About Sit for Pets Dog Training

Sit for Pets

Sit for Pets is run by Emily Bowden — "Hi, I'm Emily Bowden, owner and head trainer of Sit for Pets." The contact details on the site read 269-903-6384 and Kalamazoo MI, 49048. The business opened in 2021: "In 2021, I officially opened Sit for Pets, and since then, I have had the privilege of helping dogs and their families create stronger, more fulfilling relationships."

Services

The services menu lists Private Training, Board and Train, Group Classes, Day Train, Daycare, Grooming, Boarding, and a Therapy Dog Program. Bowden summarizes the same range: "At Sit for Pets, we offer private training sessions, board and train programs, daycare and boarding services, therapy dog preparation and evaluations, and positive reinforcement grooming."

Method

"My training philosophy is rooted in positive reinforcement, clear communication, and mutual respect. I believe successful training goes beyond teaching cues — it's about building trust, establishing healthy boundaries, and strengthening the relationship between dogs and their families." She frames most problems as translation problems: "I believe that many behavioral challenges stem from misunderstandings, and my goal is to bridge that gap by teaching owners how to communicate effectively with their dogs."

Background and credentials

Bowden completed her certification and coursework through Animal Behavior College in 2020, then spent a year at an animal control facility where she "evaluated incoming dogs, developed individualized behavior plans, and worked closely with staff and volunteers to improve the quality of life and adoptability of the dogs in our care." She lists herself as "a certified dog trainer, an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, an AKC Temperament Test Evaluator, an Evaluator for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and a certified groomer specializing in positive reinforcement grooming."

Therapy work

Therapy dogs are a stated specialism with a personal origin: after losing her father and younger brother in a mass shooting at nineteen, "a therapy dog named Sunny provided comfort, support, and hope. His unconditional love showed me the profound impact dogs can have on our emotional well-being and inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others experience that same connection."

Hours

Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm, Saturday by appointment, closed Sunday.