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Professional and Personal Service
For Dogs and Their Owners!
Class Descriptions
General Class Information
Class sizes are kept small to allow ample individual attention and
coaching.
Family members are encouraged to attend, as consistency in the home
is critical to successful learning and compliance. Well behaved and
closely supervised children are welcome, and are actually beneficial to
dog owner’s that do not have children. (by providing positive
exposure/socialization)
Classes meet once per week, and run for 6 weeks. Class days, times, and
locations vary each semester. Classes are generally offered Monday
through Thursday evenings. During the winter months classes are held
indoors. The spring, summer, and fall seasons provide increased
flexibility, and many classes are offered at area parks in the greater
Grand Rapids and Ionia area.
All classes are taught in a fun and positive manner, and are designed to
enhance the relationship you share with your canine family member.
Knowledgeable and experienced instruction is provided, on a personal and
caring basis.
All students are required to be current on the following vaccines*: Distemper combination, Rabies (if old enough to be vaccinated), and Kennel Cough (also known as Bordetella and Tracheobronchitis). Students are also required to have had a fecal sample checked for parasites within the past 4 months and be free of external parasites as well. Flea and heartworm protection is highly recommended. Spaying and neutering is not required for attendance, but is strongly recommended unless you will be showing or breeding. Females in heat may be asked not to attend class. We require your veterinarian's ok for attendance in Puppy Preschool due to the potential risk factor involved, as there is a difference of opinion among the Vet's in our area as to when they feel their client's puppies are ready for class.
**Please note that Vaccine records must be received before the 1st class meets.
A multi-pet discount is offered to those clients enrolling more than one dog during any given semester. The dogs need not be enrolled in the same class for the discount offer to apply. A discount of $50.00 will apply to the enrollment fee of one of the dogs enrolled.
Puppy Preschool
A good amount of training can be accomplished during early developmental stages. This is the time to socialize your puppy! It is important to lay the ground work for appropriate behavior and to resolve behavior concerns as they surface during puppy hood. Our puppy class focuses in three separate areas. Commands are taught in a fun and positive manner. Puppies are taught social skills and given the opportunity for full body contact. Behavior problem prevention and resolution is paramount to a happy relationship with your new family member. A strong focus is placed in this area. Participants are supplied with a "Puppy Toolkit" for use during the 6 week course. Start training early, you'll be glad you did.
Basic Beginning 101
Our Basic class is an intro class for dogs 5 months of age and over. Commands are taught from square one in a fun and positive fashion. There is a strong focus on behavior problem resolution relevant to adolescent and adult dogs. Development of good social skills is covered as well. Educational resources are provided for use during the 6 week course.
Progressive/Step Class
We are happy to announce this new class option! This class has been created for those students that have already completed a Puppy or Basic class and would like the opportunity to perfect what they have learned in a high distraction environment with the benefit of individual coaching.
This is a great option for those that find themselves in the middle between beginning and advanced classes or simply want to increase their dog's level of skill and compliance to commands.
Reactive Dog Class
This class is offered to those owners/dogs that have a difficult time in proximity of other dogs. So often these dogs are booted from main stream classes due to aggressive displays, anxiety, and out of control behavior.
Learn to read your dog's body language and prevent problems before they occur. Teach your dog what to do and how to behave in the midst of other dogs. Learn how your feelings, response, and behavior directly affect your dog. Gain control in an effort to increase your dog's comfort level and promote more obedient social behavior.
The first evening of this class is an informational meeting for owners only. Dogs will be attending weeks 2-6. This class is limited to 4-5 dogs. Head halters are normally required for participation. (Gentle Leader or Halti).
Students will attend for 1 hour only - rotating times each week. The benefit is that we can rotate dogs/owners and provide a higher level of exposure to a greater number of dogs.
We may not be able to make all dogs socially welcoming and outgoing, but we can increase comfort levels and control. Your dog need not live a life of social isolation.
Outdoor Adventure Class
This exciting new class option will be held in place of our Progressive Class during the summer months. It is designed for dogs that have completed a Basic Beginning Class, Puppy Preschool Class, or have knowledge of basic commands.
This class is of an intermediate level and is for socially comfortable dogs only. We will visit different parks each week which will ensure that dogs and handlers are provided with a wide range of distractions, beneficial in the strengthening and enhancing their skill level and bond with one another. This class will prove to be enjoyable and challenging.
Canine Good Citizenship Certificate
This is an Obedience and social skills certification class. Dogs should have an understanding of basic commands. AKC testing for certification will be offered the last evening of each class session.
