group classes
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general info
Class size is limited to provide as much individual attention as possible. 4 dogs for intro classes; 6 dogs for upper level courses. Classes are held at A Pleasant Dog unless otherwise indicated.
Any changes to class roster need to be made one week prior to class starting. Our refund policy is 1 week prior to the start date of your class. We will hold a $50 registration fee. This is non-refundable, but is transferable with 7 days notice.Scholarships are available for the underserved population, contact us for more information.
We require all dogs coming to classes to be up to date on the following vaccines (for their age): Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella, Rabies and a clean fecal sample on file with your vet, done within the past 6 months.
If you have two dogs from the same family, they must be enrolled in different classes, unless you have trainer approval.
basics
Puppy Classes
Adult Classes
Click on a link below to ‘jump’ to that section on the page!
ap students
AP Students
for our reactive students
Reactive Classes
sports + fun stuff
Intro To Sports
Canine Good Citizen
Agility
Rally
Trick Dog
Canine Freestyle
Nosework
Barkour
other
Cooperative Care
puppy 101
These classes are designed to help puppies up to 5 months of age learn basic manners and also resolve problem behaviors, like jumping, mouthing, and potty accidents. If your puppy has an intestinal parasite, even if they are receiving treatment, your puppy must wait to attend puppy class until the stool is clear of parasites. For puppies ages 5 months and younger. This class is not meant to address anxious behaviors like biting, barking, growling, freezing, or fleeing from people or other dogs. If your dog is exhibiting these behaviors, please call to schedule a private session with us CLICK HERE To Schedule a Private Consultation.
$199 for six 1-hour sessions.
Don't forget Puppy Camp - Our drop off socialization program for puppies!
class sessions
pup and the city!
Take your pup's training on the road with this socialization series focused on positive exposure to new environments and city life. We'll discuss how to build focus in public spaces and address the challenging topic of polite greetings and advocating for your dog. Each week we'll meet in a new location to work with our puppies and have new experiences together! This is a four week series of half hour on location sessions in Grand Rapids. The first session is held at our facility on Knapp St. This session is for puppies under 6 months of age.
Cost $150 for four 30 minute sessions.
**This class meets at a NEW LOCATION each week! Week 1 is at A Pleasant Dog**
class sessions
None at this time
pup meets world!
Did you know there's more to puppy socialization than just meeting new dogs and people? This four week series is for puppies under 5 months of age, where you'll learn how to build your puppy's confidence with novel sights, sounds, and surfaces. We'll introduce new stimuli each week, including all sorts of distractions from walkers to strollers to umbrellas. Of course, we'll cover positive exposure to dogs and people, too! This will include playtime for puppies who are comfortable in a group setting.
Cost $150 for four 30 minute sessions
class sessions
None at this time
adult 101
This class is for puppies over 5 months of age, adolescent dogs, and adult dogs with no previous training. Adult 101 teaches basic obedience in a fun and positive setting. We also help work on problem behaviors like counter surfing, chewing, and jumping up. This class is not meant to address anxious behaviors like biting, barking, growling, freezing, or fleeing from people or other dogs. If your dog is exhibiting these behaviors, please call to schedule a private session with us.
$199 for six 1-hour sessions.
class sessions
adult 102
This class continues building on the basic behaviors started in Puppy and Adult 101. We'll also discuss topics such as working with distractions and how to prepare to fade out treats.
Prerequisite: Puppy 101 or Adult 101.
$199 for six 1-hour sessions.
class sessions
Please read carefully, as the classes listed below all have prerequisite requirements. If you're new to A Pleasant Dog, we usually recommend starting at the beginning so you don't miss out on crucial foundation steps that may not be covered in classes at other facilities. Our advanced classes will continue to build on these skills started in our 101 classes. However, if your dog already has extensive training and you think they may qualify for advanced placement, please begin by filling out our contact form here. Our team will get back to you with an individualized recommendation as soon as we can. Private lessons are available to supplement previous training to get your dog ready for advanced placement classes if needed.
pre-therapy dog class ages six months and up
Do you hope to one day do therapy work with your dog? Think your dog has what it takes? This class is for dogs and puppies who are friendly with people and other dogs. We work on skills like walking politely on leash, introduction to medical equipment and therapy dog cues for petting and giving folks space. Join Lindsay Carlson, a former teacher to learn about the best way to manage your dog and the people they may serve as future therapy dogs.
Prerequisite: 101 class A Pleasant Dog or instructor approval, must be friendly with other dogs
$225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
None at this time
therapy dog prep class
Do you think your dog is ready to do therapy work? Are you on the waitlist for therapy visits with a therapy dog organization? If you think you've got what it takes, we've got what you need to prepare for the next steps. Join instructors Jenn Gavin and Lindsay Carlson as we work through the skills necessary to do therapy dog visits in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other environments including: ignoring food smells, dirty diapers, medical equipment; greeting or not greeting on cue; handler presentation and dog presentation for therapy work; reading canine body language; reading human body language; and more.
Prerequisite: AKC CGC prep class completion through A Pleasant Dog or AKC CGC title; or instructor approval
$299 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
None at this time
intermediate 201
Our first Intermediate level class expands on the behaviors from our beginner level classes. We'll continue increasing the difficulty level for skills like Stay, Leash Walking, Leave It, and Place, and introduce new behaviors like sitting politely to greet a stranger. We'll walk through some of the next steps to getting more consistent behaviors in real life settings, too.
Prerequisite: Adult 102
$225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
None at this time
intermediate 202
Join us to continue taking your dog's skills to the next level, and to begin discussing the process of fading out treats more in depth. We'll continue practicing sitting for petting, leash walking with distractions, more difficult versions of stay and leave it, and start working on a few new skills as we gear up to go into more advanced training.
Prerequisite: Intermediate 201/ previously taken Intermediate class with us
$225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
None at this time
PLEASE NOTE: While we love having our Pleasant families join us for training, due to the nature of the Reactive group classes, all participants must be over the age of 18.
If you have a child that will need to accompany you to class, please reach out to us at get@apleasantdog.com Thank you for understanding!
reactive dog class
This class is for dogs who are not comfortable (aggressive or reactive) in the presence of other dogs. This is a six week class in which we teach dogs and their owners how to cope with the presence of other dogs. Week one is attended solely by owners.
We recommend some specific equipment for this class; a 4-6 foot flat lead is best, paired with a buckle collar, martingale collar, or body harness.
Class size is limited and is taught by two instructors. A prior behavior consult or instructor approval is required to join reactive class.
$350 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
Starts Thursday, January 9th at 5:15pm with Gin & Parker
Starts Monday January 13th at 6:30pm with Gin & Jennie
reactive dog recess
Reactive dogs deserve fun and enrichment just as much as every other dog! We are so excited to bring you Reactive Dog Recess, a class designed specifically for our dog reactive friends. In this class you'll be able to continue building your dog's confidence and focus when working around other dogs while also learning some fun dog sport skills. This six-week class will introduce elements of nosework, dog parkour, agility, tricks, musical freestyle, and rally obedience. We will discuss how these activities can provide enrichment and stimulation for your dog, and how you can incorporate some of your dog's new skills as coping strategies outside of the classroom.
This class is for our dog reactive friends who have already begun training with A Pleasant Dog. Trainer approval is required.
Class size is limited and is taught by two instructors.
Cost is $350 for six 1-hour sessions.
Please contact our team at get@apleasantdog.com or 616-264-2532 to sign up!
class sessions
Starts Thursday, January 9th at 4:00pm with Gin & Rox
reactive to resilient
A Pleasant Dog trainers help you and your dog continue learning to build resilience. In our reactive to resilient class, dogs and handlers expand their learning and continue to develop new positive associations with the things that are scary to them, together with practicing new skills and patterns and new coping strategies for when stress is present. Students continue their learning building, cooperative care techniques, and new fun behaviors. The goal of this class is for your dogs to continue to feel comfortable in the presence of new people and other dogs with a goal toward them being able to feel comfortable in a variety of settings, including sport and fun classes, new walking environments, the veterinarian’s office, the groomers, and more.
Prerequisite: Our Reactive class.
Class size is limited and is taught by two instructors.
$350 for six 1-hour sessions
Please contact our team at get@apleasantdog.com or 616-264-2532 to sign up!
class sessions
None at this time
reactive nosework class
Join us for a 6 week introduction to nosework class that is able to accommodate pups who have big feelings about dogs and/or people. We will be focusing on scent training which is a sport based from detection work utilizing essential oils. Nosework is beneficial for all dogs, but especially dogs who need support in confidence-building. We will also spend time discussing reactivity and the different types of reactivity in order to support you in setting up your dog for success. We will be fostering a learning environment for dogs of all sizes, ages, and needs!
This class is for our dog reactive friends who have already begun training with A Pleasant Dog. Trainer approval is required.
$350 for six 1-hour sessions
Please contact our team at get@apleasantdog.com or 616-264-2532 to sign up!
class sessions
None at this time
reactive dog agility class
Curious about agility but worried that a traditional agility class setting will be too overwhelming for your reactive dog? This is the class for you. Agility can be a fun outlet for high energy dogs but sometimes seeing other dogs make big exciting movements can be overstimulating or stressful. In this class you and your dog will learn some basics of agility together, and continue to build focus and confidence while working around other dogs.
This class is for our dog reactive friends who have already begun training with A Pleasant Dog. Trainer approval is required.
Class size is limited and is taught by two instructors.
This class is taught outdoors at Cedar Springs Animal Hospital.
Cost is $350 for six 1-hour sessions.
Please contact our team at get@apleasantdog.com or 616-264-2532 to sign up!
class sessions
This Class is held outdoors at: Cedar Animal Hospital 3705 Gentle Way, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
None at this time
cooperative care class
Does your dog hate the vet? The groomer? Nail trims? In this class, we will teach you the steps necessary to help your dog learn to consent to veterinary and grooming procedures. Join licensed veterinary nurse Kaylee as she teaches you about start buttons for husbandry skills, baby steps toward cooperative vaccinations, blood draws, exams, and grooms. No prerequisite but dogs with a history of reactivity or aggression or nips or bites must complete a private behavior consultation first.
$249 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
None at this time
introduction to sports
Interested in dog sports but not sure where to start? This is the perfect class for you! We'll sample trick training, agility, nosework, freestyle, rally, and parkour. You and your dog will learn some fun new skills each week. Find out what your dog excels in and head into one of our sport classes with a little bit of a head start.
$225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
The CGC certification is an AKC title that demonstrates a dog has good manners in public, and is for many therapy dog clubs the first step toward therapy work.
*CGC certification exams are also available to the general public for a fee.
cgc 1
Focuses on honing the skills so that your dog has a great understanding of the behaviors expected. This class concludes in Week 6 with a practice test to check in on your progress.
$250 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
cgc 2
Now that your dog has learned the skills required for the CGC test, we'll begin the process of fading out treats to prepare for the real deal. Students will take the official Canine Good Citizen test with their instructor in Week 6.
$250 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
None at this time
cgc workshops
Join us for a 3 week workshop refreshing your skills and preparing to take the CGC test, with another opportunity to take the test! This course is designed for students who feel ready to take the test but would like a little extra practice time first.
Prerequisite: This workshop class is for students who have completed our CGC classes.
$100 for one 1-hour group class, and two 15-20 minute test slots (practice test & official test)
sessions
Click here to fill out our contact form: We can add you to our notifications list for our next workshop.
Agility is a sport for you and your dog. Like any sport agility can be trained and competed at different levels. It can be a nice shared hobby for you and your dog in your free time, or you can compete more seriously at top-level international competitions, still not forgetting having fun! It is a dog sport, where the dog is handled through an obstacle course. Agility can be practiced with all kinds of dogs, no matter what the size. It doesn’t matter if your dog is a puppy or adult. Contrary to common belief, old dogs can learn new tricks! Agility is also for all types of handlers, from young people to older. It is a fun way to do an activity with your dog.
Class may be postponed due to weather. We will make up the missed class by adding an additional week from the last date of class.
agility foundations part 1
Have fun building confidence and learning foundational skills that will transfer to our beginner agility classes and give you and your dog a jump start! We’ll work on different handling exercises, start introductions to some basic obstacles, and practice essential skills like stay, come, and send. You and your dog should be familiar with the basics of marker training before joining. No prior agility experience required.
New to the world of dog sports and unsure where to begin? This class offers the traditional APD experience with learning steps broken down into bite-sized pieces for a very structured and supported individual experience. If you have taken classes here and enjoy our teaching style this is a great option for you! This class will lay a firm foundation for future dog sport work.
This class is taught at our facility on Knapp St. in Grand Rapids.
$225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
agility foundations part 2
Continue building on skills learned in Agility Foundations Part 1 to improve confidence & coordination & work on foundation skills like stay and handling exercises.
New to the world of dog sports and unsure where to begin? This class offers the traditional APD experience with learning steps broken down into bite-sized pieces for a very structured and supported individual experience. If you have taken classes here and enjoy our teaching style this is a great option for you! This class will lay a firm foundation for future dog sport work.
This class is taught at our facility on Knapp St. in Grand Rapids.
Prerequisite: Agility Foundations part 1
$225 for six- 1-hour sessions
class sessions
None at this time
beginner
This foundation class is the first class for learning agility no matter your dog’s age. Students will work on developing teamwork, and understanding communication between you and your dog. Skills learned will lead to work on obstacles. Learning will always be done in a positive manner to encourage confidence in both handler and dog.
Do you enjoy a fast paced learning environment? This class is geared toward participants with dog sports experience or those who are independent learners and want to hit the agility course running! This class focuses primarily on agility obstacles and exercises with real time coaching from an experienced agility instructor.
Students get the most out of the class when they have basic skills like recall, sit, down, stay, and focus on owner, but these don’t need to be perfect. Emphasis in this class is on having fun with your dog
This class is taught outdoors at Cedar Springs Animal Hospital.
$160 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
This Class is held outdoors at: Cedar Animal Hospital 3705 Gentle Way, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
Done for the season! Check back next spring!
advanced beginner
This class builds on skills leading to proficiency, but not yet proficient, especially with weaves, teeter and contacts. We work on beginning of independent obstacle performance. Teams will be working on more advanced handling, including crosses as we continue to work to develop teamwork and have fun.
Prerequisite: Must know most obstacles, but not yet be proficient. Beginning handling skills. Dogs should have fairly solid recall and a short stay.
This class is taught outdoors at Cedar Springs Animal Hospital.
$160 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
This Class is held outdoors at: Cedar Animal Hospital 3705 Gentle Way, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
Done for the season! Check back next spring!
intermediate
This class is for dogs competing or getting ready to compete in agility, though teams not interested in competing are also welcome.
Prerequisite: Familiar with all obstacles, though weaves and teeter can be a work in progress. Class participants will improve obstacle performance with more distractions; improve timing and add more advanced handling skills. Teams will learn more advanced crosses, longer sends, independent obstacle performance. Class aims to problem solve individual concerns while continuing to encourage handlers to keep having fun with their dogs.
This class is taught outdoors at Cedar Springs Animal Hospital.
$160 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
This Class is held outdoors at: Cedar Animal Hospital 3705 Gentle Way, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
Done for the season! Check back next spring!
advanced
This class is for dogs and their handles working to compete or already competing in agility.
Prerequisite: should be familiar with all obstacles. Goals include improving obstacle performance with more distractions; learning more advanced crosses, longer sends, and independent obstacle performance. We improve advanced handling skills and timing with your agility team mate. Problem solve individual concerns.
This class is taught outdoors at Cedar Springs Animal Hospital.
$160 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
This Class is held outdoors at: Cedar Animal Hospital 3705 Gentle Way, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
Done for the season! Check back next spring!
agility handling skills
This class is for students who have completed our Agility Foundations class series, and/or have some prior agility experience. Our focus will be on sequencing obstacles together and teaching handler skills to better communicate with your dog on the course. We will also continue learning some of the more challenging obstacles including weave poles and teeter.
This class is taught outdoors at Cedar Springs Animal Hospital.
$225 for 6 one-hour sessions.
class sessions
This Class is held outdoors at: Cedar Animal Hospital 3705 Gentle Way, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
Done for the season! Check back next spring!
rally 101
Rally is a great way to enjoy heelwork with your dog, while also practicing other behaviors such as sit, down, stay, come, and more advanced leash work. Join us to get started at the introductory Novice level. We will use the AKC Rally format and signs.
$225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
rally 102
Let's keep building on the skills that we started in Rally 101! We'll do more coursework, focus on higher precision, and work toward reducing reinforcers for dogs who are ready. We will be using AKC format and signs, at the Novice level.
$225 for six 1-hour class sessions.
class sessions
rally practice
This class is for students who have completed our Rally 101 and Rally 102 classes and are considering entering a trial in the future. Now that we've learned all of the AKC Rally Novice signs, and fine tuned some flashy skills, let's talk about trialing! Learn how to read course maps, and the ins and outs of preparing to compete in a real Rally trial at the Novice level.
$225 for six 1-hour class sessions.
Prerequisite: Rally 101 & Rally 102
class sessions
akc novice tricks
In this class, your dog will learn a variety of fun tricks, and have the opportunity to earn the Novice Trick Dog title if your dog is AKC registered. If your dog isn't AKC registered, you can still enjoy the class and have fun learning some new skills! Trick training provides mental enrichment, and is a wonderful way to bond with your dog. It can also be a great confidence booster! This class is open to students who have completed Puppy 101 or Adult 101, or with trainer approval.
$225 for six 1-hour class sessions.
class sessions
None at this time
akc intermediate tricks
More fun with tricks! In this class, we will keep working on some of the more challenging tricks introduced in the Novice Tricks class, and learn some new tricks from the Intermediate Trick Dog trick list. Your dog will have the opportunity to earn their Intermediate Trick Dog title at the end of the class. You're more than welcome to join just for fun if your dog isn't AKC registered.
Prerequisite: AKC Novice Tricks Class or AKC Novice Trick Dog Title
$225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
akc advanced tricks
More fun with tricks! In this class, we will keep working on some of the more challenging tricks introduced in the Novice and Intermediate Tricks classes, and learn some new tricks from the Advanced Trick Dog trick list. Your dog will have the opportunity to earn their Advanced Trick Dog title at the end of the class. You're more than welcome to join just for fun if your dog isn't AKC registered.
Prerequisite: AKC Novice and Intermediate Tricks Class or AKC Novice and Intermediate Trick Dog Titles
$225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
None at this time
beginner square dance
Canine freestyle is the sport of ‘dancing’ with dogs! Heelwork and tricks are choreographed to music in a specific routine. It’s a fun way to build your bond with your dog and have a little fun! In this class your freestyle trainer will lead you and your dog through the steps necessary to complete some beginning square dancing steps together. Class is 6 weeks long. At A Pleasant Dog we have decided to start a square dance club, and this is the first step! Dogs should be able to focus in a group class setting around dogs in order to attend.
$225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
None at this time
square dance club practice
This class is for students who have already started learning to square dance with their dogs and want to keep practicing their moves!
$225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
None at this time
beginner nosework
Nosework (also called Scentwork) is an activity where dogs sniff out and locate a hidden scent using their strongest sense, smell! This class is designed for beginners with zero or minimal Nosework experience. We'll start from square one, teaching our dogs how to indicate the scent, and working up to hiding it in more challenging places over the course of six weeks. Nosework is a fantastic way to engage your dog's brain and provide mental enrichment and stimulation, and is something that dogs of all ages and abilities can enjoy! Your class cost will include a Nosework tin (birch) to practice with at home. Dogs should be able to focus in a group class setting around dogs in order to attend.
$225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
nosework practice
This class is designed for students who have already completed Beginner Nosework, or dogs who have worked in private lessons or trained independently and are already finding hidden scent. Searches will be adjusted to the level of each individual dog. Come join us and get your sniffing practice in! If you have never trained with A Pleasant Dog before, a half hour individual session may be required for approval to join.
$225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
None at this time
barkour 101
Ever heard of Parkour for dogs? You have now! Dog Parkour is a fun and enriching activity you can do with your dog to build confidence, strength, and a stronger bond between dog and handler. Come and learn the basics and beginner level skills with Gin, one of only two IDPKA (International Dog Parkour Association) certified instructors in the state of Michigan. Please note, harnesses are an important piece of safety equipment for parkour and will be a requirement for this class. You will not need one yet for week 1, and we will discuss ideal harness styles for parkour in the first week of class.
Cost is $225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
None at this time
barkour 102
Keep building on the skills your dog started learning in Barkour 101, with a focus on strengthening and differentiating verbal cues, and learning stimulus control. Dogs will practice known parkour skills with new objects, and continue working on body awareness and confidence building.
Cost is $225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
None at this time
you like us. you really like us!
Our classes fill very quickly. If you do not see a class that fits your schedule here, or if the class time that you would like is full, please contact us by completing our contact form to be added to our notification list. In the meantime, please feel free to checkout our private sessions, camps and also our stay and train options!