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    Bark Avenue Playcare

    4.5 (62 reviews)

    Services - Bark Avenue Playcare

    Pet boarding

    Private dog training

    Puppy socialization classes

    Bark Avenue Playcare Photos

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    MARLEY
    Samantha H.

    Sorry for the lengthy post, but this place deserves it.. My boyfriend and I adopted 1 year old Marley from CACC in October. Marley is a German Shepherd mix. At first she was pretty friendly towards everyone, both dogs and people. However after she made herself at home with us, she became somewhat overprotective of me, sometimes barking and jumping on people who would approach us or enter our home. She also knew all of her commands, but was a very selective listener. These behaviors are typical of German Sherpherds at this age, and they can quickly spiral out of control if not handled correctly. I decided to do some investigating, and I found Daniel McElroy (owner) through a referral from my vet. I was impressed to hear that he works with a lot of security dogs, dogs with aggression, and abused dogs, teaching them to be a welcome part of society. He also evaluates service and therapy dogs to determine their abilities. All of this led me to believe that he was a true expert. The first thing I liked about Daniel is that he invited me for a consultation to meet my dog. This is normal for most trainers. What Daniel did differently is that he spent an entire hour teaching ME some basic rules about dogs and dog training. He educated me on how he would train Marley and he did some demonstrations with her. I could tell immediately that this guy really loves what he does and really knows what he is doing. Marley, who is a bit shy and nervous around new people, loved Daniel immediately and was completely comfortable around him. I decided to opt for the Board and Train option where Marley would live with Daniel, go wherever he went, and be totally immersed in her training. Throughout the process Daniel was extremely communicative. He was available at all times through text if I had questions or wondered how Marley was doing. He always responded promptly and with detail. When he did new exercises with her, he took videos and sent them to me with an explanation of the process. During the two weeks, Daniel brought Marley to my home for lessons 4 times so that I could be part of the training and make sure it translated into her real life. Each time that we met I could see significant improvements in Marley's behavior, demeanor, and attitude. I could also tell that she was completely happy and had no worries being with Daniel even though she has been passed around a lot in her short lifetime. An example of Daniel going the extra mile was taking care of my dog while she was in heat. Unfortunately, the rescue service I adopted Marley through was not very diligent and/or honest. I was told Marley was chipped and spayed, this turned out not to be the case. Marley went into heat while in Daniel's care, however in the very beginning we weren't sure what was happening. He let me know of the situation and attended the vet appointment with me. When we confirmed what was going on, he kept Marley and dealt with the situation while training her. She also had a pre-existing bacterial infection which required medication twice per day. He gave her her medications and just took really great care of her in general. Today Marley was returned to me and she's a completely obedient dog. She adheres to all commands, she walks directly next to me on her leash at whatever speed I choose, she lets me go through doors first, is very careful on the stairs, and she's quiet in the car. She is still a bit nervous around strangers, but she has made progress. I have also been taught how to introduce her to people and it is going very well. Daniel is going to continue to work with me and Marley to make her a happy and social dog. Most importantly, Daniel has really shown me the proper way to handle my own dog, and how meet and get to know other dogs. Dogs are still animals and they are unpredictable, it's important to respect that and treat them the way they deserve to be treated. I can safely say that I am now very aware of the proper way to handle myself, and my dog is on the road to being the best she can be. I would absolutely recommend that you give Daniel a call if you want this for you and your dog as well!

    Bark Avenue Saved my dog , WE LOVE THEM !! Bark Avenue Playcare is a clean and friendly home away from home for your dog, and has excellent professional and efficient dog training staff. This facility goes above and beyond for your pet care and training needs! In Feb of 2014, I lost my dog of 13yrs to cancer. A few months later I decided I was ready for a new pup. I wanted to save a dog so I went to Chicago Animal Control Center (CACC) and on 4/26 I adopted a 1yr old Pix/lab Mix. (Gino) Being that I had a dog for 13yrs prior, trained her myself, I was very confident that I could take on the responsibility of any dog and train them just as well. 2 months into having Gino, my frustrations were high. We were unsuccessful with potty training, crate training and obedience. I had no control over the dog and he was making me crazy. My only thoughts were this dog was un-trainable and needed to go back to CACC. I was seeing no improvements that I would have expected after 2 months of diligent training on my part. In a conversation with my neighbor, she told me about Bark Avenue Playcare and Daniel. I immediately called that afternoon and talked with someone on the phone and explained just how frustrated and at the end of my rope I was with the potty training, chewing, and aggressive behavior. The person I talked with was wonderful and had Daniel reach out to me immediately, b/4 I made the decision for the return. Daniel emailed me and called me immediately and asked me to bring Gino in the next day for an evaluation. Then next day after Gino and Daniel met, Daniel let me know Gino was trainable and he and Bark Avenue can help with their 8 week program of On Leash and Off Leash training. I was a bit skeptical, as I was a good dog owner in the past, why would this dog not take to the standard training procedures I was used to and worked for me. Daniel was appreciative of my opinion but showed me some basic techniques and in 15 minutes I saw Gino responding to Daniel and training positively. I was sold. 8 Weeks later Gino is a new dog .. no more accidents in the house, he loves his crate (when he is in it) , he spends most time free in my house without destroying things or my supervision, he understands commands and is obedient and listens to me, as well his aggressive behaviors are a thing of the past. If you would have asked me in July if Gino and I would be long term companions, I would have said No, but within a few weeks of the 8 week training, I knew this was the right decision and investment. Now I cannot imagine what would have happened if I did not find Bark Avenue and Gino did not get the proper training. I also learned a lot that I did not know about dogs and behaviors, and as well understood my role in the training and interaction with a dog etc. Bark Avenue Playcare staff are amazing, they all really love animals and each person on staff are knowledgeable and friendly. I was greeted with a smile all the time and you can tell they enjoy working there. The facility is clean and well cared for, no dog smells or messes. They are very respectful of following feeding or care instructions for your pet as well as flexible with drop off and pick ups prior to open and close times. Thank You Daniel and Bark Avenue Playcare for not only saving Gino from a CACC return, and training Gino so wonderfully ,but giving me a loving pet. You all are the best and Gino will be a longtime friend and visitor for daycare etc. I highly recommend Bark Avenue to anyone looking for a clean, and friendly home away from home for their dog and/or professional training that will make their dog the best possible pet! Linda C

    She's an adult dog who has mastered puppy dog eyes for treats. Good Gracie!!

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    6 years ago

    Love this place, they take great care of my pup. He's always tired and happy after doggy day care, and Daniels training is very effective

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