Animal Learning Systems

We met Jim and Evan right after one of our two littermate dogs unexpectedly died. Jim helped us with the difficulty our surviving dog was experiencing. Since then, we have taken the group classes, sent one of our dogs for the seven week training program and used the boarding facilities repeatedly. We have found that their level of expertise and commitment well worth the fees they charge. Just as an example, one of our pups was very shy. While boarding the pups Jim and Evan and their staff worked with this. The result was really wonderful. Our intensely timid pup now meets strangers (even men with beards) –happily!
This is an update review as we continue to be overwhelmingly happy with Jim, Evan and all of the others at the animal learning systems’ urban campus. Our dogs stay there when we travel and routinely come back happier, calmer and better trained! Also, Jim and Evan have true insight and very practical advice and guidance for dealing with problems. Our dogs, who had previously gotten along beautifully, began to squabble in adolescence. Jim and Evan evaluated them and the situation and gave us a plan. We implemented the plan, and the problem is solved!

Fantastic. Had terrible issues with leash aggression. She was a nightmare to walk. I had to avoid other dogs which became a nuisance when just trying to get home. Sent her off to Jim’s eight week training program and a new dog emerged. She is a dream to walk. She is also still her goofy, playful self and she is loving life! Thanks Jim!!!

Let me preface this by saying, I am not a dog lover. I like them, but they are a lot of work. After our sweet, 9 year old lab died of cancer in November, I told my husband and kids that I was done – no more dogs! Two months later, I was informed by my selfish family that a perfect, blonde, female, lab was ready and waiting to be picked up. Of course, I protested, but was assured that I would have to do very little in the way of training, feeding etc. My kids and husband would do it all! I know, I didn’t believe them either; however, under signed contracts and a solemn oath that they would take her to dog training classes, adorable Roxy arrived. My sister suggested that we take her to Jim’s Birmingham group class, as she had been there before and just loved him and the class. I looked into other classes, but chose Jim’s because he encouraged all family members to attend. Other places could not take multiple family members due to space and some classes did not limit the number of dogs. Jim limits his classes and there is plenty of room for all.
Surprise, my kids and husband were unable to attend the first class,. I went, leash in hand and skeptical. We had never had a dog professionally trained. I was so impressed with the first class and what she had learned. I loved the fact that the methods Jim uses are only positive reinforcements. He is very helpful, answers all questions and really has a special way with dogs. After six classes, I have a very well behaved dog and can not wait for session II. Now my kids claim that she only likes me… that’s what they get for only attending one class. Yes, she’s now mine and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
PS. All of my sisters, at one time or another, have used Animal Learning Systems in training their dogs, in home, away or group classes. Whatever route they chose, they were totally happy with the results!

We were having aggression issues with our puppy, who was scared of absolutely everything. After an incident at the vet, they recommended Jim. I hesitated to undergo the full boarding/​training program because of the cost. After much deliberation and several stressful incidents, we sent her away with him for 7 – 8 weeks. After her returned, Jim met with us several times and helped us with all of our follow up issues. Now, our dog is still her quirky self but also happy, curious and even good with children. We could not be happier with the outcome.

I have used ANimal Learning for 20 years to help with my rambunctious Golden Retrievers. The group classes are excellent and fun. When 1 on 1 is required my dogs have received excellent and effective training. I have used their services also for installation and training of dog fencing, my first is still up and running perfectly 7 years later! I am excited to see that they are beginning doggie day care and expect the same excellent of service when I leave my babies there for a day.

I think he uses shock collars
That is what a guy said from online.
link for proof:
i will never know because he wont talk to you unless you pay money and bring him in your home or sign up for his classes
Melody cancelled my appointment because I refused to let Jim come into my house before speaking with him on the phone. Jim will not talk to you prior to the appointment no matter what.
There is no transparency in this company.

I was very hopeful when Jim came to my home to help with my dog’s crate training and attachment issues. However, I quickly learned how unprofessional and dishonest this company truly is. Jim’s visit cost $ 245. I had to ask him to view areas of our home as he never moved from his seat. He stated that the had ideas to help our dog but only wanted to focus on crate training as this was our biggest issue at the time. His plan consisted of a piece of notepad paper, strict water diet and typical crate training procedure, most of which we had already tried from a simple Google search. He instructed us to follow the routine for a few weeks and then to email him our dog’s accident history, as he said he may find a pattern. My husband and I followed this plan, even hiring a dog walker to let our dog out midday to strengthen his puppy bladder, and I emailed Jim in hopes to receive the next steps or insight into his accident pattern. Instead, I got an email from his secretary scheduling — without even asking — another in house meeting for «only $ 180!» I was in absolute shock as no one had never mentioned a follow up meeting or any additional fees. I was also upset that Jim specifically withheld information at our first meeting and NEVER spoke of another meeting, only email. His lack of transparency, and withholding of such information allowed his to elongate the process of addressing our issues and put an ongoing financial burden on our family. Had this model been presented to us when we asked (numerous times) he evaded our questions with words like, «let’s just focus on this one thing right now.»
When I called Jim’s office to discuss this matter, I only spoke to Jim’s secretary who said she was solely following his notes and she had no idea why I was so upset. I asked to speak to Jim and she simply said she would give him the message. Without anymore communication from the company, I called the next day asking for Jim. The secretary answered again and stated that she talked to Jim who planned to never email or call me back. She also went on to state that she did not know why I was calling as our crate training issues have been solved. Obviously they didn’t even to bother reading our email since we outlined numerous occurrences of our dog messing in his crate. I ended the phone call in tears as I specifically spoke to Jim about my concerns with my dog’s attachment issues as I am pregnant. This was received in a cold and obvious unprofessional manner as I was never going to receive a follow-​up phone call or simple communication.
My recommendation is to simply save your money or go to a behaviorist who will truly help. Hiring Jim is like paying $ 245 to search Google, and another $ 180 for each subsequent search. Jim WILL NOT help you or communicate with you without more money being sent his way, despite promises to do so. The worst part is that he will blatantly state he is withholding information from you only for you to find out you will have to pay more money to receive it. Here we are $ 245 later without a single issue resolved and most not even addressed.