What can I tell you about Dog Day Afternoon and Greg Finlayson? I'll tell you this: I joined Yelp for the sole purpose of giving them a shout out. I have a rescue dog, Nelson -- maybe you've seen him at the Wicker Park dog run? Cute as hell, but more than a few issues -- and Greg has been there from day one. I have used Dog Day Afternoon walking services for years, without a single issue. Never a missed day, never a problem of any kind. But the thing about Dog Day Afternoon that you need to know about is Greg. His love for dogs is as genuine as it is obvious. And when Nelson started exhibiting some aggression issues, Greg was the first and only person I turned to. After a few weeks of hoping and praying Nelson would get in line (and about a half dozen friends suggesting about three dozen half-baked ideas, none of which worked), we started working with Greg on a weekly basis on general training techniques as well as a bunch of other things to address Nelson's triggers. The results were awesome. Nelson is still Nelson (which is why I love him). But I'd say his "incidents" have decreased by 90%. And I owe it all to Greg. He doesn't sugar coat things. He isn't always warm and cuddly. But he knows and loves dogs -- a lot -- and always, always, always suggested what turned out to be the right course (and at least half of that entailed telling me what I needed to change about my own behavior). In short, there are a lot of people advertising dog care services, and I have a lot of friends that use them. But I don't know anyone who is as happy with their's as I've been with Dog Day Afternoon and Greg. I'd give six stars if that was an option. read more

I met Greg Finlayson almost 13 years ago. We had just gotten our 12 week old black pug, Norman, and we were looking for someone who could help with him during the day. I made some calls and was ultimately referred to Greg. When we first spoke in January, 1998, he said he does not usually work with such young dogs but he offered to come over and visit. It was love at first sight. Greg came every day and took Norman with him to the dog park. Norman was so small and it was such a cold winter that Greg would nestle Norman in his coat with only his little face sticking out. In October, 2000, Greg and Norman were photographed for the Weekend Trib section - caption reading "Churchill??? Never heard of him". Churchill was a big pug fan. Greg loved and took care of Norman just as if he was his. As Norman got older and was less able to face the cold weather, Greg would still stop by now and then and check in on the "Little Stud" as he called him. He stopped in again just a few days before Norman passed. They loved each other so much. I need some time now to grieve for Norman but you can be sure that when we are ready to get another dog, Greg is the one that I will always trust. read more

I have used Greg for dog care for 14 years. He took care of my dog Sadie for 11 years, including the last two years of her life when she really needed extra love and attention. I always knew she was cared for and carefully monitored. She was a bit of a nut and had a propensity for chewing seat belts - Greg was good natured about it and finally let me pay for the replacement the third seatbelt in. When I got Ghita three years ago, Greg helped me train her and often gives me anecdotal advice that's helpful as the years pass. Be sure to ask Greg about cleaning your dog's eyes - he'll save you a small fortune in trips to the doctor for eye medicine! Greg is observant and let's me know when he thinks something is amiss with Ghita. The best testament to how Ghita is doing in day care with Greg is the DEEP sleep and heavy snoring that happens when she gets home. I know she's had a great day running and playing whenever she's spent the day with Greg. read more

My husband and I currently live in Avondale. We lived in Roscoe Village previously and have used a handful of dog walking services. When we moved to our new neighborhood, a neighbor emphatically recommended Greg and his company. We called him and he set up a meeting in our home with Clover. He went over the various options and took his time to get to know us and our dog. That was almost a year and a half ago. We couldn't be more pleased! Clover gets much better care than other dog walking services we've used. He gets to run and play and get his energy out. When we take him to the vet they always comment on what good physical shape he's in. It's all due to his regular exercise routine. He goes with Greg 3x's a week. Strongly recommend his services. Highly flexible and always reliable with years of experience. Also, a passionate dog enthusiast/whisperer if you have any training issues. read more

Dog Day Afternoon and Greg Finlayson is simply the best! I first hired Greg as a trainer to help with my crazy rescue dog. I have a large mutt named Leroy who had some serious problem behaviors such as leash aggression, peeing in the house, and just overall fear of people. Greg did a wonderful job of teaching me about dogs and their behaviors. My dog responded so well!! It was unbelievable the changes my dog made. During the training sessions I signed Leroy up for the walking service. He loves the walking. He gets to go to the dog park and play with other dogs and balls. The best is he comes home exhausted. The service is very reasonable priced and Leroy truly loves Greg. Basically he is a dog expert that is so trusty worth and responsible with your pet. I think this is a wonderful service and I recommend it to everyone. read more

Best dog service in Chicago. I have been using Greg and Dog Day Afternoon for 12 years and it is hands down the best dog walking service in the city. I highly recommend him and I trust him without reservation. The dogs really listen to him and he has the ability to keep them under control while still letting them run around and play. My dogs come home exhausted and happy. When my dogs are with him I know they are safe and having fun. His prices are really affordable and he is the greatest guy. He really cares about all of his dogs and takes care of them as if they were his own. He always tells me if one of them isn't feeling well. He notices everything. He also keeps the dog park clean because he picks up the whole park instead of trying to decide whose poop is whose. Dog Day Afternoon is the best gift you could give your pet. read more

I really can't say enough about how implicitly I trust Greg and his walkers. I've been using his services for nearly ten years. When our late dog was sick and in pretty terrible shape, Greg or someone from his team still came every day and helped him down the stairs and back up. I should add he was nearly 100 lbs. and barely mobile at the time. Now we have a young, if not bratty dog who loves her trips to the park and is becoming more well-behaved because of their patience and knowledge. If you are even remotely neurotic about your dog, look no further. If you are completely neurotic about your dog, you've found the right place. If you aren't at all neurotic about your dog, then I don't understand you at all but this is still an exceptional service. read more

Greg is a wonderful dog walker and trainer. I and my husband can trust him 100%. We felt very comfortable to leave our dog, Hana, with him while we were out of town. My dog looked truly happy after being with him. We always could enjoy our vacations because of Greg's taking care of Hana. It was 11 to 12 years ago when my dog was a puppy. After we moved from Chicago we have never met such a trustworthy and dog-loving dog walker like Greg. Our dog became 12 years old. I am sure Hana remembers Greg very well if Hana meets him. I also saw Greg in the dog park when I took my dog there. I found Greg was very responsible and had a good control over the dogs he took to the park. He often cleaned dog poops left by the dogs that didn't belong to him. read more

Greg is literally AMAZING. We went through 4 different dog walking companies before a neighbor told me about him. Most other companies do some measly 15-20 minute walk, but Greg picks up Badger and is gone anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours! Ever since we started with Greg, Badger's confidence has improved so much. Greg is so compassionate with animals and is so reliable and trustworthy. One of the hardest parts about moving to the suburbs recently was that we had to end our relationship with Greg. We already miss him so much!! If you want an amazing, honest, normal, trustworthy man to come to your home every day for years and take your pup for time outdoors, THIS IS YOUR GUY. We love you Greg! read more

Greg is simply phenomenal. He knows so much about dogs and takes fantastic care of them. I first met Greg in the Wicker Park dog park. We had just gotten our dog from a shelter and he needed a lot of TLC and a bit of discipline. Greg worked with us to get him to a great place. I've seen him generously work with other people in the park, too... people who just have a question or are looking for a little advice. Greg is always happy to help people -- and dogs -- out. I trust him 100% and our dog loves him (possibly more than us). Greg's really flexible, reasonable, and accommodates our schedule. I can't recommend him highly enough. read more

Just heard this guy going on and on about how all Pitbulls should be put to sleep just the other day--that is AFTER one of "his" dogs got in a fight with one while he wasn't paying attention. Dude, first of all you're bringing 10-20 dogs to the dog park at a time, when the sign CLEARLY states a maximum of 3 per person for safety reasons. There is no way you can watch that many dogs at once. Obviously. I have seen Greg KICK dogs that aren't his and cuss people out for not doing things "his" way. Dude, you don't OWN the dog park. And Greg, educate yourself about Pitbulls and bully breeds. read more

In your life, it's important to have an arsenal of advisers you trust: your doctor, lawyer, barber, accountant, etc. As a new dog owner, it's important to have a trusted K9 adviser. Dog Day Afternoon is a business with a passionate mission and is one of the best around. Greg, the owner, is a professional that aligns his expertise to your personal doggy-goals. The value of his services go beyond doggy daycare and walking with added safety, care, and consultation. I've seen Greg treat dogs he services with the utmost care and consideration - I recommend! read more

Our dog has been hanging out with Greg Finlayson and Dog Day Afternoon for over ten years. Greg is reliable, thoughtful, conscientious, a wonderful dog trainer and fun to talk with. We cannot recommend Greg and his organization strongly enough. Our dog loves Greg. Whenever we go out of town, our dog stays with Greg and it has always gone well. You cannot go wrong with Dog Day Afternoon. If you have a puppy, Greg is the person to help you train the pupper. All in all, you will be happy with Dog Day. Your dog most certainly will be happy. read more

Greg is fantastic. I trust him and my dog loves the time at the park. He teaches good habits and my dog is better at listening since she started going with Greg. HCe takes the dogs out every weekday and helps keep the park clean. He is a great community resource and I am glad to be in his area. All said and done, my dog is out off the house with him for about 3+ hours so I know she isn't bored all day at home while I'm at work. Don't think about it. If you need a dog walker, use Greg and Dog Day Afternoon! read more

I can't say enough good things about Greg and his team. I have used Dog Day Afternoon for over 8 years and everyday, rain, snow or shine, Greg arrives to take my dog Lola out to play. He also boards her when I travel, and works with her when she needs training. She looks forward to him coming every day, and it is so nice to know that she is in great hands, getting the care and excercise she needs. I HIGHLY recommend Greg and his team. They are very trustworthy, caring and professional. read more

Greg is a great dog walker. He's been walking my dog for years. He's professional and I trust him completely. My dog loves him and the time in the park. There is nobody else that I would trust with my dog. When I go to the dog park and my dog sees Greg, she comes up and loves him. Also, when we leave, she walks towards his van and tries to get in with the other dogs even though she's with me! An endorsement from the dog that she loves going in his van with her canine friends. read more

Greg has been walking my giant grouchy tempermental rodesian ridgeback for over 8 years. He also takes along my younger little dog. The dogs listen to him better than they listen to me and I would not be able to trust the big dog to any other walker because he can be difficult. Dog day afternoon is conscientious and professional and punctual. I would trust that company with my human kids if I had any! read more

Our 2 year old Boxer Scout has been playing with Greg for the past 6 months. She loves her daily trips out of the house as much as we do. I'm confident Greg cares for my dog just as much as he would his own. I highly recommend giving them a call if you're looking for a great company to take care of your dog while your out. Give them a call and you're going to be as pleased as we are. read more

Like Jon R., I joined Yelp specifically to say Greg and Dog Day Afternoon have been great to our dog Millie for the last 8 years or so. I can't recommend him highly enough. read more