testimonials

We called Jeff after adopting our 2 young Chihuahua Mixes. We learned fast that it seemed they not only had minimal exposure to being outside but most importantly to other dogs. The leash aggression was too much for us to handle and Jeff's techniques really helped us show Ollie and Rocco that seeing other dogs is a positive experience from the outset of the meeting, and that made the all the difference in our walks with them.

We continue to work with our boys and reinforce the training as well as the thought that other dogs can be friends and nothing to be scared of. Jeff's patience and love of animals comes through in all aspects of his training and we would highly recommend his services.

Meredith Griffin & Tom Castro
773-454-6564
mgriffin9599@yahoo.com

I just wanted to update you on Vicky's progress. Today she finally had a long and very vigorous play session with my sister's German Shepherd. It was so great to see them rough and tumble - for a couple of hours, in and out of the house. She wore that German Shepherd out! One of our neighbors has a Bichon which Vicky has gotten to know pretty well.

The other day, there was a doggy birthday party, and there were about seven little fluffy dogs and Vicky. She was quite excited, and I didn't let her sniff any of the dogs but the birthday dog. But she got quite close to the group and her barking was all of the excited variety rather than the aggressive kind.

She was also very well behaved, in general, at the block party. People continue to ask who our trainer is, because they're so impressed with Vicky's progress.

Thank you,
Diane, R. Johnson
Evanston, IL

We reached out to Jeff Millman regarding puppy training for our 3 month old Great Dane Maximus.

That is by far the best decision we could have made. Living in the city we knew it would be a challenge adjusting a puppy to his new surroundings. And due to Max's potential size, we wanted to ensure we started working on behaviors, such as socialization, as early as possible.

Jeff's positive reinforcement training methods and his patience with animals (as well as their owners) really helped us understand the tools we needed to continue working with Max once puppy training was complete.

The resources he provided during training have also been extremely helpful. What a great experience for Max!

Mary Kay and Mike Prather
Chicago, IL

Dear Jeff,
I just wanted to tell you how wonderful life with an energetic 7-month-old lab can be when he is properly trained. Thanks to your training you have saved the day and our sanity!

Fetch was a crazy high-energy puppy but with your guidance he has calmed down and become a wonderful member of our family. It was imperative that he would walk calmly on a leash with my children and he does now ~ which is nothing short of a miracle.

Even though Fetch weighs more than each of my children, they can easily walk him down the street. Only with your help were we able to manage Fetch’s behavior during his crazy puppy hours. Your simple, straightforward insight made a world of difference in our home and we are grateful!

Thanks ever so much,

The Sutoris Family
Chicago, IL

We have a two year old sheltie that Jeff has helped us with when he was a puppy and on the occasion when needed as he has grown. You may or may not be aware that shelties are a highly active/nervous breed and we had issues with anxiety and excessive barking that Jeff helped immensely in treating.

He came very highly recommended from some VERY particular people in our building and we found him to be very effective with a commitment to always using positive methods and never, ever using punishing or otherwise negative treatments. He is a gentle, thoughtful person with a true love of dogs and his work reflects it.

I cannot recommend him highly enough. He is simply one of the best in field. I have even called him when our dog was attacked, which was really out of his domain, just to have some support in the issue. He spent a considerable amount of time talking to me. I have done this on a few occasions and there is never a charge or even though his advice was, in reality, very billable.

Roberta Livingston
Chicago, IL

Jeff Millman is a trainer who combines knowledge, patience, ability, and kindness -- qualities that are hard to find in one dog trainer. He has helped me with a few difficult cases, and his advice has always been right on the money. 

I have worked with other trainers that attempted to instill obedience through strong discipline, with little success.  Jeff's unique approach has not only been supremely successful with my two dogs but has also made me look at the way I deal with the world in a different way. 

Thank you, Jeff.

Justin Kelly
Chicago, IL

I would highly recommend Jeff Millman for all your dog training needs! Jeff has been working with Cooper, our Mini Australian Shepherd, since he was 8 weeks old and it shows. Cooper is our first dog and Aussies are tough enough to manage for experienced dog owners!

Jeff helped us tailor a socialization and training plan that really worked for us and gave Cooper many of the necessary tools to be a well behaved dog. He has ALWAYS been available when we needed him. From answering a quick question via the telephone to helping us introduce Cooper to our new baby, Jeff has always come through. The best part about Jeff is that he taught us, not just Cooper. This instruction and information has always allowed us to continue the repetition necessary to really solidify a skill or modify a behavior. Jeff has been fantastic and an invaluable part of his development.

Matt Kucharik
matt.kucharik@gmail.com

Jeff has been working with Basil for almost a year now and I have nothing but high-praise for him and his training methods. A few of Jeff's many strengths include his patience (Basil can be a bit stubborn and he has made excellent progress with her), organization (every session he came with ideas on several different ways to work with Basil), responsiveness (he always makes himself available both night/day for phone calls and emails) and his skill as a trainer (as mentioned above, he has had good success with Basil).

Without reservation I would recommend Jeff from Chicago Paws to any dog owner.

Christopher A. McVety
Chicago, IL

Jeff,
Mimi and Lily and I wanted to thank you for all of the time that you spent with us to achieve our training goals. You first met Mimi and Lily three years ago. We just moved to the city and the girls needed to learn to cope with the noises in the city and spending time alone during the day. They were so spoiled and were hardly ever alone before moving to the city. Needless to say, all they knew was to be with me and have all of the attention imaginable. Well, not realizing that I was creating monsters by spoiling the girls rotten, and not taking the time to really work with them and teach them general skills, I soon sought your help. Our biggest issue was terrible separation anxiety, and Mimi developed such demand behaviors that I never thought she would learn to respond to me. Lily coped a bit better, but still needed some help. It broke my heart to leave the girls at home while I was at work, but you helped us get through.

You assured me that working with the girls would certainly help and curtail the spoiled behaviors and the anxiety -- When I didn't get the results that I really wanted, and quickly, I became lax about the training. I really thought it was a quick fix to have you help us – I let it go for a while and called you again. I knew that the reason I didn’t get results is because I was not practicing the tools that you shared with us.

The separation anxiety subsided, but we still had issues with the demand barking. I just couldn’t let it go and made the commitment to work hard with the girls to help them get over the demand behaviors and only responding to me when they felt like it. You began to work with the girls and me again, at their ages of three and four, and it is tremendous how they have really excelled.

Mimi, who I never thought would be responsive and enjoy her lessons, is doing so well. She finally sits, stays, and comes on command. The demand barking is something that we are still working on, but it is very seldom. Lily really did well with the training too and knows her general commands. They do it consistently!!

You even got the girls to deal with separation anxiety -- this was huge! We are so thankful for how kind and patient you have been over time. Your techniques and ability to communicate with the girls has been so helpful. The time that you spent perfecting the techniques that we were using to fit them best with the learning program, was more than expected.

You responded to all of my questions, concerns and wanted updates on the girls progress in between sessions. You have a gift in how you convey the lessons both to me and in how you work with the girls. You really took an interest in the girls and how well they were doing and this is so important. You really have a connection with the girls and I know they have enjoyed working with you. You truly are dedicated to your work and helping to achieve training goals.

Even during the times that the girls regressed or needed a little push to learn their lessons for the week, you stuck with us. We thank you for everything. The girls look forward to continuing to work with you - they get so excited when I tell them it's time to "Practice!" They have come such a long way - and I am so happy with the results!

With Most Appreciation, Mimi, Lily and Elena
Chicago, IL

We would highly recommend Jeff Millman for dog training. He worked with our dog, Margie, on her issues with anxiety and leash aggression. Margie was an excessive barker, and she always lunged and snapped at other dogs while on a leash. After just 4 sessions with Jeff, Margie has stopped barking, and she is now able to play with other dogs in the neighborhood!

Jeff is patient and incredibly knowledgeable. It is obvious how much he loves what he does. He taught us to identify triggers in the environment and how to stop her anxiety before it starts. Jeff uses only humane methods for training dogs. Margie absolutely loved whenever Jeff came over! He has taught us strategies we will continue to use with Margie for years to come.

We literally feel like we have a different dog now.

Thank you for all of your hard work, Jeff!

Melissa and Daniel Webber
Chicago, IL

Hi Jeff,
I have been meaning to follow up with you to let you know Caesar is doing very well.  Nick has not been traveling over the last few months, and Caesar is a different dog.  He is calm, not growling at people and plays well with other dogs.  Don't worry  -  when I walk him alone, I never let him get close to another dog (just because there is no reason to take unnecessary risk).  In fact, Nick and I make a concerted effort for me not to have to walk him alone because we know he remains an aggressive Akita at heart (by breed), even though he's been well behaved lately.  When I do walk him alone, I feel comfortable though - I've worked on my commands and training and he is more settled so the situation is better.  

Thanks again,
Clare Connor Ranalli
Chicago, IL

Dear Jeff,
I just wanted to tell you how wonderful life with an energetic 7-month-old lab can be when he is properly trained. Thanks to your training you have saved the day and our sanity! Fetch was a crazy high-energy puppy but with your guidance he has calmed down and become a wonderful member of our family.

It was imperative that he would walk calmly on a leash with my children and he does now ~ which is nothing short of a miracle. Even though Fetch weighs more than each of my children, they can easily walk him down the street. Only with your help were we able to manage Fetch’s behavior during his crazy puppy hours. Your simple, straightforward insight made a world of difference in our home and we are grateful!

Thanks ever so much.

The Sutoris Family
Chicago, IL

Hi Jeff,
I wanted to thank you again for everything during training with Rosco. I know it seems I've had a lot of trouble, but I expected that and am very happy overall with Rosco's progress and my sanity with a new puppy!

You made things not seem overwhelming at all and I really appreciate that. I do hope people contact me with questions about you as a trainer, because I would recommend you to every new dog owner I meet.

Thank you for everything and take care,

Amy Williams
Chicago, IL

Jeff was extremely helpful with my dog Percy and his leash aggression. I highly recommend him - it's important to do a consistent # of sessions to really instill preferred behavior.

It's not just your dog that needs the training. It's true, I definitely needed some training as well, and then of course training together as a team.

The sooner you get a handle on the aggression the better for all of you! And that feeling of being afraid of what might happen if another dog approaches dissipates as you all get more training.

Jeff is a fantastic dog trainer who truly cares about his clients (both dog & human) and he's a great guy!

Daisy & Percy
Chicago, IL

We have done training with Jeff for the past few months, and I can’t believe the difference it has made with my two dogs, Sammy and Tobey.  They are both around one year of age, and filled with an extraordinary amount of exuberant energy!  Sometimes it gets the best of them, and I have had challenges with leash walking, basic commands and over-excitement around other dogs.

I had worked with another trainer in the past, and unfortunately some of that individual’s methods leaned towards physical punishment.  Over time, this training exacerbated Sammy’s excitement around other dogs, turning it into frustration and aggression.  Leash walking became a nightmare, as she (and sometimes Tobey) would lunge and growl at any dog we encountered.

This was disheartening, because Sammy had always been so playful around other dogs and now I was terrified to let her within an inch of them.  By the time I started working with Jeff, I wondered if I would ever be able to enjoy a pleasant walk with my dogs again!  I had begun to almost dread our daily walks.  

Jeff’s positive reinforcement method made a difference within two training sessions.  It was hard to believe, but in a very short period of time, Sammy reached the point where she could see another dog, and calmly turn and look at me.  There are still times when she will hop up and down to get closer, but now it’s with excitement to go play instead of aggression!  

Jeff has given me great tools to use while I continue to work with my dogs on my own.  I will definitely continue to work with him going forward, as we make progress on more advanced commands.  Sammy and Tobey absolutely love Jeff and nearly turn themselves inside out when they see him, and have responded so well to the positive training.  

I would not hesitate for a moment to recommend Jeff as a skilled and caring trainer for anyone’s dog, no matter the sort of behavioral challenges you might be facing.  
  
Leah Moser
Chicago IL

UPDATE From Leah:

Hi Jeff,
 
I just wanted to drop a note to give you an update on Sammy and Tobey.  It’s now the exception, rather than the rule, that Sammy shows any leash aggression.  She is able to greet other dogs on our walks.  Sometimes she gets a little too playful, but it is very rare now that she will growl and lunge.  She is playing nicely with dogs off leash again, and we played with several dogs over at Hamlin Park yesterday.  Tobey is doing better with other dogs as well.  It’s so amazing to walk now without all the stress of running into other dogs!  

Thanks again.
Leah

Jeff has been a great trainer and very patient with my puppy Baylee and with me. There are lots of things going on when a puppy is 8 months old and I didn’t know where to start. Jeff came in with teaching plans that were perfect for our situation after only a short phone interview. Baylee made real progress and continues to do so even after “graduation.” I would recommend him to anyone!

Leslie Smith
Chicago, IL

Dear Jeff:
 
We would like to commend you for a job well done!
 
Our session with you has proved invaluable for training and communicating with our dogs, Toby and Louie. We now have the appropriate techniques in place to teach our dogs how to enjoy their walks and meet new “friends.”
 
As always, you were very kind and gentle with Toby and Louie. We were amazed at how they responded to your teaching commands! One of the most important skills you taught us was the correct use of positive-reinforcement with the clicker.
 
Thank you again for your guidance and training. We would highly recommend you to anyone who is considering training or behavior counseling for their dog.
 
Sincerely,
 
Charlene Simurdiak and Linda Falk
Chicago, IL

I highly recommend Jeff Millman.  He recently trained my bulldog Louie and he made a world of difference.  Jeff really turned Louie from a menace to a cute, funny, lovable dog.  He showed us that Louie was bright and very trainable.  Following Jeff's training has helped Louie: become potty trained, stop chewing up the furniture, stop chewing on us,  stop jumping up on people, and keep him from being agressive.  We will use his training forever.  Additionally, I always recommend Jeff to my friends with dogs.
 
Natalie Ozguna
Chicago, IL

I retained Jeff’s services for personal training of my then 2 1/2 month old Portuguese Water Dog “Chimi”. To say I was blown away by the results would be an understatement. Eight months later and Chimi is just the most delightful dog I could have hoped for.

After reviewing some of the Watch and Train videos, what I found was the same high level of training instructions and tips as from Jeff’s one on one personal sessions. I can not recommend Watch and Train highly enough, it is a great program and a bargain to boot.

What really made Jeff’s personal classes such a success for Chimi and me was more what Jeff taught me as opposed to what he taught Chimi. This is very clear in both the videos at WatchandTrain.com and Jeff's private instruction.

Without that knowledge (and that is what you get from Watch and Train), I could not have carried on the instructions and reinforcement. Training a dog is process and Jeff has defined and made that process easy to understand and use.

Chimi is my 5th dog and the first that has benefited from professional training. She is still a puppy at 10 1/2 months but is much better behaved and reliable than any of my previous dogs in their mature years.

John Nicastro
Chicago, IL

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we wanted to thank you so much for helping us with Logan.  I was in such a panic 2 months ago and you have made all of our lives better.  I know we have a long way to go and we feel so confidant with your guidance.  I hope you and your wife have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
 
Rita Ryan and Jay Kovar
Chicago, IL

Contact my references and ask about my services.

Check to see if you are in my travel area.

Learn about phone consultations or video training if you are out of my travel area.

Call me for a free 10-minute phone consultation or fill out the Dog Training Information Form and I will contact you.

773.818.5570