I cannot recommend the training enough. There is a night and day difference from the first lesson to final in how much more confident and obedient my dog is. My dog had a traumatic experience with an attack at a dog park which had made her very scared of other dogs and now she is doing much better with seeing and meeting other dogs in public and no longer pulls on the leash when walking. Lydia was great and very accommodating when personal things came up that made us have to reschedule our lessons!
Reply from Off Leash K9 Training, Chicago2026.05.08
Thank you so much for your kind words, Hunter. We’re thrilled to hear about the dramatic improvement in your dog’s confidence and leash manners, and we’re glad Lydia could support you and accommodate rescheduling. Helping dogs recover from traumatic experiences and enjoy public outings again is exactly why we do this. Please reach out anytime if you need more help or refreshers.
- OLK9 Chicago
Jesse Reyes2026.05.08
My dog Cash had a good understanding of sit but he would do it when it was convenient for him. I wanted him to be at a point where he would do it on command and that’s exactly what Off Leash K9 Training provided!
Ultimately my end goal was that he could have more freedom off leash but I would only give him that freedom if I knew I could trust him.
He’s now such a well trained dog and I get compliments from strangers all the time on how well behaved he is for a puppy.
Lydia was super knowledgeable and always willing to answer questions even outside of class.
She corrected me all the time on my personal bad habits so that I could be the best owner I could be for my dog.
Overall you and your dog will grow to be the envy of the neighborhood. I feel so much more connected to Cash as well and have confidence knowing that he’ll listen to me when the need ever arises. I highly recommend Off Leash, absolute 10/10!
Reply from Off Leash K9 Training, Chicago2026.05.08
Thank you, Jesse — we’re so happy Cash is responding reliably on command and that you feel confident giving him more off-leash freedom. Lydia will be thrilled to hear your kind words; she loves helping owners break bad habits and strengthen their bond with their dogs. It means a lot that you’re getting compliments from strangers and feel more connected to Cash. We appreciate the 10/10 recommendation and are proud to have been part of your journey.
- OLK9 Chicago
H R2026.05.07
I am truly amazed by the results of the two-week training program for my husky, Cesar. I was very hesitant at first, but my son really wanted to move forward with the training, and I’m so glad we did.
Before training, Cesar was very energetic, would jump on people when they visited, and often pulled on the leash. We had some behavior issues that made things challenging. After meeting with Samantha for a consultation—where she observed Cesar’s behavior and evaluated him—we decided to enroll him in the two-week program, even though I wasn’t thrilled about being away from him that long.
Samantha is an outstanding trainer. Throughout the program, she sent us detailed daily updates on what Cesar worked on, how he responded, and how he was progressing. That communication made us feel very comfortable and confident in the process.
After two weeks, the difference in Cesar was like night and day. He is much better behaved, easier to manage, and still very much himself—just with better manners and control. I would highly recommend Samantha for her work with Cesar; what was advertised was 100% delivered.
One important tip: when you pick up your dog, take the time to listen carefully to the trainer, stay for the full handoff session, and follow the guidance they give you at home. It makes a huge difference in maintaining the results.
Samantha and the K9 team did an amazing job with Cesar. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome—and I have to admit, my son was right on this one.
Thank You Sam for all of your hard work
Humza R.
Reply from Off Leash K9 Training, Chicago2026.04.29
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for trusting us with Cesar. We’re thrilled the two-week program delivered the results you hoped for and that Samantha’s daily updates and handoff guidance gave you confidence. We will pass your kind words along to Samantha and the K9 team, and we appreciate you highlighting the importance of following trainer guidance at pickup. Enjoy your well-mannered husky and please reach out if you need any follow-up support.
- OLK9 Chicago
Maria2026.04.20
We had a great experience working with Sam through an 8-week training program with Off Leash K-9. Sam was very knowledgeable, patient, and really supportive throughout the entire process and helped us navigate training in way that was helpful and beneficial to reach our goals with our pup.
Sam helped us better understand how to work with our pup and build more structure and confidence into our daily routines, specifically our walks. We saw noticeable progress with walks and overall responsiveness, and it also helped us feel more confident as owners/pawrents.
We really appreciated that Sam was always available to answer our many, many questions and provide guidance when things came up.
It was a pleasure working with Sam, and we’re very grateful for her support and expertise. We would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for effective training.
Thank you, Maria! We’re so glad you had a great experience with Sam and the 8-week Off Leash K-9 training program. It’s wonderful to hear the training improved your walks, your pup’s responsiveness, and your confidence as pawrents. Sam will be pleased to know her patience, knowledge, and availability made a difference, and we really appreciate your recommendation.
- OLK9 Chicago
Mitch Goodale2026.04.17
We had an outstanding experience with Off Leash K9 Training, Chicago. Our 6-month-old puppy, Coda, completed the two-week board and train program with Carson, and I can honestly say the results exceeded our expectations.
From the start, communication was excellent. Before drop-off, everything was clear and professional. During the two weeks Coda was there, Carson sent daily updates, along with pictures and videos, so we always knew how he was doing and what he was working on. What stood out even more was that the communication continued after pickup with follow-ups and check-ins, which showed real care and commitment.
The training itself was spectacular. Coda is one of the most challenging dogs I’ve ever had, and I say that as someone who previously owned a dog breeding program and has been around many dogs. Carson clearly put in a tremendous amount of time, effort, and dedication working with him day in and day out.
What impressed me most was how much real-world work went into the training. Coda was worked around distractions, other handlers, kids, food, and public environments like malls. He was not just being watched, he was being fully trained and integrated into real situations. It was obvious Carson went above and beyond, and Coda was treated like part of the family while he was there.
When we picked him up, he was healthy, happy, and a completely different dog. He came back more focused, well-mannered, and far more obedient. He learned basic obedience and then some. He now heels, sits, lays down, place, out, understands implied stay, no longer jumps, no longer excited pees, and has stopped bad habits like going after food on the kitchen table, and much more. He is much more dialed in overall.
I had a very high level of trust in this entire process, and Carson absolutely delivered. If you are considering training for your dog, I highly recommend Off Leash K9 Training, Chicago. The service was excellent, the communication was top-notch, and the results were real.
Thank you, Mitch. We’re thrilled Coda had such a transformational experience with Carson and the team. We're glad our clear communication, daily updates, and follow-ups gave you confidence and that the real-world training produced reliable, lasting results. We’ll share your kind words with Carson; he and the whole team appreciate your trust and recommendation. If you ever need a refresher or additional support, please reach out.
- OLK9 NOVA TEAM
Moira Schick2026.04.17
Charlotte and Sam were wonderful with my boy! He learned his commands well and I learned how to better control my 130 pound dog! The e collar is very helpful. It was a great experience for both of us. I drove to Lombard from Chicago and it was well worth the commute.
Thank you, Moira. We’re thrilled Charlotte and Sam were able to help your boy and that the e collar and training made a positive difference for both of you. We really appreciate you driving from Chicago to Lombard and glad it was worth the commute. If you need any follow-up support, we’re here to help.
- OLK9 NOVA TEAM
Kari Buttera2026.04.15
If I could give zero stars, I would. I paid for the two‑week board‑and‑train program that advertised “100% obedience” and required a significant financial investment. Instead, my dog came home less trained and with worse behaviors than before.
The same day he returned home, he began chewing the carpet and showing new, undesirable behaviors. When we tried to use the methods and tools they gave us, including the e‑collar, he was terrified, and he bit us. He is now clearly fearful of the e‑collar, and he has also started to resource guard me, even biting someone who came near me—behaviors he never showed before attending this program.
In my view, they appeared to rely on fear and intimidation rather than humane training, leaving me with a frightened dog who bites and no meaningful obedience training to show for it. When I contacted the trainer about these serious concerns, I was only offered “retraining,” which does not address the fact that my dog was not successfully trained in the first place and actually came back worse.
Thank you for sharing your feedback, Kari, and we are very sorry to hear that you feel Milo came home with increased challenges. We are here to help and encourage you to schedule the follow up session. We offer these free refreshers for life for clients of our board and train.
When you initially consulted with us and purchased our e-collar board-and-train option, Milo’s pre-existing issues included nipping at people, anxiety around loud noises, resource guarding, jumping on people, chewing on items, and other related behaviors. Throughout the two-week program, we sent daily video updates documenting his training progress and he did very well throughout, so we were very surprised to see your review. He never tried to bite anyone during sessions, even when we directly addressed his resource guarding. That said, these types of issues can be very nuanced and difficult to deal with so again, please allow us to assist in a follow up session.
If you recall during the 2 hour turnover with Milo, we reviewed all tools and techniques, including proper e-collar use, and demonstrated how to handle any initial testing of boundaries (which is very common when dogs return home and try old behaviors). We remain available and encourage you to contact us directly so we can provide the free refresher and support you in addressing any current challenges with Milo. We truly want nothing more than to see you and Milo succeed and are here to help.
Daniel Vargas2026.04.08
2 works. “Gods work.” Okay maybe 4. “Miracle worker”. The amount of change i witnessed in 8 weeks was amazing. I wrestled in an alligator and came out with a best friend. Highly recommended, Carson saved my Bruno. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Daniel, for the fantastic review. We’re thrilled Carson could create such a transformation with Bruno in just eight weeks and that you two came out closer than ever. Hearing that Bruno is now a best friend instead of an alligator means the world to us. We appreciate the high recommendation and are here anytime you need support.
- OLK9 NOVA TEAM
Toni Levinson2026.04.03
Carson is amazing!! We have a very strong willed Frenchie.Who finally learned all his commands.Carson we are truly grateful.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Toni! We're thrilled Carson was able to help your strong-willed Frenchie finally learn all his commands. We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to Carson. We appreciate your trust and are here if you need any support in the future.
- OLK9 NOVA TEAM
ShepherdMom262026.04.02
I had such a great experience training my 3 year old rescue German Shepherd with Off Leash K9 Training - Carson and Scarlett were wonderful and after 8 weeks I have a fabulous foundation for moving forward. He is a lot safer and happier now, and we can enjoy walks and visiting places that I never imagined I would be able or happy to go with him. Initially I was extrememly concerned about the use of e-collar and prong collar for training - indeed I initially didn't even consider this training as an option when I realized these were used, as I have always been told these devices are cruel and unnecessary BUT I did my research and learned that e-collars are NOT shock collars, and (the right) prong collars are actually less harmful to the dog than a regular collar. OLK9 are not the only company that use these devices, but I looked at various reviews and online videos on their site, and decided this actually provided the best training option for me. Even so, I attended the first of my 8 sessions fully intending to walk away if I didn't like what I saw and heard from this session. Carson and Scarlett explained that the e-collar and prong collar are tools to assist with training and not punishment - which lined up with my research. Their kind, patient training of both my dog and me yielded wonderful results. Yes, they trained me so I could do my homework between lessons and work as a team with my dog. After 8 weeks we have mastered sit, down, place, heel, and recall. We even went to Yorktown Mall and walked around calmly with no issues. Now I have the tools to go further and do more - I want to start by working some more on what we did in class in different locations with different distractions, and then progress to more training. We have been to Petco and Petsmart for a walk around - something I would never have dreamed of doing before training with Carson and Scarlett. I view the 8 week course as the beginning of our training journey, not the end, and this is the best foundation I could have hoped for.
If you are hesitant about taking this training course with your dog, I understand because that is exactly where I was at the beginning. This has turned out to be the best decision I could have made for our training journey. I don't regret doing this course for a single minute, and I am so happy I did the research and took the leap of faith to sign up. Yes, it requires commitment to do the homework, any training does, but it has been totally worth it.
One question I had at the beginning was will my dog need to have the e-collar on to do as he is asked, will he only sit (for example) when he has the e-collar on? I now know the answer is no - in the yard we can do recall, and all the other commands without having the e-collar on. Would I go for a walk outside of the yard without it on? Absolutely not. We are still training, and you never know what distractions you're going to meet when out for walks, he has to learn to listen in all situations, and that takes time to really ingrain the learning. But at home in the evening, he will "place" while we eat dinner (around 20 minutes) without the collar, and without breaking, and sit or down when I need him to.
A huge thank you to Carson and Scarlett for giving us this great training foundation.
Thank you so much for the thoughtful, detailed review and for trusting Off Leash K9 Training with your rescue. We are thrilled Carson and Scarlett could help build a strong, safe foundation so you can enjoy outings and feel confident with your dog. We truly appreciate the time you put into the homework and your openness to learning how the tools are used to assist rather than punish. Please reach out anytime as you continue training — we are here to support your next steps.
- OLK9 NOVA TEAM
Austin W2026.03.11
My dog Amaya and I just finished training once a week over the last 10 weeks with Scarlett and Carson. My dog had a history of being extremely reactive to other dogs she wasn’t already familiar with. It had become such an inconvenience and liability that just walking her everyday was difficult. I felt like I had little to no control. After 10 weeks I feel the opposite, my dog’s reactivity has almost completely gone away, and I now feel like I have the tools I need as a owner to never go back to how things used to be. The experience was eye opening, extremely fun, and worth every penny spent. I’m a huge fan of the work being done by the team here! Amaya and I are going to miss coming to training, the sessions became one of the highlights of our week!
Thank you, Austin — we’re thrilled to hear Amaya’s reactivity has almost completely gone and that you feel confident with the tools you learned. Scarlett and Carson loved working with you both and are proud of the progress you made over the 10 weeks. We’ll miss your weekly sessions too and are always here if you want refresher classes or support down the road.
- OLK9 NOVA TEAM
Summer Lawrence2026.03.10
I had a really great experience working with Carson and Alexis while training my dog Busta! They were both very knowledgeable, patient, and supportive throughout the process. What I appreciated most was that the training wasn’t just about getting Busta to follow commands right away, they helped me learn how to better understand him and guide him through certain behaviors and emotions so he could get there successfully. That approach helped me grow as an owner and made a big difference in Busta’s progress. I’m really grateful for everything they taught us and would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for thoughtful and effective dog training!!
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Summer. We’re thrilled Carson and Alexis were able to support you and Busta, and that the focus on understanding behavior helped you grow as an owner. Hearing that their knowledge, patience, and teaching made a real difference means a lot to our team. We appreciate your recommendation and are here if you need anything in the future.
- OLK9 NOVA TEAM
Pawel Piechocinski2026.03.04
We had a fantastic experience with Off-Leash K9 Training for Willow, our 1 year old Wire-haired Pointing Griffon. Throughout the 8 week program, our trainers Sam and Scarlet not only helped us master various commands like sit, come, and down, but also helped us work through behavior challenges that stemmed from Willow being a high drive hunting dog. What I found extremely valuable about the course was that Sam and Scarlet didn't just teach us the commands, they gave us the training tools and confidence to tackle new challenges in the future. I'm so glad that we signed up for the 8-week program, and would definitely recommend Off-Leash!
Thank you, Pawel. We’re thrilled you and Willow had a fantastic experience with Sam and Scarlet during the 8-week program. It’s wonderful to hear the training gave you the tools and confidence to manage Willow’s high-drive hunting instincts, and we appreciate your recommendation. If you ever need support or a refresher as Willow continues to progress, feel free to reach out.
- OLK9 NOVA TEAM
Michael Wilken2026.02.17
Off Leash K9 Training has been a phenomenal experience for us! We have a new male pitbull. Super Loving Cuddle Buddy who then want to Test you nonstop because of his Strong Will. Backstory:
- Lucky was taken from his Mother too early. He was passed around multiple times as previous owners didn't have the time or patience to put into him. This caused Lucky to fend for himself and "Grow up" Quick so to speak. Which is why he his set in his ways not knowing who his Fur-ever parents would be next month. Well, fortunately for Lucky, he Lucked out! 😂🤣. He now has a stable home. We wanted to get him Obedient sooner than later. Out of all the researching, We chose Off Leash K9 Training. Fast forward 2 weeks later(2/16/2026), We were greeted by a whole new Lucky! Our trainer Carson, cannot be praised enough for his efforts and discipline he instilled into our little boy. I gave 5 stars as they didn't have 100 stars as an option! Thank you Carson!
Thank you so much for the fantastic review, Michael! We’re thrilled Lucky is thriving and that Carson made such a positive impact—he’ll be very happy to hear this. It means a lot that you trusted Off Leash K9 Training to help Lucky become more obedient and secure in his forever home. Please reach out anytime if you need ongoing support or refresher sessions, and we’d love to see photos of Lucky enjoying his new skills.
- OLK9 NOVA TEAM
amy easter2026.02.16
We rescued a 1 year old pit mix, that’s 76 pounds and had been with three families before us. None of the families had trained him, so he had absolutely no manners. A few weeks after we got him I set up the two week board and train with Carson at OLK9 training Chicago. We picked him up today and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results! He walks great on a leash now! (before we couldn’t have taken him anywhere) This was our families first time trying a board and train so we weren’t real sure what to expect, but Carson sent us daily updates, photos and videos of him which was so nice because we missed him so much! Highly recommend OLK9 training & Will probably use them again in the future.
Thank you so much, Amy! We're thrilled your rescue pup responded so well and now walks great on a leash, congratulations on your new family member. We're glad Carson's daily updates, photos, and videos helped while he was with us, and we really appreciate your recommendation. We look forward to helping you again anytime you need support.
- OLK9 NOVA TEAM
Barbara Worwa2026.02.16
Highly recommended Off Leah K9 Board and Train program especially with Carson! He worked wonders with our 7 month old rescue. Maya had issues with reactivity, bad behavior habits and not obeying her commands. 2 weeks with Carson and she is much calmer, so much more obedient and just overall made tremendous progress. Loved Carson’s daily updates and his patience answering all our questions. Best decision we made. Thank you Carson!
Thank you so much for recommending our Off Leah K9 Board and Train program and for sharing Maya’s progress. We’re thrilled Carson helped her become calmer and more obedient, and that his daily updates and patience made a difference. It was a pleasure working with you and Maya, and we appreciate you trusting us with her training. Thank you for the kind words.
- OLK9 NOVA TEAM
Kimberly2026.01.08
My husband and I are so happy we had our puppy, Louie, trained by Carson of Off Leash K9 Training, Chicago. Louie now knows to place, heel, stay, down, etc. He is a calmer puppy soon to be a year old. He's very proud of himself too. You can tell this when he looks at us for our praise.
Carson was amazing with Louie. Carson focused on some of the challenges we were having with Louie and we no longer have those problems.
We are so grateful my brother shared this program with us. We will recommend it to anyone.
Reply from Off Leash K9 Training, Chicago2026.01.09
Thank you, Kimberly, for the wonderful review. We’re thrilled Louie is calmer and reliably following place, heel, stay, and down, and that Carson was able to address your challenges. We really appreciate the referral from your brother and your recommendation to others. Please reach out anytime if you need support as Louie continues to progress.
- OLK9 NOVA TEAM
Kelsey Norris2026.01.08
We sent our 1.5-year-old Bernedoodle to a two-week board and train with Carson, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results! Winston is a big guy with tons of energy who struggled with impulse control when excited or overstimulated. We were dealing with jumping, leash pulling, not listening around distractions, and demand barking.
Throughout Winston’s training, Carson provided detailed daily updates that gave us complete confidence in both the training process and Winston’s well-being. It was clear he was healthy, happy, and in great hands.
After just two weeks, Winston came home feeling like a different dog. He still has the same funny, lovable personality, but now he has a new sense of confidence and skill set to match. Carson not only addressed all of our original concerns but went above and beyond.
We feel a newfound freedom and confidence including Winston in our everyday activities, knowing he can handle them with ease. We truly cannot thank Carson enough - this training experience was genuinely life-changing for our family.
Reply from Off Leash K9 Training, Chicago2026.01.08
Thank you so much for the wonderful review and for trusting Carson with Winston. We’re thrilled the two-week board and train addressed his jumping, leash pulling, distractions, and demand barking while our daily updates gave you peace of mind. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear Winston is more confident and enjoying family activities with you. Please reach out anytime for follow-up support or a refresher—we’re always happy to help.
- OLK9 NOVA TEAM
Rachel Arlowe2025.12.24
DO THE TRAINING!!! Seriously. It works. We did 8 private sessions with Carson for our 1 year old Great Dane and his patience, kindness, and expertise have made such a difference — not just for Fig, but for us too. We’ve learned a ton and feel so much more confident working with him. Carson is so knowledgeable and never made us feel guilty for struggling or asking a million questions. Fig is truly a completely different dog than he was at our first session. My husband and I genuinely looked forward to every session with Carson.
Our training was recently put to the test (we had our last session end of Oct, now it is end of Dec) when we took our Dane to Winter Lights at OB park district. It was super packed with kids, dogs, strollers and distractions. We would’ve NEVER been able to take him to that safely before and he handled it like a pro. So kudos to Carson and the OLK9 method, it works!!!!
Reply from Off Leash K9 Training, Chicago2025.12.24
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Rachel. We're thrilled Carson's patience and the OLK9 method made such a difference for Fig and for you and your husband, and that you felt confident bringing him to Winter Lights. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to Carson. We're so glad you enjoyed the sessions and are proud of Fig’s progress. If you ever want a refresher or advanced work, we’d be happy to help.
- OLK9 NOVA TEAM
Robert Bryan2025.12.17
My wife and I would highly recommend Off Leash K9 Training. We worked with Carson and his team who were very knowledgeable and responsive to our questions with our dog, a Pit Bull/ Pharaoh Hound mix. We appreciated their flexibility in booking appointments as we wanted to be part of the 8 week training program, and my wife and I have inconsistent schedules. If one day did not work, every effort was made to make another arrangement.
We brought our dog in for reactivity and negative behavior, especially throwing tantrums (barking, jumping, biting the leash) when another dog would be in the vicinity. Our classes concentrated on our dog’s needs, as opposed to a “blanket, cookie cut” course. The classes included some command training as well (sit, down, come, heal.. see attached video). We are especially happy about the last few sessions where we would have our dog training with other dogs around to act as a distraction (a final test of sorts).
We are very pleased with the outcome of the classes and have a great foundation to continue our training with our buddy! We, as the owners, also have more confidence and peace of mind!
Thank you for your wonderful review, Robert! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your wife had a positive experience with Carson and our team at Off Leash K9 Training. It's great to know that our program met your dog's specific needs and that you appreciated our flexible scheduling. We're proud of the progress you've made and are glad to have instilled more confidence in both you and your pup. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
- OLK9 NOVA TEAM
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