K9 Learning Center

The K9 Learning Center offers classes in regular series (6-week sessions) and mini-series (4-week sessions), with other formats offered at various intervals. Drop-in practice sessions and the Open/Utility class are self-paced and operate on a pay-as-you-go basis. Private lessons and consultations are available by appointment.

Many advanced classes require completion of a Starter class or equivalent. Most mini-series classes require on-leash control and sufficient dog focus in distracting environments. Participants are expected to practice between classes, with homework assignments given weekly.

Pricing Summary

Regular 6-week class sessions cost $125. After two sessions, subsequent 6-week sessions drop to $90 each. The Open/Utility class is $10 per session. Drop-in practice sessions are $5 per person per hour. Consultations are available by appointment for $25 per half hour. Refunds are not given after the second class of a session and will not exceed $60; refund requests must be made within 6 months of the first day of class.

Policies

A K9 Learning Center Policy Disclaimer Acknowledgement form must be signed and submitted before attending any training class. Participants are expected to clean up after their dogs both inside the building and in the community, and dogs must be walked prior to entering the facility. Dogs must be kept on leash and under control when entering and exiting the center.

Handlers should preferably be at least 16 years old; those under 16 must have a parent or guardian present in the building. All children younger than 16 must be supervised. The K9 Learning Center reserves the right to dismiss anyone abusive or cruel to their dog, or disruptive to others, without refund. No attack-trained dogs are allowed, though dogs with some aggressive tendencies may be permitted depending on handler control, with private lessons as an option. In case of weather-related closures, the center follows Watervliet Public Schools, and a makeup class will be offered. Participants are responsible for their actions and their dogs’ actions, and must attest that their dogs are current on veterinarian-recommended vaccinations for Michigan.

K9 Learning Center is a dog training facility located in Downtown Watervliet, Michigan. They focus on working with both the owner and their dog to achieve desired obedience, welcoming all breeds and ages without requiring previous training, only a willingness to learn.

Their mission is to enhance the human-canine bond by increasing human understanding of canine behavior, aiming for owners to facilitate consistent, desirable behaviors from their dogs.

They offer a wide range of instructional class sessions, available in group or individual formats, covering all obedience levels and various disciplines such as obedience, rally, agility, carting (draft), and tracking. The center also provides drop-in training sessions and consultations.

K9 Learning Center supports diverse goals, from basic pet manners to competition readiness. They offer preparation and testing for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program, which serves as a foundational step for therapy dog training. Additionally, limited training supplies and aids are available at the facility.

Accomplishments

Nan Edwards, the owner and lead instructor, has been involved with dogs for over 40 years and has operated the K9 Learning Center for over thirteen years. She actively participates in draft (carting), water rescue, Rally, obedience, and tracking. Nan is a mentor draft judge for the Newfoundland Club of America (NCA) and other breed clubs, and is a member of several Newfoundland clubs and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America. She is also an AKC CGC evaluator. Her Newfoundlands have earned numerous titles, including two Versatility Newfoundland (VN) awards, and she has twice qualified a Newfoundland in the National Obedience Top 10.

Sharon Little has been a K9 Learning Center instructor for over ten years, bringing extensive animal experience from 4H, including competition with goats, sheep, and dogs. She has worked with disabled dog handlers and is a Therapy Dog instructor/evaluator. Her two Mini Australian Shepherds have competed successfully in Rally, obedience, draft (carting), and barn hunt, earning multiple titles, High in Trial (HIT), and High Combined awards. One of her dogs also serves as a reading dog at a local library.

How to Get Started!

To begin training, clients must register for classes and sign a Policy/Disclaimer Acknowledgement form, which needs to be submitted and placed on file prior to attending the first class. Registration can be completed online by filling out a form or by downloading, printing, and bringing a Class Registration Form to the K9 Learning Center. Private lessons and consultations are available by appointment.