About North Paws Board & Training

What it is

A board-and-train operation in Lake George, in the middle of the state. "With over 12 years of experience specializing in obedience and aggression, we have designed our training program to launch your best friend to bigger and better opportunities, whether in a public or private setting." The published areas are "Puppy Basics, Obedience Training, Boarding, Therapy & Service Training, Virtual Sessions."

Who runs it

Alyssa, "Owner/Head Trainer," who dates her start to her own dogs: "My name is Alyssa and I'm 29 years old. The passion of dog training was a treat I discovered 15 years ago! My dog, Tank, is a red nosed Pitbull and was my first pet trained for canine good citizen, basic obedience and freestyle dog dancing! Working with Tank for 5 years, along with his Sister, Avia (pictured above), inspired me to do more than basic training! I worked with Avia to become my full time service dog that worked along my side for a long 8 years, until she finally retired into her golden years!" She adds: "I went to school for veterinary medicine but training was something I still needed to do!"

Two other trainers are listed, Sam and Devan, plus a transfer trainer who runs her own business: Michele Henderson, described as "Owner of Michele's Dog Training, Therapy/Trainee Transfer-Trainer (At North Paws)," who writes "With over 18 years of training experience and 15 years of owning and operating Michele's Dog Training, I've dedicated my career to helping people build strong, positive relationships with their pets," and whose own start was "over 25 years ago when I started competing in canine freestyle, also known as dog dancing."

Programs and prices

Published in full. "Puppy Basics $1,800 For Four Weeks," for "Ages: 8 weeks to 8 months," covering "List of 8 basic commands taught, Kennel Training, Potty Training, Socializing & Neutralizing, Transfer Training Sessions." "Adult Basics $2,000 For Four Weeks" for dogs "8 months or older" with the same command list and transfer sessions. "Virtual training sessions $125.00/hr," described as "Professional Training from Your Living Room, No Travel, No Drop-Off, No Stress on Your Dog." Therapy and service training is priced on request: "CONTACT us for pricing!" and is described as a "Six Month Foundation for Basic Obedience & Task Work" with a "Price per Task (For Service)" and a required evaluation: "Program begins with a required evaluation."

Method

"Our experienced trainers use positive reinforcement techniques to build trust and effective communication between dogs and their owners." The stated mission is "to create a partnership between dogs and owners." The site is explicit about breed: "North Paws Board & Training is non-judgmental towards any breed of dog."

Service and therapy work

It is a named focus rather than an add-on: "Whether forming a therapy dog or service dog, this section is for those of a working style," and the site lists recent graduates by name and track, including "Banks – Service Trainee" and several "Therapy Trainee" dogs.

Where it is

"22 W Arthur Rd, Lake George, MI 48633."

Before you book

The site gives its experience as "over 12 years." Ask who will train your dog.