This is a list of the top dog trainers in Grand Rapids, MI, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
CPDT-KA, FPPE
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Agility training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Cadillac, Baldwin, Ludington; Kent County, Ottawa County.
Jenn Gavin, CPDT-KA, FPPE is the owner and founding trainer at A Pleasant Dog. She has been rescuing and training dogs for over twenty-five years. For the last ten years, Jenn has focused her practice on anxious and aggressive animals, and has become one of the most trusted trainers working with aggressive animals in our state. Jenn works extensively with veterinarians and veterinary behavioris...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Kaylee Cook-Benjamin is our licensed veterinary nurse with a passion for training both dogs AND cats!She is a Fear Free Elite certified professional, Certified Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional, and an Accredited Dog Trainer (ADT) with years of experience working in rescue and shelter environments. Kaylee completed an internship with Dr. Jill Sackman of Animal Behavior Consultants of Michiga...
Established in 2022, Jason boasts a lifetime of canine expertise. In the late 90s, he immersed himself in the world of wolves at Wolf Park in Battle Ground, IN, conducting hands-on research on wolf behaviors. His passion for animals led him to northern Wisconsin, where he joined a wolf tracking team while volunteering at local dog shelters.In 2020, Jason became a dog trainer for Invisible Fence...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Gin has a diverse background, but when she adopted her first dog, she discovered her passion and has been training ever since. She has a passion for shaping and confidence building, and loves watching for that moment when it just clicks and the dog starts to figure out what they are learning! Some of her favorite training areas include puppy socialization, leash walking, counter surfing, and do...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Lindsay graduated from Central Michigan University in 2009 with her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Biology. In her degree program, Lindsay studied animal learning and volunteered in a rat and pigeon behavior laboratory, deepening her interest in and knowledge of learning and behavior. After graduation, Lindsay worked in the veterinary field for a few years before leaving to pursue educatio...
In home training, Puppy training
Casey DeKam, the owner and trainer, provides safe, effective, gentle dog training for dogs of all breeds and puppies of any age, based on positive reinforcement and proper leadership.After years of fostering rescue dogs and volunteering in local shelters, I one day decided that I COULD do more and I WOULD do more!I could no longer sit back and continue to watch great dogs needlessly suffer thro...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training
Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Kellen Dewey and I am the proud founder of Kellen's K9s, a positive dog training business located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.A career in dog training has come as no surprise as I have held many positions in the animal care world. From zookeeping, to in-home pet care, to training service dogs for disabled individuals, I have seen it all! After working over...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Roxanne grew up fascinated with horses and rode religiously for ten years. After her dog Oakley found her, though, her passion for dogs and training emerged. Oakley suffers from anxiety and separation anxiety, which drove Roxanne to study positive reinforcement and science based methodology to help him and others. Through this work she learned that science based methods were the only way she wa...
In home training, Puppy training
Erika is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and graduate of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior. She specializes in herding breeds and dogs with special needs. Erika also teaches Nosework classes (Scent-ology). After managing a very successful dog walking company she sought education and certification to further her service to dogs and those who love them. Through her ...
In home training, Puppy training
Nikki got her start teaching basic obedience classes at Petco. Soon after, she began fostering dogs for a local rescue and found great joy in helping her fosters find their forever homes. This led to her learning more about canine behavior and positive training techniques. As a mother Nikki is aware of the challenges that can arise when raising children with dogs, so she became a licensed Fami...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Miriam originally joined us as a client, but her skill in behavior became quickly apparent. Don't let her young age fool you, Miriam is an invaluable member of our behavior and research study teams. She will be starting college at Calvin University soon. Miriam is owned and loved by Bingley, a rough collie, and Othello, a tuxedo cat. In her free time, she enjoys playing cello, walking dogs, an...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Jessica grew up in Detroit, but now resides in Muskegon, MI with her husband, Eric, and their St. Bernard, Sir Rutherford the Brave. She has a background in the service industry and has been grooming dogs for the past 10 years. Through her experiences as a dog groomer, she has developed a knack for calming high energy and anxious dogs. Jessica loves all dogs equally, but holds a special place i...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Carrie was born and raised in the Detroit area and moved to West Michigan after graduating from Hope College. She's had a passion for dogs since she was young. Carrie loves helping people learn to communicate better with their dog and strengthen their bond, so they too, can experience the joy dogs bring to her. When she's not training, she enjoys spending time with her husband Mike and two Gold...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Pat has been around dogs throughout her life. Beginning with training them for her father (a dog breeder) as a child and then teaching her first 4-H class at 15, her experience is varied and well rounded.
Pat has been training dogs in agility since 1996 with her first competitions in 1997. She has titled several dogs in conformation, obedience, and agility. Currently she trains regular...
In home training, Puppy training
Alaina is the owner and dog trainer behind Scallywags Dog Training based in the Grand Rapids, MI area. She loves bringing out the best in client dogs and giving them the tools they need to see progress.
Specializing in puppy and new dog training, Alaina helps new dog owners grow their training skills as they learn to communicate with their dog.
Qualifications
Alaina is cer...
Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
I've always had a deep love for dogs, and that passion prompted me to attend Bergin University of Canine Studies, the only accredited university in the world to offer degrees in cynology (the study of dogs). There I had the privilege of learning directly from Bonnie Bergin, the woman who first created the concept of the mobility service dog. My university courses included a wide range of classe...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Parker has been working with animals through every possible avenue throughout her life. As a child, Parker frequently volunteered at her local animal shelter, started pet sitting in her teen years, and eventually, worked at a grooming salon before starting her dog training career at Petco in 2016. Parker worked there for just under 8 years and became a mentor at the start of 2020. In 2022, Park...
Board and train, Protection/guard dog training, Puppy training
Jeff Somers is the owner and head trainer of Lakeshore K9 Training. Jeff has been working and training dogs his whole life. Canine training started at a young age with multiple pets growing into training hunting and retrieving dogs. Jeff has been working and training police dogs for the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office for the last 17 years specializing in motivational obedience and positive re...
In home training, Puppy training
Kristie was the first trainer in Grand Rapids to be certified through CCPDT. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers has become the most recognized and respected certifying organization for trainers. She is also a Certified Training Partner with the prestigious Karen Pryor Academy. Kristie is also an evaluator for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog. Through f...
In home training, Puppy training
Amy is a licensed veterinary technician and manual therapist who has loved training animals since elementary school. Her veterinary nursing career spanned spay & neuter clinics, shelter medicine, emergency/ICU nursing, and day practice before she found her niches in behavioral and physical rehabilitation. She enjoys working with pets and their owners to restore physical and emotional well-being...
In home training, Puppy training
Rachael graduated from Baker College in 2011 with her degree in veterinary technology. She works in small animal practice with a focus on reactive wellness care, pain management and behavior concerns. She is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and a Fear Free certified trainer. Her area of interests are cooperative veterinary care training, group dog training classes and feline beh...
Board and train, Puppy training
Nearing graduation at MSU, I applied for the Foster Puppy program at Paws With a Cause. The day after leaving campus, I received an adorable black lab pup, Flair. To say he was spirited would be an understatement! This little guy was active, quick, and an eater-of-everything. The first months were a roller coaster of puppy management and trying to keep my head above water. My perceived failures...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
A graduate of the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Ecology, Zach's first exposure to animal training was working with non-releasable wild birds of prey at Leslie Science and Nature Center in Ann Arbor, where he was teaching outdoor education programs. When given the opportunity to become a full time professional animal trainer, he moved to Florida and spent a year presenting free-flighted ...
Welcome to Grand Rapids’s list of top dog trainers. The Grand Rapids, Michigan list is based on 138 votes from the Michigan Sniffspot community. Only the Grand Rapids dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Jenn Gavin at the top of this list with 138 votes. We also counted 1096 votes for Michigan, with the remaining trainers listed outside of Grand Rapids.
Our rankings include trainers certified by CPDT-KA and FPPE. They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.
Grand Rapids dog trainer services include:
Behind every successful Grand Rapids training session lies a passionate professional. Jenn Gavin shares why they chose this path: I came to training through rescue 28 years ago, but dogs have always been my passion. I started using positive reinforcement with my dog when I was ten years old.. All 23 trainers on this Grand Rapids list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Grand Rapids trainer, Kaylee Benjamin, uses the following methods: .
Explore the top dog trainers in Grand Rapids as voted by our community:
Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list
I came to training through rescue 28 years ago, but dogs have always been my passion. I started using positive reinforcement with my dog when I was ten years old..
Start by addressing your dog's underlying feelings about something before jumping to training obedience.. This advice is particularly relevant for dog owners in Grand Rapids looking to improve their dog’s behavior.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.