A Pleasant Dog
Service area: Serves Grand Rapids, Michigan and surrounding areas in West Michigan; clients travel from across the state for their specialized services.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Puppy Training
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Separation Anxiety
- Barking Excessively
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- In-Home
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
- Day Training
- Video Calls
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
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)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
Programs include group classes for basic obedience and freestyle, private in-home and virtual sessions for behavior modification, intensive separation anxiety programs with an online course and book option, and drop-off training for dogs needing focused work. Puppy programs and cooperative care training for vet visits are also offered. Reactive dog classes are held in controlled environments to ensure safety and progress.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing is not publicly listed; clients are encouraged to book a consultation to receive customized quotes for private training, group classes, or drop-off programs. Online courses and books are available for purchase separately.
Policies
House call appointments must be booked in person or by phone. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated on the website.
Testimonials
“I have a reactive dog that has gone to one on one visits with Jenn to help provide tools to help with his behavior. She has done wonders. No more constant barking at any movement. We’re able to go on walks again and able to enjoy life more. For our boy Boötes and us as a family.”
– Boots’ family
“A Pleasant Dog took on a really difficult situation with compassion and dedication. I really appreciate their evidence-based approach to training.”
– Client
“I cannot say enough good things about the staff at A Pleasant Dog – they are an absolute God send! They are helping me and my 4 year old Pomeranian, Banjo, with a plethora of skills and communication. They are extremely personable, patient, and kind, and tailor training to our specific needs.”
– Client
About the Trainer
A Pleasant Dog is a force-free, science-based dog and cat training business located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, founded by Jenn Gavin, a certified trainer with over 29 years of experience. They specialize in gentle, positive reinforcement methods aligned with the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, helping dogs with anxiety, reactivity, separation anxiety, aggression, and other complex behaviors. Their services include group classes, private in-home and virtual training, drop-off training, cooperative vet care, and force-free grooming. They also offer specialized programs for puppies, reactive dogs, and cats, along with workshops, room rentals for trainers, and an online separation anxiety course developed by their head trainer. Clients praise their compassionate, knowledgeable team and their ability to help even the most challenging cases with empathy and evidence-based techniques.
They provide cooperative grooming and house call grooming services, ensuring stress-free experiences for anxious pets. Their approach avoids force, fear, or punishment, focusing instead on building trust and confidence in both dogs and their owners. A Pleasant Dog also offers educational resources through their blog and research page, helping owners understand behavior science and make informed decisions.
Accomplishments
Jenn Gavin, the head trainer and owner, has over 29 years of experience working with anxious and aggressive dogs, is CPDT-KA certified, and has developed a widely used online separation anxiety course and book. She consults with veterinarians and behaviorists nationwide and is recognized as a trusted expert in her region for complex behavioral cases.
How to Get Started!
Client engagement begins with booking an appointment via their online booking page or by phone. New clients are encouraged to review services and select the appropriate option based on their dog’s needs, such as private consultation for behavior issues or group classes for basic training. A consultation with head trainer Jenn Gavin is recommended for complex cases like separation anxiety or reactivity.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
8am-6pm
Certifications
- CPDT-KA
Associations
- Accredited
Languages
- English
Other Services Offered
- Pet groomer
- Dog day care center
Location
1430 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505Listing Tools for Trainers
For A Pleasant Dog Only
Update Your Info
To update your profile, contact us with your changes.
Share Your Achievement!
Let the world know you’ve been recognized by Goody Doggy as a top-ranked dog trainer in Grand Rapids. Add your achievement badges to your website to stand out from the competition and convert more website visitors into clients.
Upgrade Your Profile - Get Featured!
Become the obvious choice for dog owners in the Grand Rapids area and grow your dog training business.
- 3x More Views – Featured profiles are seen first and visited the most
- Qualified Leads – A constant stream of motivated Grand Rapids clients
- Enhance Your Profile – Stand out from the crowd with more photos, social media links, and custom sales copy
- More Web Traffic – Improve your site’s search engine exposure (SEO)
- Build Your Brand – Establish trustworthiness and prestige