Alex has been training dogs since the late 1970′s with an extensive background in all types of training. He was a columnist for the Daily Herald and Journal & Topics writing and answering questions on canine behavior. He has worked with local police canine units and has even trained narcotics dogs. For animal control, he does evaluations and has appeared in court as an expert witness. He also works closely with local animal shelters and rescue organizations doing volunteer work in training dogs so they are easier to place in a forever home. He trains dogs to help the physically challenged gain improved freedom, independence, and quality of life.

His canine training expertise has gained the attention of many well known sport superstars including Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Tony Kukoc, Cliff Levingston, Maurice Douglas, Bobby Simmons, Antonio Davis and Jalen Rose, to name a few. Furthermore, Alex has been called to audition, and has supplied dogs for, MTV music videos, educational videos, and Home Alone 3. His expertise was sought out by The Paw Stop in New York City, were he spent many months working with them to improve their own training and behavioral program.

While in New York he worked with the dogs of Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos and Food Network Personality Scott Conant. He also worked with some of the Bernadette Peter’s rescue dogs.

Alex speaks at many dog training and behavioral seminars teaching dog owners and dog trainers all about animal behavior modification. He has been a frequent guest on the Comcast cable show Contempo  addressing many dog owner issues. He incorporates his skills as a level ll Reiki healer and Shaman Practitioner into his behavioral techniques with the dogs. He was called by Nancy Glass Production Co. to work on episodes of National Geographic Wild show “My Dog Ate What”? along with being called upon by Holistic Select Dog Food Co. to give expert training and behavioral advise to their clients. Alex is also learning ASL so that he may broaden his ability to communicate with dog owners that are hearing impaired.

Marcy Brooks has been working with dogs for over 23 years. She began training her family dog only to find what training methods she did NOT like. When she got her own dog she began researching trainers and found the method she liked best. She eventually quit her job and began working for the trainer. While with the trainer, she met her husband Alex Brooks. He had been working with the same trainer for many years and was perfecting his technique playing to his own natural talents and abilities. Together Marcy and Alex opened Alex Brooks School of Dog Training (now Alex Brooks Canine Center), in 1989. Marcy is a Certified Canine Specialist, certified in Pet CPR and First Aid, a Reiki Master, a AKC CGC Evaluator, and has been educated in the use of essential oils on pets.

Marcy has initiated a De-Stress with A Dog program for the finals week at Carthage College, and is working ON getting this successful program into other local colleges and university’s.  She developed the Read to Paws program at the Des Plaines public library, and works with Have Dreams (a School for autistic children) with their canine program. Marcy has recently served on the board of directors for Pits For Patriots a non profit organization that trains and places homeless pit bulls as service dogs for our veterans. She is currently working on her PhD in Metaphysical Science, along with learning ASL.