I rarely leave reviews, but this experience raised enough concerns that I felt it was important to share. Please look for the Facebook post that shows the pictures of this place - it's very different than how it's marketed. I never actually boarded my dog here because the interactions leading up to it gave me too many red flags. I initially scheduled a discovery call with the owner, but she never called. After multiple follow-ups on my end, communication was either very delayed or minimal. When we finally connected, she apologized and explained she had been out of town. We discussed my dog's needs, and she confirmed she could accommodate the dates I needed. One thing that immediately stood out to me was being told owners are not allowed on-site to visit. After our call, I then received texts requesting full payment upfront, with a "one-time exception" of only requiring 50% down. Given that the booking was still more than four months away, I wasn't comfortable with that arrangement. I was also pressured to make a decision quickly because there were supposedly others waiting for the same dates. Overall, something about the situation didn't feel right to me. After doing additional research online on Facebook including reading comments from a former employee, I became even more uncomfortable with some of the practices that were described and photos that were shared. It's unfortunate because the concept and branding had a lot of potential. I just personally didn't feel confident moving forward with my dog's care there and it's quite concerning to see so many positive reviews mask the negative ones which speak of great concern. read more

Canine State of Mind - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

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This place is completely fraudulent. I know two different people who worked there. The owner has nothing to do with the dogs. she does not train them. She barely oversees the place. Dogs are kept in uncomfortable, unsanitary, and neglectful conditions. Ask her if you can go out and see her facility. See how she answers you. read more

We refuse to send our two girls Melody and Treble anywhere else! Is it expensive? It's not the cheapest option, but honestly it's not much more than the concrete jails that most boarding places are around Chicago. If you love your dogs like family and want the best for them, you can't do better than Canine State of Mind! When my wife and I moved to Chicago last Spring, we were really concerned about where we could safely and comfortably leave our dogs. We love to travel and we can't enjoy ourselves fully if we aren't 100% sure our fur babies are being treated as well as we do, and we certainly can't enjoy ourselves knowing that they are stuck in a concrete kennel for most of a day or only able to go outside for short periods. We had a trip to Norway planned right after moving here and at the last minute our dog sitter fell through. Enter Sasha and Canine State of Mind! She went out of her way to make sure she had space for our girls, she told us about her farm and the grounds the dogs are on, how they get to spend their time, and it sounded like Doggie summer camp. That's exactly what it is! Our girls get to run around the grounds, have plenty of time outside and with the other dogs, and truly enjoy themselves! Just look at the photo of them running and smiling with bandanas on at CSoM! I can't speak to the training but knowing Sasha and having used them many times now, I would bet $s to dog food that it is life changing and you won't find better if you want to help your dog behaviorally, and you also need help to make sure they can be their best selves. Even without doing the training, we've noticed all around improvements in their confidence, happiness, and sociability. After living outside by the beach and seeing few dogs for 2 years prior to moving here, they were pretty reactive and unruly. I could tell that they were stressed out, but I couldn't help them, and it's impossible to avoid other dogs and people on the 606. Literally, the first time they came back from the farm that was gone and I attribute that to the environment Sasha and her team create. She helped them remember that they were safe and confident and comfortable around strange dogs and strange people. TLDR: Just use them. If you love your dogs like we do, you could never find a better place for them to stay and enjoy their own vacation while you enjoy your own! To the negative reviews about "not getting your dog back" or "not getting any pictures", I'm sorry you had bad experiences but I can't relate. They are always responsive but not immediately so, and that's fine. Enjoy your own vacation and trust the process. They never miss pick ups and drop offs. I will admit that I find the lack of photos frustrating but I also understand that the dogs are being allowed to be dogs rather than being photographed and isn't that what's most important? Plus, shouldn't I be in the moment myself and enjoying where I am instead of stressing out about what my dogs are up to at every given moment? read more

Canine State of Mind - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

Save yourself about 8k, or as Sasha has said herself "an ungodly amount of money" and do not consider sending your dog here if they are reactive (my dog is a sweet rescue with a mean bite history). This program was a last resort for me and I had hoped it would give me the answers I needed to work with my dog and trust her. However, Sasha will not help your reactive dog, but your own methods and training can help. I will spare details but if anyone has questions you can contact me directly. I held off as long as I could before leaving a negative review, but after feeling let down again and again by Sasha being unable to give direct answers or meet in person, I'm officially done investing energy and time into this "program". If you have a puppy and cash to spend, this might be the right place for you. But I will mention Sasha is not often present with the animals on the farm, as she has told me herself, that is why you don't get pictures. Seems like a great place to board your dog outside of the city, though, lots of space to roam. Thanks for your time, Sasha. Feel free to leave any type of response in the comments, I will find peace in knowing my own truth. I commend your business model and persuasion techniques, you're one helluva hustler. Cheers, Ashley read more

Canine State of Mind - Yes, my dog wears a muzzle around new people. Life goes on. Muzzle from Khaos Kollars on Etsy - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

A friend sent her dog there and she came back untrained. Total rip off ! The cost is very expensive . Don't send your dog there

I am incredibly disappointed and upset by our experience with Canine State of Mind. I thought this was going to be a game changer for our corgi with anxiety issues; the entire experience was something out of a nightmare. We paid $5,500 for the two week board and train; to start, our friends who dropped off our pup while we were on our honeymoon said that Sasha was an hour late to the pick up spot. We received no updates during those two weeks while he was there other than that he was "settled in beautifully"; I offered to send over instructions for his food we sent with him, which she said was not needed. We had a training session with Sasha the day before our dog returned to us, where her instructions were to ignore our dog and not engage with him at all directly. No eye contact, no petting, don't talk to him, basically act like he doesn't exist, besides fulfilling his basic needs. She did not give any real instruction besides ignoring him and having "calm and strong" energy. My husband picks up our dog the next day, and we were horrified with what we saw. Our dog's butt was caked in old, dried diarrhea. His bed was incredibly dirty and smelled so bad he had to plug his nose on the way home. His bag we sent with him was completely shredded up inside, with his toys destroyed, and all of his food and treats gone, despite sending an excess with him. Our dog has NEVER in his life destroyed a toy, furniture, etc., so we know this was done by another dog at the farm. The bag was also filled to the brim with a HUGE pile of gray dog hair that was clearly not our dog's??? (our dog is white and brown). We completely ignored our dog, per her instructions. He mostly acted as he normally does. Sasha would occasionally send voice notes reiterating how we should not engage with him, and how we should try to reduce any anxious energy. He continued to have liquid diarrhea for the next couple of weeks, as well as throw up bile several times. Sasha said that it was strange, as he "didn't have diahhrea during his stay". Really? The old caked on poop all over his butt and bed when we picked him up says otherwise. She said they "wash bedding every other day" and she "never noticed poop on his behind". The poop on him was OLD and caked on; it was not fresh. His bed absolutely REEKED; I cannot imagine it was washed at all, never mind every other day. Her recommendation on his new GI issues was "I wouldn't rush to the vet". She said that her instruction for how to directly engage with him would come with time, but over a week passed, and she was still having us avoid any contact with our dog. I'm sorry, but I'm not going to not make ANY contact with my dog for over a week. If there's certain ways I need to change how I interact with him, fine, but telling me not to interact with him at all is not real dog training. After three weeks have passed, our dog's GI issues are finally resolving, and we have ignored Sasha's last two texts to inquire how he is doing. I cannot trust her anymore after the blatant lying and gaslighting about his condition upon as return, as well as the lazy "training" method of ignoring our dog instead of addressing his issues. Sasha told us that dogs need much LESS than their owners think they do - that is evident from how she cared for our dog. I am horrified to think of what he experienced while he was at the farm, and we will never know, because it is evident that we cannot trust Sasha, and we have no photo or video evidence that they fulfill ANY of the promises they make on their website. I am deeply regretful that we sent our dog to Canine State of Mind, and am surprised there aren't more reviews like mine online. read more

I sent my Bullmastiff, Linc, to Canine State of Mind for the farm and board training. At first, I was unsure as to what to expect as Sasha's approach was unlike I have ever interacted with before. However, when Linc returned, he no longer was the "out of control dog" that I originally had, but rather a calmer, happier dog. This has definitely been a win-win for my family! Sasha also assisted with modifying Linc's diet, and his tummy troubles have gone away! We are looking forward to our future in home sessions with Sasha to build on the foundation built by her so that Linc, as well as ourselves, can be the best we can be! read more

Sasha is an absolute master at her craft. Not only is she a phenomenal dog behavioralist, but she so deeply understands the human psychology and the intricate connection between them both. You can feel her passion for her work in her love for dogs and in her love for educating, guiding, and empowering you to lead. Through her holistic approach, she examines all dimensions of behavior - mind, body, spirit - to bring all aspects into harmony and balance. I have had the most incredible experience working with Sasha, and hold her in the highest regard. She is a powerful leader and teacher, ushering in a new paradigm of the human-canine relationship. Her work is deeply transformative and will leave you feeling empowered as the alpha that you are meant to be! read more

Where to start! Sasha has been an incredible addition to our family (yes, I consider her family)! We've used Sasha and her team for both training and boarding and I can't imagine where we'd be without her. One of the things we love about Sasha's approach is that it's humane, logical, and straightforward. Training: My husband and I adopted our dog, Judge in 2015 and after a year in our home, we noticed he had become anxious and territorial, and had a couple aggressive incidents (growling, nipping) with my husband and friends and extended family members. After extensive research, I decided that Sasha was the best fit us. After four weeks at the farm, Judge came back a new dog! Furthermore, after our in-home training session with Sasha, we became new dog-parents-- Sasha helped us better understand how to communicate with Judge, and gave us strategies to help lessen his anxious and territorial behaviors. We've made major strides with Judge thanks to Sasha! Boarding: Judge loves going to the farm (and we love when he goes to the farm too). Instead of hauling him across the city, Sasha, Amanda, and the team are always so flexible with timing and location of pick up and drop-off. We've sent Judge to the farm for board for as long as 2 weeks, and as short as a long weekend. We love sending Judge to the farm because we know he has tons of OUTDOOR open space and isn't cooped up in a kennel. Our dog has a very sensitive stomach, and prior to finding Sasha, he'd come back from boarding and we'd have to make a vet appointment the next day. We have sent Judge to the farm countless times and he has never come back hurt or sick-- a major win in our opinion! Thank you Sasha and the entire CSM team ! read more

Canine State of Mind - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

I sent my sheepadoodle pup to Sasha and he came back a different (much more mature) pup! My puppy was originally barking uncontrollably, biting furniture, and constantly pulling on his leash. I live in a high rise apartment which made it more challenging. Sasha changed his behavior completely! He doesn't bite my furniture, very rarely barks, sleeps well, and is overall a much better listener. He is a great apartment dog. I HIGHLY recommend Sasha, no matter what age your dog! She is incredibly invested in the success of your dog, makes herself available for questions after bringing your dog home, and has a passion for her work. She does so much more than the traditional command training and channels your dogs natural instincts. Sasha shifted my own mindset when it comes to taking care of my dog - her approach is one of positivity, and calmness. I trust her completely. It's clear she loves what she does and my puppy felt that love as well. Thank you for such a great experience, Sasha! Gus misses you and your fam very much! read more

I'm a huge fan of Canine State of Mind, but more importantly, my active dog Vince LOOOOOVES Canine State of Mind. Vince needs time to get out and be a dog, away from the noise and bustle of Chicago. Giving him the opportunity to go to camp and run and play is a wonderful opportunity. He loves going so much, he starts getting excited when I'm packing his back for a stay. I'm admittedly an overprotective dog owner, but I know that Vince is in good hands with Canine State of Mind. That's a big deal, because after visiting other boarding/play options, I just didn't feel comfortable that those businesses were doing much beyond the bare minimum. With Sasha and Canine State of Mind, I trust 100% that Vince is in the care of people who love animals and prioritize their comfort and well-being. read more

I thought I had enrolled our 18-month old cattle dog mix, Miller, in a two-week Board & Train at Canine State of Mind. What I quickly realized is, I had enrolled MYSELF in an program that would completely reconfigure my concept of communication and care for my dog. I was the student. Miller was along for the ride, ready to reap the benefits of me becoming a better Alpha of the pack. A lovable, but highly-reactive rescue dog, Miller was a laundry list of maladaptive behavior- barking at stimuli outside our windows and doors, separation anxiety, lunging on leash, insisting behaviors such as demand barking and herding us, barking at human-to-human behaviors such as hugging and horsing around. The two-week boarding program at Canine State of Mind was Miller's hard reset. He got to experience pack life as it should be, and he returned to our house transformed-relaxed, street-free and ready to relinquish all responsibilities to me. This is where the real work began. Miller would stay in this optimal state ONLY IF I WAS READY TO CHANGE MY THINKING AND MY BEHAVIORS. The most important work to be done wasn't with Miller. It was with me. Through Sasha, I am totally learning a new way to love and care for my dog. I can now see the world from his point of view, and understand his needs. Small moves, that seem so little to me, have become the most impactful way to say "I love you," "I've got you," and "You're safe." As I have learned new behaviors, I have earned Miller's trust. And his problem behaviors have fallen away, one by one. He is confident, relaxed, great with house guests and so trusting of my leadership. This is unlike any training program I have participated in, and I highly recommend, if AND ONLY IF you are up for the following: 1) During Boarding, trust your dog is being well-cared for, and don't expect lengthy daily updates. Sasha is giving 100% of her focus to your dog. She will give 100% of her focus to YOU once your dog is back home. You'll probably get a picture texted to you once a week. Look at the dog's body language, you will see everything you need to know about healthy and happy your dog is. 2) Be flexible and adaptable with pick-up and drop-off dates. The shuttle service from Chicago to the farm is a unique perk, and dates and times might shift in order to better accommodate the dogs' needs on the farm. 3) Once you dog is home, BE READY TO WORK. Your dog risks slipping back into old behaviors, if you aren't rising up to meet your dog in a different way. 4) Commit to becoming more present, more curious and more consistent with your dog. 5) Use the at-home support offered by Sasha. Her voice memos and Zoom meetings have been integral to my evolution as a dog owner. (Her assistant Jasmine will schedule any meetings you need) 6) This program only works if everyone in the household is ready to play by the same rules. If someone is the house insists on doing things the old way, your dog will get mixed messages and the good work falls apart. This program has been a game-changer for us. Like any self-improvement course, you get out of it what you put into it. It has been four months since Miller went to Board and Train. Each day, I am showing up for my dog in better and more meaningful ways. I am understanding so much more about him, myself and the world around us. All of our gratitude to Sasha and Canine State of Mind! Y'all will be a consistent part of our lives from now on. read more

Canine State of Mind - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

My husband and I started working with Sasha very shortly after bringing home our golden retriever puppy. We have done training sessions over zoom and in our home. Our puppy is 4 months old now and remarkably well behaved. She is so calm and obedient, Sasha's methods are different than any other training we had ever heard of but the results speak volumes. The best decision we could have made for our dog was working with Sasha and having the ability to ask her questions pertaining to health, diet, and socializing. We don't plan on traveling without our new family member anytime soon but i look forward to using her farm boarding service when we do! read more

Canine State of Mind - 3 month old Dolly - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

My German Shepherd mix, Jay, LOVES boarding with Sasha at Canine State of Mind. Sasha is incredibly flexible on scheduling for pickups and my dog pulls me all the way to the car. I think the best part is the peace of mind knowing that while I enjoy my vacation, my dog is having the time of his life every day on the farm. He has free range to sniff, play with other dogs, and go on outdoor adventures. While Jay has not participated in the board and train program, Sasha's intuition for training extends to her boarders. My dog has always struggled a bit with separation anxiety, but Sasha makes sure he is well adjusted and calm throughout his entire stay. It's obvious that she is in her element with the dogs, and we just love them! read more

Canine State of Mind - Jay and pals at the farm - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

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We couldn't recommend Sasha enough! Our Great Dane Frankie started going to Canine State of Mind when she was 6 months old for training. We love Sasha's approach and based on the results, we see how well it resonates with Frankie too. Sasha is so knowledgable and helped us with not only behavioral training, but also nutrition and other areas where we had questions. Whenever we go out of town Frankie goes to the farm and it's so nice to know that she is getting a vacation too! Frankie loves getting out of the city, being able to run and play and she comes back home more relaxed (and better behaved) than when we left. Sasha is so easy to work with and the peace of mind knowing our girl is in great hands with someone we trust has been the best part of our experience. read more

Canine State of Mind - Frankie at the Farm! - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

My dog, Wanda, and I are both huge fans of Canine State of Mind and Sasha. With Sasha's guidance I was able to change my behavior in a way that had a visibly positive impact on Wanda. As a result pulling on walks, barking at home, and separation anxiety have been almost eliminated. Plus knowing Wanda has a boarding place that's more like puppy paradise (and will only reinforce positive behavior and feelings of security) means I can travel with peace of mind. read more

My husband and I started working with Sasha at Canine State of Mind with our 6 month old male golden retriever last month, and we couldn't be happier with the results! Our dog was there for 17 days, and Sasha was so diligent with his training and with us. Sasha's approach to training is incredibly unique, and we have learned so much about about why our puppy was acting the way he was. We learned that the "normal puppy behavior" that you read about isn't actually normal at all! After Hoagie returned from Canine State of Mind, Sasha spent hours with us in our home teaching us the best way to communicate with Hoagie, and we couldn't be happier with the results. I'm admittedly an over-protective dog mom and felt so at east knowing that Hoagie was able to romp on the farm and be treated with respect. Our puppy is 7 months old now and remarkably well behaved. He is much more calm and obedient. The best part, there is no yelling involved! Simple shifts in our body posture and energy calms Hoagie right down. All of these techniques he/we learned from Sasha. Working withSasha feels like working with a friend, and I know that she will be part of our lives forever! She is even coming to visit us in California for our follow up sessions. I would recommend Sasha to anyone looking for a loving home and remarkable training for your dog. read more

Canine State of Mind - Hoagie at the farm! - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

Perfect blend of Nature & Nurture! My husband and I have boarded our Labrador Retriever Charlie with Sasha at Canine State of Mind for 8 awesome years. Throughout that time, he's received excellent care in utterly professional hands. Living in the city, it's a blessing to let Charlie truly 'go off the grid', getting to be in his element at Canine State of Mind's farm, out in nature with plenty of space to run around, explore, and just be a dog. Bonus? Their farm is safely fenced in and they do pickup and drop off from the city for added convenience. Our dog has had a variety of different health conditions, food and medicine regimens over the course of his life, and Sasha and team are always eager to accommodate, give updates and ensure that he stays on track. Highly recommend their services to anyone looking to give their pup a real vacation while their owners are away! They get to socialize with other super friendly dogs, and peace of mind comes included. read more

Canine State of Mind - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

We love Sasha and Canine State of Mind! It is so great that our city dogs are able to go out to Sasha's farm and run amok for several days and get a vacation of their own. When we first got our second dog, he was very high-strung/reactive/agitated, but Sasha worked with him and us and we are so thankful for her patience and knowledge because he is a great addition to our family. Even though her services are a bit expensive, it is absolutely worth it for our two Doberman pups. We know that they well in great hands and getting tons of love at Canine State of Mind. read more

Canine State of Mind - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

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Sasha worked with our recently adopted 6 year old pug. Additionally, she visited our house and gave us excellent advice for our other 4 dogs. Things did NOT go smoothly initially but her continued work and support helped us to eventually get the pug (unbeknownst to us, he was almost completely deaf) perfectly trained and integrated into our existing pack. She consistently followed up with us and anytime we had a question/concern she gave us practical suggestions and solutions. Highly recommend read more

Canine State of Mind - The pack (minus one) - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

In the past, we used a local place for boarding, but the moment we heard of Sasha and Canine State of Mind, we use them every and anytime we can! They are fantastic - a great team, very accommodating, and our dog Cali loves it there! When she comes back she is so happy, and we definitely prefer Cali to have a farm and a home compared to crate boarding. HIGHLY recommend! read more

It doesnt get any better than Sasha... Her intuitive, authentic, holistic, skill sets that foster an amazing relationship with your canine soulmate are second to none... Don't hesitate to make the connection with Sasha and have a willingness to put in the love and effort it takes to get to that special place of oneness with your pup pal... My result was having a happy, loving dog who wanted nothing more than to sync up with me and all the environments that he would be engaged in on a daily basis... Stop here and now if you want the best! And who wouldn't! After all, it's a privilege to enjoy the love of a dog! Best of luck partnering with Sasha! read more

I had a puppy I sent for over a month for training. My son and I were then told we can't cuddle the puppy or get happy around the puppy and he must be walked twice an hour. Never did I receive a photo throughout this to see how he was. At the time we were scheduled to move and I asked Sasha if she would take my golden retriever puppy since it seemed like if we can't play with him and walks twice an hour, that seemed difficult to accommodate. She said she would love to keep him. If I knew she would give him away to another family I would have considered his original home farm. Now I don't know if the puppy is ok. Further - we ended up not moving but when I asked for my dog back she said it's too late, the other family likes him. Incredible money and emotion spent on the training (non refundable of course), lack of transparency, and finally a training video call with her on progress and her not even being at the farm but on vacation. I would recommend other options. read more

I've been sending my dog to CSM for years. While I have used a few kennels or have had sitters in my home, nothing has been more reliable and better for my dog than her times at "camp". My dog comes home tired, happy, and nice and clean (unlike when she has stayed in a stinky kennel). Bottom line, I simply don't have to worry about my dog while I'm on vacation or working out of town. This is the very best option for dog boarding anywhere. read more

Canine State of Mind - Frolicking at CSM. - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

I used Canine State of Mind first back in September while I was in Europe for two weeks to board my two year old rescue who can be sensitive with new places. Sasha was very accommodating and responsive. I got updates on how he was doing which helped me for my peace of mind. The pick up and drop off to our apartment was a very great touch, it went smoothly and my dog clearly had a wonderful time when he got back as he was son confused why Sasha left without him. He usually has issues with separation anxiety where he won't eat but Sasha said they had no problems with him. They give him treats and load their bowls to give them incentive to gobble it up! He came back after two weeks of running around on their giant farm land looking healthy and much more in shape than when he left, he got a lot of exercise which is so nice! We have since moved away from Chicago to Wisconsin and it's been hard to find something as great as Canine State of Mind. We've tried the places where it's 30 dogs in a big concrete room and my dog gets so overwhelmed. Thankfully, Sasha has agreed to accommodate my dog even though we are not in Chicago anymore and that is such a relief. We will continue to use her services going forward! Highly recommend! read more

I made two reservations for my dog to be with this company! The owner was very nice and after talking to her, I was very comfortable with having him staying there. The Monday of the first reservation (reservation started that Friday), she texted and said she has to go out of town - therefore, wouldn't be able to watch my pup ... I told her No problem! She asked if I had another place to board him, I said no, I'm new to the area and didn't know of any other places locally, so she said she would be in touch with some recommendations. Friday morning comes - nothing. Friday evening, She texted and asked if I found anyone and I said I cancelled the trip so no worries. When we talked last, we confirmed the second reservation (a month later) would still occur and she stated she would be in touch closer to the date in regards to pick up. Just to be safe, I made backup plans at Petsmart but really try to support local when I can. The second reservation came and left. Heard nothing. Thank God I had the backup reservation. I honestly was SO excited for my dog to play in a large yard with other dogs but, unfortunately, it just wasn't meant to be for us :( read more

We highly recommend Sasha for any boarding or training your dog might need! Sasha's insight and ability to understand dogs is unmatched, and we have not seen any other training program that is similar to her style or that worked better for our dog. We completed a 3 week board and train program with Sasha for our 8 month old puppy, Bean. When Bean returned from her stay, her behavior had drastically improved. We really struggled with Bean biting furniture and rugs, barking, and stealing items off of tables. All of these behaviors disappeared after Sasha worked with Bean. Even more importantly, and as a true testament to Sasha, Sasha was able to get at the core issues that were causing these problem behaviors to begin with. Bean, though super sweet, is a highly anxious and alert dog. Sasha was able to resolve Bean's "problem behaviors" by helping her feel more confident both in and outside the home. In this way, instead of just working on targeting individual behaviors like most other training we have seen, Sasha's method works to help your dog feel more relaxed and comfortable in their role in your family unit. When we're away, Sasha is the only one that we would trust boarding Bean. We're comforted knowing that Bean is in good hands with Sasha, enjoying the farm, sleeping in the house, and being a part of Sasha's pack. The training does not end when your dog returns home. Sasha has been an invaluable resource for us, and is always available for questions about behavior, food, nutrition, and more to ensure you and your dog continue to do well and feel adjusted. We feel so fortunate to have been able to work with Sasha, and cannot recommend her highly enough! read more

After an online search for someone to help with my dog's separation anxiety, I found Sasha at Canine State of Mind. Without knowing anything about her, we hopped on a call and I instantly knew I was talking to the right person. Sasha has a very honest, direct, clear approach with her clients. She teaches you how to be your best self and how to step into the role of being a calm and confident leader of your canine pack. My dog went to the farm and came back with a sense of calm. I also tapped into my alpha role and now know how to show up for my dog. I am continuing to learn from Sasha through her follow-up calls and from her invaluable teachings. This experience has truly been life changing! read more

Our dog Orso has boarded on Sasha's farm a handful of times and LOVES his farm vacations! We are happy that he is able to roam in open green space with other dog friends. Sasha is a true gem and we are so lucky we found her. Canine State of Mind is the only place we trust for boarding for extended stays. Our minds are at ease knowing he is cared for while our family is on our own vacation. Sasha is so in tuned with canine behavior and can quickly assess what they may need. I highly recommend Canine State of Mind and bonus that there is a shuttle to pick up your pooch in the city. read more

I sent my English Creme Golden Retriever to Sasha for the three week board and train program and it has truly been life changing! Even though he was an overall well behaved dog before, he is not only so much better behaved now, but so much more at peace! Her philosophy is truly unique and gets to the root of why your dog is doing what he is doing. Before Sasha, we didn't realize how many little things we were doing that we're giving him anxiety, which resulted in high energy and destructive behavior. He now respects us as the alpha, and is SO much calmer and happier as a result. We know we can reach out to her with any questions, no matter how big or small. I would recommend Sasha to anyone looking to transform their relationship with their pet. read more

Our bullmastiff El Chapo LOVES Sasha and Canine State of Mind! We live downtown Chicago and our dog (like us too) gets sick of the city at times and sending him to the farm is a treat! We have boarded him there a couple of times for a week+ and he absolutely loves it. We are also at ease while traveling knowing our dog is taken care of, loved, and having the time of his life. The pick-up and drop off service is a nice perk, he knows where he is going when the van pulls up and he jumps right in so excited. Sasha was kind enough to call me after one of his visits and recommend that we switch up his food because the brand we were using was not good for his health. That shows that she actually cares about the dogs and wants the best for them. I highly recommend Canine State of Mind! read more

I found Sasha through a random search as I knew I was getting a puppy in a few weeks and 6 weeks in, I had a 2 week vacation planned. I wanted him to stay somewhere safe but also get trained. Jordy did the 3 week board and train program and I can't express how happy I am with what work Sasha has done. I was also not sure what to expect based on her approach but you just need to trust the process! My puppy was already a great puppy but he has come back an immaculate puppy. My pup is just turning 5 months next week and I can leave him alone and free in my apartment for 4+ hours and he's a saint. I never dreamed this could happen so young. The work Sasha did turned puppy behavior into what feels like a 6 year old dog, he is that chill. He is so well behaved, it's beyond belief. People comment on it all the time. This isn't obedience training, it's how to connect with your dog and vice versa. How to shift behavior into an amazing pet and best friend. Sasha has very strong beliefs but that's because she truly cares about animals and your dog. She wants only the best. I plan to board Jordy on long trips moving forward as I know he loved the farm and Sasha!! read more

Sasha has been amazing with our new maltipoo puppies! We have been zooming with her and she has provided us many amazing techniques so far! The sessions go by so fast and she is always going the extra mile making sure we have all questions answered and is "on call" so to speak with other questions that arise. I would highly recommend! read more

I would not leave my 4 pawed family member with anyone else but Sasha and Michael. When the van pulls up our dog goes crazy. She can not contain her joy. All I need to do is open our front door and she will race towards the van. Sasha also trained her too! Our dog loves going with Sasha so much I began to feel like she loved Sasha more than me. But Sasha explained to us how dogs think and just because she is happy to leave does not mean she loves Sasha more. It also feels good to travel knowing that our dog is safe, loved and oh soooo happy on her own Sasha vacation. read more

Canine State of Mind - Sleepy girl - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

Sasha's approach to training is empowering and encouraging. Dogs think in different ways than we do -- Sasha will help you understand your dog, help your dog understand you, and provide you with all you need to create that perfect relationship. Her methods are easy to understand and with consistency I have no doubt that any behavioral issue (misunderstanding, really) can quickly improve. My only tip... listen to her! Sasha cares for you and your dog and everything she says is valuable if you use it. read more

Canine State of Mind - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

Yes! Finally, an open space for our dog to roam during extended vacations. Our family lives in Chicago and heard from friends in other states about the concept of 'farm' boarders for dogs. Our English Springer is unbelievably excited every time Sasha comes to pick him up. He doesn't think twice about hoping in the van that picks up and drops off here in Chicago. Well worth it to allow your dog to have a vacation in open space and rest assured your love one is being taken care of with canine state of mind. read more

Clearly my 1 star review puts me in the minority here (even though most of the reviews are for boarding and not training). And I echo the other 1 star review (Kaitlin M) almost to a tee. I sent my 10 week old standard poodle for a 4 week board and train experience at a cost of 6,000. I had the simple expectation that she would return with the basic commands well underway (sit, come, stay, down and heel). According to Sasha she clearly communicated her philosophy to me during our early phone conversations. I must have been completely deaf because I did not really understand one of her theories and nor did my dog return with the knowledge to do anything other than sit (with a hand command). When I called Sasha the next day to ask how to train her to do a "down" using Sashas' methods, she responded that down was a party trick and unecessary for a dog to learn. I was also told to behave as described by Kaitlin M towards the dog and to encourage all my guests to completely ignore the dog upon entry etc. Most of which was completely foreign to me. I agree with Kaitlyn in that the communication was sparse at best and painful at worst. I was very anxious about ssending such a young puppy for such a long time and I received only three photos/videos and three or four one line responses to my repeated requests for information. Over a FOUR week period. In her literature she advises you to "trust the process" and that communication will be intermittent but I am sorry to say that it was almost non existent and like pulling teeth to obtain. She requested an extension on the four week stay due to her schedule (which I agreed to because it was at the time of Labor Day) but when I asked her to return the dog a week early due to my husband's surgery being moved forward in Florida and our need to return she told me it was not possible. I offered to come and pick the dog up but this was also declined and so my husband had to travel ahead of me and I had to wait for her to return the dog. Her response to my questions has been mostly reasonable and she seems willing to discuss the issues but I do not see the point. As with Kaitlyn when I expressed my disappointment she replied with suggestions such as "making a dog sit, heel laydown etc does not accomplish anything meaningful in our relationships with our best friends". Or, "I am not an obedience trainer and never claimed to be" - clearly I COMPLETELY misunderstood the objective here. In any event, we have moved on and are in the hands of a trainer who is much more in line with my expectation. I am sorry to say that I am extremely disappointed (to put it politely) and do not consider this $6,000 to have been even vaguely good value for money. I cannot fault her interest in following up but I just do not see the point of taking this any further. In our home follow up session she spent a couple of hours explaining the process to us but I was disappointed not to receive a written summary because it was alot of information to absorb. She is quick to point out that her process is also about training the humans and I am sure she will find a good defensive position in her opinion on my follow up but the bottom line is that I would never have sent such a young dog for so long or paid so much money to receive the outcome that I did .... even on day one when she was there to show us what Roxy could do and/or had learned. read more

We can't say enough positive words about Sasha and the team at Canine State of Mind. Our dog Bernie has been staying at the farm for the past four years and he literally goes crazy each time they come to pick him up! We love Bernie as a member of our family and wouldn't trust anyone else to care for him while we are away! Sasha truly has a gift of connecting with animals and is a wealth of knowledge with training them. We are truly grateful to have a home away from home for our dog when we are away! read more

My pup, Harlow, spent a few weeks with Sasha at the farm in her Puppy Program. When I think back on my goals list for Harlow in training I'm reminded what a complete handfull she was. She loved to chew everything from cords to boxes and carpet. And she ran about getting into anything she could. Upon her return, she was much more calm (except at meals and who can blame her for loving her delicious diet that Sasha suggested). Harlow looks to me for guidance and while she is still a puppy, she is much more mature as a result of the Puppy Program. She has a strong understanding of the boundaries of my home, is mellow when I come or go, and there is much more peace for both of us. I particularly appreciate that Sasha checked in on us. Right after Harlow returned home we had to take a somewhat unexpected trip and Sasha checked in regularly during the trip and offered guidance and encouragement. That has continued and I'm looking forward to Sasha's continued advice and teaching me how to best lead Harlow. read more

Canine State of Mind - Pet Training Near Me - Hanover, Illinois

Sasha and Canine State of Mind have been wonderful for my pup Scout! Scout is a rescue and I wanted to make sure I had a solid behavioral foundation and try to correct any issues she had due to time in shelters. Sasha was thoughtful, kind, and gave great feedback on how I can approach my time with Scout and how we can correct some of her behavior. She really cares about each and every dog that comes to CSoM and takes time to understand their individual issues. Every time I go out of town I board Scout with Sasha and she comes home happy, healthy, and better behaved than when she left! Couldn't recommend Sasha and the team at CSoM more! read more