Certified dog trainers in
Grand Rapids, MI
Hand-Picked Trainers

Learn from the best, certified trainers in

Grand Rapids, MI

Discover skilled and certified trainers with a heart for dogs and a proven track record, ready to help enhance the bond between you and your pet.

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Local & Skilled

Learn & grow with local Trainers

All of our Trainers are certified to have proficiency in all basic, intermediate or advanced skills, are educated in animal behavior and canine communication, and are suited for most pet training tasks.

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Positive Training

Positive Vibes, Positive Training

Meet trainers who believe in kind, positive reinforcement methods, making training a joy for both you and your dog.

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Top trainers

John James

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Amanda Peet

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Julia Styles

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Cindy Blair

USA

Happy Tails Dog Training

Cindy Blair and her team train dogs using force-free methods and solutions that are effective, useful, and provide your dog with the skills necessary to be a successful member of your household. This results in a well-behaved and happy dog!

Services
Happy Tails Dog Training offers a variety of services, including:

  • Private Training: One-on-one training sessions with a certified professional trainer. This includes basic manners training, behavior modification, reactivity/aggression training, and more.
  • Group Classes: Group classes for puppies and dogs of all ages. This includes puppy classes, basic manners classes, advanced puppy classes, intermediate manners classes, advanced manners classes, tricks and fun classes, and tails on the trails classes.
  • Foundation Mini Sessions: 30-minute one-on-one sessions to address specific behavior issues and build a foundation for training.
  • Dog Reactivity and Aggression Behavior Modification Training: A specialized program to address dog reactivity and aggressive behavior responses. This program includes an initial consultation, working sessions with a trainer and working dogs, and real-world transition and experiences.

Prices:

  • Initial Consultation: $100.00
  • Private Training: $90-$200 per session
  • Group Classes: $190.00 per dog
  • Foundation Mini Sessions: $50 per 30-minute session
  • Dog Reactivity and Aggression Behavior Modification Training: $200.00 per session

Discounts:

  • Discounts are available for the purchase of multiple training sessions.

Certifications
Cindy Blair and her team are certified professional dog trainers (CPDT-KA) by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. They are also members of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).

Specializations
Happy Tails Dog Training specializes in:

  • Basic manners training
  • Puppy training
  • Behavior modification
  • Reactivity/aggression training
  • Dog/dog aggression
  • Fear-based aggression
  • Dog/human aggression
  • Fear free handling
  • Predatory training
  • Trick training

Training Methods
Happy Tails Dog Training uses force-free methods and solutions that are effective, useful, and provide your dog with the skills necessary to be a successful member of your household. This results in a well-behaved and happy dog!

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Alaina Rudin

US

Alaina Rudin is the certified professional trainer behind Scallywags Dog Training. She received her training from the Karen Pryor Academy.

Alaina believes both dogs and people should enjoy learning and she endeavors to make her classes reflect that. She is committed to force-free, positive reinforcement based training.

Scallywags Dog Training offers a variety of services, including:

  • Strong Starts: A day training program for puppies under 6 months old. Puppies come to Alaina's home during the day to learn and play alongside a professional dog trainer. They go home in the afternoon pleasantly tired. Half and Full day training options are available.
  • Drop-Off Day Training: A private 1:1 training session for dogs of all ages. Alaina works with your dog for 2-3 sessions a week. You don't need to be present for the training. Then, once your dog is successful and has learned the new skills, Alaina will teach you how to use these skills and maintain the training.
  • Private Coaching: You and your dog set off on your own unique training journey with help from a professional trainer. Learn how to train and manage your dog for yourself using positive-reinforcement, science based training methods.
  • Day Training: Alaina comes to your home and works with your dog. Hour-long sessions focused on individual goals. You only need to be present at transfer sessions - Alaina does all the work for you.
  • Group Classes: 6 week classes where small groups of dogs learn basic manners and training topics with their handlers.
  • Workshops: Topics and schedules vary.
  • Private Training for Puppies: Whether you want to work through problem behaviors like jumping, biting, potty training, or resource guarding, or you want to learn the best way to teach your new puppy manners, Scallywags is ready to come alongside you and your puppy in your training journey.

Alaina is certified by the Karen Pryor Academy. She is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP). She has also been certified in the field of human behavior analysis, getting her Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).

Alaina specializes in puppy and new dog training. She has experience working with pet dogs and puppies of various breeds, and in a variety of settings. These include vet clinics, kennels, rescue organizations, and service dog programs.

Alaina uses positive reinforcement training practices, including the use of a clicker to speed your pup's learning and progress. She does not train using slip collars, e-collars, or prong collars.

Customer Reviews

E.B. and Nugget (4 month old puppy): I was completely wowed by what my puppy could do after just a few sessions with Alaina. Her approach is very positive, accessible, and fun for both the puppy and its companion.
The clicker training my dog Nugget did with Alaina provided a solid background for ongoing communication between myself and my dog. Once the basic concept is well understood, it can be applied across many different situations.
One of my favorite things about Scallywags was that Alaina sent me videos of what my dog was doing while he was there. He was worn out but happy every time I brought him home, and I used the videos to practice the skills he was learning at “puppy school.” I cannot recommend this business highly enough.

Kellie and Mason (overexcited about hello): My dog Mason has a tendency to be extremely excitable and to easily forget his good behaviors. I wanted to become a licensed foster parent and I knew that Mason would not be able to pass home inspections due to his extreme excitement, so we turned to professional help.
Alaina was incredibly patient with him and helped provide consistent positive affirmations. She helped give us the tools and step by step trainings to help him overcome his bad tendencies, along with practical daily applications that we can continue working on now. Alaina made learning fun for Mason, and with her help we passed with flying colors! Thank you Alaina, we could not have done it without you! — Kellie and Mason

Brian, Char, and Roxie (forgets her manners when she sees a ball): We are extremely pleased with our experience with Alaina. She listened to all our concerns and was able to turn those into tangible training points that we can continue to reinforce. Her ability to work with our Roxie and hold her attention during the session was amazing. We would strongly recommend Scallywags Dog Training and Alaina to anyone. — Brian, Char, and Roxie

Emma and Sophie (nervous in her new home): Our experience with Alaina was very positive. I would highly recommend her. She is knowledgeable, patient, and she shared many things that were helpful with my very fearful 11 year old rescue, Sophie, a teacup Aussie. — Emma and Sophie

Sandie, Ranger and Moxie (champions at pulling on the leash): I was delighted with Alaina’s knowledge and ability to listen to my concerns in addition to her attention to each of the puppies. She was able to discern their different personalities and meet each of them where they were.

Social Media Links
Instagram: @scallywagsdogtraining
Facebook: @scallywagsdogtraining

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Kristie Swan

United States

A Dog's Life GR

Kristie Swan, the founder of A Dog's Life GR, has over fifteen years of experience in dog training. She trained at Whiskers University for 7 years before starting her own business. She was the first trainer in Grand Rapids to be certified through CCPDT.

Training Philosophy

A Dog's Life GR is dedicated to providing humane, science-based dog training practices. They use positive reinforcement methods and are committed to helping dogs and owners live happy lives together.

Services

A Dog's Life GR offers a wide range of dog training services, including:

  • Group Classes: Basic obedience, adolescent & adult, puppy, intermediate & advanced, specialty classes
  • Private Lessons: One-on-one training for specific issues, early puppies, or those who cannot attend group classes
  • Family Training: Packages for families with dogs and children, including pups & new parents and kids & k9's
  • Concierge Dog Training Services: In-home training with multiple weekly sessions
  • Therapy Dog Training: Pre-therapy training class and therapy certification class
  • Workshops & Socials: One-time sessions on specific topics, puppy socials, trainer-led walks
  • Cat Behavior Solutions: Consultations for common feline behavioral issues

Certifications

A Dog's Life GR trainers hold a variety of certifications, including:

  • CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed): The most recognized and respected certifying organization for trainers.
  • KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner): Skilled in positive teaching and training techniques.
  • FPPE (Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator): Specializes in dog and baby/toddler dynamics.
  • VSA CDT (Victoria Stilwell Academy Certified Dog Trainer): Trained in positive training methods and fluent in canine body language.

Specializations

A Dog's Life GR specializes in:

  • Puppy Training: Helping puppies develop a solid foundation and great relationship with their owners.
  • Adolescent & Adult Dog Training: Addressing the challenges of adolescent and adult dogs.
  • Family Training: Creating a safe and harmonious environment for families with dogs and children.
  • Therapy Dog Training: Preparing dogs and owners to become certified therapy dog teams.
  • Cat Behavior Solutions: Addressing common feline behavioral issues.

Training Methods

A Dog's Life GR uses positive reinforcement methods, which focus on rewarding desired behaviors. They are committed to using humane and science-based training practices.

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Margaret Lorene Ouellette

United States

Happy Tails Dog Training, LLC is a professional dog training service dedicated to helping dog owners establish a positive and healthy relationship with their canine companions. With a focus on positive reinforcement and effective communication, the training programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each dog and their owner.

The trainer, Sarah Johnson, employs a personalized approach to address behavior issues while promoting obedience and good manners. Whether you have a new puppy or an older dog, Happy Tails Dog Training, LLC offers a range of in-home training sessions and group classes to help you and your furry friend achieve your training goals.

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Jennifer L. Gavin

United States

A Pleasant Dog, L.L.C. offers group and private training classes, behavior consultations/modification, service dog training, and stay and train services.

Certifications:

  • Job Title: Owner, Head Trainer

Training Equipment: verbal markers, clickers, treats, toys, leashes, buckle and martingale collars, head halters, body harnesses, occasional canned air or citronella interrupters.

Training Philosophy: A Pleasant Dog provides gentle, modern dog training using marker training, positive reinforcement, operant conditioning, and counter-conditioning.

Locations Served: Grand Rapids, Michigan.

A Pleasant Dog offers everything from puppy 101 to advanced obedience and sporting classes. They work closely with clients and their veterinarians to develop a training plan that suits their needs. In addition to group classes and private training sessions, A Pleasant Dog offers service dog training, daycare, and more.

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Melissa M. Simpson

United States

They employ force-free training methods to develop a well-behaved and contented dog. Their aim is to establish effective communication and eliminate unwanted behaviors, creating consistent, proper behavior. They strive to accomplish their clients' goals by creating a peaceful, loving, and happy environment for all family members. Continuously educating themselves, they stay updated with the latest research and training improvements, while real-life experiences with a variety of dogs provide ongoing learning. Their services include group classes for puppies and adult dogs, private training, and behavior modification, with a specialization in dog/dog reactivity.

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Tricia Marie Korhorn

United States

Happy Tails Dog Training is run by a passionate and experienced dog trainer who is dedicated to helping dogs and their owners build strong, positive relationships. With a focus on positive reinforcement and effective communication, the trainer aims to equip both dogs and their owners with the necessary skills to lead fulfilling lives together. Through personalized training programs, the trainer addresses a wide range of behavioral issues and obedience training needs. Happy Tails Dog Training provides a supportive and encouraging environment for both dogs and owners to learn and grow.

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Cindy R. Blair

United States

They use force-free methods and effective solutions to train dogs, providing the necessary skills for successful integration into households. This results in a well-behaved and contented dog. They develop well-mannered dogs through positive training methods, establishing clear communication and eliminating unwanted behaviors. They aim to create consistent proper behavior by emphasizing the importance of communication between people and their dogs, integrating 'training' as a way of life. Their goal is to accomplish clients' objectives by fostering a peaceful, loving, and happy living environment for all family members. They focus on enhancing relationships with clients and their dogs by staying updated through continuous education via books, webinars, conferences, and seminars to incorporate the newest research and training improvements. Real-life experiences continually provide valuable lessons, as each dog presents exciting challenges. Learning from their own dogs and clients' dogs, they refine, adjust, and improve techniques and approaches to ensure long-term success. Their offerings include group classes for puppies and adult dogs, private training, and behavior modification, with specialization in dog/dog reactivity.

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Peter Joshua Barinski

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Jechyl James

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Sandra Verbitski

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Lauren McKentire

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Guy Pearce

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Wesley Jachson

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Dingi Bells

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Mushita Babilon

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What’s essential in choosing a Dog Trainer?

Looking for professional dog trainers in Grand Rapids, MI? We've compiled a list of experienced trainers who can help you and your furry friend build a strong, positive relationship. These trainers specialize in a variety of training techniques to address your dog's specific needs. Whether you're looking for basic obedience training or help with complex behavior issues, our list of trainers offers a range of services to meet your requirements.

Customized Training

Tailored training programs to address your dog's individual needs and behavior challenges.

Expert Guidance

Access to professional advice and expertise to help you understand and modify your dog's behavior effectively.

Socialization Skills

Assistance in teaching your dog proper socialization skills to interact positively with other dogs and people.

Behavior Modification

Specialized training to address and modify unwanted behaviors such as aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking.

Convenience

Flexible training schedules to accommodate your lifestyle and commitments, ensuring a smooth training process for both you and your dog.

Customized Training

Professional trainers offer effective techniques and tools to help you maintain your dog's training and behavior improvements over time.

Finding the right dog trainer can make a significant difference in your dog's behavior and your overall relationship. With the help of a professional, you can establish clear communication and trust with your four-legged companion, making daily interactions more enjoyable for both you and your dog. Whether you're a new dog owner or have had your furry friend for years, seeking professional training services can provide valuable support in addressing behavioral challenges and fostering a harmonious relationship with your canine companion.

Unleash the full potential of your canine companion with expert dog trainers in Austin. These seasoned professionals bring years of experience and a deep understanding of canine behavior to every training session. No matter the breed or age, we tailor our approach to suit the unique needs of your furry friend.

Customized Training

Tailored training programs to address your dog's individual needs and behavior challenges.

Expert Guidance

Access to professional advice and expertise to help you understand and modify your dog's behavior effectively.

Socialization Skills

Assistance in teaching your dog proper socialization skills to interact positively with other dogs and people.

Behavior Modification

Specialized training to address and modify unwanted behaviors such as aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking.

Convenience

Flexible training schedules to accommodate your lifestyle and commitments, ensuring a smooth training process for both you and your dog.

Customized Training

Professional trainers offer effective techniques and tools to help you maintain your dog's training and behavior improvements over time.

Ready to embark on a transformative journey with your dog? Contact trainers today to schedule your first session. Our team is here to support you and your canine companion every step of the way.

We've got the answers for your questions

What are the typical services offered by dog trainers in Grand Rapids, MI?

In Grand Rapids, MI, dog trainers offer a wide range of services including obedience training, behavior modification, agility training, puppy training, and socialization classes.

How do I choose the right dog trainer in Grand Rapids, MI for my pet?

When selecting a dog trainer in Grand Rapids, MI, consider factors such as the trainer's experience, training methods, certifications, and customer reviews. It's important to find a trainer who aligns with your training goals and values.

Are there specific training programs for different dog breeds in Grand Rapids, MI?

Yes, many dog trainers in Grand Rapids, MI offer breed-specific training programs tailored to the unique characteristics and needs of different breeds. Whether you have a small, large, or working breed, there are specialized training programs available.

What training methods are commonly used by dog trainers in Grand Rapids, MI?

Dog trainers in Grand Rapids, MI use a variety of training methods including positive reinforcement, clicker training, leash training, and behavior modification techniques. The methods used may vary depending on the individual trainer and the specific needs of your dog.

Can dog trainers in Grand Rapids, MI help with behavior problems such as aggression or anxiety?

Yes, many dog trainers in Grand Rapids, MI specialize in behavior modification and can assist with issues such as aggression, anxiety, fearfulness, and excessive barking. They use proven techniques to address these behavioral challenges.

Are there group training classes available for dogs in Grand Rapids, MI?

Absolutely! Many dog trainers in Grand Rapids, MI offer group training classes that provide socialization opportunities for dogs while addressing basic obedience skills. These classes are a great way to train and socialize your dog in a controlled environment.

Do dog trainers in Grand Rapids, MI offer in-home training sessions?

Yes, several dog trainers in Grand Rapids, MI provide in-home training sessions, which can be beneficial for dogs that are more comfortable in their own environment or for owners with busy schedules. In-home training allows for personalized attention and addresses specific behavioral issues at home.

What are the average costs for dog training services in Grand Rapids, MI?

The cost of dog training services in Grand Rapids, MI varies depending on the trainer, the type of training, and the duration of the program. On average, group classes may be more affordable compared to private, one-on-one sessions.

Are there specialized training programs for puppies in Grand Rapids, MI?

Yes, many dog trainers in Grand Rapids, MI offer specialized puppy training programs that focus on socialization, basic obedience, and addressing common puppy behavior issues such as chewing and house training.

How long does it typically take to see results from dog training in Grand Rapids, MI?

The time it takes to see results from dog training in Grand Rapids, MI varies based on the dog's age, temperament, and the specific training goals. However, with consistent training and reinforcement, noticeable improvements can often be seen within a few weeks.

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