Muttz Gym

Muttz Gym offers a variety of training programs. Group classes are 45 minutes long with open enrollment, requiring a minimum of two dogs to run. These include Puppiez (ages 3-8 months) focusing on socialization, play, and basic obedience; Basic Skillz (ages 6+ months) for enhancing basic obedience through games; Shy Muttz (all ages) for building confidence in fearful dogs using positive reinforcement and gradual exposure; Intermediate Skillz (ages 9+ months) for dogs with previous training, preparing for AKC CGC/CGCA titles; Pack Walk for loose leash walking, recalls, and leash reactivity; Agility/Rally Fun and Sportz Muttz for introducing dogs to various sports; AKC Fit Dog for fitness activities; and Cooperative Care for vet/groomer/home behaviors.

Private training sessions are one hour long and can be attended by the owner or be a drop-off service. The first session involves information gathering, observation, assessment, and plan development. Training packages cover all dogs in a household, and family members are welcome. Sessions can cover obedience, behavior modification, confidence building, AKC CGC/Trick Dog evaluations, beginner agility, AKC Rally, and scentwork. Therapy Dog, Emotional Support Dog, and Service Dog training programs are also available for qualified individuals.

Day Train is offered two Fridays a month, providing 1-on-1 training with Tracy (60 minutes for full day, 30 minutes for half day), a personalized training plan, off-leash play, a filled KONG, and quiet time in a crate. Space is limited to four dogs daily.

Doggy Daycare is available on Mini Muttz Mondays (dogs 35 lbs or less), All Muttz Wednesdays (all sizes), and Day Train Fridays (ages 5+ months). Both full and half days are offered.

Pricing Summary

Group classes are available as single classes for $40, or in packs: Four (4) classes for $144 (10% discount, expires 60 days), Six (6) classes for $204 (15% discount, expires 75 days), and Eight (8) classes for $256 (20% discount, expires 90 days).

Daycare options include a Single FULL Day for $38, a FULL Basic Daycare Package (4 days) for $148 (expires 45 days), and a FULL Standard Daycare Package (8 days) for $288 (expires 75 days). Half-day options are a Single HALF Day for $27, a HALF Basic Daycare Package (4 days) for $105 (expires 45 days), and a HALF Standard Daycare Package (8 days) for $200 (expires 75 days).

Day Train services cost $115 for a Full Day and $75 for a Half Day. A package of Four (4) Day Trains is available for $414, offering a 10% savings.

Private training packages include a Meet & Greet session for $105 (1 session, can be applied to a package), a BASIC package for $378 (4 sessions, 10% savings, expires 60 days), a STANDARD package for $534 (6 sessions, 15% savings, expires 90 days), and a PREMIUM package for $672 (8 sessions, 20% savings, expires 120 days). Private floor rental is $40 per visit.

Payments are accepted via cash, personal checks, and credit cards. A 2% convenience fee is added to credit card transactions, but it is waived for Meet & Greet and private floor rental bookings. Payment plans are available for private training packages, with half due at the first session and the second half at the third session.

Policies

For group classes, a minimum of two dogs must be signed up for the class to run. For daycare, all dogs are required to complete a 3-hour evaluation day before attending half or full days. Dogs aged 6 months or older must be spayed or neutered to attend daycare. All dogs must be friendly around both humans and other dogs. Training packages have expiration dates ranging from 45 to 120 days after purchase. For private training packages, payment plans are available, requiring half payment at the first session and the second half at the third session. Weekly private training sessions are recommended, with bi-weekly sessions also being good, but longer intervals can negatively affect the learning curve.

Muttz Gym is a dog training business founded in 2016 by Tracy Bruinsma, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and AKC CGC Evaluator. Tracy has a background in physical education and psychology, having been an elementary PE/Health teacher for over 20 years. Her passion for dogs began in childhood, leading her to train her own dogs and eventually pursue professional dog training.

Muttz Gym focuses on building a happy and healthy bond between humans and their dogs through science-based positive reinforcement training. They aim to educate owners and bridge the communication gap by helping them understand dog language. The environment is described as safe, fun, and easy-going.

Services offered include private training sessions at their facility, group classes, and day training. They also provide doggy daycare options. Muttz Gym offers various programs, including family dog training, service dog training, therapy dog training, competition/agility training, and behavior modification. They also offer private floor rentals for owners to work with their dogs independently.

Accomplishments

The owner, Tracy Bruinsma, holds a BS in Physical Education and Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from Michigan State University and an MA in Physical Education Pedagogy from Wayne State. She was an elementary PE/Health teacher for over 20 years, with experience in general education, special education, diabetic care, CPR/First Aid, and CPI/Menta training. She also taught RtI, religious education, and coached softball and baseball.

In dog training, Tracy trained her first dog at 12 years old and later began training other owners’ dogs as a hobby. She successfully trained her Golden Retriever, Bindi, to be a fully vested service dog. Tracy is an AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator and passed the Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) exam in April 2022.

How to Get Started!

To begin, new clients can register through the Muttz Gym portal. For daycare services, dogs must first complete a 3-hour evaluation day. For private training, clients can schedule a Meet & Greet session. Group classes offer open enrollment, allowing clients to try a single class before committing to a package. Clients can book private training appointments, daycare or day train reservations, group classes, or private floor rental times through the online registration system. Handouts including a Training Supply List, a 1st Homework Assignment, and a Dog Body Language guide are available for clients.