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 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
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
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
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 Monday, April 28 at 6:30pm with Gin & Jennie
Starts Wednesday, June 4th at 6:00pm with Lindsay & Rox
tricks for reactive dogs
Training a reactive dog can be a tough journey, and sometimes it's nice to take a breather and just do something FUN! Come learn some beginner tricks while continuing to build your dog's confidence in the class environment! Learning tricks can be a great way to improve your dog's confidence, while helping you and your dog connect through enjoyable low-stakes training. You will also have the opportunity to earn your dog's AKC Novice Trick Dog title in this class! Reactive dogs are so smart and talented too!
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, April 24 at 4:00pm with Gin & Rox
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
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
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
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
intermediate agility
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
advanced agility
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
intro to freestyle
Have you ever wanted to dance with your dog? Well here's your chance! Join us for six weeks of fun learning freestyle basics, tricks, and transitions in this class for musical freestyle beginners. By the end of the class, you and your dog will be able to perform a basic dance routine together! Freestyle is a flexible sport that can accommodate dogs of any age and ability.
$225 for six 1-hour sessions
class sessions
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
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
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
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
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
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!