About Scallywags Dog Training

A family-dog specialist: dogs and young children in one household

Scallywags publishes a narrow, deliberate niche: "Parents of Dogs & Young Kids – Confident kids, calm dogs, peaceful home. Family dog training near Grand Rapids, MI." The trainer explains why: "Safe families start with trained dogs and educated kids. And this doesn't happen through watching generic dog training YouTube videos, because your family is different and unique." Safety is the stated priority: "Not all dog trainers know how to handle both unpredictable dogs and kids, but I do. Safety is my #1 priority."

The trainer

"My name is Alaina Rudin (KPA-CTP). I am the certified professional and founder of Scallywags Dog Training near Grand Rapids, MI. I have 5 years of experience with kids 0-12 in home, school, and therapeutic settings." She adds: "I am a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), helping kids with autism learn life skills through play and positive reinforcement," and that she is "certified through the Karen Pryor Academy" and "through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers."

Method

"I train using positive reinforcement (usually treats) and this is why: As a family dog trainer, one of my top concerns is always helping dogs stay calm and confident. Dogs who are NOT calm and confident struggle living with kids, and can be a danger to their families." Equipment rules are published too: dogs should be on "a standard flat leash (no Flexi-leads, chains, or e-collars please)."

Formats and published prices

Four delivery models are published: Coaching, Virtual Coaching, Drop-in training ("I'll drop in, train your dog, and send you video updates and progress reports") and Drop-off training. Packages: "Buccaneer – 1 session… $95"; "Swashbuckler – 4 sessions… $360"; "First Mate – 7 Sessions… $595"; "Captain – 10 sessions… $800." Daycare and occasional board-and-train are available: "For an added daycare fee, I offer daycare and training sessions for dogs and puppies."

Area served

"Scallywags is based just south of Grand Rapids, Michigan and conducts training in their headquarters and in the Grand Rapids, Grandville, Wyoming, East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Cascade, Wayland, Middleville, Byron Center, Ada, and Hudsonville Area," with virtual sessions outside it. The site's own contact block gives the base as "Cutlerville, MI."

Vaccination and age

"Puppies should be at least 8 weeks old at the start of training and current on shots and vet care," with proof of vaccination required before the first in-person session.