There a few top-rated dog trainers in Grand Rapids MI. You’ll find some locally, or you may want to drive a short distance to find the one of choice. Regardless, there are some worthwhile services out there. There’s no reason you can’t get some quality training close by in Grand Rapids.
The good thing is you can choose from a range of services. You and your pooch can get settled downtown or head out to nearby Hastings, Rockford, Ada, or Alto. Regardless, you’ll find helpful trainers who are as enthusiastic about dogs as you are.
9 Good Dog Trainers in Grand Rapids
1. A Pleasant Dog
- Website: http://www.apleasantdog.com
- Address: 428 Pleasant St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Phone number: (616) 633-6323
A Pleasant Dog focuses strongly on positive reinforcement and communication. Owner Jenn Gavin is also the head trainer, animal advocate, and rescuer. Her specialty is behavior modification to help limit aggression in all breeds and sizes.
A range of services include private lessons and group classes. Puppy and adult classes are held and your choices range up to agility classes for dogs that run obstacle courses. Fill out the detailed contact form and Jenn will get back to you. She’s also close to downtown Grand Rapids.
2. Pawsitive Behavior LLC
- Website: http://www.pawsitivebheaviorllc.com/
- Address: 2552 Valley Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
- Phone number: (616) 784-6917
Pawsitive is on the north side of Grand Rapids. It’s run by positive reinforcement training expert Kathy Uzarski, who went from bank management to a career dog trainer. Kathy is also a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
The trainer provides in-home service for clients with busy schedules. Kathy always holds a phone consultation first, and each training program is customized. Training sessions focus on how dogs think and learn among other things.
3. Good Little Dog
- Website: http://www.goodlittledog.com/
- Address: 636 Hoyt St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
- Phone number: (616) 260-1686
Good Little Dog takes things to the modern age with CYBER online dog training. It can help with barking, separation anxiety, walking, potty training, and obedience. A wide range of packages and prices are listed on the website.
Owner Victoria Swanson talks about her own pets an even provides health tips on the website. She has trained dogs since 1987 and has contributed to the WZZM13 Take Five & Company morning show.
4. Kim’s K-9 Training Center
- Website: http://www.kimsk9.com/
- Address: 3108 Broadmoor Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
- Phone number: (616) 949-4249
Out by the airport is West Michigan’s oldest dog training, boarding, and daycare facility. From puppy training to behavioral consultations, Kim’s K-9 works to open a line of communication between the dog and owner.
Day and boarding training sessions are available. Kim’s can simply teach your dog good manners or further develop their personality. Bad habits can be tackled while Kim also teaches owners how to be in command of their dogs.
5. Hollywood Doggie Spa
- Website: http://www.hollywooddoggiespa.com/
- Address: 1200 Sargent Ave SE, Ada, MI 49301
- Phone number: (616) 446-7507
A full service grooming and boarding facility in Ada, this place offers top-notch dog training. It focuses on bad behaviors as part of group training, private dog training packages, and help for your dog in your very own home.
Over 30 years of experience goes into these services. These are tailored to stop dogs from barking at the door, jumping on people and furniture, not responding when called, and more.
6. Adams K-9
- Website: http://www.adamsk-9.com/
- Address: 6363 56th Ave, Hudsonville, MI 49426
- Phone number: (616) 209-5501
This boarding and day school offers obedience and behavior training to improve dog-owner relationships. If you want your dog to learn basic manners and obedience, this is a good option. Aggression intervention is another focus as is the Dog Bite Prevention Program.
A full two-week training program is also available.
The trainer guarantees off-leash reliability and other perks such as enjoyable walks, polite house manners, and calm greeting behavior. If you’re looking for a working dog, they are for sale here. You can also learn how to train at the Adams K-9 Dog Trainer’s School.
7. Christine’s K-9 Services
- Website: http://www.k-9service.com/
- Address: 6013 Harrison Ave SE, Alto, MI 49302
- Phone number: (616) 868-0057
Head east on I-96 and you’ll hit Christine’s K-9 Service, serving the area since 1999. Here you can find everything from puppy training to behavior consultations. Private lessons, a board and train program, and in-home boarding are provided so you get the best of service.
Christine is a certified professional trainer experienced in resolving aggression, anxiety, and dog-child relations. You can easily register with the online form that loads on the page. In the logo, a bone replaces the dash – cute, but this APDT certified trainer is serious business.
8. Faithful Friends Doggie Training
- Website: http://www.faithfulfriendsdogs.com/
- Address: 8450 Algoma Ave NE, Rockford, MI 49341
- Phone number: (616) 863-4900
Drive north from Grand Rapids and you’ll find semi-private obedience classes, held once a week for four weeks. Classes are run by Bob, who is certified by the Academy of Canine Education, Inc. in New York City. That must mean he holds up to high standards.
You’ll find basic to advanced obedience training. Specialty classes and consultations are available as Bob is familiar with several training methods to help your dog overcome behavior problems. Your dog is a friend whether it needs housebreaking or more advanced training.
9. DogWatch by K9 Keeper Fencing LLC
- Website: http://www.k9keeper.com
- Address: 498 E. Timberwood, Hastings, MI 49058
- Phone number: (616) 260-6987
The company is known best for its DogWatch Hidden Fence. It also services and repairs wireless and underground pet fences. Online, there are local resources including those to find nearby trainers, boarders, groomers, and other pet related services.
DogWatch also provides online training resources. How-tow videos and training tips are available, particular related to barking and using a leash. The company can certainly point you in the right direction and direct you to whatever training needs you require.