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 (nearly $2000 value)
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).
process
Below select your room type, 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.
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
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)
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)
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)