The Best Dog Training in Grand Rapids, MI

In Grand Rapids, behavioral problems in dogs are a common concern for pet owners. With the help of behavioral modification training, pet owners can address these problems and provide their dogs with the necessary skills to interact positively with other dogs and people. Additionally, the city has various parks and outdoor spaces, making agility training a great option for pet owners who want their dogs to stay active and healthy.

In Grand Rapids, there are various dog training options available for pet owners. These training types include obedience training, behavioral modification, agility training, and service dog training.

Overall, there are plenty of dog training options available in Grand Rapids to help pet owners address their dogs specific needs and enhance their overall well-being.

A Quick Look at the Best Dog Training in Grand Rapids

Before we dive into the details of each type of dog training available in Grand Rapids, let’s first take a quick look at the best options for each training type in the following summary table:

Online vs. In-Person Training in Grand Rapids

When it comes to dog training in Grand Rapids, pet owners have the option to choose between online and in-person training sessions.

In-person training involves working directly with a professional dog trainer, while online training involves accessing pre-recorded or live training sessions through an online platform. Additionally, in-person training offers the advantage of hands-on interaction with a professional trainer, which can be especially beneficial for dogs that require more personalized attention. In-person training also allows trainers to observe dogs’ behaviors and body language in real-time, making it easier to identify areas that need improvement.

On the other hand, online training provides pet owners with greater flexibility and convenience as they can access training sessions from the comfort of their own homes. Online training may also be a more cost-effective option for pet owners on a budget.

Both options have their pros and cons, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on the pet owner’s preferences and their dog’s specific needs.

Perks of Online and In-Person Training in Grand Rapids

It’s important to note that the choice between online and in-person training ultimately depends on the pet owner’s preferences and their dog’s specific needs. Some dogs may benefit more from the hands-on attention provided by in-person training, while others may thrive in the more flexible and self-paced environment of online training.

Here’s a comparison table outlining the pros of online and in-person dog training in Grand Rapids.

The Best Dog Training in Grand Rapids

Now that we have discussed the different types of dog training available in Grand Rapids and the pros and cons of online versus in-person training let’s take a closer look at the best dog trainers in the city.

The following list includes some of the most reputable and experienced trainers in Grand Rapids who can help pet owners address their dogs’ specific needs and enhance their overall well-being.

Dog Academy

• Online or In-Person: Online and In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Obedience Classes, Behavioral Issues, Puppy Training, Psychiatric Service Dog Training, Emotional Support Animal Training, Specialty Classes (e.g., Canine Confidence, Separation Anxiety)
• Price Range: $49.99 – $349.99
• Link to Website: Dog Academy Basic Obedience Training Program
• Phone Number: (605) 223-1971

Dog Academy is a top online and in-person dog training center. Dog Academy offers many different classes and trainers to help you train your dog, but what sets the service apart is that it provides both basic and more advanced obedience classes, such as how to train your own psychiatric assistance dog. This means you can learn everything you need to know to improve your dog’s behavior, whether you prefer in-person training, online education, or a combination of both!

The Dog Training Academy

• Online or In-Person: Both
• Types of Training Courses: Puppy Training, Obedience Training, Rescue Dog Training
• Price Range: $25-$1400
• Link to Website: https://www.dogtrainingacad.com
• Address: 2891 Sanford Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418
• Phone Number: (616) 900-4522

The Dog Training Academy’s founder and behavior expert is Jordan Clark. Jordan is a Pet Food Nutrition Specialist and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with Knowledge Assessment (CPDT-KA) (PFNS). He exclusively trains using gentle, non-coercive approaches. Jordan has been working with dogs for ten years and training dogs for over six of those years.

He has worked with more than 1300 dogs over the last six years, so he is sure he can assist you with any training requirements you may have.

A Pleasant Dog

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Obedience Classes, Puppy Playtime, Canine Good Citizen, Reactivity Sessions
• Price Range: $25-$350
• Link to Website: https://apleasantdog.com
• Address: 1430 Knapp St, Grand Rapids, MI
• Phone Number: (616) 264-2532

A Pleasant Dog uses positive reinforcement to help you and your dog be the best team you can be. They are proud to be the premier source for positive reinforcement training in Michigan and to lead their industry through continuing education for trainers, behaviorists, and the veterinary community.

The A Pleasant Dog trainers are based in Grand Rapids and the lakeshore, and all carry or are pursuing industry-recognized certifications. They are educated in learning theory, ethology, animal health, and more.

Happy Tails Dog Training

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Puppy Training, Basic Manners, Advanced Obedience, Group Hikes
• Price Range: $85-$250
• Link to Website: https://htdogtraining.com
• Address: 5155 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
• Phone Number: (616) 698-2237

At Happy Tails Dog Training, they train your dog using effective and force-free techniques that will give them the skills they need to fit in well with your family. A happy and well-behaved dog is the result of this! They instill a constant sense of appropriate conduct in your dog by helping them communicate with you and each other, making “training” a way of life.

Since Happy Tails Dog Training aims to strengthen connections between clients and their dogs, they are always expanding their knowledge to ensure they use the most effective and positive training methods.

Salty’s Dog Training

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Puppy training and obedience classes
• Price Range: $100-$375
• Link to Website: https://saltysdogtraining.com
• Address: Grand Rapids, MI
• Phone Number: (616) 340-8374

Jeannie Wilcox, CPDT-KA, is the owner of Salty’s Dog Training. The leading independent certification body for the dog training industry is the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Salty’s Dog Training abides by its Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) Effective Behavior Intervention principles, Standards of Practice, and Code of Ethics.

Jeannie will share simple and easy methods to train your dog using science-based learning to help you communicate with your dog in a gentle, force-free way. You will learn techniques based on your dog’s natural instincts.

A Dog’s Life

• Online or In-Person: Both
• Types of Training Courses: Canine Good Citizen, puppy training, obedience training, and scent classes
• Price Range: $98-$290
• Link to Website: https://www.adogslifegr.com
• Address: Grand Rapids, MI
• Phone Number: (616) 676-7551

Kristie Swan, the founder of A Dog’s Life and one of the lead trainers, was the first trainer in Grand Rapids to be certified through The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). The CCPDT is the leader in developing dog training practices and has become the most recognized and respected certifying organization for trainers.

She is also a Certified Training Partner with the prestigious Karen Pryor Academy. As a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior, every Certified Training Partner (CTP) is skilled in positive teaching and training techniques to help you, and your pet makes training fun. Kristie is also an evaluator for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, and Trick Dog.

Find the Right Dog Training for You

Finding the right dog trainer in Grand Rapids can be a challenging task, but it is essential to ensure that your pet receives the best possible training to improve their behavior and enhance their overall well-being. To find the right dog trainer for you and your dog, it is essential to consider the type of training that will best address your dog’s specific needs.

If you have a puppy or dog without prior training, obedience training may be the best option to teach basic commands and encourage positive behavior. Behavioral modification training may be the best choice if your dog has behavioral issues or struggles with anxiety, aggression, or fear. For active dogs, agility training can provide an excellent opportunity to exercise and have fun, while service dog training may be necessary for pets with specific needs.

It’s also crucial to consider the trainer’s credentials, experience, and approach to training. Look for trainers who use positive reinforcement techniques. Additionally, read reviews from past clients to get a sense of the trainer’s effectiveness and communication style. By considering these factors and doing your research, you can find the right dog trainer in Grand Rapids for you and your pet.