Midway Dog Academy

When our big Great Dane puppy started getting really BIG, we realized we needed to seek out professional training. He was definitely in need of some structured training, and we needed some structured guidance since he is our first dog. Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking… why the HECK would you pick a Great Dane as your first dog!?!
Anyway, we googled «doggie boot camp» and came across this group of amazing trainers. We made a quick phone call to them, gave them some details, and were contacted quickly by the trainer directly. He explained their program usually lasts two weeks, and they would focus on some of the problems we mentioned. For instance, we explained that our not-​so-​little puppy was behaving as puppies do, but at his size the jumping, puppy craziness, nipping, leash pulling, and not coming when we called him was starting to be a big problem. We knew if we didn’t do something soon, it was going to become an even more enormous problem to deal with! Though the training was a stretch for us on our budget, we took the plunge anyway and committed to the program.
A couple of weeks later we dropped Merlin off on his new adventure. The trainer gave us a tour of the facility, and set our minds at ease. In fact, within the first ten minutes Merlin was acting remarkably well behaved with his new trainer! It’s no wonder the trainer was like the «dog whisperer»…the trainer explained that he has actually trained with Ceasar Milan, and they use the same training techniques. We felt very comfortable leaving him, and were soon off on our way already missing our pup. It was tough leaving him, but we happened to be going out of town during that time and knew we were leaving him in good hands.
Throughout the two weeks, we got occasional updates and pictures to show his progress. Towards the end of the two weeks, we spoke with the trainer and he wanted to keep Merlin for a third week at no charge. Though we missed Merlin, we knew we picked the right trainer because it was obvious that they wanted to make sure Merlin was fully trained to their satisfaction. To be honest, I wasn’t that surprised that Merlin was being a stubborn boy!
When the third week was up, we finally got to the day we could pick him up! It was bitterly cold outside, but we made sure to bundle up because the trainer said we would spend a couple hours with him working with Merlin. When we got to there, Merlin saw us the window and it was clear he was excited to see his mommy and daddy! The trainer spent a long time guiding us through the techniques, and giving us tips and recommendations. It was clear that this was mommy and daddy’s time to get training! Merlin was amazing, so much more mature and calm… and such a good boy! After a couple hours we got to bring him home for some major cuddle time.
I honestly believe that putting Merlin through his training has enriched his and our lives. We can take him places now that we never could have before. He goes to the dog park, has walked in parades, has been in the 5k9 walk in Chicago, and everyone loves to be around him. They truly did solve all of the problems we had with him. And the most amazing thing is that my mom, who was previously afraid of dogs, now adores Merlin and is even thinking about getting a dog of her own!
The best part of completing the training is that we now have a place to board Merlin when we have to go out of town. We have taken him twice for boarding, and it is great because it is basically a «refresher» on his training while they have him. The most recent time we left him there, he was actually wagging his tail and EXCITED to get there! It was like we were leaving him for his own little vacation. In fact when we got there, he ran to greet everyone and forgot mommy and daddy were even there!
I cannot praise this group enough… and I will be sure to bring all of my future dogs to them for their excellent training program. My biggest recommendation is to not wait until your dog has terrible habits… bring your dog in early so that his or her life can be lived to the fullest.

We got a Siberian Husky puppy last summer and had never had a dog before. She was fun and playful but somewhat wild and excitable. We were always afraid she was going to run away and never look back! We took her to Midwest Academy when she was about 4 months old and talked with the trainers to understand that an «excited» dog is not a «happy» dog. After her training at the academy we continued the training including good manners when walking, proper socialization with other dogs and just being a good dog! Ellie is now 10 months old and is the sweetest and happiest dog I know. And I think a big part of it is that we were properly trained as well as Ellie was. We take her back to board with Midwest Academy (and mostly because of Kendra — she is great). We would definitely recommend new dog owners look into the program. Early training with Ellie has resulted in a wonderful experience. We are already thinking about getting another «happy» addition to the family!

Midway Dog Academy saved our family from having to give up our dog. After having spent thousands of dollars on every training collar, harness, thunder shirt, toy, treat and many other trainers we finally found Midway Dog Academy. Our dog would lunge on the leash, break out of her kennel, try and chase every squirrel or animal she saw. She was always nervous and was never able to be off of her leash or come close to another dog. After sending our dog to Midway Dog Academy we now enjoy the lifestyle we always wanted and dreamed of with our dog. We enjoy going to off leash dog parks, hiking with our dog and letting her run off leash with other dogs in open field socialization. The off leash and recall training they do is absolutely amazing, our dog never used to come when called, now she will come back to us when her name is called even if all the way across a field or in the woods. Midway changed the way our dog lives and the way we live for the better. Upon doing more research on style of training they use, we found out these are the same techniques that Cesar «The Dog Whisperer» uses. Midway Dog Academy was always available for follow up questions and if we ran into a problem they were always willing to help correct the issue. We couldn’t have been happier with the final result. My wife used to call me crying and balling her eyes out because our dog would constantly be acting up, now I just get happy photos of her playing with other dogs, rolling around in the grass and snuggling on the couch together. Our family can’t thank Midway enough and we highly recommend them.