The Doggie Paddle

Abbigail Stewart

2024-05

The Doggy Paddle is the best! We’ve been bringing our Border Collie since he was 1 and he loves it more than anything else! Everyone we have worked with is amazing and you can tell there is so much love in everything they do!Our Border Collie named Blue’s dad is a NADD finalist, and we always dreamt of getting Blue into Dock Diving. If you have dreamed of getting your dog into sport, this is the place!We are getting ready to enter the Libertyville Dog Days competition this summer, and it’s all thanks to the training and guidance of the team at Doggie Paddle!

Kimberly Boyle

2023-07

We loved The Doggie Paddle! Laurie did a wonderful job working with our 1.5 year old Shiba Inu. At first he was very hesitant and we weren’t entirely sure he could swim. Laurie was very patient and worked with him to make him comfortable in the water. After a few lessons he really enjoyed swimming and eventually started getting in the water without any assistance! The facility was very clean, professional and dog centered! We would recommend to anyone who isn’t sure about their dogs swimming capabilities and wants a safe/clean space to let their dog “test the water” (pun intended).

Kathy Velasco

2023-10

Laurie's love and joy for working with dogs is immediately obvious, and you soon learn she is also very knowledgeable about handling dogs based on their behavior and/or their medical issues. We've brought four dogs to the Doggie Paddle - one senior dog just for exercise, and three foster dogs to help with some anxiety issues and provide an outlet for their energy. It's not just about fun, but it's fun too!

Ashlee Lim

2024-04

My pup Haru was new to swimming and was feeling a little unsure at first but Laurie was so patient and was continuously reassuring and I can definitely see much improvement! I think that this is a great way for Haru to get exercise as he is on a mission to lose some weight. Would definitely recommend!

Jenna Radovanovitch

2024-04

My dog nephew loves this place! He’s a heavy boy and this is the perfect exercise for him! They have life jackets for dogs who may need it and offer therapy swims! They also have toys and treats to purchase! Love it!!

Jean Jenkins

2024-04

I’m so glad we found the Doggie Paddle! Our dog gets so excited to go swimming there that we can’t even say the word swim! Laurie makes it so fun for him! And he gets great exercise! This place is amazing!!

Holly S.

2023-05

We brought our young Australian shepherds to get used to swimming and Laurie did amazingly with them, she was so patient and kind and helped gently urge them to swim. It was so helpful having a calm environment to learn in. Honestly we as the humans may have had as much fun as the dogs did. We absolutely loved it and will certainly be back for more, highly recommend bringing your dog to try it out.

H Kawaguchi

2023-08

Laurie helped my dogs at all time to make them comfortable and safe in water for the first time. She is fun and very kind, my dogs loved her. The pool is very clean and there is an area where you can dry dogs after swimming.

Hailey Sanford

2023-05

I took my 1.5year old Golden Retriever here to let out some energy and just have fun, and he had an absolute BLAST!! Laurie is so friendly with a pure heart of gold! I also love that my pup was the only dog In the whole place and got one on one time. Can’t say enough good things! We plan to make this a weekly outing for us!

Daniel Grochowski

2024-03

The doggie paddle has been an amazing experience for our two dogs. They're absolutely thrilled to go on swim day. The facility and pool is always clean and safe. We recommend Laurie and the doggie paddle to every dog owner we know.

Jacquelyn Suzanne

2024-02

An absolutely hidden gem. My dogs love wreaking havoc and getting me soaking wet playing fetch off the dock. Laurie is oh so patient and has the perfect touch for getting my water shy guy into the pool. We are so blessed to have this locally!

Stephanie Smith

2024-03

Laurie has been amazing with my dog Max. I wanted to introduce Max to a new experience…swimming. Laurie is very patient, calm, and encouraging with introducing a dog to water. I highly recommend her services!!

Melanie Teska

2023-10

I love this place! Laurie is so good with Calvin. I’ve seen a difference in him since we’ve started swimming. His backs legs are stronger! I couldn’t ask for better love and care!

Taylor Marie

2023-05

Our dog is a super scared rescue dog. We’ve been bringing her here to help build confidence and to have fun! Every week she improves and is now completely swimming on her own so, it’s amazing to see her growth. Laurie is so gentle and patient too. Super happy to have found this place!

Alyssa Kathe

2023-05

There is nothing that my boy looks forward to more than his weekly swims at The Doggie Paddle! It’s nice to be able to have a reliable place year round to practice Riot’s dock diving. It was incredibly easy to book his first appointment and the prices are very affordable. Try it once and you and your dog will be hooked! Highly recommend if you are looking for a new activity for your dog.

Dana Frye

2023-05

We just started taking our 15 month old Pug Bailey for swim therapy. Bailey has hip dysplasia in both her hips. Laurie is amazing with Bailey although Bailey not to sure of it yet (but is getting better). Laurie is very knowledgeable & explains how & what she's doing for Bailey.

Britta Schoenborn

2024-04

Bam Bam and I love our swim/dock diving sessions with Laurie! Always great conversations, tips and tricks! Don't forget to pick up a treat or two and/or donate to the rescues this business supports! Thank you Laurie!

Lauren Sachs

2023-11

We started brining our one-year old golden retriever to Doggie Paddle this summer. Our goal was to make sure he felt confident swimming in and to release some energy. During our first visit, Ryder was extremely anxious to enter the building and the pool, but Laurie was BEYOND patient and positive. She took a step-by-step, no- pressure approach to help him feel more comfortable. As our sessions went on, we started to see Ryder become confident in his swimming and now he is so excited when he sees his “pool bag” getting packed in the car. We are always greeted with a smile and warm welcome from Laurie, scheduling is convenient, and the facility is always clean! We can’t wait to keep bringing Ryder to Doggie Paddle :)

Megan Miro

2024-02

I LOVE The Doggie Paddle! Laurie is the best. She’s very knowledgeable and goes slow with my dog. My dog absolutely loves going for swims here.

Nichole Wellhausen

2024-03

Laurie is an absolute gem. Her love for dogs knows no bounds. Despite my dogs resistance, Laurie is still super patient and accommodating in getting my dog through his hydrotherapy.

ron e

2023-08

I really love this place I brought my 10 year old senior American Bully Smokey to swim because he has some bad arthritis and needs some exercise it’s hard for him in the summer for walks Laurie took her time with him and helped him swim. He’s not a big fan but it’s helping him a long way. He really enjoys it after he gets done.This place is the greatest and the owner takes her time to the customers and there dog’s. I would highly recommend this place for everyone.

Mike N

2023-08

A tired dog is a happy dog! Our 3 seniors(14,11,9) were splashing like puppies and didn't want to leave. If they ever run away from home we know where to find them.

Sharlene Lee

2022-05

Laurie worked with my 3 year old Chocolate Lab, Hazel, to help her overcome her fear of swimming when she can’t touch bottom. Laurie was patient, reassuring, and encouraging. She made it a priority to create a bond with Hazel and it was obvious that Hazel trusted Laurie. By the second session Hazel was comfortable jumping in and retrieving her bumper. The pool is warm, clean, and well maintained. There is a ramp for easy access to the water. Dog parents are encouraged to watch the session from the dock and provide encouragement. In addition to swim instruction Laurie offers swim therapy to help dogs recover from injuries and exercise. There are also treats, dog toys, and accessories available for purchase. Hazel & I both recommend The Doggie Paddle!

Jesica Ortiz-Acosta

2023-05

Laurie is amazing and she has helped my doggie, Archie so much! Archie has a knee problem and was born with abnormal limbs, which affect his spine/joints. Since I began taking Archie to the Doggie Paddle, he’s been able to exercise without putting pressure on his joints/spine and it has helped his knee. Archie has gained a lot of strength and confidence, thanks to Laurie! Laurie is so patient with him and her pool is always very clean! She’s very good at her job, but is also a very kindhearted and understanding person, which is hard to find! I definitely recommend The Doggie Paddle!! :)

Sue Borowitz

2023-08

Absolutely amazing! I was so impressed with Laurie's patience, compassion and her ability to get my dog comfortable in the water on our first visit. We have a pool at home and I have been trying to get him in the water all summer with zero luck. Laurie's calm confidence and guidance made all the difference with my dog to overcome his fear and actually have fun! I highly recommend The Doggie Paddle to anyone that wants to give their dog a new way to exercise, both physically and mentally. We will be back! Absolute Thumbs-up 💯

Rebecca Quist

2023-05

The Doggie Paddle is the best! We took our 18 month old Vizsla to learn to swim. Laurie was so patient and encouraging. Highly recommend!

Jean-Claude Radovanovitch

2024-04

Love the place! Super clean. The owner is fantastic. Awesome toys and goodies for sale. Me and my dog come weekly. Glad I found this place!

Dearmeat

2023-05

Great place to take your pup for a swim. When google asks for review dates i normally scroll by unless something dramatic happened. In this case i have to share my appreciation to the sky. My pup had issues that developed fast causing me to let him good on extremely short notice and also making him basically self immobile, but his 3 loves in life were; playing ball, snow & swimming. On his last day laurie and her grouo not only accepted the challenge of allowing my boy 1 more swim, but were as caring and compassionate as anyone could ask. I will forever be greatful to them and would not only recommend them, but will be supporting and promoting them in the future.

Alyssa Walsh

2022-05

I would absolutely recommend The Doggie Paddle to anyone. Laurie has been amazing since day 1. We had brought our German Shepherd in for some hydrotherapy as we were going through a difficult TPLO recovery/new issue. She was incredibly resourceful and so, so good with Jake. We can’t wait to return once we kick cancers @$&. Thank you again for all of your support and guidance with Jake.

Marissa Xicotencatl

2023-05

Laurie worked wonders with our Lillybug. She absolutely loved going here. Lilly tore her ACL a few months ago and with Laurie’s help she was back running and playing with her doggy siblings in no time! I highly recommend this place!