These classes are so helpful! I've been a dog mum before so I figured I was decently knowledgeable about dog training (wrong!) these classes are so helpful not just for pups but also for parents! I learned so many things I was doing were actually counterproductive for training and this class really helped me learn the correct ways to help my pup learn. My pup really enjoyed these classes she learned so much and made many friends. We were enrolled in the starter puppy class and I really recommend it for anyone who has a puppy. We are looking to enroll in the next step class Bcs we find these classes SO helpful! Mike was our Puppy Professor and he was so wonderful in teaching us humans the best way to communicate and teach our doggos. read more

PAWS Chicago Training Center - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We've taken our rescue puppy here for puppy obedience training and level 1 training so far and the experience has been fantastic. So far we've had the same trainer, Mike, and our dog absolutely loves him. Attentive, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile to give you a little specialized attention. The class itself is positive feedback based clicker training which I had never seen before, but our dog has made incredible strides in just a few short months, she's on track to be the most well-trained dog I've ever had. Highly recommend read more

PAWS Chicago Training Center - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Before I adopted my pup from PAWS I didn't realize that anyone can take their dog there for training, I assumed you had to be a PAWS alumni. They have a large open training center so dog/owner groups can spread out. The classes were well organized and fun for the pups. There is a lot of repetition as you go along but it's great to see the dogs learning what is expected. Kristina was our instructor and she was able to give us some one-on-one instruction within the group setting. My dog Wreckx is now a canine genius! Will sign up with Kristina again! read more

I adopted my mini pinchser from PAWS last month and signed up for obedience level 1 immediately. I couldn't be more pleased with the quality of training I got from them. The facility is nice and clean and they have dividers there to help your dog focus. Mike is entertaining and is a true professional when it comes to dog training. Whenever I had other questions about handling my reactive dog he was very helpful and quick to respond. Petco training doesn't even compare to this. I wouldn't waste my money there. I can't wait to sign up for the next level of training! read more

See all

The beginning agility class taught by Sharon is horrible. She has taped together stalls from old Paws posters so that each dog is caged (with their owners) in little cubicles. They cannot and are not allowed to see the other dogs, although they can hear constant barking. They are also not allowed to see the other dogs on the course, nor interact in any way with other dogs. There were 7-8 dogs in the one hour class. Sharon only begins setting up the course at the beginning of class--which takes the first ten minutes. Then there is only enough time for each dog to attempt the course 2-3 times. Ten minutes before the end of class, Sharon declares there's not enough time to do the course again, so a total of 20 minutes of the one hour class is lost. The instructor's dog is caged out of sight, and barks the whole time. No training requirements appear to have been passed for some of the dogs, as they don't even respond to sit or down. If the dog isn't paying attention to the owner, Sharon is on the sidelines and gives them treats, which looks a whole lot like "Your dog listens to me better than they listen to you." My dog has been through 3 other training programs and is about to certify as CGC, so I've seen what good training looks like. This isn't it. read more

We have added an amazing nose work class to our training through PAWS. Kristina was able to modify the introductory course for us since Lexie had already taken a couple classes in the past without disrupting those just starting to learn. We learned a lot in the few short weeks we were in class. Kristina sure knows her stuff! read more

Class was scheduled online for 5 consecutive Thursdays. WHen one class was canceled by the instructor for personal reasons and the next class was canceled because PAWS made an error in the schedule (the class was supposed to have been canceled because of Labor Day but the class was not informed and we all showed up), the class was extended 2 weeks. I was unable to attend the additional 2 weeks, asked to attend a later session of the class when I would be able to attend all synchronous sessions, and was told that since I had attended the first class (before the cancellations), the only option available to me was to watch tapes of the classes within a week of them occurring. I paid for 5 sessions with an instructor. read more

We have only been able to take one class there....closed for now... but Sharon, our instructor, was amazing. First puppy class went great. She provided a lot of one on one instruction. She's very knowledgeable & approachable. We'll be back for addl classes. read more

Paws training is excellent. My puppy recently completed the polite and playful puppy training and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Even experienced dog owners. Joan Harris is a great instructor who can provide helpful tips to meet every individual puppies needs. Also the class ends with socialization time which is so valuable! read more

We have had the best experience at Paws Chicago Training. Mike has been amazing! We took his puppy class and then made sure we were able to get him again for Training Class level 1. Our puppy Ryder has come such a long way since our first class. I would recommend Mike to everyone!! Thank you again! read more

We just finished Basic Obedience with Mike and can't wait to take more classes! Mike was considerate, patient, and made himself available to answer every single question we had. read more

We just finished the Level 1 class with our recently adopted dog Otto! He isn't perfect at every trick we learned yet, but we left the class feeling fully equipped to continue his training at home. Every dog learns at a different rate, and the class really focused on how to slowly build important skills over time to keep your dog safe, happy, and well behaved. I would definitely recommend the class to any other new pet owners! read more

I cannot recommend the trainer, Sharon enough. Sharon's classes are fun for the dogs and owners. She creates a fun learning environment. Classes are tailored to your dogs level of ability. She takes a personal interest in the dogs , recognizing individual challenges and goes out of her way to make sure everyone is learning. Sharon's knowledge of training techniques and agility is a gift to all. I always leave the class looking forward to the next one! read more

5 stars! My puppy Wriggs just graduated from Puppy Training School yesterday. He absolutely loved going every Tuesday evening and learned a lot! Michael, the lead instructor was very knowledge and made the class fun for both me and Wriggs. Michael would walk us through a few commands each night, showing us proper techniques; and how to practice the commands at home. The socialization aspect of this class, to me is as important as learning the commands. Time is set aside for the puppies to play with each other, off leash. Wriggs would come home each night, and CRASH asleep for about 8 full hours. He also enjoyed the attention when we practiced the commands at home, giving him an outlet for his high energy. Keep up the great work PAWS! read more

Big thank you to Mike at Paws Training Center - we brought our Australian Cattle Dog to his Level 1 Obedience class in the fall and it was wonderful. He was patient, calm, kind, engaging, and kept all the pups (and us) on track and doing well. He provided appropriate, helpful feedback and took time to give more hands-on help when needed. Mike also made sure to remind us to be patient when we forgot our buddy is just a puppy learning new skills. We - and Mia - are very grateful to Mike! read more

This is a review of Puppy Training Level 1 with Mike, and the experience could honestly not have been better! I was nervous about finding the right trainer for our then five-month-old pug, and this course ended up being just what we needed. Mike is super passionate about his job and knows puppy training inside and out. It felt like we were working with someone with a P.H.D. in puppy (and owner) and we now have the tools to work with our dog for years to come. If you're looking for a legit training experience in Chicago, I really couldn't imagine any better place. read more

We just finished basic obedience with our new little buddy and both the class and Mike the instructor were really fantastic. Our dog was a little slower on the learning curve and Mike really helped my wife and I set our expectations which has really helped with our training process not to get too impatient. All the methods used in our class were positive reinforcement methods 100%, no choke collars or rough handling. Nothing but love! We'll be coming back for another class in the near future! read more

Highly recommend Paws training center. Organized class and clean facility. Mike is a great teacher. He is patient, explains things clearly, and is very experienced. He knows what he is doing and also seems to truly enjoy it. I will definitely sign up for another class. read more

We just finished the Level 1 course with Mike. The techniques we learned have been very helpful in training our new dog. The focus on positive reinforcement has worked very well with our 2 year old beagle. I would strongly recommend that anyone use the PAWS Training Center when getting their first pup. read more