This is my first review on Yelp but Brooks has been a tremendous help with training my dog, Cooper, so I thought it was necessary to return the favor. :) I got Cooper back in August of 2018 as he needed to be rehomed for various reasons--my boyfriend and I were quick to realize that he had not had any form of training while at his previous home. Desperate for any sort of help, I researched dog training facilities and found Brooks. While the price was steeper than I was expecting, the 2-week board and train provided a foundation for Cooper that I would've never been able to accomplish in that amount of time. It was obvious that Liz, our trainer, really cared about Cooper's progress and she was very transparent in what I should expect Cooper to learn in the 2 weeks he was being trained. I appreciated that she was honest and upfront on what the expectations should be, instead of making grandiose promises in order to get my business. The 2-week board and train also came with 3 follow-up sessions with Liz to go over the training and to answer any questions I had. I thought these sessions were immensely helpful and I appreciated each one. Since then, I have continuously used Brooks for boarding and daycare, both of which have been great experiences. Cooper is always excited to go to daycare during the week and comes back a tired and happy pup. If I had anything to suggest, it would be to add cameras for clients to see their dogs. I would love to be able to watch my dog via webcam while I am at work. Overall, Brooks has been a lifesaver and I wouldn't have been able to survive these past few months as a first-time dog owner without them. A special thank you to Brittany and Liz for being so wonderful to work with! :) read more

Colton was a huge help in us getting our Vizsla under some kind of control. He was super energetic and did not listen. Colton taught us the skills to help us control him better and get him to listen to our commands. Still has the energy but we can control him so much better now. Would definitely recommend training with them. We are so much happier and our dog is to. read more

Brooks Canine Center - Pet Training Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

I've been boarding my dogs at Brooks Canine Center for almost 7 years and both my pups love it there. Deacon is a bit quirky and they get him....he always has glowing reviews and when he gets home, he's pooped! The staff at Brooks have become like family!! read more

Brooks Canine Center - Pet Training Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Highly recommend for both daycare and training. Brittany was super helpful answering all my questions and inquiries about their board and train program and I ended up putting my Luther through a 1 week program. He's a rescued German Shepard and they took such great care of him. After his first daycare day he was incredibly happy to go back and would not stop whining until I got him out of the truck. Colton is very hands on with his training, great at explaining everything along with how to continue training at home and what to look for. You can tell they all tremendously care, are passionate and love what they do. Massive bonus after the board and train Colton brings your dog to you for the first follow up! I would not hesitate to leave my Luther in their care and he's absolutely my shadow and companion. read more

Brooks Canine Center - Pet Training Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Brooks is wonderful! We been taking our Aussie here since day one with her. We used Colton's help with puppy training, followed up with his recommendation tips, and they worked great! Brittney is wonderful with scheduling and working the front desk. We've been using their daycare and boarding services for almost 2 years and have been extremely happy. Our Aussie loves the staff and is always so excited to see everyone. read more

We hired Colton to help with some persistent issues with our dog. From the beginning he said 4-5 sessions to address her behaviors, and indeed it was 4. He did an amazing job helping my husband and I become more consistent with langauge and expectations. This was key to her success. He was very encouraging, always saw and reinforced the positive behavior, and helped me see the strengths in her. Well worth the money for private lessons. She just passed thhe CGC test. read more

I have been using Brooks daycare and boarding services over the past 2 years and my dog enjoys going. The staff that run the facility are awesome people who treat the dogs as if they were their own. We've used the training lessons as well and have been satisfied with our results Definitely recommend Brooks when considering daycare, boarding or training your new dog. read more

my trainer is prompt and professional. very gentle and soft spoken when working with my dog. he was just so easy to work with and gave great directions in working with my dog. my vet gave me the contact and I am very greatful. Definitely recommend him to work with your dog. read more

I did my research on where to send my beloved Cheeto to get trained. I checked several places within the Chicago-land area and Brooks Canine Center was hands down the most recommended. When I scheduled my consultation with Colton I was thoroughly impressed. He was not trying to sell me, he wasn't trying to convince me otherwise. He was very knowledgeable and knew what he was talking about, I knew I made the right decision by booking for Cheeto to stay with them for board and train for 2 weeks. Colton brought Cheeto back home after the two weeks and he had to pick my jaw up from the floor because I couldn't believe the significant change in Cheeto. He was a great dog to begin with, but, there were minor tweaks that I wasn't able to focus on and Colton really listened to me. All the issues I had brought up during our consultation he addresses and really worked on them. I can't wait for our follow up sessions. I also can't speak highly enough of the amazing staff. I decided to pull Cheeto from his current daycare because I knew how much better he would do with Brooks Canine Center and their staff. While it's a little more expensive, you can afford to pay for better quality care. I highly recommend Brooks Canine to anyone looking for either training, boarding or day care! read more

Brooks Canine Center - Pet Training Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

See all

Love this place! I know my dog had a great time while staying at Brooks because she is always so tired when she gets home!

We decided to change daycare places and start coming here when we noticed many nicks, cuts and scrapes, calls that our dog was vomiting and licking her paws (which turns out was from stress per our vet) from the other spot we used to take our dog to. We met with the owner of Brooks who showed us around and answered all of our pet parent questions in the utmost professional way! Not only are the owners AMAZING to work with, our dog gets so excited when we drop her off for daycare! She loves playing with all her best friends and we can tell since we switched daycares, our dog is happy again! THANK YOU for always going above and beyond for our precious girl. We are so incredibly grateful for all you do for her and are incredibly glad we found you! read more

Our Bella has a great time when staying there! She definitely is wiped out when she gets home. Staff is friendly and patient and very responsive! read more

If I could give this place zero stars I would! I brought my 2 dogs there perfectly healthy and happy. After I wasted money on the Bootcamp/boarding I came to get my dogs and one of the dogs was extremely malnourished and very skinny and had half of his nose was scraped off. Colton had said it was because he was in a cage and barking. Why on earth would a dog be in that much stress to scrape off his nose??? Colton is a great talker and knows just the right things to say to make himself seem knowledgeable. This company has been passed down through his family and he has no real knowledge to correct a dogs behavior except instill fear into the dogs. He would come over for training sessions after the Bootcamp only to have our dogs cower and both were afraid to go by him. All he did was talk and talk for the half the session and maybe 10-15min of interaction with the dogs. He also just suggested a shock collar and our dogs were not even one years old at the time. He is also extremely condescending! I did not get to tour the facility and every dog owner should!!! Do not take your dog here at all!! read more

Brooks Canine Center - Pet Training Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Colton and Brittany are wonderful! Our dog has some serious stranger danger anxiety and they are so patient and kind with him. They take such good care of our boy and always give feedback from his stays with them. All of the staff are so passionate about dogs and that really shows in their interactions with the dogs and humans as well. I've never found a place I feel comfortable leaving our dog with until I found Brooks. We did the 2 week board and train as well as board him at least 4 times a year for the last 4 years. He always comes back worn out from playing with the other dogs and clean from the free bath! If your dog is your child like ours is for us, then I highly recommend Brooks for any of their services. I'll never take our dog anywhere else. Thank you Brooks! read more

I would rate higher than five stars if I could. There's no other place that I send my dog to. Whether it's daycare or boarding I always know my dog is give him the best care. Brooks Canine is the best. read more

Colton and Brittany have been a huge help with training our 1 year old pup. Our dog is a rescue and little is known about her background but the team at Brooks Canine Center jumped in right away to help correct certain behaviors that we needed help with. We signed up for a 3-week Board & Train and we couldn't be more pleased with the results. The in-home training sessions have been integral in helping us continue training after the 3 weeks were completed. There has been excellent communication with the team and we can't wait to book with them again in the future! read more

Doggone it. I like these dog-friendly trainers! I selected this training center since I wanted my Pitbull puppy to be trained outside in the fresh air with plenty of distractions - other dogs, noises, squirrels, etc. I am so happy I went forward with my Basic Training here. I was able to bring my family member with me so that we both could learn the proper techniques (as I soon came to find out, it just as much a training class for the human counterparts). They were thorough, realistic and gave personalized tips/tricks for each animal based on prior real-life experience. Can't wait to take her to the Advanced Training course! read more

Brooks Canine Center - Basic Training Graduate of Brooks Canine Center - June 2019 - Pet Training Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

This is long overdue - Colton and Brittany have been so amazing and helpful with our dog June. We adopted her a little over a year ago and as first time dog owners, they've been super knowledgeable and compassionate. We've boarded June on many occasions and did the board and train option at the beginning of 2020. June's behavior definitely improved and they are always willing to give us tips and pointers when we have questions. read more

I've been looking for a place to board and train my dog and they have been so alert to emails and planning. I feel confident with them!

My dogs have been to Brooks for about 10 years and always come back happy and tired. The Brooks team has done training, daycare and boarding for our dogs. One of our dogs is on medication and has food allergies. The Brooks team takes the medication and allergies as seriously as I do. They also understand that my little guy gets nervous and a little extra TLC. I also appreciate how Brittany was up front about my nervous dog not being a good match for the Pooch Caboose. She had my dog's safety and the safety of her employee in mind. Can't ask for a better experience!! read more

Colton was great offering personalized training for us and our dog Moose. Moose, a very sweet rescue dog from Kentucky, had at least two failed placements before he came to us. He was unmanageable because he is very strong, "energetic" and stubborn. I had trained all of our rescue dogs before him and was sure I could handle Moose. Well, not so much, and after many months of very little progress we found ourselves wondering if we would be adding ourselves to Moose's list of failed placements-we just couldn't handle him. Brooks Canine came to the rescue - Colton evaluated Moose and was willing to take us on as a client. The results have been great - with Colton's assistance, and tons of patience, Moose is becoming controllable, responsive, and eager to please. Moose has even been to doggie daycare! We are so happy that Moose, and Colton, are permanent members of our family. Many thanks to Brooks Canine!! read more

Brooks Canine Center - Moose and his sister Lizzie - Pet Training Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Brooks is a place where you can feel comfortable leaving your dog and not worrying about anything. My dog always comes back home tired and happy. Colton and Brittany and their team have a passion to take good care of my dog. They are great trainers too! read more

onestly can't say enough positive and complimentary things about Brooks Canine Center. To a person everyone there is caring, kind and professional. We recently entrusted them to help train our Great Dane Puppy Hazard. As anyone who has a puppy they love and adore, sending your pup away and placing them in the hands of anyone else is difficult. You worry, miss them and most of all feel a sense of separation. And you worry the dog does as well. Of course there is an adjustment, but the extreme measures Brooks take to ensure your dog is safe, content and happy is beyond anywhere I have ever experienced. From Brittney and Colton to their drivers and kennel peeps they are all truly wonderful caring people. And the training is exceptional. Colton is a true dog genius. He is honest, sincere and so intuitive. HE places the dogs in real life situations while training; on walks, in parks, busy sidewalks, around people and other dogs and much more. Always with kindness and knowledge building confidence at every step. Then he helps train the family, after all neither dog nor owners can succeed with the desired result without the other. Of course Hazard was happy to return home and we were beyond thrilled to have him back. But as Colton was getting ready to leave, Hazard was at his side leaning in on him as if to say don't leave yet. His way of letting us know he felt sad Colton was heading out and he would miss him. I consider that the best testament and a very happy endorsement. Thank you!! read more

Brooks Canine Center - Pet Training Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

We are so grateful to have found Brooks Canine for our pup. She is high energy and love to go to daycare twice/week. The "pooch caboose" comes to pick her up and she jumps right into the van. Having an option for transportation is so convenient! The staff is all so friendly and responsive and you can tell they love our dog as much as we do. We've boarded Coco there multiple times and she always comes back tired and happy. They do nail trims too which is hugely helpful. We had Colton come for a house call once to help brush us up on some training and we learned so much. He's extremely knowledgeable and experienced in training dogs. Can't recommend them enough. read more

I have an 11-month old Miniature Pinscher/Yorkshire Terrier mix. Her name is Crickett. She loves morning walks, cicadas, and chasing anything small, furry and sporting a tail. She also loves the Alex Brooks Midwest Canine Behavioral & Socialization Center (a.k.a Alex Brooks). I love them, too. The building is unassuming -- in fact, I missed it the first three times I drove around trying to find it. It's tucked up next to what looks to be a trucking facility of some sort. The staff is fabulous -- they work hard at knowing their clients (human and canine). The prices are reasonable -- there are specials almost every month. I want the best for my furkid. Before I took her to Alex Brooks, I asked around. Two of my co-workers highly recommended the place. Then, I went to visit. I was surprised by the number of dogs; but they were all being handled by no less than four "wranglers." The guys roamed around, offering love, pats, and gentle corrections....not to mention wicked fast clean up when there were poops and piddles. The first time I took her in, she trotted off with one of the guys and never looked back at me. That day, when I picked her up, she was exhausted. She didn't even get in the car good before she was sound asleep. It's been five months since that first visit; and I don't regret a day of it. In fact, I went to Alex Brooks when Crickett's obsession for squirrels (remember the part about chasing small, furry and sporting a tail?) had me at the end of my rope. I laid it out plain and simple for Mike. Crickett goes "Linda Blair in Exorcist" over squirrels. Mike promised that in one hour, he could have her walking by a squirrel without a single bark or pull. I made and appointment right then and there. Best $120 ($90 for the session, $30 for the pinch collar) I have ever spent. read more

We have used Brooks canine for weekly daycare and recently had our small dog do a two week training session with Colton and his group. They were incredibly knowledgeable and patient with our dog. They did a phenomenal and thorough job training our dog and getting us starting on a program when she came home. The difference in our dogs behavior was immediate. We're so thankful for everyone there and how caring and knowledgeable and communicative everyone was !!! read more

My dog LOVES coming here for daycare!! She is usually nervous with unfamiliar situations and is terrified of the vet, but she wags her tail as we walk up to Brooks and happily goes with the staff without looking back. I took her to brooks several days a week for over a year and never had the slightest issue. The staff are also very friendly and personable. read more

They gave us a free nights stay at the boarding facility because of the frost VERY nice. read more

See all

Brooks Canine Center was awesome with helping train my puppy. Colton gave me the tools and knowledge to set me and my dog up for success and was always helpful and responsive if I had questions during the week (between classes). After completing the basic obedience class, my pup has learned so much and is really becoming the dog I want him to be thanks to Colton and his approach to training. I look forward to continuing on with the intermediate level class. read more

My dog was attacked and nearly killed by a pit bull while in the care of Brooks Canine Center. Spent five days in the hospital and two days in ICU. When I talked to the owner about this, I was shocked by his view. Pit bulls and other bully breeds are welcomed for open play with other dogs. No distinction is given between bully breeds and other breeds. I was told that my dog did not back down (when backed into a corner) as the pit bull approached in a threatening manner. So, my dog is to blame. Right. Literally, the attacking dog's name is Rocky. Apparently, staff witnessed the attack about to happen and did not prevent it. The kennel owner is a pit bull owner as well. He sees no reason why this breed should not be able to "play" with any other dogs. To further complicate things, my dog was not immediately taken to the vet to help his injuries. Brooks Canine did not even call us to tell us of the altercation and injuries until the next day when the situation worsened. Anyone searching "dog bites" on the internet can see that dog bites require immediate medical/veterinary attention. Overnight my dog's injuries worsened and infection set in. Brooks Canine did eventually take my dog to the vet. Upon seeing our dog, the vet immediately referred him to the emergency animal hospital. If you don't want your dog "playing" with pit bulls or confidence that your kennel is acting responsibly, away from Brooks Canine. I've learned that many kennels have policies that prevent these types of breeds from open socialization time. They have those polices for a reason. I wish I had known about this and my dog would not have been mauled, hospitalized, and my vacation ruined. On the advice of Brooks' lawyer, they will not be paying my thousands of dollars in vet bills. I'm told I knew the risks. Right. Good luck with your choice of kennels. ___ Upon seeing the owner's response, I'm amending my review. Like I said, stay here at your own risk. Colton's version of what happens continues to change. The pit bull became an american bull dog and my collie became the attacker. Its apparently more convenient to blame the injured non bully breed dog. My dog has stayed at this kennel three times over the last couple years. That is true. I did ask him multiple times to be responsible (in part part covering hospital bills) and he refused. Like I said, he says I knew the risks and signed a waiver. Others should know and be warned. If Brooks Canine will not act responsibly, others should be informed. read more

The trainer was kind and friendly but was only here for a total of 36 minutes to discuss my pup's potty training issues. She really just emphasized that I continue to praise my dog whenever he performed his business outside (something that I was already doing) and that was all. Charging $125 for such minimal time spent is completely ludicrous and not worth it! I would advise to seek other training places that are more dedicated to your pet and your issues. read more

Colton has worked with my dog, Bailey, since she was 9 months old. He has worked to increase her overall confidence and has also taught her basic obedience commands such as sit, down, and stay. Colton and Brittany have worked with Bailey on some leash reactivity and have been very receptive to all of our needs and questions throughout the process. I can't recommend Colton, Brittany and their business enough! read more

This is an amazing facility full of dedicated people. I recently had to make the very hard decision of returning my rescue dog to the shelter. This was after a couple training sessions with Colton so he knew both the dogs personality and a little of mine. After an aggressive episode I had him come out right away and he was able to be completely honest with me that I wasn't the human for her and she wasn't the dog for me. He had no issue staying there for over an hour just talking about the situation, there was 0% judgment and 100% compassion. Once I'm healed I will try again to give a dog a forever home and will not hesitate at all to come to Brooks for any training, daycare or boarding needs we have. Thank you Colton for all of the passion you have for these dogs and for all the reassurance that I had this dog's best interests in mind. read more

My relationship with Brooks Canine Center started with training and now we continue to use Brooks Canine Center for boarding. I wouldn't consider going any place else. read more

I have known Alex for 15 years and he is an excellent dog trainer. My dogs go to day care there and come home exhausted! They love going there and look out the window when I tell them they are going to camp that day. They always come home clean and happy. I also board them there. It is great because they are always out running around playing with all the other dogs there. Great socialization for them. I would highly recommend them to anyone. Francee Highland Park, IL read more

Last year I made the decision to want to do a board to train program for my dog Optimus. When speaking with friends Alex Brooks Canine Center came up multiple times. All of them had positive experiences with the staff and after speaking with Marcy I knew why, they really do care about their fur guests. What really caught my attention though was the amount of things this facility offers. They do Training, Board to Train, Day Care, & Boarding. All of which I have found to be quite useful. As much as I loved Alex Brooks Canine Center before, I love them more now because in October I was diagnosed with cancer and my family and I made the decision to separate my dogs, one would stay with me and the other would live with my sister and her roommate. Being that Optimus had been trained by Alex Brooks Canine Center already, I made the decision that he would be the one to live with her. Coincidentally my dogs were both in boarding on the day I was diagnosed and as as soon as the staff found out they allowed me to keep them there for the week. Not only this, but they set up a private training with his trainer on the following Saturday with my sister and her roommate, so that they would know how to care for him. They also issued out their number to my sister so that should she have any questions at any time, she could call them. In addition, they have also continued to board him whenever she has needed him to be boarded. It's been 8 months since I was diagnosed and I've come a long way since our initial diagnosis and a part of that can be credited to Alex Brooks Canine Center because I've never had to worry about my Furchild being in the wrong hands. They literally are the best because to them it's not about the money, it's about the heart. It's about caring for your Furchild and putting the humans mind at ease knowing that their dog will be alright. Definitely would highly recommend Alex Brooks Canine Center!! read more

After taking my dog to a local pet store for training lessons it was apparent that my dog needed something bigger- besides the bigger dogs he was taking on during training. My local trainer recommended Alex and his facility. It is well worth the money for the extra private training. Yes, we are using a pinch collar but only for a couple of months. You see I am trying to undo 5 years of bad behavior with my dog (we just rescued him earlier this year at the age of 5). We want him to have a good life outdoors but he cant do that if he runs away :( So we will do what we need to do and get him ready to be a "normal dog" and have a normal life -- we love the little guy and Alex and the center are doing wonders for him. read more

Alex is an excellent trainer. My dog is well trained due to the techniques taught by Alex.

My two Dogs went in for boarding service in perfect condition When my brother picked up my Dogs they bout were full of urine and one had bite marks on his cheek and head . I asked for an explanation and got nothing happed at our place . read more

The team at Brooks did an amazing job building the foundation of obedience training for my dog, Buster. As a rescue, my dog came with some baggage- but through the guidance of behaviorist, Liz, I started to learn so much more about how my dog "ticked," and methods in which to correct and regain control as the pack leader. All in positive and rewarding methods. I did the two week intensive training and socializing boarding for Buster and it really helped get his basic obedience under his belt and help him learn not to be afraid around other dogs. I learned the basics of how to reinforce the training at home, too after his 2 week stay, with home visits follow-ups with Brooks' trainers. I definitely recommend them if you have a dog who is socially awkward, or is stubborn, Alpha type, or are looking for a home like environment for boarding. You can meet with a team member for a consultation and will help figure out your doggy dilemmas! read more