Holland Dog Training FAQs
- Where are you located? We are based out of Holland, Michigan
- What areas do you serve? We provide dog training services throughout West Michigan including Grand Rapids, Grandville, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Wyoming, Jenison, Zeeland, Byron Center, Kentwood, and surrounding areas.
- What age should I start training my dog? The short answer, as soon as possible! The younger you start with your dog the easier it is to make obedience a way of life for your pup and the less bad habits that need to be fixed. You can enroll your dog in any of our training programs at 4 months old and after the last round of puppy vaccinations.
- Can an older dog still be trained? Yes! Older dogs are absolutely capable of learning new skills and breaking bad habits. Our trainers specialize in working with young puppies, adolescent, and adult dogs. We tailor each program to your dog’s age, temperament, and learning style.
- Are there any prerequisites to enroll in a program? Nope. Your dog does not need any previous training to enroll in any program we offer. In fact, we frequently have 4 month old puppies enroll in our Advanced Off Leash programs.
- What types of training programs do you offer? We provide a wide variety of training options to suit your dog’s needs and your lifestyle. We offer private 1-on-1 lessons, In-Home (take and train) programs, Board-and-Train, and Walk and Recall Essentials classes. Whether you’re looking to stop leash pulling, reduce jumping, or want your do to come when called, we’ll recommend the best program for you and your dog.
- What is an In-Home training program? Basically, a trainer comes to you! For the In-Home programs, a trainer will come out to your home each training day, pick up your dog, work with him/her at nearby parks, around your neighborhood, and around your home. Once the session is complete, the trainer will drop your dog back off to you.
- Do I need to home for the In-Home training program? Nope. The trainer just needs access to your dog.
- Do I need to participate in the daily sessions? No. In fact, for the majority of our programs, the trainer will actually do all the heavy lifting of the day to day training and then work with you once your dog is up to our standards.
- Where will my dog be trained? For the In-Home programs we like to utilize your neighborhood, nearby parks, and other places you may encounter distractions with your dog. For instance, in Grandville we frequently use Johnson and Heritage parks. In Holland we utilize Kollen and Van Raalte parks as well as downtown Holland. It’s basically anywhere we can find distrations to practice around.
- Can I participate in the training? Yes, we do offer 1-on-1 programs in which a trainer will meet with you about once a week and teach you how to train your dog. You’ll get homework in between session with the trainer.
- I just want my dog to walk nicely, come when called, and stop jumping. I don’t need the sits and downs, is there a program for that? Sure is! The Walk and Recall Essentials program will stick to just the essentials of walking nicely on leash, a come command, and no jumping.
- How long do the programs take? Most of our programs last on average about 2-3 weeks. We do not have set time frames for most programs, instead, our programs are goal driven. Although most dogs take around 2-3 weeks, we recognize that some need a little extra study time, which isn’t a problem at all. We will keep working with your dog until we hit the goals we are looking for at no extra charge.
- Will my dog listen to me after training? Absolutely! The goal of the training is to have a well behaved dog the approaches the world through a lens of obedience. During the training your dog will learn to listen to the trainer but then after your dog has completed one of our training programs, your trainer will schedule a time to work with you. During this session the trainer will show you how to best use and reinforce all the obedience your dog has learned. This session will start transferring all the obedience over to you.
- What if I need more than one session with a trainer once my dog has completed a program? No problem! Most of our programs come with free follow ups, refreshers, and training support for the life of your dog.
- What is the Lifetime Training Guarantee? After your dog has completed an eligible program, you and your dog are entitled to lifetime training support, which includes free follow ups, refreshers, and training support for the life of your dog. If your dog happens to fall back in to old habits, just contact us and we’ll get him/her back on track at no extra charge.
- Are you Certified Dog Trainers? Yes. Drew is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer and a Certified Police K9 Trainer, Handler, and Instructor.
- What language will my dog be trained in? Our default is English, but we’ve trained dogs in Spanish, German, Czech, and Hungarian. We’re happy to train in whatever language you’d prefer!
- I’m ready to enroll, now what? Great! Contact us today by filling out the contact form, calling/texting us at 616-313-9540, or emailing info@DogObedienceCollege.com and we’ll help get you started!