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.
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
adult 101
This class is for dogs of all ages, puppies, 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
intermediate skills
Our Intermediate level class expands on the behaviors from our beginner level classes and sets your dog up for success continuing on to our advanced Canine Good Citizen class. We'll work on 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 and walking past distractions including other dogs. We'll walk through some of the next steps to getting more consistent behaviors in real life settings, too.
Prerequisite: Dogs must have completed Adult 102 or equivalent training with trainer approval, and need to be comfortable working in class around other dogs and people. If your dog has completed Adult 102 but still has a hard time seeing other dogs or strangers on leash, we can help build your dog's comfort with these distractions through private training before continuing on to Intermediate class.
$225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
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, August 21st at 4:00pm with Gin & Rox
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 Monday, August 11th at 6:45pm with Gin
intro to sport
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
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
intermediate nosework
This class is for dogs who have finished our Beginner Nosework class, or teams with prior training who are already finding hidden scent. We will practice searches adapted to the difficulty level of the individual dogs in class and begin introducing the second scent (anise). Types of searches will include containers and interior searches, and exterior and vehicle searches when weather permits.
$225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
canine good citizen (cgc)
In this class your dog will learn the skills required to take and pass the AKC CGC test. We will introduce the test elements and teach the required behaviors in a way that the dog understands clearly. We will then begin the process of fading out treats to prepare for the real deal. Students have the option to take the official AKC Canine Good Citizen test with their instructor in Week 6.
Prerequisite: Dogs must have completed Intermediate Skills with A Pleasant Dog, or equivalent training with trainer approval, and must be comfortable working in class around other dogs and people.
$250 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
beginner agility
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
advanced beginner agility
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
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
freestyle drop-ins
Join us for freestyle practice! This drop in style class is offered on a weekly basis, it's a flexible format, you can practice your own routines, or learn a new one with help from your instructor. The goal is to have fun with your dog! Suitable for beginner through intermediate levels!
$30 for pre-registering or $35 at the door
class sessions
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
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!