Our puppy is 10 months and she's a dauchsund so super stubborn. We did the 2 week residency program and she learned so much. We will be doing the more advanced classes soon. Highly recommend!!!!
BP
Brett Peto
Sep 29, 2025
5.0
My partner and I will only take our dog Dunkin to A Closer Bond. When we first adopted him, he was very timid and nervous, and would freeze if other people approached him. After five weeks of day training, he's confident, knows a bunch of practical commands (sit, down, stay, heel, come) and loves socializing with other dogs. All the staff know and love Dunkin and treat him as if he were their pet. Can't recommend this place enough!
EM
Erin Mooney
Sep 7, 2025
5.0
We have had a wonderful experience with A Closer Bond - all of the staff are super helpful and caring. We are 3/4 through our extensive training program and planning to continue into therapy dog training and Alyssa has been exceptional to work with! So grateful for this place!
DM
Diane McDonnell
Aug 31, 2025
5.0
My dog is always well cared for and comes home happy and healthy! Love seeing pictures of her during her stay as well! Never worry about her when she goes to Closer Bond! The best
KG
Kalee Genis
Aug 16, 2025
5.0
I'm freshly home with my frenchie after his 3-week boot camp with Sarah and I have tears in my eyes. Happy tears! My Frenchie has made such a turnaround. We are able to enjoy our time with him as Sarah eliminated some of his unwanted behaviors. I dreamed of this life with my 5yo pup. He is calm, attentive, and not bullying anyone. Sarah gave me the tools needed to get positive behavior from my dog and I am just so grateful. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner! Thank you Sarah for listening to my concerns and guiding us on this new version of ourselves!
Frequently Asked Questions About A Closer Bond Dog Training & Learning Center - Wood Street
What is an Off-Leash Play Evaluation?
Off-leash play evaluations are required before your pup comes to enrichment program or overnight care and they allow us to see if they're fit for off-leash play with a group of dogs. Our Petcare Technician Leaders take their time to allow your dog to explore their new surroundings and evaluate how your dog handles new people, places, sounds, and other dogs. After your dog completes their evaluation you will receive a report on our findings of your dog’s off-leash play style and what services are well suited for you and your dog. An off- leash evaluation is for a full day. They are set up by appointment.
What vaccines do you require?
We require Rabies and Distemper vaccines. If you choose to get the Bordatella vaccine, please wait a minimum of ten days before visiting us as that vaccine is a live virus.
Do you have any age or breed restrictions?
Dogs must be over 8 weeks old and completed the first two series of vaccinations, including a fecal exam, but we have no upper age limit. We also do not have any breed restrictions.
Do you accept aggressive dogs?
We do our best to accommodate every dog. Please give us a call to discuss your dog’s behavior. A training evaluation may be required prior to overnight care or attending enrichment program.
My dog is not neutered/spayed, can they still come to your facility?
Definitely! We keep all unfixed pets of opposite genders separated.
Why do you have two facilities?
We have been at 842 W Northwest Hwy since 1994. With the business expanding we needed a second location!
We opened our Training Center in March 2017 to give the dogs more space. We offer enrichment program, overnight care, and grooming at our Community Center, and we offer training and overnight care at our Training Center.
Is my dog able to play outside?
Yes! Our Community Center has five outdoor yards for play.
How far in advance do I have to make reservations?
We ask that enrichment program and overnight care reservations are made at least 24 hours in advance. Our grooming and training departments book up relatively quickly so please make those reservations as early as possible.
Can I come for a tour?
Please do! We have an open-door policy during regular business hours to view our facilities. However, we recommend that you give us a call beforehand so we can make sure we have adequate time for the tour and to answer any questions.
How can I get updates on my dog?
Feel free to give us a call or send us an email any time that we are open!
Can you accommodate my dog’s special diet?
Absolutely! We have large refrigerators and microwaves at both locations for food storage and prep.
What happens if my dog needs vet care while with you?
We will contact you first immediately. If we are unable to reach you and it is an emergency, we will transport your dog to a vet. Which vet we take them to depends on their hours and availability.
Can my dog come to your facility if she’s in heat?
We ask that any dog that is in heat remains at home until their cycle is over.
Will my (old/young/small/…) dog play with (wild/crazy/huge/…) dogs?
We design our play groups based on the dogs’ ages, sizes, play styles, and temperaments.
What type of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards.
What is your refund policy?
We are happy to accommodate your refund when necessary. Please note we will refund your transaction minus the transaction fee. Please allow 10-14 business days for the refund to be credited back to your original payment.
Why isn’t my dog in pictures on Facebook or Instagram?
We do our best to post enrichment photos from the Community Center on Facebook and Instagram throughout the week. Pictures of new training dogs are posted on Mondays. If your dog stays at our Community Center and you do not see a picture of them, don’t worry! They’re getting the same amount of play time, we just missed them when taking pictures.
What is an Off-Leash Play Evaluation and why is it required?
An Off-Leash Play Evaluation is a full-day appointment that assesses your dog's suitability for off-leash play with other dogs, exploring their behavior around new people, places, sounds, and dogs. It is required before your dog attends enrichment programs or overnight care.
What vaccinations does A Closer Bond require for dogs attending their services?
They require Rabies and Distemper vaccines. If you opt for the Bordatella vaccine, you must wait at least ten days before bringing your dog to the facility as it's a live virus.
Are there any age or breed restrictions for dogs at A Closer Bond?
Dogs must be over 8 weeks old and have completed the first two series of vaccinations, including a fecal exam. There is no upper age limit or breed restrictions.
Can aggressive dogs be accommodated at A Closer Bond?
They strive to accommodate every dog; however, you should call to discuss your dog's behavior. A training evaluation may be required before overnight care or enrichment program participation.
Does A Closer Bond accept dogs that are not neutered or spayed?
Yes, unfixed pets of opposite genders are kept separated to ensure safety.
Why does A Closer Bond have two facilities and what services are offered at each?
The original Community Center at 842 W Northwest Hwy has been open since 1994 and offers enrichment programs, overnight care, and grooming. The second facility, the Training Center opened in 2017 to provide more space and offers training and overnight care.
Is outdoor play available for dogs at A Closer Bond?
Yes, the Community Center features five outdoor yards where dogs can play.
What are the facility hours for A Closer Bond Dog Training & Learning Center - Wood Street?
The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays.
How can nearby locations like Riemer Reservoir Park enhance a visit to A Closer Bond?
After visiting A Closer Bond, you can enjoy outdoor activities at Riemer Reservoir Park nearby, which offers walking trails and recreational spaces, perfect for exercising your dog and bonding together.
Are there automotive services near A Closer Bond in case I need car repairs during my visit?
Yes, there are several nearby auto service options such as Auto Collision Rebuilders and LUSTR Detail, allowing you to conveniently get your car serviced while your dog is at A Closer Bond.
Can I access self-storage facilities near A Closer Bond if I need additional storage options?
Definitely. Nearby options like Metro Self Storage and U-Haul Storage of Palatine provide convenient storage solutions close to A Closer Bond.