Best Dog Trainer Grand Rapids Near Me

Jennifer Raymo: Loved their class on dealing with reactive dogs - very informative and helpful!

Alexander Lazar: Great trainers with a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Anaya Heinzelman: Horrible place took my dog about a year in a half ago, forgot the name but so we could have training for our dog because of behavior problems called ahead said that she’s great with that. She told us to put her down and she could put her down herself, for no reason other then she don’t like the dog. Disappointed

Cindy Root: Best classes.

Kylie & Tanner Bennie-White: We engaged with A Pleasant Dog when we realized, four months into having our puppy, Zuko, that we had absolutely no idea how to work with him instead of against him. They responded to our initial inquiry within 24 hours, which is pretty darn quick! We were on the same page about doing a one-on-one lesson (more for us than for our dog, really!) and were promptly able to schedule one.During our one-hour session, Tara was professional and kind as she answered our questions. She thoroughly explained everything we needed to know without expressing judgement for the areas we need to improve on. Our previously "obstinate" puppy, who'd been resisting all our efforts to guide him, responded to her coaching near-instantly!She gave us a handful of incredibly helpful exercises to work on with Zuko. The second the door closed behind Tara when she left, my husband and I turned to each other and immediately said, "Oh my god, that was so worth it." "SO worth it!" "I'm incredibly glad we hired her."Within a day of our session we're already experiencing greater mutual understanding and better communication between us and our dog. We've already raved to several of our friends with dogs who are interested in engaging in the future.Tara, we cannot possibly thank you enough for setting us up for success with Zuko! If we feel a follow-up session is necessary a few months down the line, we would immediately come back to A Pleasant Dog!

Tyler Feuerstein: My experience: every lesson, an excitable dog gets endless food thrown on the ground for an hour. Each time you come back he's through the roof with excitement. Then they say he needs medication in order to continue training.

Molly Rizor: I've owned terriers all my life and my Airedale, Martha, has been a APD Stay and Play dog since APD was in their former location. We credit Jenn and her staff for assisting us with training Martha and we truly believe her time at APD has lead to her being the happy, healthy girl we adore.

BeeZeeArt: I love A Pleasant Dog and have been training with them for 5 years with my oldest dog who has learned agility, earned a TKN and a TKI (trick dog notice and trick dog intermediate titles) and was able to overcome his reactivity to earn his CGC (canine good citizen title). Most recently I've started scent work with my new puppy and have been attending the basic obedience classes with the puppy.The trainers are friendly and knowledgeable and the classes are fun. But, most importantly, we've seen great results and I truly have 2 pleasant dogs.

Cayla DuChene Houston: A Pleasant Dog is staffed with outstanding trainers who really do love your dogs. And just as important as their behavioral skills is their ability to train people. I had my first training session after my rescue dog of three years remained impossible to walk due to his incessant pulling & lunging at squirrels, cars & other dogs. Jenn (quite diplomatically) explained what was off in my timing, and how I needed to slow wayyyyyy down in exposing him to certain environments. Maybe 2 months later, I could finally walk him without injuring my shoulder. Now 15 months later, my beautiful dog is a joy to walk for everyone in my family, politely greets other dogs, sits nicely on the Starbucks patio while I enjoy my coffee, and looks at me instead of passing cars. I (and Finn) couldn’t be more grateful for what APD has taught us.

Rachel Kessel: A Pleasant Dog has been one of the absolute biggest blessings. We have two reactive Great Pyrenees Mix dogs, and we worked with APD to help better understand our dogs’ breed behavior and tendencies, as well as their anxiety to be able to have a very peaceful and happy household. We worked with them for puppy classes, reactive dog class, Adult 101, one on one training for one of our pups, and they came to our home to help us prepare the dogs for welcoming a child to the household. Our lives would not be the same without the expert dog and people training and help we received from APD. Our dogs’ lives dramatically increased and they are happier and more at ease thanks to Jenn and her amazing team. We cannot thank them enough or recommend them enough! APD is a safe haven for all who enter their doors, and they really do love your dogs like their own!

michelle jokisch polo: The team at A Pleasant Dog have been incredible with our little Shiba. After spending eight years in a breeding mill — our dog was filled with constant anxiety, fear and reluctance. With the help of the APD team and a behavioral vet we now get the opportunity to witness our little dog interact, play and enjoy life.

E B: The best and most attentive trainer we’ve worked with. APD takes in difficult cases and works to turn them around with positive reinforcement. Can’t recommend them enough.

Chris Snyder: A Pleasant Dog took on a really difficult situation with compassion and dedication. I really appreciate their evidence-based approach to training.

J K: Their group classes are what you would expect (same as any positive reinforcement training) and the staff trainers are wonderful.Why the 1 star then? They seem EXTREMELY quick to suggest medication for dog behaviors lately - even for puppies. It seems like this is a push from the owner, Jenn.I'll update my review if APD makes some kind of public statement noting a change in this behavior.

Rebekah Toering: Cannot recommend enough!! Their positive reinforcement & force free method helped me manage my dog’s reactivity/anxiety issues with absolutely no judgments. I know that they always have his best interest in mind & his behavior is proof of that. Luke especially loves Jenn, Tara, and Roxanne & cannot wait to get inside as soon as we pull up!!

Joseph McCormick: Have been taking my Dog for close to a year, and I love it. He's continuing his training as a Service Animal, and I absolutely love the energy and vibes of the whole place. :)

Karen Goehring: I took our new dog to their puppy class with Tara. In my class of 5 puppies, two of the dogs were very excitable so they used barriers to block them off from the rest of the class, which only seemed to make my dog more curious about what was behind the curtain. After the fourth class, Tara asked to me to stay after to discuss my puppy’s behavior. She told me that my puppy has a “chemical imbalance” and the only solution for him was medication. She wanted to call my vet to instruct him to place my puppy on medication and if he would not, given my dog was only 5 months old, she suggested that I see the only behavioral vet in Michigan that they work very closely with and she would prescribe him medication. She also informed me that she had told another owner in the class the same thing.The fact that a trainer (who is not certified by the way) would suggest medication for a 5 month old puppy based on his behavior in a highly excitable environment is mind boggling to me. I had my dog evaluated by a different trainer and the trainers and behaviorist at the Humane Society. After evaluating him, they all felt that he was a completely normal puppy and were shocked by the recommendations given by A Pleasant Dog. I also discussed with my vet, and he said he would NEVER prescribe medications for behavior without training first and he also did not see any reason to give my dog meds.I did call to speak to the owner, who did not have time to speak with me, and instead I spoke with an office staff member. She was very nice, but seemed more concerned with offering me money versus addressing the problem with this trainer. I was given a refund for the remaining two classes I was not going to attend. I honestly did not care about the money, I cared about the fact that this trainer should not be recommending medications.I did a lot of research before selecting a dog trainer and read so many positive reviews, I am so disappointed by our experience at A Pleasant Dog. I would not recommend them for a puppy class. Dream Dogs or the Humane Society are a far better experience for a puppy where they will actually be provided with training, not ridiculous recommendations.

Alison Mace: We would be lost without APD and our Auntie Jenn. Our dog was quite anxious upon adoption and later showed some highly reactive and aroused behavior. We had consulted with other area trainers who were unsure how to help or suggested methods that made us uncomfortable. This left us feeling so sad and defeated. We found APD and have been successfully managing our sweetie using medication and positive reinforcement for several years now. We found the level of support we were looking for and both our dog and our confidence has grown tremendously. We just love you APD!

Joy Wahby: Works with difficult dogs. Also offers class for all dogs.

Pat Parker: Super staff. Wonderful place.

Kara Malone: An excellent team of trainers well-versed in positive reinforcement training. As a veterinarian, I refer patients to A Dog’s Life GR regularly.

S Bonnah: Excellent and experienced! Highly recommend!

Emily Stapleton: Nikki Koning is absolutely amazing! She is very gifted in puppy training. My CavaPoo responded very positively to Nikki’s intuitive training techniques. I feel light years ahead in puppy training because of working with Nikki.

Jeff Parker: I have been working with dogs life gr and their trainers for over a decade now. It has not only enriched my dogs life but mine as well. I can not recommend them enough.

Stephanie Murray (Villarreal): Niki is so great! We took puppy class with her. She does a wonderful job explaining things and has a very keen sense for dog behaviors. My puppy absolutely loved her. I just wish they weren't so far, because I'd love to take even more classes through them. Kristie Swan, the owner is a dog training genius! She is really wonderful with one on one lessons, and has so much knowledge on dog behavior and science.

Nature of the Dog: We love A Dog's Life!

Lindsey Fick: LOVE! Cannot say enough positive things about A Dogs Life GR

Rachael VanDyke (Cooperative Care): Kristie is fantastic! I work in a veterinary office with highly reactive dogs and she happily takes on our challenging cases. Our clients love her! She is an excellent communicator and makes a individualized plan for each dog and their handlers. She does an excellent job teaching the owners how to train and communicate with their pet!

Jackie: We love A Dog's Life and Kristie Swan. She and her trainers are fantastic and full of compassion while working with you and your dog.

Sarah D: We love our trainer! Very knowledgeable!

Gina Croson: Both my dogs went to "school" here. The trainers are great and work with you so your fur baby learns to be a great new edition to the family.

Ryan Bailey: Well run company. Great staff! What I like most is they always do the right thing no matter who it benefits. Our Goldendoodle Mia can be a handful but they always greet us with a smile and love on Mia every time she is there. Thanks guys!

Cyeru: Great place for pet sitting

Diana Stevers: Outstanding customer service and attentiveness. We feel reassured every time we travel that our pup is in good hands and well cared for. Prices are reasonable for both day care and overnight boarding.

Jacqueline Brignall: Went in with a reactive, fearful dog. Came out with a happy, confident dog and a wide array of new knowledge and skills to handle a multitude of situations with any dog. It was worth the hour drive to and from training every time.

30 seconds ofWaves: Matt and Lisa are super knowledgeable! They helped us learn how to effectively communicate with our dog. Prior to working with Follow The Leader our dog was on track to end up in a bull terrier rescue. We were feeling hopeless after working with two other trainers previously. Literally, after one lesson we noticed immediate results. Now, we're 7 months of off leash 100% of the time, and we don't worry about our dog reacting and biting us or anyone else. The training is invaluable. If you have a reactivate dog, do yourself and your dog a favor, don't go anywhere else!

Meghan Shumate: Working with Lisa has opened so many doors and given us so many tools to help our dog, Jax, be the most confident and relaxed that he can be. By learning how to communicate clearly, teach Jax how to calm, and provide a more structured home environment, he has grown into a much more enjoyable dog to have in our home! He used to be very impulsive due to high prey drive, and he would bolt out of the yard or any open door, and ripped holes in our window screens trying to get outside to chase animals. Now, he has learned to control his impulsiveness to the point where we can even have pet guinea pigs and a rabbit out in the same room as him, and he will respect their space. He is able to run free on our land and enjoy spending days outside with us because he doesn't bolt anymore, and has developed a great recall, even when there are deer tempting him to chase. He also had a lot of anxiety due to being a stray and having been attacked by dogs 3 different times, so he would react very aggressively towards other dogs on walks. Using the tools and strategies Lisa gave us, he is learning that we will protect him, and he is safe to relax more on walks instead of being on alert and guarded the whole time. Training and continuing our education will be a lifelong journey, but we have all benefitted greatly from Lisa's knowledge, training and patience, and have a better relationship with Jax because of it.

tabitha dixon: This is the best decision and investment i have ever made. We got the whole package seven sessions and it has changed me and my dogs life. I have tried so many trainers whether in person or online nothing was working. Matt knows dogs and their language. if i could give him 20 stars i would. Thank you, Matt!

Jules VanHorn: The staff at Happy Tails was so helpful from the start of signing up our 1yo lab Cub to the multiple communications sent during the 6 week manners class. We had wonderful trainers, Cindy and Melissa. There were multiple techniques taught to us as "parents" to start with gaining our dog's focus and building each week for positive reinforcement on the behaviors we wanted to see. The follow up emails from them with detailed class reviews were very helpful. The facility is clean and plenty of space for the multiple dog class. Even though Cub was the most "active and excited" pup in class - Cindy and Melissa's positive attitudes made us feel welcomed and not embarrassed that he wasn't the best student to start. They offer private sessions as well and we're looking forward to Cub getting a couple of those to continue with what we've learned. Thank you Cindy and Melissa for treating Cub like one of your own and helping us along the way :)

Sue Melinn: This has been such a positive experience. Alex, our trainer, so informative and so easy to follow. Our dog is doing awesome! We will for sure be coming back for the next level training. I hope Alex is available for that as well.

Annalise Hammerlund: Happy Tails was so helpful in training our reactive dog. They're so knowledgeable and patient with the tricky behaviors our dog had.

Dee Mcallister: I was very concerned about my 3 year old Cocker Spaniel Gracie's behavior toward other dogs. My son recommended Happy Tails for training because the group puppy training for their dog was great and even included a visit to their home. The private lessons I signed Gracie up for were very effective. Their strategies were designed for her particular issues. My trainer was available for question through email.Present at each session were my trainer and someone typing a "transcript" of each session, which was emailed to me. This record helped remind me of what we worked on and as a guide for the trainer to review and then design the next session around that. Plus, they made a visit to my home, as well.Very effective. A great business model.Love them and love the personal planning and attention they gave Gracie!

Matt LeFebre: I cannot recommend happy tails enough. We brought Chloe, our rescue pit bull with extreme anxiety and dog reactivity, to Melissa and her team at happy tails for private training. We were blown away by their knowledge, professionalism, and ability to cater their training to exactly what Chloe needed and worked at her speed. The atmosphere at their training center is incredibly positive, with plenty of space and resources to work your dog exactly how you need. The utilization of slash (and countless other working dogs) to communicate dog-to-dog I would argue cannot be found anywhere else. We attended over a year of private training sessions and we had a completely new dog by the time we finished. The thing we appreciated the most about HT was how much they genuinely CARED about us and the well being of Chloe. We weren’t just another customer to them, they treat you like family and work with your dog as if they’re working with their own dog. The communication between us and the HT team was second to none. Where we knew we could email or call with a question and we would have an incredibly detailed response within 1 or 2 days. They are miracle workers and are worth every penny you will spend here. I recommend HT exclusively to anyone who ever asks about dog training, and wouldn’t steer a single person in any other direction. We cannot thank HT enough for everything they did for our Chloe ❤️

Christina’s Craft Room: We had an outstanding first class at Happy Tails! My dog, Frodo, really responded well to the positive reinforcement and encouragement they suggest. Great puppy class. We will be back for Frodo and our other dog, Leia! ❤️

Kady Osentoski: Happy Tails has taught my puppy and me so many valuable training tips. I have taken a group class and a few private sessions and I definitely recommend both. The thing that really sets this place apart from others is the amazing trainers but also the time they put into recap emails. Sometimes after training I forget some of the things covered and I can always go back and reference those emails. I cannot express how amazing all of the trainers are. They really take the time to get to know your dog and work on behaviors your dog is struggling with. Overall I would definitely recommend Happy Tails and I plan on taking more classes in the future!

Norma Kawka: Great training and trainer interaction! Looking forward to the next 4 weeks!

Courtney Upchurch: If you're considering dog training, stop looking as you've found the right place. Happy Tails has worked miracles for our family! We had previously worked with a different dog training company that literally told us we needed to get rid of one of our dogs as she would never be able to be get along with the other pup in our household. We were heartbroken as an "expert" was telling us this, and she knows better than us, right? Nope. Thank goodness we gave training another try, but with Happy Tails the second time. Boy, what a game changer! Melissa came to our house and immediately bonded with both of our dogs. It was amazing to see after we were essentially told our one dog was unredeemable. With each session we had with Melissa, things substantially improved in our household. Our dogs eventually got to a place where they not only got along, but were best friends. We never would've been able to experience that if it wasn't for Melissa. She truly is a dog whisperer, and even though its been years since we worked with her, we still regularly mention how thankful we are for her. I've referred other people to Happy Tails, and I've yet to hear anything but praise for Melissa and her team.

Michele F.: Awesome place and employees. Sue refered us , very pleased she did.

Chris Bethel: Great group. Loved the one on one training and all of the follow ups afterwards before our next training!!! Highly recommend!

Michaele Demarest: Happy Tails is a wonderful training facility not only for puppies and dogs but also for owners as well! Our experience with Happy Tails has been fabulous. Melissa, Mirissa, Cindy, Alyssa, Emma, Maddie and all of the trainers are professional, guiding, and compassionate. We have learned so much and our dogs have flourished in all of the classes. We love being part of the Happy Tails family - we highly recommend!!

Kacie Zolkowski: Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,ValueWhat a wonderful experience! Alyssa was SO nice and knowledgeable and helpful and my pup loved going to class! Would give 10 stars if I could! We will definitely be taking part in the next advanced class! Thanks to the Happy Tails Dog Training team!

Laura Witkowski: Positive:Professionalism,Quality,ValueWe had a great experience at Happy Tails puppy class! Mirissa and Cindy were so kind, patient and positive. I appreciate all the tools and tricks they gave us for our puppy. Always willing to answer whatever questions we had. We highly recommend Happy Tails!

Deanna Brown: Everyone we worked with was really great. My dog and I worked mainly with Alyssa and Mirissa, they are amazing! Very knowledgeable, very kind and understanding. I learned so much! I know my dog did too, but I think it was easy for him! I realize that dog training is really for the humans ;) The facility is wonderful. The working dogs are awesome. I am extremely happy I chose Happy Tails for our training. Top notch, quality, professional, and compassionate.. exactly what we needed.

Susan Swan Tagg: Great place, people and experience for both me and my pup. Plan on continuing our good canine citizen journey with this group of professionals.

Jim DHaem: Great trainers. Make it fun

Christopher Powell: I have taken two classes here and it has made a big difference in my dog's behavior. They are also fantastic about answering questions and several times have taken time after class to help me work on a new behavior. And to top it all off their prices are very reasonable. I would recommend happy tails to anyone.

Lieza Bates: Every trainer has gone above and beyond to help get us off on the right foot with our pup. Would highly recommend both of the puppy classes!

Dan Gasior: My German Shepherd puppy was really starting to become a challenge to me. I had quite a few German Shepherds growing up but dont remember the puupy phase that well I guess. Jack has been through two puppy class level, both taught by Mirrisa. Jack is doing so good now! Both from the class and from the teaching at the end of the class during the Q&A session. I'm hoping to continue there with some advanced classes