A Dog’s Life GR

4.9 Stars,20 Reviews
455 Lake Michigan Dr NW Suite 15, Grand Rapids, MI 49534

Service area: Serves Grand Rapids, Michigan and surrounding areas. No specific distance stated, but training includes in-home visits and local classes.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Family Dog
  • Therapy Dog
  • Competition / Agility
  • Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Puppy Training
  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Barking Excessively
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Fearfulness
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Lessons
  • Group Classes
  • In-Home
  • Day Training

Program Formats

  • Sessions Package
  • Ongoing Weekly

Types of Dogs

  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
  • Giant
  • Herding
  • Sporting
  • Working
  • Hounds
  • Terriers
  • Doodles
  • Brachycephalic

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Positive Reinforcement Only

Equipment: 

  • Clickers
  • Food Rewards
  • Harnesses
  • Flat Collars

Group classes are offered in puppy, adolescent/adult, therapy, sporty/fun, and social enrichment formats. Private training includes one-on-one lessons, family training, and Concierge Day Training that occurs in the dog’s home environment. Enrichment sessions provide novel experiences and exercises. Programs are structured as ongoing weekly sessions with opportunities for continuing education through specialty classes like scentwork, agility, and rally.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Orientation fees for Private Enrichment Sessions are waived through the end of December. Private lessons are house calls. Group classes and private training options are available with separate registration and request forms. No explicit pricing listed, but packages and sessions are offered.

Policies

Training appointments are typically held Tuesday–Thursday between 10am–5pm, with evening and Saturday availability limited. All private lessons are house calls unless otherwise specified. Clients must agree to terms and policies, releasing A Dog’s Life GR from liability for injury or illness. Forms are manually processed, not automated.

Testimonials

We love A Dog’s Life GR! We’ve been attending for 3+ years. The Adolescent & Adult class was so helpful and judgement free. We’ve taken continuing obedience classes and fun classes like Scentwork, Boredom Busters, Trick Training, Fit & Fun, Agility, and Rally. I appreciate the ongoing support. Helping my dog and me to become a better team and learn new ways to have fun together.
– Anonymous

I absolutely love these trainers! Kristie, Rachel, and Nikki have taught me so much! They worked out a plan for my dog who had medical issues to still take part in classes and have helped my anxious boy gain so much confidence through play and brainwork. HIGHLY recommend!!
– Anonymous

Niki is so great! We took puppy class with her. She does a wonderful job explaining things and has a very keen sense for dog behaviors. My puppy absolutely loved her. Kristie Swan, the owner is a dog training genius! She is really wonderful with one on one lessons, and has so much knowledge on dog behavior and science.
– Anonymous

About the Trainer

A Dog’s Life GR is a dog training business based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, offering personalized training solutions for dogs of all ages and needs. Their team of certified instructors provides group classes, private lessons, family training, and unique Concierge Day Training that takes place in the dog’s home and everyday environments. They emphasize positive, current, and effective methods focused on mutual learning between dogs and their owners. Services include puppy training, adolescent and adult obedience, therapy dog preparation, sporty and fun classes like agility and rally, and enrichment sessions designed to stimulate dogs mentally and physically. They also offer cat training and physical wellness services. Their instructors are highly regarded for their ability to tailor plans to individual dogs, including those with medical issues, reactivity, or anxiety, and are praised for their supportive, judgment-free approach.

The business highlights ongoing support and a wide variety of class types, helping owners build stronger bonds with their pets through fun, skill-based activities. They offer a holiday special waiving orientation fees for Private Enrichment Sessions through December.

Kristie Swan, the owner, is noted as a dog training expert with deep knowledge of behavior and science, and is frequently mentioned for her work with reactive and challenging cases.

They also provide articles, handouts, and policies to support dog owners beyond training sessions.

Accomplishments

Owner Kristie Swan is recognized as a dog training genius with expertise in behavior and science. Instructors include Nikki, Rachael, Kristie, Amy, and Leah, all noted for their skill with reactive, anxious, and challenging cases. Multiple instructors hold professional certifications. The business provides articles and handouts to support dog owners.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins by submitting a request form for the desired service: Enrichment Session, Private Training, Concierge Day Training, or Cat Training. A Dog’s Life GR reviews requests manually and schedules appointments based on availability. No automated booking system is mentioned.

A Dog’s Life GR featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • Free Consultation

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Afternoon
  • Evening

Hours

Monday: 9am-6pm
Tuesday: 9am-6pm
Wednesday: 9am-6pm
Thursday: 9am-6pm
Friday: 9am-3pm
Saturday: 9am-3pm
Sunday: Closed

Certifications

  • CBCC-KA
  • CPDT-KA
  • CPDT-KSA
  • CTC
  • IAABC-CDBC
  • IACP-CDT
  • KPA-CTP
  • Credentialed

Associations

  • AKC
  • APDT
  • IAABC
  • IACP
  • PPG
  • Accredited

Languages

  • English

Other Services Offered

  • Pet trainer

Location

455 Lake Michigan Dr NW Suite 15, Grand Rapids, MI 49534

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