A 25-year-honed marker system that teaches reactive, anxious, and unfocused dogs to listen — in real life, under real distractions. Board & train, private lessons, and puppy preschool at our West Town facility.
157 reviews
Ari Fleishman
Real attention
Tailored plans
"Changed our dog's life forever."
S Z · a year ago
CPDT-KA certified
Knowledge Assessed
3-week
Board & Train
CPDT-KA Certified
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
NARA Board of Directors
North American Ring Association · Judge & Competitor
State-of-the-art facility
West Town · Google 360° tour available
AKC & CPE Competitor
Obedience and Agility titles on staff
Programs
Every dog, human and behavior is different. We build a custom course of action — from intensive 3-week board & train to one-on-one private lessons in our facility.
Flagship
A 3-week in-depth intensive. We build a complete communication system, work individual issues, then teach you how to keep it in a 1½–2 hour go-home lesson.
Most flexible
One-on-one with our trainers at our state-of-the-art facility. Work specific issues, learn the basics, and become fluent in your dog's language.
Start early
The first months stick forever. We use this crucial window to build the foundation that turns your puppy into a calm, confident, capable adult.
Humane, low-level conditioning that gives owners reliable off-leash control under real-world distraction — without yanking a leash or raising a voice.
Learn moreLeash reactivity, fear aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety — we diagnose the human too, and address both sides of the leash.
Learn moreProgram graduates can self-schedule boarding through the client portal — your dog stays sharp on training while you travel.
Learn more
The Marker System
We introduce a series of markers — stimuli that tag specific actions. Once the marker is understood, learning begins through positive reinforcement: food, play, anything that lights your dog up. Then we layer distraction and environment until the behavior is bulletproof.
Park visits, busy streets, Home Depot — we prove training under the conditions you actually live in.
Personal attention is non-negotiable. Your dog is family while they're with us.
Weekly report cards by 10 PM, plus immediate outreach if anything comes up.
Some dogs stay longer than 3 weeks — at no extra charge. We don't rush behavior.
From our pack to yours — a few of our grads
Investment
Every dog is different — we'll build a course of action that fits your schedule and budget. Programs range from 14 days to 8 weeks.
Starter
Six private lessons designed to set you and your dog up on a solid foundation.
Includes $600 of equipment
Flagship
Total reset. Your dog lives, walks and trains with us through a 6-day, 14-hour rhythm.
Quote after free evaluation · payment plans available
Lifelong
Graduates lock in long-term reliability with follow-up privates, group class, and trusted boarding.
Self-scheduling through your client portal
Pricing varies based on specific needs. For more information email info@dtowndogs.com.
Your trainers
Owner · Head Trainer
25+ years studying under the world's top trainers. NARA Board of Directors, current judge, competitor, and former Level-1 decoy.
Demo Trainer
2014 French Ring I Grand Champion · 2015 FR II Vice Champion · 2018 FR III Domestic Grand Champion. Ari's star pupil since 7 weeks old.
Trainer · CPDT-KA
10 years in pet obedience, intensive behavior modification, and rescue rehab. Competes with Mischa and Ecko in AKC Obedience and CPE Agility.
What people are saying
Reviewers most often mention: leash biting (28), aggression issues (19), knowledgeable team (20), and board and train (16).
Lauren Z.
Grew up with dogs · Murphy's owner
"Ari and his team at Downtown Dogs are a godsend. Murphy is beyond the best dog I have ever had — zero behavioral issues, and we rarely leave the house with a leash because his heel and other manners are so impeccable. I can take him through a crowded park or a busy street with full confidence."
Amber K.
Golden retriever owner
"I brought my golden retriever puppy for a three week board and train and what a huge difference it has made! River pays attention and listens. Leash pulling, jumping on counters, beds, furniture — all under control. The e-collar is an easy way to correct and incredibly effective."
Emily P.
Hound/lab mix owner
"Ari and his team have been a game changer. I called in a panic because my 3-year-old hound was getting aggressive with strangers. His ability to diagnose me was frustrating but spot-on. He doesn't just train dogs, he explains the human behavior associated with the issues."
Carol K.
Krash's owner
"Hands down Ari is the best trainer I have ever encountered. Our dog Krash developed issues with other dogs to the point I didn't want to walk him. After several weeks at Downtown Dogs, people come over and can't believe how well behaved he is. Walks are enjoyable again."
Jennifer C.
Pit-bull rescue owner
"Ari is amazing! My family has nicknamed him 'doggie Jesus' for the miracles he performs with my dog. I have a deaf pit, human and dog aggressive. On only our THIRD session, we went to a park full of people, dogs, and kids — and she was extremely well behaved."
Joe F.
Long-time client
"All dog trainers are not alike. I've been to many in the past but none like Downtown Dogs Chicago. Ari has trained under some of the most renowned trainers in the world, but what makes him different is the unique style he created. He's very good at reading dogs — one method will not work for all."
Common questions
We limit it to 4 dogs per trainer. This ensures your dog receives the necessary personal attention.
Owner visits aren't part of Board & Train — they disrupt consistency and tend to be counterproductive. You'll get a weekly video report card every Friday by 10 PM.
Morning walk ~7 AM, group training 8–11 AM, rest 11–1, afternoon walk, long training session until 7 PM, rest, evening walk ~9 PM. As dogs progress we add field trips — parks, Home Depot — to proof training under distraction.
Just food and any meds. We provide everything else — collars, beds, crates, leashes.
The program is about reliable behaviors, not time. Some dogs occasionally stay longer than 3 weeks at no additional charge. We don't rush or pressure dogs through the program.
A 1½–2 hour transfer lesson with you covering everything your dog learned and how to reinforce it. Only adult owners who live with the dog should attend the initial pick-up lesson.
Free consultation
Bring your training questions, your behavior worries, your "is it too late?" — we'll walk you through what your dog actually needs.
Facility
2440 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60612
Hours
Mon – Sun
Closes 9 PM