Our Training Programs
Whether you're raising a puppy, building obedience foundations, or addressing behavior challenges, Dogology University offers personalized training solutions tailored to your dog's needs and your lifestyle.
Puppy Training & Socialization
Build confidence and manners during your puppy's critical development window. Early training sets the foundation for a well-behaved, confident adult dog.
Who it's for: New puppy owners (8 weeks – 6 months)
Format: Group classes or private training
Duration: Typically 4–8 weeks
Basic Obedience Classes
Master foundational commands and leash skills in a structured, supportive environment. Group classes build socialization while teaching essential manners.
Who it's for: Dogs 6 months and older
Format: Group classes or private lessons
Duration: Typically 6–8 weeks
Private In-Home Training
Get personalized instruction in your own home. Perfect for busy schedules, behavior-specific work, or dogs that need one-on-one attention.
Who it's for: Any dog needing customized support
Format: Private sessions at your home
Duration: Flexible; typically 4–12 weeks
Behavior Consultation & Problem Solving
Address reactivity, anxiety, aggression, jumping, and other behavior challenges with science-based solutions. We specialize in helping dogs feel safer and more confident.
Who it's for: Dogs with behavior concerns
Format: Private in-home or consultation
Duration: Varies; typically 8–16 weeks
Board-and-Train Programs
Intensive, immersive training for serious behavior issues or busy owners. Your dog stays with us for focused, full-day training with professional guidance and owner support.
Who it's for: Dogs needing intensive support
Format: Residential training program
Duration: Typically 2–8 weeks
Not sure which program is right for your dog? Call us at (616) 935-6815 for a free consultation. We'll assess your dog's needs and recommend the best training path.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationBuild Confidence & Manners From Day One
The first 14 weeks of your puppy's life are critical. Early socialization and training set the foundation for a confident, well-behaved dog. At Dogology University, we guide you through this crucial window with science-based, positive reinforcement methods that build trust and teach your puppy how to navigate the world safely.
Critical Socialization Window (3–14 weeks)
Your puppy learns best when exposed to people, places, sounds, and experiences during this sensitive period. We help you maximize this window safely.
House Training & Basic Commands
Puppies learn sit, stay, down, and come in a fun, pressure-free environment. We also cover house training fundamentals so you and your puppy start on the right foot.
Bite Inhibition & Appropriate Play
Learn how puppies communicate through play-biting and how to teach bite inhibition and safe interaction with people and other dogs.
Confidence Building in New Environments
A well-socialized puppy grows into a calm, confident adult. We teach your puppy to explore safely and handle new situations with ease.
AKC Puppy Socialization Program Aligned: Our curriculum follows AKC best practices to ensure your puppy gets the right experiences at the right time.
Program Options & Timeline
We offer both group puppy classes and private training tailored to your needs.
- • Group Classes: 4–8 weeks, once or twice weekly. Great for socialization with other puppies in a controlled setting.
- • Private Training: Flexible scheduling, personalized pace. Ideal if your puppy needs extra attention or is shy.
Build a Well-Mannered, Confident Dog
Basic obedience training gives your dog the foundation they need to thrive. Whether it's sitting calmly, walking politely on a leash, or responding reliably to commands, these skills transform daily life for both of you.
Core Commands
Sit, stay, down, come, and leave it—the essential skills every dog needs.
Loose-Lead Walking
No more pulling. Enjoy relaxed, confident walks around Grand Haven.
Impulse Control & Manners
A dog that waits politely, doesn't jump on guests, and respects boundaries.
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Work toward a recognized certification that proves your dog's training.
Class Options
Group Classes: Affordable, social, and perfect for most dogs. Typical 6–8 week sessions with consistent weekly instruction.
Private Training: One-on-one support for dogs that need extra attention, faster progress, or a personalized schedule.
Real Benefits for Your Family
Safety & Control
A trained dog is safer around traffic, other dogs, and unpredictable situations. You can trust their response.
Stronger Bond
Training builds trust and communication. Your dog learns to look to you for guidance and feels secure.
Calmer Home
No jumping, pulling, or chaos. A well-trained dog fits smoothly into family life and reduces stress.
What to Expect: 6–8 Week Progression
Foundation: Sit, down, and basic focus work. Your dog learns how to learn.
Building: Stay, come, and loose-lead walking. Adding distance and duration.
Proofing: Practicing in new environments. Leave it and impulse control in real-world situations.
Mastery: Consistency and confidence. Your dog responds reliably, even with distractions.
Ready to Start?
Every dog learns at their own pace. We'll work with you to find the right class format and schedule that fits your life in Grand Haven.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationBehavior Consultation & Problem Solving
If your dog struggles with reactivity, anxiety, aggression, or other challenging behaviors, you're not alone—and these issues are absolutely addressable. We specialize in understanding the root causes of behavior problems and using positive reinforcement to create lasting change.
Common Behavior Issues We Help With
Reactivity & Aggression
Lunging, barking, snapping, or aggressive displays toward other dogs, people, or triggers. Often rooted in fear or frustration.
Anxiety & Fear
Excessive worry, phobias (storms, fireworks, car rides), separation distress, or shutdown behaviors in unfamiliar situations.
Pulling & Leash Behavior
Constant pulling, lunging on walks, or inability to settle on a leash. Makes walks stressful for both dog and owner.
Jumping & Impulse Control
Jumping on guests, inability to settle, mouthing, or difficulty with impulse control. Common in young or high-energy dogs.
Resource Guarding
Possessiveness over food, toys, or spaces. Stiff body language, growling, or snapping when approached during meals or play.
Other Behavior Concerns
Excessive barking, destructive behavior, inappropriate elimination, or any behavior affecting your dog's well-being or your household.
Why Behavior Problems Happen—And How We Address Them
Root Causes Matter
Behavior problems rarely appear out of nowhere. They often stem from fear, lack of training, insufficient exercise, medical issues, or past experiences. Before we can fix a behavior, we need to understand why it's happening.
Our consultations dig deep into your dog's history, triggers, and environment to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom.
Positive Reinforcement Builds Trust
Punishment-based training might suppress a behavior temporarily, but it doesn't address the underlying emotion or teach the dog what to do instead. It can also increase anxiety and damage your relationship.
We use positive reinforcement to teach your dog new, calm responses to triggers—and to rebuild trust between you and your dog. The goal is lasting change, not fear-based compliance.
Owner Participation is Key
The best training happens when the owner is actively involved and understands the "why" behind the techniques. We don't just train your dog—we train you too.
You'll learn how to recognize your dog's stress signals, how to manage the environment to set them up for success, and how to practice the techniques consistently at home.
Why Private In-Home Training Works Best for Behavior Issues
Behavior problems are often context-specific—your dog might be reactive on their own street, anxious in your home, or aggressive around your family's routine. Group classes can't address these specific triggers.
That's why we recommend private in-home training for behavior work. We come to your space, assess your dog in their actual environment, and teach you how to manage real-world situations.
Personalized Assessment
We see your dog in their real environment and understand their specific triggers.
One-on-One Coaching
You get direct instruction and feedback on your training technique.
Convenient Scheduling
We work around your schedule and can accommodate urgent behavior concerns.
Real-World Practice
You practice techniques with your dog in the actual spaces where problems occur.
Urgent Behavior Concerns? We Can Help Fast.
Same-Day & Emergency Service Available
If your dog shows signs of aggression, severe anxiety, or other urgent behavior concerns, don't wait. We offer same-day and emergency consultations to assess the situation and create an immediate action plan. Call us at (616) 935-6815 for urgent requests.
Realistic Timeline for Behavior Change
Behavior change takes time. The timeline depends on the severity of the issue, how long it's been happening, your dog's age, and how consistently you practice at home. Here's what to expect:
Weeks 1-2: Assessment & Foundation
Initial consultation, behavior assessment, and establishing baseline training. You'll learn the "why" behind the behavior and start basic techniques.
Weeks 3-6: Progress & Refinement
You'll notice initial improvements as your dog learns new responses to triggers. We refine techniques, troubleshoot challenges, and increase difficulty gradually.
Weeks 8+: Consolidation & Independence
Significant behavior change is evident. Your dog responds reliably in many situations, and you're managing real-world triggers confidently. We transition toward independence and ongoing maintenance.
Important: Severe behavior issues (aggression, severe anxiety) may take longer—sometimes months. Consistency is everything. Dogs don't "unlearn" behaviors overnight, but with patience and positive reinforcement, lasting change is absolutely possible.
Behavior Consultation & Training Pricing
Free Initial Consultation
We start with a free 30-45 minute consultation to assess your dog's behavior, discuss your goals, and explain our approach. No obligation.
Private Training Sessions
Approximately $100 per hour for in-home private training. Most behavior programs include 4-8 sessions over 4-8 weeks, depending on severity and your goals.
Exact pricing depends on your dog's specific needs, the complexity of the behavior issue, and the training plan we develop together. Call us at (616) 935-6815 to discuss your situation and get a personalized estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my dog too aggressive to train?
Very few dogs are truly untrainable. Aggression is usually a symptom of fear, frustration, or lack of training—all of which can be addressed with the right approach. We assess the severity during the consultation and let you know if we can help or if we need to refer you to a veterinary behaviorist for medication support alongside training.
Will my dog ever be "normal"?
Behavior change is possible, but realistic expectations matter. Some dogs will achieve dramatic improvements; others will always need management strategies. The goal is a dog who is calm, confident, and safe in daily life—not necessarily a dog with zero behavioral quirks.
How do I know if in-home training is right for my dog?
In-home training is ideal for behavior problems because we assess and practice in the actual context where issues occur. It's also convenient and allows for personalized coaching. If your dog has mild concerns or is ready for group classes, we can discuss other options during your free consultation.
What if I don't see results?
Behavior change requires consistent practice from you—it's not something we do *to* your dog. We'll coach you through the process and adjust the plan if needed. If progress stalls, we'll discuss what might be holding you back and explore alternatives (like board-and-train for intensive support).
Can I do this on my own without hiring a trainer?
Some behavior issues can be managed with good resources and patience. However, serious or dangerous behaviors benefit from professional guidance. We can help you avoid common mistakes, accelerate progress, and ensure both you and your dog stay safe during the process.
Ready to Address Your Dog's Behavior?
Your dog's behavior doesn't define them—and it doesn't define you as an owner. Let's work together to build a calmer, more confident relationship.
Schedule Your Free Behavior ConsultationCall (616) 935-6815 or click the button above to get started.