Five stars all the way! We were babysitting our daughter's rescue dog, Ellie, while daughter and s-i-l went on vacation. They had recently moved to the Chicago area. We wanted Ellie to become comfortable at Bark University so the kids would have a safe, reliable place to leave her occasionally with their busy schedules. This place is filled with people who genuinely care about dogs--from Candy, the owner, to Dahlia and the rest of the wonderful team. Ellie was understandably scared at first. She had been a street dog and had difficult experiences in her past. The staff took their time introducing her to different dogs, carefully figuring out which personalities she was most comfortable with. I was so impressed by the amount of love, patience, care, and attention they gave her. Ellie did incredibly well. What surprised us even more was the difference we began noticing outside of daycare. Even though she was only going once a week for a few hours, she became noticeably calmer when seeing other dogs on our walks. Normally, she would bark at them, but she has been doing so much better. The prices are also extremely reasonable--$30 for a half day and $40 for a full day. I especially love that on longer days they feed the dogs and have the dogs take a one-hour nap/rest break from 12-1. Bark University is truly a gem of a place. read more

My daughter has a dog that is bordering on crazy and she often brought him there overnight (before they relocated to a different state). My daughter had made arrangements and I picked up her dog from there a couple of times. They appear to be a great organization and are very good with animals. My daughter definitely had confidence in leaving her dog there overnight, especially during trips. I can't provide any info on the cost, however. Note: her dog was ferrel for a very long time so he can be a bit difficult to handle at times. That was not a problem with her dog at that location. They treated my daughter and dog very well. read more

Candy and Company are the best. Our boys are always well taken care and happy. Her staff is terriffic also and a joy to work with.

We'd taken in a new dog after the unexpected passing of our neighbor a few days after Memorial Day. Unfortunately, although well loved by our neighbor, this dog had been a bit neglected when it came to veterinary and grooming care. I was extremely overwhelmed with this taking in this dog in addition to my 6 month old and an elderly Pomeranian and literally had no idea where to start. After getting our new dog (Zella) caught up on all of her vaccinations and preventatives, Bark University went out of their way to get her scheduled ASAP to start getting her cleaned up one body part at a time, one appointment at a time. It's definitely been a journey, as Zella was quite anxious at the groomer (still is, but is WAY better thanks to BU's groomers' patience and with the help of some meds). All of the staff at BU are extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and I can honestly say that they ALL go out of their way to create a positive experience for dog and owner. One of BU's trainers gave me some great tips during Zella's first appointment along with a clicker to start her training at home. All of the staff seems to be extremely supportive of Zella's journey as well. I'm so glad I opted to bring Zella here instead of just dropping her off at a random Petsmart, as the groomers truly know what they are doing and have a passion for their jobs. We still have a long way to go, but I'm looking forward to getting Zella into Bark University's doggy training classes and their doggy daycare once she's officially ready. I highly recommend BU to anyone with a dog whether you're looking for grooming, training, or just to socialize your best furry friend. read more

See all

What a wonderful place! We have gone through training with Candy (she's amazing and full of knowledge) and had our puppy labradoodle groomed here. Both services are great! We have now signed up for doggy daycare...Bella loves Bark U! read more

I am sooo happy I found this place. My family just moved here from Evanston, so we have high expectations since there are sooo many options in Evanston and not a lot up here. They are the most accommodating and caring people. I really needed a place that had a taxi service because that's what I had for my dog when I was in Evanston. Candy accommodated my request, even though it is probably inconvenient. They are definitely a life saver especially during this time where I need Rizzo out of the house while I work. And Rizzo LOVES coming to this place. She's always wagging her tail whenever she knows she is going to daycare and I know she had a great time because she always comes home dead. As they say, a tired dog is a happy dog! read more

Owner not very responsive to messages. My mom spoke to her about training and she never responded, and she never called me back about the issue below. My dog has never been anywhere else but bark university and on walks away from other dogs, but after visiting bark university he came down with severe kennel cough, and is now on antibiotics and cough meds. It's a shame that he caught it, as they require vaccinations but he still got sick from bark. I won't be returning. read more

Our Goldendoodle, Peter, came into our family right before the pandemic hit. It was crucial to his growth that we had a space that he could socialize safely with other humans and dogs since we couldn't have guests and dogs over to our home due to the climate of this last year. Bark University has become that second home for Peter...in more ways than one. We take Peter to Doggy Day Care 2-3 times a week that is where our journey started. He is so well cared for by all of the extremely friendly and communicative staff and he is absolutely ready to relax once he is home. I'm telling you that every person I come in contact with from drop-off to pick-up is a dog lover at heart. You feel that they take pride in being there and that speaks volumes. The space was way bigger than other daycares in the area so that was a big appeal to us as Peter is a larger breed. They are also so well staffed which was largely another issue we ran into at another daycare facility. Now onto training classes with Candy. I joined a group training class with Peter with the intent to work on some confidence-building while around other humans. Candy's knowledge and expertise in group class were both so helpful in educating me, but also were so supportive as a dog mom. Candy is non-judgemental and reminds you that all pups are different and it's just so important to try and try again (always while having fun) to see what works. Candy pays such focused attention to every one of the dogs (calling them out by name) in the class and she is so confident in her relationship with the dogs who come to Bark University. Candy calls and reaches out personally when classes need to be adjusted. She also checks in to see if our needs were met which means so much especially when you are trying to work through troubleshooting behaviors with a pup. We also have since used Bark University boarding services while out of town for the first time. The price point is super comfortable and doggy daycare is included. I got frequent updates from staff Peter's first time and was always asked if I would want a groom while he was staying with them. AND LET ME TELL YOU the grooming services here have been the cherry on top. I've got a wavy-haired Goldendoodle and his groom I'm sure takes time and a boatload of expertise. His cut is always amazing!!!!!! I've received nothing, but compliments since Peter started grooming at BU. Bark University has been essential in this very challenging year. They are doing an incredible job for our pups. Peter and the whole Mitchell Family are happy to have this business serving our community. read more

We have been taking our beagle here for grooming the past months. They seem to really like dogs and their service keeps getting better! Last weekend I called near closing time and they said if we brought him in right away they could groom him before they closed. When we picked him up he was wearing a Thanksgiving bandana, smelled like a cinnamon pumpkin candle, and had spiky fur! read more

Bark University, Inc. - Pet Training Near Me - Mundelein, Illinois

We have boarded our dogs here for years. They are terrific. True dog people. Candy had a situation with one of our dogs recently. Her diligence was amazing. She called me about our beautiful boy and said he needed a vet right away. We were out of town. She put him in her car and drove him to the hospital. Had we been home, not knowing this situation as Candy does, he would have been gone in an hour. Besides this great heroic effort, as regular customers, they know our dogs and they really care. We will continue to bring our four legged family members to stay here whenever we need to board them. read more

This place has been a godsend for my rescue. I rescued a dog that was described to be very different than she actually is. She is a sweetheart, but can be reactive and nervous (and very high energy!) For the first 2 months I had her I couldn't get her in the car to save my life. Candy got her in the car within minutes. I also couldn't trim her nails, Candy did without a problem! Now, I take her to daycare once a week and she hops in the car no problem to go. It's become her routine. She always comes home super tired and happy. I'll definitely be getting her groomed soon too, and if I ever need to board her I wouldn't go anywhere else. Thank you for caring for my rescue, Addie, like your own! read more

Bark University, Inc. - Addie - Pet Training Near Me - Mundelein, Illinois

Tigger loves it here. Great prices great staff. The groomer is awesome..... I love the the convenience of the facility being next to my work place.... I see the staff walking the dogs... Great place for any dog read more

The most amazing dog training and care company that I am so lucky to have found. Nina- my sweet little Rescue Pit-Bull mix has really changed. She is more sociable, sweeter than she already was and so much happier. I would highly recommend them because they offer the best training according to the dog's needs and temperament. They are compassionate and you can actually feel so much love in the room as you come in, and oh - not to forget - each staff are just so nice and respectful and just wonderful! read more

Candy and Rheanna always do a great job taking care of my dog Zoey. Thanks for being a such a great local business!

We recently had Candy over to help our new adopted 2-year-old lab learn how to go down the stairs by himself. She had him going down the stairs within 20 minutes. She's so kind and gentle. We're having her back for more behavioral help with little triggers that sets the pup off. Highly recommended! read more

This was the first and last time I will be taking my dog Malone for boarding to this place. I thought this was a good location for boarding due to the reviews that were online. This has been a horrible experience for Malone and I. He was dropped off on Wednesday (8/04/21) of last week in healthy conditions. He was picked up on Tuesday (8/10/21) with bumps, scratches and bite marks on his muzzle. He also is still not able to bark or howl since being picked up. When he tries to bark or howl it sounds like if he's running out of breath. He was also released to someone who was not on allowed people to pick him up. I never received a call about the incidents from the marks on his muzzle or if Malone could be released to who ever was picking him up. After finding out about the marks on his muzzle I immediately called and asked about what had happened and why there were marks and bumps on his muzzle. I was told that around 6:30-7:00am 8/10/21 Malone had been bitten by another dog. After having pictures sent to me of Malones current state. I had him taken to a local animal hospital the same morning of picking him up to have him checked out. I was told that the bumps and wounds were not fresh and had been there for a few days. This has truly been a horrible experience for us. This makes me believe that anyone could have picked up Malone and I would have never found out. I do not recommend this place If I could I would rate 0 stars. read more

Miss TessDog has found a brilliant bunch of trainers and handlers. TessDog is learning to be comfortable in all environments. She is on her way. She is leash reactive still... Patience. The dogcare is well managed and organized so all doggies are safe, comfortable and relaxed. Kysenia is Tess' go-to trainer. We meet outside the facility for one on one training. Candy is the owner and is hands on too. There are several handlers that Tess has warmed too.... Tess was fearful of people. She trusts Bark University. It's spilling into our neighborhood environment too. Phew... The mailman let her sniff his inside truck. :). Training classes, individual training, dog daycare, overnights. The best. read more

We boarded our 1 year old Alaskan Klee Kai for 9 days over Christmas break. I was worried to leave my pup for such a long time as he is a "high maintenance" dog who's wary of strangers, and a very picky eater. Candy and staff made us feel very comfortable, sent us regular updates and pictures. All dogs get regular walks and plenty of play time. Our dog didn't want to leave when we came to pick him up. They gave him bath, nail trim and a cute little holiday bandana. Thank you! read more

Bark University, Inc. - Pet Training Near Me - Mundelein, Illinois

We use Bark University for all of our dog training, boarding and grooming needs. They even helped us when we were adopting our german shepherd mix to determine if she is the right fit for our family. The owner and staff are wonderful, and they treat our dog and us like family. Can't recommend them highly enough! read more

I can't say enough about the team at Bark U. My dogs absolutely love the place. They take such good care of our BIG girls. Candy the owner is amazing. Kelly the manager Always has an answer or a tip to help ! We wouldn't take our 2 German shepherds any where else ! read more

Bark University, Inc. - Daytona and Skye - Pet Training Near Me - Mundelein, Illinois

Bark University is a wonderful home away from home for my little guy Wally. He has been a regular over there for the last 10 months and absolutely loves it! I sincerely believe that Candy and Mike along with their team have an amazing gift for working with these wonderful animals based on the excellent care and treatment given to them that I routinely see when I am there. What validates my belief as a "knowing" is by the way Wally acts when I drop him off and pick him up. I cannot recommend this business enough to anyone who loves their dog and wants to make sure they are being cared for by knowledgable professionals in an environment overflowing with kindness, patience and love while you are away from them! A+++ Rating read more

Clean dog care facility that is family owned by a very nice couple. Our dog goes to daycare each week and they treat him like he is their pet. We use their boarding and grooming services as well. Our friends have also had positive experience using their training and obedience services as well. Bark U offers the personal touch that is hard to find these days.. We wouldn't go anyplace else. read more

Thank you Kseniya for the great Saturday beginner training class. Our dog has benefited greatly already from the tips and obedience commands taught. We are so happy to learn from Bark University! The trainers are all very knowledgeable, passionate, friendly, and have extensive experience in dealing with difficult dog behaviors. We have come here just a short time and already we are seeing such a difference. You will love this place for dog training classes and the Saturday options are great for working people. We will definitely sign up for intermediate classes next. Thank you Candy, Kseniya, and team for all you do for rescue dogs! -Charley and family read more

Took my English Bulldog here for the first time today. The staff was all super professional and took amazing care of my boy. He came out looking and smelling amazing. Highly recommend bark U. read more

Annie did a great job on our dogs! From scheduling to getting all loaded up to go home, she made the process seamless and easy. The dogs came home clean, cute and happy. Thank you! We will definitely be back! read more

I'm upset, and not looking for anything except for the business to read this and find out how to improve in this area because I left today upset. I took our 7 month old labradoodle in for her first grooming today, this groomer was recommended to me. She did not do a good job, so choppy, some hair longer than other, chunks of long hair on her neck, completely shaved her nose when I told her I wanted to keep her face longer than her body and to just trim it and did not clean her ears at all (which she told me nails and ears are done when I dropped her off). I also asked how much specifically when I called to book the appointment and they said $55 as long as there's not matting. I picked her up and they tried to charge me $70. The groomer had already left for the day and so I had the receptionist call and ask if there's was matting which I 110% know there wasn't. When the receptionist talked to the groomer she said there was no matting, that $70 was their normal charge. When she told her I was told $55 the groomer said she would never do a dog for that price. I understand that but 1. That's not what I was told when booking and 2. She did a terrible job so not even worth $70! I understand she's a puppy, and it's her first grooming. I can be forgiving on the choppy cut because I'm sure she wiggles and was scared... although if that was the case I would at least hope the groomer could have left a note saying that she couldn't do a perfect job because if it. Her ears were not even attempted to be cleaned, they were completely full of dirt and wax so I know they were not touched. You guys closed early for Mother's Day and I honestly just felt like everyone was in a rush and she did a rush job grooming to get out of there. In the end our card was only charged $55 so I appreciate that, although no one has contacted me to discuss the prices confusion, and my invoice says my card was swiped for $63 ($70- military discount). I hope this can be a learning lesson for everyone involved. We will not be back. read more

Bark University, Inc. - Pet Training Near Me - Mundelein, Illinois

My dog LOVES this place. He gets so excited for playtime and the staff loves him as their own. Their training was top notch and boarding and grooming have always been perfect. We won't take our dog anywhere else. read more

My dog has received excellent care at Bark U. We have used their daycare services, bath and nail trims and boarding. The staff is friendly, caring and helpful! They go out of their way for the dogs and their owners! They call my dog by her name and can tell me who she plays with and what she does while she is there during the day. I have been coming here for over two years and I think they do an excellent job. I recommend them to all my friends who have pets! read more

Hi, thank you for both calling and responding to my review. I want to clarify something you mentioned in your written response. When we spoke I told you I wrote the review because I felt it was constructive feedback to learn from. I NEVER said I felt I should write a BAD review because you had too many good ones. In having written a review I wasn't looking to get my money back or get a free service. I want to be clear, I didn't have a horrible experience I just didn't have a great one and it was because of the lack of consultation, not just once but both times I was there. Again, I appreciate you taking the time to reach out, thank you. read more

LOVE Bark U! We used Candy for pet sitting prior to her opening up Bark U. Candy and her staff are top notch. We have done training, boarding, daycare, and grooming at Bark U and are beyond pleased with them all. Her staff are animal lovers who care about our dogs as much or more than we do! When our dogs are at Bark U, we frequently get texted pictures, videos and general updates. We had a senior dog who went to Bark U and was always given extra special TLC. We also have a special needs puppy, who requires special feeding and medication. I have complete confidence in their ability to properly take care of her when she is at Bark U. I truly feel as though they are as invested in my dogs as we are from a health and well being standpoint. read more

My wife and I have been bringing our three dogs to Bark University for about a year and it is has been a dream. The staff is friendly and the dogs are treated wonderfully. Candy and her staff are fantastic. Any time we go out of town, we board our dogs at Bark U. I highly recommend anyone looking for dog sitting or boarding in Lake County to go to Bark University. read more

I can't say enough good things about Bark university and candy's k9s. We rescued a dog that has many social issues. With the help from candy and her staff we now have a social sweet doggy! I am very comfortable leaving and knowing that my dog is going to be well taken care of read more

I love and admire them all! Its so obvious that all the staff really love dogs.

Bark University is the best dog care facility I've been to yet. I had my pit bull Nala there from late 2013 until June 2014 when we moved to Miami, FL. Their trainer Candie not only picked my dog up every morning, but trained some of her less-desirable behaviors away and reinforced many of her great traits! Nala is a pit bull ambassador now. She has an extremely good temperament, is patient, and well-socialized. She plays very gently, and is the most well-disciplined animal ever. Bark U communicates to their clients about all the good and bad aspects of your dog's stay, and spends time to teach you tips and tricks. I miss them so much (S. Florida is really prejudicial against pit bulls). They really love dogs a lot. I will never find another great group of professionals like Candie and her team. I miss you guys! read more

Bark University is terrific! We did the puppy training class for our pup! Candy did such a great job explaining everything we needed to know to train our little pup. Louie our little dog love had so much fun and learned so much! He can't wait to go back! read more

Since we moved out from the city, our ""boys" Milo and Murray love to visit the daycare at Bark University, its like their Disneyland, they run from the car to play with their friends when I drop them off, and are plum tuckered out when we pick them. Great, Great place for pets !! read more

All the staff at Bark University take the time to get to know all the dogs that come into the doors. Every night there are staff members staying the night to watch over the dogs, and they even have a room for any dogs that are not use to cages to sleep with the staff. It's amazing, not stressful for the pups. Candy and Mike are true super stars in the industry!! Candy has years of experience handling dogs and she's a true Gem!!! I would not take my boys to anyone else since finding Bark U!!! read more

Here's my update for Bark U since using Candy (Casinia) for training & the BU TEAM for daycare and boarding over the past 5 months: TRAINING: Regan and I graduated from Puppy 101 last month. I was learning along side Regan basic obedience while gaining trust and confidence in one another under Candy's guidance. After we graduated I quickly signed up for the Beginner 101 training classes. Candy is a wonderful well balanced & knowledgable trainer, she is caring & loving towards all her 4 legged clients and is tough & in charge when she has to be. In class all the dogs love her, respect her and listen to her. You and your dog will always walk away learning something. Plus, Candy always takes the time to listen to any problem(s) you have and will give you several good solutions to try out. Candy helped me get under control Regan's spontaneous high energy where she would jump on us, tugging shirts, hands or her leash. We no longer fear Regan ruining a good shirt during a walk....Thank You!!! DAYCARE: REGAN LOVES GOING TO DAYCARE PERIOD!!! Routine...once out of car...hurry to go potty outside....hurry to go inside where the fun awaits. The entire staff is wonderful! First and foremost, I know that Regan is safe and well taken care of. Secondly, Regan is happy. Really, the list could go on because I've been to several other daycare facilities and what I like about Bark U is that it is safe, clean (no ammonia smell), they provide a scheduled nap time, the staff is incredible, it's reasonably priced and they don't make you schedule far out in advance to specific days your dog can only come in on (doesn't work for us). BOARDING: After boarding at Bark U (max so far 3 nights), Regan comes home the same way I bring her in, a happy happy puppy! Regan has never come home behaving differently or traumatized after boarding and she always eats her food so I could not be happier. Bark U is her home away from home. Regan, myself and family thank everyone at Bark University...you are all WONDERFUL! read more

Candy and the team at Bark University are amazing! Our 5-month old yellow lab, Toby, loves going to Bark U. Candy and her staff are incredibly patient, compassionate and kind to the pups. Highly recommend Bark University without reservation. read more

After finding out my usual groomer didn't have availability for the next 3-4 weeks, I decided to try this groomer based on good reviews. Pleasantly surprised at how quickly they were able to schedule me. Unfortunately things went downhill from there. My dog had some mats on her legs so I was notified immediately that they would only be able to shave my dog. Though disappointed, I figured it must be done and agreed to this. What upset me most is that upon receiving my dog, I was charged $85 (I'm used to paying $60 at my usual groomers and usually this amount is well deserved after cutting and brushing my dog's thick coat). I did not understand why such a high charge to shave my dog first, but mostly, upon getting home, I noticed her ears looked visibly dirty and were crusty along the edges. I did not understand paying that amount for a dog that they did not need to brush and they did not do an acceptable job cleaning her ears. I did notify the groomer about my disappointment in the cleanliness of her ears and the response I got is that it was all videotaped and they did in fact do a good job cleaning the ears. I sent them the picture of the ears immediately upon arriving home. I did get an offer to bring my dog back but what would be the point if they claim this was how they clean ears to go back and have them repeat the horrible job? I wish they would have offered some money back instead. I declined the offer to drive my dog back there and have them clean her ears again. Instead I purchased some ear cleaning wipes and proceeded to clean her ears myself. Needless to say, I will find another groomer. read more