West Michigan K9

West Michigan K9 offers several training programs tailored to different needs. Private Training consists of one-hour, one-on-one sessions every two weeks, conducted either at their facility or the client’s home, focusing on obedience, leash manners, and public manners for dogs 18 weeks and older.

The Stay & Train program is their most popular and comprehensive option, where dogs stay overnight at their facility. This program aims for the highest level of obedience and control, with durations available for 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks, covering foundational obedience, leash walking, impulse control, and advanced behavior modification.

Day Training is a “per-day” program with overnight capability, designed for existing clients who need remedial or maintenance training for obedience or behavior issues. They also offer Puppy Selection for individuals looking for a quality German Shepherd puppy, Narcotics Search services using certified police canines, and provide fully trained on-leash/off-leash adult canines for protection. Additionally, On-demand Training is available via one-hour Zoom calls with a trainer for basic obedience and leash manners.

Pricing Summary

Most programs require a non-refundable deposit to secure a spot. Boarding is $30/day, or $35/day during holidays. Deposits for Stay & Train and Protection Training are non-refundable for any reason. The service cost for Protection Training is also non-refundable.

Policies

West Michigan K9 does not offer monetary refunds but stands 100% behind their training, emphasizing a partnership between the client, dog, and trainers. Success depends on both the trainers’ work and the owner’s follow-up on homework and strategies.

For Private Training, deposits and/or payments are non-refundable. If rescheduling or canceling more than 14 days prior to the start date, the original deposit can be used as a credit, but a new deposit is required. If less than 14 days, the original deposit is forfeited, and a new deposit is required.

For Stay & Train, deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations or date changes made more than 14 days prior to the start date will result in a credit for the deposit amount towards a future service. If less than 14 days, the deposit is forfeited, and a new deposit is required for a new training start date. For Protection Training, both deposits and the service cost are non-refundable for any reason.

West Michigan K9 officially opened in 2013, starting as a hobby in a garage before expanding to a facility in West Olive. Their core philosophy is to treat every client like family, always doing what is right for the client and their dog, with a goal to create the best relationship through “Obedience with a whisper.” They utilize all four quadrants of training to achieve desired results.

They offer a variety of training programs including Private Training (one-on-one sessions at their facility or your home), Stay & Train (their most comprehensive board and train package), and Day Training (for existing clients needing remedial or maintenance training). West Michigan K9 works with all breeds, sizes, and ages, and specializes in addressing aggression and reactivity issues, which account for over three-quarters of the dogs they see.

Beyond training, they provide German Shepherd puppy selection assistance, narcotics search services using certified police canines, and sell fully trained protection K9s. They also sell K9 equipment from LOF Defence, being the sole distributor in the United States as of January 2018. Their facility in West Olive is 3,000 SQFT on 8 acres, featuring temperature control, heated floors, central air, natural ventilation, sound-absorbing material, and 24/7 fire/security/video monitoring, maintaining high standards of cleanliness.

Accomplishments

West Michigan K9 officially opened in 2013, with founder Stephen becoming a highly sought-after dog trainer in West Michigan. The company has received recognition for its work with veterans, including a personal letter from President Barack Obama to Stephen. Their trained dogs have been featured in Hollywood movies.

As of January 2018, West Michigan K9 became the only distributor for LOF Defence products in the United States. They have also donated a K9 to the Wyoming Police Department and have been interviewed by WGVU and Sound Off Signal.

How to Get Started!

To begin training with West Michigan K9, most programs require a non-refundable deposit to secure a spot in their calendar. Prospective clients can call them directly at (616) 953-3504 or submit a form through their website. They offer options to schedule an appointment or a call. For those interested in German Shepherd puppy selection, a direct call is recommended. Evaluations are available for protection dog candidates and for dogs being considered for surrender.