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January 2024 by Shean Christie
Worth every penny !
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December 2023 by Daniel Scully
great grooming
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October 2023 by Melyssa Bloom
Always do a great job grooming our dog.
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October 2023 by Maureen Young
My finicky puppy loves them.
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September 2023 by Gina H
Absolutely love this place! Have had 2 giant breed pups 3 years apart trained here and they are amazing. Taylor is a phenomenal trainer for both the pups and the parents. I have learned so much. When we got the 2nd pup 3 years later it changed the dynamics in my home. Taylor helped us by bringing back in the 1st pup for some freshen up classes. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a well behaved dog. Love you guys!!!
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September 2023 by Corey Cross
I started training with my dog a few months ago. Taylir has been so amazing with the whole process. She has put time into building an amazing relationship with my dog. She is always open to work around my schedule for more lessons. I am so thankful to have Taylir as my trainer. I would definitely recommend Taylir for anyone who wants to take the next step as a dog owner!!
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September 2023 by Jenna Kolar
I worked at woofbeach for 3 years, and not only is it an incredible company to work for , but the staff truly cares about their clients (both human and furry ) . You’re sweet fur baby will be in great hands if you sign up for training or grooming with them!
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March 2023 by Chloe
I paid $2,800 for advanced off leash training. My dog was said to be “completed with training” at the end of 2 months, yet still could not walk on a leash without pulling. I was advised to keep a pinch collar on my dog all day, except for when she’s in a cage. I set my expectation prior to signing Woof Beach’s contract that my dog would not need to be trained with a pinch collar, but found out after 2 months that is what they were using. I attempted to use the collar as instructed and my dog became lethargic that same day, vomited, and had diarrhea the next morning, so I then did my research on what they’re using.Trainers refer to their collars as “herm collars”, but the reality is, they are pinch/prong collars manufactured by the brand Herm Sprenger. With a quick google search on, “the correct way to use a pinch collar”, it is black and white how long dogs should wear these collars, which is no longer than a training session- 15 minutes to an hour. Yet they advise these to be worn all day. There is endless information, published research, and professional opinion that is firmly against this everywhere you can search, or if you consult with an outside professional trainer first hand.I was told by a manager of 6 different locations around the Chicagoland area that my dog becoming ill was normal. The extensive use of these collars was justified with light hearted analogies, but the words don’t align with best practices found anywhere.The lead trainer at this location where my dog attended did not know he was using a pinch collar on my dog when asked. He denied Woof Beach uses them, and said that they use “herm collars”. It was shocking and concerning for a lead trainer to not know what type of collar these are, yet is being trusted to use it on peoples dog’s correctly. This is training equipment, may I mention, that is so controversial it is illegal in different countries. And again, trainers don’t even realize they’re using it.I have asked 3 different managers how long dogs spend in pinch collars during the 2 months of group training my dog attended, which were classes up to 8 hours a day, and not one could produce a clear or confident answer beyond, “not the whole time”. That is far from good enough when there are strict guidelines for the appropriate time dogs should train in a pinch collar.It’s shocking the training my dog went through against my wishes and by such inappropriate methods. Other pets should not experience what mine has, unless owners are in full understanding and agreement. I was not given that opportunity.This review details what I feel others should know to avoid being blindsided in the way I was and to hopefully not accept if their dog shows negative changes in behavior as normal. These methods are not normal. There are unfortunately more details of the lies I was told prior to signing Woof Beach’s contract, and more information on what a negative experience this has been.Response to Owner 3/3/23I came back ONE time being willing to try other solutions given that I did pay $2,800 after all. Referencing my dog training for the day- I’ve never spoke of my disappointment in picking up my dog 7 hours later still wearing the pinch collar I left her with that morning, even after I let managers know she would not train in a pinch collar for anymore than an hour at a time. It is so cruel and disgusting owners leave their dogs in your care and you keep them in pinch collars for countless hours.If this business ever wants to do the right thing in taking responsibility for your employee who roped me into a program I would have walked away from had there been honesty- you have my number.
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December 2022 by Jessica Sánchez
My fiancé and I were very excited to sign our 7-month old dachshund up for training at Woofbeach. Woofbeach was recommended to us, and it showed promising reviews. We had an initial evaluation with Taylor to discuss the training program and expectations. Based on the assessment, we would need to purchase one of their cots to help with training at home, and they would provide their treats for positive reinforcement training.Peter is the sweetest dog. He needed help with potty training and learning healthy boundaries with dogs. He has never undergone any training previously. He comes off shy but can warm up after some friendly petting. When Peter was dropped off, he was very nervous and kept trying to get away from the trainers. Once I noticed he was warming up, I left.A couple of hours later, I received a photo from one of the trainers showing me Peter learned a command. I immediately noticed the collar around his neck. I knew something wasn’t right with this as it was never discussed they would be using training collars in sessions with him. Peter’s eyes looked frightened too. I went straight to Woofbeach to understand what was going on.When I walked into the location, I saw Peter on one of the cots. Peter hunched his back like he was frightened. Typically, Peter would run straight to me when he saw me (separation anxiety). Instead, he sat frozen on the cot. The trainers took the collar off, and Peter still seemed hesitant. Once he saw me looking at him, he ran straight over. As a dog parent, seeing your dog child scared is the worst feeling in the world. My heart broke for him. Of course, the fear of the collar kept him still and not the training. A 7-month-old puppy with no prior training does not learn to stay within 1 hour.Taylor tried to explain the collar and claimed he spoke to me about it in the evaluation, which was highly false. We would have never signed up if we had known about the collar. It is Woofbeach’s prerogative to use this type of training method, and it may work for some families. Still, Woofbeach should explain it to others as not everyone approves. He claimed they are “balanced” trainers and he stated to me before signing up, which is false again.Taylor explained the collar mimicking a dog mom nipping the baby pup’s neck to correct behavior. If a dog has ever nipped anyone, it hurts. Based on what Taylor explained, Woofbeach uses pain to correct behavior instead of positive reinforcement.I decided to take my puppy home immediately. Taylor said he would have a manager call me. I left Woofbeach at 10 am. It is over 8 hours later, and I have yet to receive a call. It is incredibly disheartening to know that Woofbeach does not value their customers and is inconsiderate of a family’s concerns.I share this story so future families can decide what is best for their fur children. If you support training collars and “balanced” training, Woofbeach is the place for you. However, do not come here if you are a family that does not condone pain within training and strictly wants positive reinforcement. If I had never received the photo of Peter scared with his collar, I might have never known what goes on because the staff never explained it before signing up.
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November 2022 by Sean Sawyer
My German shepherd puppy, Penelope, is a changed animal. We sent her to Woof beach and I honestly thought, for a long time, that she would show only marginal behavioral improvements when her sessions there ended. I stand happily corrected. It’s obvious that whatever Stephanie and Taylor are doing is working, because Penelope has gone from wild and unruly to calm and controlled. Let me put it this way: I can now count on her not mauling (not literally…I mean, you know, mauling with affection) people when they walk into my house. She stays in place and waits for me to release her so that she can show the world she just wants to give it her love. It works like this: the trainers work really hard to train the dog, four days a week. During this time, we, at home, aren’t seeing much improvements. Then, when her daily sessions are over, the trainers bring us in and train us and all of the sudden, the switch is flicked and all of the hard work becomes readily apparent. I’m amazed at the efficacy of the programming. Furthermore, and what’s almost as important as the results, the trainers are good people who clearly care about the animal and the quality of their work. Stephanie has been so good to work with. I don’t leave reviews but I leave this one because it’s well deserved.
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November 2022 by Stosh D. Walsh
We rescued a “last chance” dog 18 months ago. When we first brought her into our home, she was aggressive based on having been mistreated, and counterphobic-always in “survival mode.” Taylor and the staff at woof beach treated her gently and were patient with her, gradually introducing her to other dogs and to commands. She’s a different dog now. They’ve even had us come back with her to check in and “tune up”-the lifetime guarantee is real. Super effective training by people who love dogs and help their owners have better relationships with them. Yes, it’s expensive, but it literally saved our dog’s life.
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February 2022 by Jessica Primas
I cannot say enough good things about Woofbeach Cove and their staff, specifically their trainer Taylor. From the moment I walked in the door I was greeted with professionalism and incredible knowledge. I worked with Taylor since our evaluation. I brought my dog Harley to sharpen up his commands and get him to work on one specific skill; loose leash walking. I will admit, I was hesitant about using balanced training, as Harley has pulled and ignored me through every collar or harness. However, Taylor reassured me and taught me why they use certain collars and how. On day one I noticed a difference immediately. Harley would stay on his cot and no longer blow off whatever the trainer said (or me!). I was so impressed with our sessions. Taylor had such patience working with Harley as well as me, teaching me step by step when to use certain commands and what do to on leash. I can proudly say I can now walk my 85lb dog outside, with distractions, other dogs, people, wild animals, etc, and he will not BUDGE. We walk on a simple martingale collar now after graduating his training collar. He will down stay immediately if there’s a distraction. I can walk him by my pinky finger. I’m just more upset I didn’t find this place, or Taylor, sooner!Now we are working on pursuing our CGC training and Taylor is helping us every step of the way. If you want a patient and understating trainer that loves what he does, please go to Woofbeach! I have such a better relationship with my dog because of them and their dedicated staff.
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February 2022 by Jessica Howe
My fiancé and I were very excited to sign our 7-month old dachshund up for training at Woofbeach. Woofbeach was recommended to us, and it showed promising reviews. We had an initial evaluation with Taylor to discuss the training program and expectations. Based on the assessment, we would need to purchase one of their cots to help with training at home, and they would provide their treats for positive reinforcement training.Peter is the sweetest dog. He needed help with potty training and learning healthy boundaries with dogs. He has never undergone any training previously. He comes off shy but can warm up after some friendly petting. When Peter was dropped off, he was very nervous and kept trying to get away from the trainers. Once I noticed he was warming up, I left.A couple of hours later, I received a photo from one of the trainers showing me Peter learned a command. I immediately noticed the collar around his neck. I knew something wasn’t right with this as it was never discussed they would be using training collars in sessions with him. Peter’s eyes looked frightened too. I went straight to Woofbeach to understand what was going on.When I walked into the location, I saw Peter on one of the cots. Peter hunched his back like he was frightened. Typically, Peter would run straight to me when he saw me (separation anxiety). Instead, he sat frozen on the cot. The trainers took the collar off, and Peter still seemed hesitant. Once he saw me looking at him, he ran straight over. As a dog parent, seeing your dog child scared is the worst feeling in the world. My heart broke for him. Of course, the fear of the collar kept him still and not the training. A 7-month-old puppy with no prior training does not learn to stay within 1 hour.Taylor tried to explain the collar and claimed he spoke to me about it in the evaluation, which was highly false. We would have never signed up if we had known about the collar. It is Woofbeach’s prerogative to use this type of training method, and it may work for some families. Still, Woofbeach should explain it to others as not everyone approves. He claimed they are “balanced” trainers and he stated to me before signing up, which is false again.Taylor explained the collar mimicking a dog mom nipping the baby pup’s neck to correct behavior. If a dog has ever nipped anyone, it hurts. Based on what Taylor explained, Woofbeach uses pain to correct behavior instead of positive reinforcement.I decided to take my puppy home immediately. Taylor said he would have a manager call me. I left Woofbeach at 10 am. It is over 8 hours later, and I have yet to receive a call. It is incredibly disheartening to know that Woofbeach does not value their customers and is inconsiderate of a family’s concerns.I share this story so future families can decide what is best for their fur children. If you support training collars and “balanced” training, Woofbeach is the place for you. However, do not come here if you are a family that does not condone pain within training and strictly wants positive reinforcement. If I had never received the photo of Peter scared with his collar, I might have never known what goes on because the staff never explained it before signing up.
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February 2022 by Molly
We ADORE woofbeach Glen Ellyn. Our dog is the best behaved and she loves going back for brush up lessons and daycare. Cannot say enough about how great Stephanie and the rest of the trainers are.Do not let the few negative reviews from people who did not do their research or pay attention to the process scare you away.Their methods are a great combination used for animals in training...giving dogs human traits will never make them actual children no matter how you feel about them.The team knows dogs, and how to train an entire animal...not just treats and praise. Our dog is more secure and at ease now that we know how to communicate with her. Everyone is happier and well off!I always recommend them :)
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February 2022 by Shelbey Cecille
Taylir and her staff have been amazing with our dogs. They feel so comfortable around them and behave better than I have ever seen! I have been with a few other companies and I recommend this facility for any dog training needs and more!
