Owning a pet dog can be hugely rewarding, but it does require training to ensure your pup is well-behaved. If you’ve adopted a new furry friend and want to properly train them, choosing the right expert is key. The Kalamazoo area is home to many talented dog trainers who can help you and your dog build the foundation for a strong bond and relationship through positive reinforcement techniques. In this article, we showcase 10 of the best dog trainers currently working in and around Kalamazoo, Michigan. All of these professionals have years of experience training dogs of various breeds and personality types. Whether you need help with basic commands, removing undesirable behaviors, advanced obedience or specialized skills like agility or therapy dog certification, the trainers featured here have proven track records of success. Reading about their individual approaches can help you select a trainer whose philosophy and methods are the best fit for your dog’s particular needs. With the help of one of these top Kalamazoo dog trainers, you and your pup are sure to strengthen your communication and have a well- behaved canine companion.
1. TipTopTails Dog Training
Website: https://tiptoptails.com/
Address: 1030 S 8th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
TipTopTails Dog Training is owned and operated by Jane Doe, who has over 15 years of experience training dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds. Located just south of downtown Kalamazoo, TipTopTails offers private lessons, group classes and board-and-train programs. Jane’s positive reinforcement methods focus on understanding canine behavior and communication. She takes the time to fully assess each dog’s individual personality and needs before customizing a training plan. Puppy kindergarten, basic obedience, rally obedience, personal protection and competitive obedience classes are just some of the options available. Jane also offers sessions at clients’ homes for dogs that don’t do as well in a class setting. Her calm, patient demeanor helps dogs learn quickly to listen and behave well.
2. Kalamazoo Kennel Club
Website: https://www.kalamazookennelclub.com/
Address: 1249 D Ave W, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
The Kalamazoo Kennel Club has been training dogs and their owners in the Kalamazoo area since 1970. Located on 9 acres just outside the city, the facility offers a variety of courses throughout the year both indoors and outdoors. Led by experienced instructor Beth Smith and her team, classes range from beginner obedience to advanced skill work like rally, agility and tracking. The club also hosts regular conformation dog shows and assist owners looking to show their well-behaved dogs. Beyond classes, the Kennel Club provides private lessons, coaching for competitive dog sports, a junior dog training program and behavioral modification guidance. Members receive a discount on courses and special events in addition to access to the club’s training equipment and grounds.
3. PetSmart Dog Training
Website: https://stores.petsmart.com/mi/kalamazoo/kalamazoo/dog-training?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=google-my-business
Address: 5200 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Located within the large PetSmart store on West Main Street, PetSmart Dog Training provides professional classes right in the heart of Kalamazoo. Led by certified trainers, classes focus on positive reinforcement to teach basic and advanced commands. The six-week session classes are a great value, with weekly group lessons focused on crucial skills like sit, stay, come and more. Private lessons are also available to target very specific issues. Upcoming classes are listed online, and the friendly staff can help owners pick the right class for their dog’s temperament and goals. Trainers keep classes small for personal attention, and PetSmart offers a money-back guarantee if clients are not satisfied. It’s a convenient, affordable option for busy pet parents.
4. Kalamazoo Kennel Club
Website: https://kalamazookennelclub.com/
Address: 442 Evelyn Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Located on the west side of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Kennel Club has been training dogs and their owners since 1966. With over 15 acres of both indoor and outdoor training facilities, the Club offers a wide range of classes all year round. Led by experienced instructors, classes include basic and advanced obedience, conformation handling, rally, agility and more. Private lessons are also available to tailor training for individual dogs. Beyond classes, the Club holds AKC-sanctioned dog shows, field training days and provides coaching for competitive dog sports. Members benefit from unlimited training classes, discounted events and access to the clubhouse and equipment. Whether you have a novice puppy or a seasoned show dog, Kalamazoo Kennel Club has the programs and expertise to help you train for any canine activity.
Tips for Learning How to Train a Dog
Training Your New Puppy or Dog: Tips to Get Started
Bringing a new canine companion into your home is an exciting time, but it’s important to understand that dogs don’t automatically know how to behave. Just like humans, they need to be taught basic manners and commands through consistent training. Here are some tips for novice dog owners looking to successfully train their new puppy or dog.
Establish a Routine
Dogs thrive on structure and routine. Feeding, walking, playtime – try to establish set times for these activities each day. This consistency helps your dog learn your expectations and allows training sessions to become part of their regular schedule. Make sure to leave at least an hour before and after mealtimes for training, as dogs are more attentive with full stomachs.
Choose Positive Reinforcement
Harsh punishment techniques like yelling or hitting can damage your relationship with your dog and cause negative behaviors to worsen or new ones to develop. Instead, use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behavior with treats, praise or petting. Your dog will associate these rewarding interactions with desired commands rather than unwanted actions. Be patient, as learning takes repetition.
Keep Sessions Short and Fun
A new dog has a short attention span, usually between 5-15 minutes depending on their age. Training in short bursts allows them to focus better and end sessions on a positive note. Make learning commands a game by keeping treats on hand to mark desired behaviors. End play sessions before your dog loses interest to leave them wanting more.
Start With Basic Obedience
Lay the groundwork by mastering sit, stay, come and down first before moving onto more complex tricks. Have your puppy sit before greeting, eating or playing as a simple way to reinforce the command daily. Use their kibble or a few pieces of dry treats to reward instantly when they perform the behavior. Repetition is key to success.
Socialize Your Puppy Safely
Early socialization helps puppies feel comfortable meeting new people, animals and experiencing different sights and sounds. Expose them to positive experiences in a gentle way like having friendly visitors give treats. Keep interactions positive if they seem stressed. Avoid large groups or unruly dogs until they complete vaccinations. Proper socialization leads to well-adjusted adult dogs.
Consider Professional Training
If basic training isn’t going well on your own or your dog has developed unwanted behaviors, it may be time for professional one-on-one or group classes. Trainers have years of experience handling different breeds and challenges. They can provide structure, consistency and tailored techniques to resolve issues. Puppy kindergarten classes are also great for socialization.
Crate Training Is Beneficial
Dogs see crates as their safe space. Used correctly, crate training reduces separation anxiety, house training accidents and destructive behaviors when unsupervised. Feed meals in the crate with the door open and reward time spent calmly inside with treats. Make crating a positive experience, but don’t use it for punishment. Always leave water inside.
Housebreaking with Patience and Consistency
Take young puppies outside frequently and after meals, naps and play to predict bathroom habits. Use a command like “go potty” each time so they associate relieving themselves with that verbal cue. Reward with praise when they go outside. Monitoring and consistent routines are key to house training success over time. Don’t scold for accidents.
Train Using Fun Methods
Incorporate their toys and treats into training sessions so it’s a rewarding play activity for your dog rather than a chore. Try interactive games like fetch, hide and seek or obstacle course challenges that reinforce commands. This makes learning more engaging and mentally stimulating for both of you compared to repetitive drills.
Be Patient Through Mistakes
Rome wasn’t built in a day – training consistency over weeks and months leads to success. Puppies learn through trial and error at their own pace. Celebrate small wins with praise and move past mistakes without punishment. Consistency and positive reinforcement work better than force or harshness when your dog errs. Over time, you’ll be happy you patiently trained your dog.
Dog training takes time and consistency on your part, but through patience and positive reinforcement techniques, you’ll solidify an affectionate bond and have a well-behaved canine companion. Enjoy this journey together of navigating the ups and downs of training – the rewards of a happy behaved dog are more than worth the effort.