About A Dog’s Life GR

A multi-instructor school: group classes, private work and enrichment

A Dog's Life GR publishes four service lines: Group Classes ("Puppy to adult life skills, enrichment and specialty classes, social enrichment, and more!"), Enrichment Sessions ("Providing an environment rich in novel experiences and exercises for dogs to engage and explore"), Private Training ("One-on-one instruction personally tailored around your dog, your lifestyle, and your goals") and Concierge Training ("Professional training amidst your everyday life, while you're away or while you watch!"). Cat training is offered under "A Cat's Life."

Method

The published philosophy is positive and relationship-first: "At its core, this interspecies relationship is best served through mutual learning and communication. Utilizing positive, current and effective methods, our commitment and our joy is to help you: Enjoy the journey!"

The instructors

The team page is unusually detailed. Kristie Swan (BAA, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP) "was the first trainer in Grand Rapids to be certified through CCPDT," is "an evaluator for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog," and "has over fifteen years of experience and trained at Whiskers University for 7 years before starting A Dog's Life." Nikki Koning (KPA CTP, FPPE) "became a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator" and "specializes in dog and baby/toddler dynamics." Lindsay Carlson (BS, CDBC, CPDT-KA, FPPE) "is also the only Control Unleashed Certified Instructor in West Michigan, and loves using pattern games and other strategies with reactive dogs," and with her dog Grover forms "a certified therapy dog team." Rachael VanDyke (LVT, KPA-CPT, Fear Free Certified) focuses on "cooperative veterinary care training, group dog training classes and feline behavior and enrichment." Leah Dykstra (LVT) "is also a judge for CPE Canine Scent Sport and C-WAGS Rally and Obedience."

What is actually on the calendar

The schedule has listed Puppy Social Enrichment, Adolescent Social Enrichment, Beginner Agility, Intermediate and Advanced Scentwork, a "Dog Friendly Art Prize Tour" and Beginner Scentwork.

Contact

info@adogslifegr.com, 616-676-7551, Grand Rapids, Michigan.