what?a special getaway designed for dogs and their families struggling with separation anxiety.
when?september 11-13, 2026
where?bear lake motel, bear lake, mi
a full list of services and perks
3 days/2 nights stay at Bear Lake Motel, a pleasantly retro, woman and queer owned motel in Northern Michigan
Access to pool (weather permitting) and all hotel amenities
Aperitif hour Friday, lunch on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday, and snacks throughout the weekend
A copy of our book, Pleasantly Independent - A Handbook for Separation Anxiety in Dog
One full private behavior consultation virtually at booking to confirm suitability for the retreat and to prepare you and your dog for the event weekend
Group training sessions with 4 to 1 student to staff ratio featuring instruction by Jenn Gavin, CPDT-KA, FPPE and other APD staff members
Entertainment, including crafting campfires, nature hikes, and camaraderie
Options of 3-4 training opportunities and additional programming sessions
Access to world-class dog trainer and behavior consultant Jenn Gavin, CPDT-KA, FPPE, all weekend for networking and education.
Additional A Pleasant Dog staff trainers and behavior consultants will also be present throughout the weekend.
Access to our wonderful Staff LMSW, Al Mills, for well-being sessions.
One treat dispensing machine (Treat & Train or Teach and Treat) needed for training protocol
A welcome goodie bag
Additional add-on option of $900 for 10 additional future virtual training sessions - a $1000 value (must be used within one year of the event).
Total cost: $1299 - $1499*
*+$150 for additional guests staying in the same room
process
select ‘i want to go’ and choose your room type, (and add any additional people who will be coming along with you) fill out the forms and pay a 50% deposit.
follow the steps to book your behavior consult to confirm this retreat would be beneficial to you and your dog.
once approve the second payment is due to hold your spot.
if for some reason it is not a good fit for you dog you will be refunded all but our $300 behavior consult fee.
Weekend Pricing - a $2000 value:
$1,299.00 King Room (1 person)
$1,499.00 Queen Room (2 people)
$150.00 Additional person
*A Pleasant Dog will make recommendations after behavioral consultation , which may result in recommending advising against our retreat for the continued success of you and your dog. However, we We will always work with you to the benefit of what will work best for your dog.
* If you are a current client with an established behavior consult and interested in the retreat, please reach out to us and we can discuss this retreat if it will would be a good fit for your pup.
Join us for a special getaway designed for dogs and their families struggling with separation anxiety or separation related behaviors.
Included in this event:
- 3 days/2 nights stay at Bear Lake Motel, a pleasantly retro, woman and queer owned motel in Northern Michigan ($430+ value)
- Private behavior consultation with A Pleasant DogⓇ and full Pleasantly Independent separation anxiety training program including treat dispenser and supplies needed ($880+ value)
- Three meals and snacks throughout the weekend, as well as entertainment, including crafting, campfires, and camaraderie ($375+ value, camaraderie is priceless of course)
- Social work consultations and well-being checks, including opportunities for 1:1 sessions ($300+ value)
This is a DEPOSIT towards the trip, total price for the retreat is between $1299 - $1499*. After you pay your deposit you will be sent to book your consult, after that is complete the rest of the payment will be due!
are you a dog trainer looking to learn more about our separation anxiety method? feel free to come learn and train with us! book this audit spot for trainers.
Join us for a special getaway designed for dogs and their families struggling with separation anxiety or separation related behaviors.
September 11-13, 2026
Bear Lake Motel, Bear Lake, MI
This is for locals who would like to attend this event but do not need to stay at the Motel, you will be expected to commute to and from the motel each day for training.
Included in this event:
- Private behavior consultation with A Pleasant DogⓇ and full Pleasantly Independent separation anxiety training program including treat dispenser and supplies needed ($880+ value)
- Three meals and snacks throughout the weekend, as well as entertainment, including crafting, campfires, and camaraderie ($375+ value, camaraderie is priceless of course)
- Social work consultations and well-being checks, including opportunities for 1:1 sessions ($300+ value)
local to this area but want to participate? join us for training + food + activities during the day and skip the motel stay with the spot below!
Join us for a special getaway designed for dogs and their families struggling with separation anxiety or separation related behaviors.
September 11-13, 2026
Bear Lake Motel, Bear Lake, MI
This is for trainers who would like to audit this event but do not need to stay at the Motel, you will be expected to commute to and from the motel each day for training.
Included in this event:
- Private behavior consultation with A Pleasant DogⓇ and full Pleasantly Independent separation anxiety training program including treat dispenser and supplies needed ($880+ value)
- Three meals and snacks throughout the weekend, as well as entertainment, including crafting, campfires, and camaraderie ($375+ value, camaraderie is priceless of course)
- Social work consultations and well-being checks, including opportunities for 1:1 sessions ($300+ value)
we can’t wait to see you!
A Pleasant Dog is a registered servicemark of A Pleasant Dog LLC. Pleasantly IndependentTM is a trademark of A Pleasant Dog and copyright is registered in the book by the same name. All rights reserved.