training
for your wonderdog
Training your dog isn’t just teaching skills - it’s connection. Build your bond and confidence together with the guidance of a certified, experienced dog trainer serving Grand Rapids, Cedar Springs, and surrounding areas.
Meet your
trainer
Hello and welcome! I’m Gin, a certified and insured dog trainer in Sparta, MI. With 10+ years of experience training and competing in dog sports, I am passionate about helping dogs and their humans bond, grow, and thrive together. I love creative problem-solving in training, and watching the magic happen as my clients and their dogs become a confident, connected team. Whether you’re looking to get started on basic training, solve behavior challenges, or explore dog sports and enrichment, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
options & service area
Group Classes
Currently offering group training classes at the following locations:
Cedar Animal Hospital
(Cedar Springs)A Pleasant Dog (Grand Rapids)
The Dog Collective (Jenison) with West Michigan Dog Sports
I am proud to offer a variety of training options to meet the unique needs of each dog and their owner.
private training
An in-home private session is a great way to get started on your priority goals right away. I offer in-home training in Grand Rapids and further north, including Cedar Springs and Rockford.
Sport lessons
I offer group classes and private training for a variety of sport and enrichment activities including:
Nosework
Agility
Rally & Obedience
Dog Parkour
Trick Training
Frequently Asked Questions
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Group training classes for basic obedience and puppies, dog sport training private sessions and group classes, private training to address behavioral concerns, basic skills and manners, service dog training, and more - just ask!
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form which goes directly to our email, then watch for a reply!
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I like to describe my training style as relationship-based. My primary focus is to strengthen the connection between dog and handler with clear communication and trust to help you achieve your goals! We will use a combination of proactive management, positive reinforcement, and creative problem solving.
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To ensure I can give each client the time and attention they deserve, I typically handle initial questions and inquiries via email. This also allows me to provide clear, detailed information and keep everything organized for both of us. If it becomes apparent that a phone call is necessary for some specific reason, then I’m happy to do that, but as a small business owner operating on my own I simply don’t have time to field dozens of calls every day - I appreciate your understanding with this!
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I have been training professionally for over 10 years and am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), as well as an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), and Certified Dog Parkour Instructor (IDPKA). I have also been competing in dog sports for over a decade, and my dogs hold titles in a variety of sports including obedience, rally, agility, nosework, musical freestyle, tricks, barn hunt, and lure coursing.
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I have helped countless dogs with a variety of challenges and goals over the years, so it’s very likely your dog isn’t going to be the first one I’ve seen dealing with a specific behavior. I value transparency and will always be upfront when I encounter something beyond my scope. I am happy to help refer you to another trainer when this happens.