly recommend them to anyone!

11:58 13 Oct 19

Ari and the entire downtown dogs staff are absolutely amazing. We sent our 10 month old labradoodle for the 3 week board and train and he came back the most well behaved dog I have ever owned. We have 2 small children and lots of people in and out of our house and our main concern was him jumping, nipping and barking. All of those concerns were addressed through positive reinforcement. We had an extensive take home lesson and I felt confident to continue the training that had taken place. The staff was also very responsive to all questions I had after we got home. I would send any dog here without hesitation.

00:25 27 Aug 21

Here’s the thing, I haven’t technically even used their services yet but they rock. I have sent them annoying emails and asked so many questions and they get back to me every time and are so helpful. I haven’t even paid them a cent and they have given me amazing dog advice over the phone.Just thought that was pretty special and needed to be shared!**Adding on to this because we did end up sending our dog Lady to their board and train program. It was amazing. Worth every penny. We learned so much, Lady learned so much, and it is the best feeling to know we have people we can turn to if we need help in the future. Also Lady and I saw Aliya (one of her trainers) in the park and Lady was SO excited. She loves them 😭.

14:18 28 Mar 22

Great place for boarding and training! I have two head-strong and derpy pitties, and Ari, Aliya, and all the staff here helped to train them (and, let’s be real, mainly train ME) to allow for the dogs’ best chance at success. I always recommend Ari and Aliya to people who ask me score training; definitely worth it!!

02:29 21 Jun 18

18:11 01 Jun 21

Ari, Conner & Aliya are great. I’ve had my pup home for a few hours after a 3 week board and train program and already the difference is amazing. I would recommend them in a heartbeat as the whole process has been a great experience. Not only are they pros with training but the communication throughout the process was exceptional.

Christine Kiray

19:53 13 Dec 20

We could not be happier with our decision to take our dog Shadow to Downtown Dogs.. it truly was life changing for our family. Our dog Shadow was dog and person aggressive to the point where he attacked two of our family dogs badly and we were going through the process of trying to re-home him so he could feel more comfortable being an only dog. He also would bark and try to attack every person that walked by on our walks.. it was extremely stressful both for us and for Shadow. After Shadow completed the board and train program at Downtown Dogs he truly was a new dog! He was so much more confident, less anxious, and now we can go on walks and he never has problems (both with regard to people and dogs). It honestly was shocking to see the difference. We cannot thank Downtown Dogs enough- we recommend it to all of our friends who have dogs that are struggling with dog/person aggression. We would refer anyone here! My partner and I always say how thankful we are that we spent the money to give Shadow a better life! THANK YOU!

14:14 30 May 19

On behalf of my girlfriend, Meghan and I, I’d like to say that we deeply appreciate all of your time and love you’ve dedicated to Alfie. We could not be more satisfied with the progress he’s made. Before committing to Downtown Dogs Chicago, we were very apprehensive as we didn’t want to fork over a significant amount of money only to come away unimpressed. I feel very comfortable saying that we are extremely satisfied with the job you’ve done. We always knew Alfie was very smart but we quickly realized that we were overmatched and undereducated on what to do. Fast forward three weeks, now I have a pup who wants to listen, wants to be engaged, and wants to do well. This is just the beginning for us as we will rely on your team to continue to help us work with Alfie and help him reach new heights. We see him being a frequent visitor (for class and treats) and we look forward to continuing to become better handlers and puppy parents.We’re happy to say that we started out as customers and came away as friends. The next time we go out of town or need help, we know Alfie has a second home in the Second City!

Camilo Rodriguez

16:58 22 May 22

Jennifer Jucovics

20:45 04 Apr 19

Ari and his team really know their stuff! I get compliments all the time about how well trained my dog is. Ari is always willing to talk and answer questions.I highly recommend this business to anyone who wants a dog that listens.

elizabeth brooks

18:02 03 Jul 19

Could not be more pleased with our decision to bring our 18 mo. old Australian Labradoodle, Zuzu, to Downtown Dogs for a refresher on her manners and recall. She learned more in those 3 weeks than in the 17 months at home!Thank you to Ari and Aliya for their patience with my husband and me.Zuzu picked up commands quickly. Us, not so much ;-)We'll continue to use Downtown Dogs for boarding - to keep her training consistent- can't have too much of a good thing!

20:32 13 Apr 18

Ari is a great trainer. After I rescued Bruce, I had a rough time at home. As a puppy, Bruce was very energetic and didn't have any manners at all. I decided to get him a proper training, and Downtown Dogs Chicago stood up on Yelp.After 3 weeks of training, I had an entirely different dog. Absolutely well mannered, playful, and happy.This training is essentially about the communication between you and your dog. Ari teaches your dog important cues and you use those cues to communicate with your dog.

Steph Beardsley

22:16 21 Apr 18

17:44 06 Nov 19

I attended a consultation with a few of peers and we were absolutely amazed with Ari's demonstrations. He basicay gave of a live presentation of what kind of positivw reinforcement he gives in training. He was super friendly an open to answer any and every question we had. I look forward to my little Joy attending there academy.

Ina the Giant Schnauzer

19:33 27 Mar 18

Ari and Aliya are competent, ethical dog trainers. They did a fantastic job with my 6-month-old giant schnauzer, who amongst other things, no longer walks ahead of me, but willingly, at my side. Their program focuses on communication and cooperation between owner and dog (not dominance) and their training techniques, which I use every day, are neither complicated nor burdensome. I dropped off an out of control, bratty puppy. Three weeks later, I brought home a happy, eager puppy, who wanted to listen and cooperate. Bottom-line: it was worth every penny, and I cannot thank Ari and Aliya enough!

20:52 25 Sep 22

We did the three week board and train and Cline returned a completely different dog. He is heeling properly and no longer leash reactive towards other dogs; moreover, we now feel like we have the tools we need to help correct other behaviors around the house (chewing on furniture, etc.) and better understand how to work with him.We had worked with several trainers in the past and had made very little progress (Cline can be very stubborn and hard to work with), but Logan and the team did an amazing job. They even kept him several extra days at no additional charge since he hadn't been making progress as quickly as they expected.It was also great to see that Cline was very excited to return to Downtown dogs (his tail started wagging as soon as we walked up) the following week for our follow-up lesson. He seemed to really like Logan.We have nothing but good things to say and highly recommend the board and train program, easily the best money we've ever spent.

20:04 31 Mar 18

Absolutely amazing and life changing! I have a year and a half year old rottweiler who would not listen and would attack mine and my boyfriends feet. It was like something would click in his brain and he would aggressively go after our feet while outside. Took him to Vets that wanted to put him on meds, because they said it was something possibly psychological. Took him to another board and train that I had to get him out early, because I was not happy with their training style. After I got him out early, he was timid and urinating in the house. Went months with him attacking our feet and not listening when we told him to come inside the house. Logan did not know what "no" meant. I've had so many dogs and never had issues, but this one was a stubborn one. Sent Logan to Ari at Downtown Dogs for the 3 week board and train and couldn't be more happier! Complete night and day difference. Logan has not attacked our feet, he listens, understands the meaning of "no" and has so much confidence. I highly recommend him. Just took him today to a group session and Logan was so excited to see Ari. He didn't train Logan with fear, and Logan actually has fun when he is told a command. He has made it enjoyable again to have a puppy. Best trainer in Chicago!

laura jean gorski

19:34 27 Jul 18

We rescued the most beautiful dog in the land: Riley Pup. She’s our first dog, and naturally those puppy eyes really helped her get away without sitting or heeling on command. But then one hungover Saturday morning, she stole my pizza slice right off the counter. H to the ELL NO. That’s when we found Downtown Dogs, and they changed our minds and hearts about dog training for the way better.Simply stated, Ari and Aliya are THE BEST. Their methodology makes sense, which means they’re able to explain to dog owners how to continue to work with and train in a successful way. After some private sessions, we signed up for the 3-week board and train. I had been skeptical about the idea, but it’s the best thing I could have done for Riley. They have the time and expertise to train her, and then me.It’s been two years since then, and I have emailed or called with so many stupid questions. Aliya patiently listens and gives an answer that works. Ari – that handsome devil – has coordinated boarding Riley, even for last minute trips.I highly recommend these guys. There are very few people we choose to trust with our dog, and they’re at the top of that list.

20:01 22 Jun 18

Look no further for a dog trainer. Ari and Aliya are without a doubt the BEST.When I adopted my female pit bull, Pickle, I made the mistake of babying her, which made obedience training a complete failure because she thought she owned me and didn't listen to a single thing I said. She would try to lunge at other dogs while we were out which made going on walks a negative experience because I was the crazy dog owner who could not keep control of her dog.I can't thank Ari and Aliya enough for all they did. I am so incredibly happy that I sent her to the Board and Train program. I knew she was in great hands with them - cared for and safe. They worked with her on basic commands and helped her to become more comfortable being in close proximity to other dogs. When I went to pick her up at the end of 3 weeks, I expected her to come charging at me in excitement, but she remained on her bed, taking her cues from Ari.He then worked with me on how to maintain her training, especially how to correct her so that she continued to see me as the boss. Commands are not a request Ari says. Pickle is such a good girl now. She is so responsive and respects me. Walks are very enjoyable now and it's the other dog owners who are embarrassed.Thank you Ari and Aliya!

Shannon Marburger

14:04 12 Oct 18

Downtown Dogs is quite honestly amazing! We trust them with our Labrador Teddy on a regular basis for boarding. They also assisted us with a three week training with Teddy and the results are nothing but a miracle :) The difference in his level of obedience is night and day. It is well worth the time and money for this great team to train and work with your dog. We trust them with our furry family member and so should you!

17:10 13 Feb 19

Our 1-year old mini poodle, Sonny, was displaying lots of anxiety, and fear-based aggression before we took him into see Ari and Aliya. He would shake and cry every time we put him in his crate, and would hide under the bed when he sensed we were about to leave, and would try and bite us when we would attempt to take him out. He also thought he was top-dog in the house, and didn't listen or would selectively listen I should say. We did the 3 week (turned into a 4 week) board and train with Downtown Dogs, and we could not be happier with the results! Our dog came back the best version of himself...He doesn't display any fear-based aggression, goes into his crate with ease, listens to our commands, and just overall is a much more pleasant and confident dog. We were really at our wits end, and we felt that this through this program we received the tools to actually train Sonny effectively. Ari and Aliya are great people to work with, and we would recommend Downtown Dogs to everyone with a pooch!

Stefanie Newmark

22:24 03 Mar 18

Ari and Aliya at Downtown Dogs Chicago completely saved and changed both my life and my dog’s life. I got my Golden Retriever, Jackson, when he was 8 weeks old. From the minute I picked him up, he was quite a hand full. While growing up, I had two Golden Retriever adult dogs, but had never raised a puppy. I knew raising a puppy would not be easy, but I didn’t think it would be too difficult. I was wrong. Jackson is an extremely hyper and active little guy and while he loves training and learning new commands, I was not home enough to continuously train him. I also did not have experience training a dog, so I was unsure where to start. Over the next couple of months, Jackson became uncontrollable. He was jumping on everyone and everything, counter surfing, becoming mischievous, and worst of all was nipping and biting me constantly. I was at my wits end and knew I needed to get him more training from professionals. After doing much research, I met with Ari and Aliya. They immediately made me feel so comfortable and I knew they were the right people to help Jackson. I dropped off Jackson, who was 7 months old, with Aliya for the 3-week board and train. She sent me updates and videos throughout the entire 21 days. When I picked up Jackson, he was a new man. Aliya had me stay with her for two hours to go through all the training techniques/commands and how to use his e-collar and climb bed. I could not believe how much my dog had learned. I was in shock! From the moment I brought him home, his behavior has been completely different. While he is still mischievous, playful, and hyper, it is easier to control his behaviors. I am now actually having fun playing with him, as well as continuing the training. Instead of training being a painful task, it is now filled with fun and excitement. Not only has this training changed Jackson’s behavior, but also has created a stronger bond between us. He now wants to be with me all the time without putting his teeth on me. All of his negative, aggressive behaviors have disappeared and left me with a loveable, happy pup. I can go on and on about how amazing my dog is! Thank you so much Ari and Aliya for saving me!

Zeelomi Wadiwalla Hamirani

01:06 13 Jul 18

Clean facility and results were amazing. Our dog is so well behaved now we are also planning to fly with him as it’s really rebuilt our confidence. Highly recommend going for an assessment and trying out. We tried numerous trainers before doing the board and train program here.

16:21 30 Aug 20

14:44 07 Sep 17

Ari and Aliya are pros at what they do. We did board & train with our Golden Retriever and got a well-trained dog back. We were amazed at the results their marker training could do. Not only that, but you also get trained on how to communicate with your dog. Both at home and during our walks, we often get compliments on our dog's behavior and people simply couldn't believe that this training is possible because 99% don't do it. It's a great investment! Since then, we would always go back to them for advice and they are extremely responsive. Moreover, we also left our dog at their facility when we went on vacation because he was already familiar with both Ari and Aliya. Thanks to both of them - I highly recommend using their facility.

23:55 21 May 18

After rescuing my dog I realized how leash aggressive she truly was (barking and lunging at other dogs) and how she only understood the "sit" command. After many exhausting run-ins with other dogs in the neighborhood I began to search for reputable trainers in the Chicago area. I found Ari and Aliya who were highly recommended. At the initial consultation Ari recommended the three week board and train which made me hesitate but given my desperation I agreed. It was so worth it! Ari and Aliya checked in with me throughout my dog's stay (including pictures and video!) and I marveled at the progress that was made in such a short period of time. By the time I picked her up she was able to recall, heel, climb, and was able to walk by other dogs without becoming reactive! Ari then instructed me on how to properly handle my dog and just relax as I had become tense on walks due to her reactivity. Since my dog's stay we have participated in the group classes at Downtown Dogs where she has continued to thrive. More recently I boarded her as I was going out of town for several days. She strolled in and was excited to see Ari and Aliya again. I highly recommend Downtown Dogs Chicago for training.

01:16 26 May 21

Kind and focused staff. Professional environment, looking forward to our board and train. They come highly recommended.

22:21 15 Jun 19

Let me start with what Ari and downtown dogs were getting with our dog....Adopted a rescue Malinois/German Shepard mix, little did I know how reactive she was to EVERYTHING and I mean full reactive lunge teeth out ready to fight! People, dogs, any other animal. Could not take her for a simple walk. Would also bite her leash any chance she got. Thought she was almost untrainable but then we brought her to Ari! The dog we got back after the board and train was was beyond night and day. Reactivity Close to none! Full understanding of heel and climb and other commands! Now you have to keep up with the training after but that’s a given everyone should already know that no dog will continue to listen if you don’t work with them regularly. This is where you want to get your training done!

00:52 12 Apr 18

Absolutely loved that we chose Downtown Dogs Chicago to send our dog there. Ari is an amazing trainer and loves all dogs. We sent our 9 month old jack russel terrier Wrigley to ‘boot camp’ and quite the transformation. We were shocked on how well he behaves now. If you are looking to train your dog look no further Ari and Aliya are the best. Highly recommend.

12:30 22 Mar 22

Aaron Sanandres

04:11 08 Oct 19

I'll start out by saying I am a huge fan of Ari, Aliya, and Downtown Dogs Chicago (DDC) and would strongly recommend. A bit of background on what brought us to DDC: Our dog had previously completed a 4 week intensive care at another training school but still had significant challenges with recall, heal, and no jumping. A friend of ours suggested DDC and so after our in person consultation, we enrolled our pooch in the 3 week board and train - which worked out great because the training would coincide with our vacation. Ari assured us our pooch, Oli, would master the basic commands (recall, heal, sit/down maintain) by the time we picked her up. Now, Ari was very confident in setting our expectations. He didn't say, "Oli should have these skills down by the end" or "the level of mastery depends on the dog"...still, given our prior experience with our now 12 month old Oli, I couldn't help but be skeptical. I was blown away by the results! Everything exactly as he'd promised. Her recall was so solid I could take her off leash at the park and throw a ball - and she'd come back every time! But the biggest win was that he became a fully functioning member of the family and took an enormous amount of stress off of me and my wife. We will continue to look for opportunities to keep up with Oli's continuing education at DDC.And our dog LOVED the training. How do I know? Because when we took her back for an overnight board, she went absolutely wild with excitement upon seeing Aliya again (Aliya was Oli's main trainer during her stay). That's another plus: because DDC only boards dogs that have trained there, Ari will always take the dog for boarding - even if last minute.Also, one quick, and final, side story: a few days before Oli was due to start her training she came down with Giardia. As a result, we had to board her at our vets until she got a clean bill of health. When she got her clean bill of health, Ari offered to pick her up himself so we didn't have to stress about finding a pet transport to take her from point A to point B. I was very grateful because this was something I certainly didn't expect him to do.Again, for anyone looking for some serious dog training with some serious results, DDC is the place to go...no question!

14:22 09 Aug 21

If you want to have a great relationship with your dog, it starts with great training, and this is the place you want to get that done. Staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive.

Andrew T. Hable

02:45 08 Feb 23

17:18 04 Feb 23

Definitely recommend. Three week board and train made a huge difference in confidence, obedience and some of the anxiety. The consultations and everything after are also a plus. Even the Boarding after training is reasonably priced.

12:33 04 May 22

Extremely impressive. The trainer, the location and what was discussed during the consultation.

21:29 26 Jan 19

Our dog Apollo is a very handsome French bulldog with bad manners that had gotten progressively worse over the years. He was constantly jumping on our guests, pulling on the leash, lunging at strangers, lacking recall, being aggressive towards large dogs (Napoleon complex) and would not let anyone besides me and my fiancé touch him. We had tried everything from dog classes, a positive reinforcement dog trainer and YouTube videos.After tons of research, we found Downtown Dogs on google. We reached out and were instantly greeted with a helpful and hopeful response. Apollo would receive a 3 week intensive training that would teach him manners and even though he wouldn’t become less introverted, he would learn to respect people’s boundaries. Ari and Aliya had us come in to meet Apollo and give us some insight of what he would be expecting. They showed us some of their methods so we would thoroughly understand what Apollo would be going through.Over the course of the 3 weeks, we received weekly videos and check-ins about his progress. We were so impressed and if we had any questions, Downtown Dogs gave an immediate response.At the end of the 3 weeks, we had a two hour training session where we learned the techniques they used to ensure Apollo continued to progress and benefit from the training. In addition to the two-hour training, we also received two private sessions and two group training sessions.We really can’t thank Downtown Dogs enough. Apollo is so comfortable with the whole team and they are of the few he allows to pet him. You can instantly see how great they are as trainers and the results have continued to stay with him months later. He has a “climb bed” that he can stay in for hours at a time even if there are distractions around him. He heels expertly. He can stay in sit or down for a long time until he is “freed.” He ignores other dogs while walking down the street. As his owners, our stress levels have gone down significantly.Also, since Apollo has gone through their training, Downtown Dogs allows him to board there where he continues to have lessons and assist other dogs being boarded their while acting as a “distraction” so the other dogs can progress in their training. It is such a relief knowing Apollo has a place to stay where he is taken care of while we are out of town.

14:45 01 Sep 22

I honestly don’t know where to begin. I came to Downtown Dogs back in April with little hope that my (at the time 11mo) dog Boss wouldn’t be able to get over his fear of being outside and not having confidence. By the time the first consultation was over, I knew this was the right place to help him overcome what he was going through. I explained to Ari my situation with Boss and how it came about, he reassured me that they’d correct the problem. Not many places are accepting of giant breed dogs, Ari wanted to take on the challenge. Boss was paired up with Logan for his first few sessions and by the end of the second one, I could see improvements. I felt fully confident to sign him up for the board and train program. Boss had a bad board and train experience with another trainer at a separate facility that was not affiliated with Downtown Dogs. I was extremely hesitant but after going through the trainings with him and seeing how he connected to Logan, I was willing to try the 4 week program. I was sent weekly updates that included videos as well as a detailed report card of the progress he was making and what still needed work. Upon completion of the course, I saw a different dog then the one I dropped off. Yes, he still needs to work at things and we are taking classes there to work towards becoming better. Without Ari, Logan, and Aliya helping us, he’d still have his sometimes uncontrollable fears. I recommend them to any and everyone. I can’t say thank you enough from Boss and I

McKenzie Parker

04:45 15 Dec 19

After researching several training programs in Chicago, we took our dog to Downtown Dogs Chicago shortly after adopting him from a local shelter and have been incredibly pleased with the results.Jackson is better behaved than we ever could have hoped for and we highly recommend checking into training at Downtown Dog Chicago. Aliya and Ari have also been very helpful to work with and make the entire process smooth.

19:04 06 Jan 19

Can't say enough good things about Ari and Aliya! We sent our little guy for a 3 week board and train and the results have been awesome--I've even been able to start taking him to work with me! They've been extremely helpful even after the initial training--both with the included follow up lessons and also with any questions that come up as we keep working. We've gone back a few times for boarding as well and our pup is always so excited to see Ari and Aliya--he loves it there!

17:37 23 Dec 20

What a wonderful experience! There is proof that an old(er) dog can learn new tricks. To be honest, I took my dog Moose 5 in to the bootcamp because I was going to be traveling and thought that maybe he’d learn a thing or two versus just being boarded somewhere. I can’t emphasize how much of an improvement I saw.Ari and Aliya are a fantastic duo. They are the perfect combo of structured and stern enough without being intimidating. My dog Moose had some confidence issues, fear, leash reactivity to other dogs and loads of energy I couldn’t seem to run out. I left with a perfectly trained dog—or darn close—that now has skills that are beyond helpful. The mental training I found tires him out the most! I especially love the long sit/stay on the dog bed and the “here” command for recall. I learned a lot and so did Moose. I would definitely take a new dog here in the future or use them again for a refresh (more for me than for the dog!).I say with confidence that they can handle any dog regardless of size, age or temperament. They also helped some friends of mine with their little tyrant! Aside from the training, the bed, leash and collar you leave with make it an even better value. Good people. Good decision. Go for it. You won’t regret anything other than not doing it sooner!

01:40 08 Oct 19

Ari and Aliyah are absolutely wonderful! What I love about them:- Very honest and upfront about their approach and facilities- Real results!- Super fair pricingOur two-year-old dog Bernadine (Bernie) is generally lovely, but dog-reactive and had a few incidents at the dog park. After said incidents and due to her strength, I realized that we really needed to get serious about training; we did a lot of research and decided to bring her to Downtown Dogs for their board-and-train program. I should mention: I am very protective of my dogs and wanted to know about *everything* before handing a member of my family over for three weeks.Ari and Aliyah were prompt in communication, offered direct answers (not sales-y at all... and I work in sales), and indulged all of my questions at the consultation... then my follow-up questions via email... and then my questions during a follow-up phone call. These interactions made me feel incredibly comfortable.When we dropped Bernie off, she was happy. When we picked her up, she was happy... and trained! Most importantly, Ari teaches you so that you can maintain your dog's behavior. Nearly eight months later, Bernie has retained much of the training she learned while under Downtown Dogs' care. We plan to bring Bernie back for refresher courses when we travel and know that she will enjoy her time and feel very successful afterward!To be completely honest (just as Ari, himself, is) for anyone considering -- I have an older dog that I would not have brought to Downtown Dogs. She is a rescue who is terribly sensitive to noise, new environments, and is not food motivated. As such, she would not have been well-suited for this training. That said, for 98% of dogs, Ari and Aliyah are your people. They are dog people. Your dog will feel confident and excited to work and you will love the results!

21:08 10 Aug 19

Fast service and food is great !!

14:15 02 Jun 21

Ari, Aliya, and the whole group at Downtown Dogs are amazing. My incredibly stubborn, 1.5 year old 120-lb Bloodhound came to them with little to no training and a propensity for resource guarding and reactivity, and he came home from the Board and Train program a completely different dog, in the best way. They gave me and my dog the tools we need to avoid unwanted behaviors and I am truly amazed at the transformative level of obedience my dog now displays. A complete 180 from when he started. Cannot say enough good things about Downtown Dogs! I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for dog training of all types.

21:38 13 Jun 18

Ari and Aliya are great. We did the 3 week board and training for our presa canario and let me just say, the results of their training is amazing. Ari does an awesome job at explaining how to continue working with your dog once you take him home. I even took my pup back to him for boarding over a weekend and I could tell my pup was very happy once we pulled up to the building. DEFINITELY WORTH EVERY PENNY.

22:34 29 Oct 18

I recently adopted a dog from Chicago Animal Care and Control and a few weeks in, she started exhibiting behaviors I didn't expect -- dog reactivity that sometimes turned into aggression, growling at noises at the back door, etc. We did the 3-week board-and-train with amazing results. It's as much about training your dog as it is about training you in handling skills, how to set clear boundaries, and how to use training tools to have a conversation with your dog. Aliya has been extremely supportive throughout the process, and I couldn't recommend these folks more.

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