About The Dog Wizard – Dog & Puppy Obedience Training Grand Rapids

A balanced-training franchise location, appointment only

The Dog Wizard Grand Rapids publishes hours of "9:00 AM – 5:00 PM" Monday to Friday, "By Appointment Only," on (616) 202-5496, and lists its service area as "Allendale, Coopersville, Forest Hills, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Marne, Muskegon, Norton Shores, Nunica, Wyoming."

Method

The site describes "Certified balanced trainers" and explains its tool position directly: "The Dog Wizard trainers are well versed in a variety of training tools; from food to collars to remote collars. We know that not all dogs do well with every tool and we will help you decide what tool is best for your dog as well as what tools you're comfortable with using." The training goal is framed as reliability under distraction: "we teach your dog to stay engaged and follow through with these commands, even in the most distracting environments."

Programs

Published programs are board and train, private lessons, group classes, puppy training and day training, all entered through a free evaluation: "The Dog Wizard Grand Rapids offers a free evaluation. This enables our trainers to talk with you, in depth, learn about your dog, go over your training goals, and find a program that works for you." Behavior services listed include problem solving ("barking, chewing, jumping, begging, counter surfing, digging, leash pulling, play biting, marking, door bolting, housebreaking"), resource guarding, aggression, separation anxiety, rescue-dog rehabilitation and socialization.

Price floor and ongoing support

The site says "We do not have a one size fits all approach to training" and states "training programs start at $250." Graduates receive continuing support: "Those who complete our obedience programs have access to indefinite group class training support."

The trainers

Andrew Martin "had his first dog training experience in 4H working with his family dog. In 2016 Louisville Dog Wizard invited Andrew to join the team and after 2 years with the Louisville team he joined the Grand Rapids Dog Wizard." Sarah Anderson is listed as "Trainer, Owner," and writes that she previously "worked in the mental health field" before moving into dog training.