Training
Whiskers University has training and classes for all stages of your dog’s development. We offer private consultations and training, classes, and other on-site training options. Whiskers trainer, Kristie Swan, is dedicated and passionate when it comes to improving the way people and their dogs live together. Kristie has advanced designation as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. Her reward based training style is geared toward creating success at both ends of the leash.
A brief overview of training options:
Private Consultations: Whether you are looking for guidance with a new puppy, a recently adopted rescue or problematic behavior issues, a private consultation can help. The appointment may take place at Whiskers or in your home.
Puppy Classes: Whiskers offers early socialization classes and the AKC S.T.A.R Puppy curriculum. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviorists encourages early socialization to give puppies the best opportunity at a well adjusted life. The S.T.A.R Puppy program teaches early basic skills and lays the groundwork for a successful adult training program.
Basic Obedience Classes: These classes are for puppies and dogs just getting started with classroom work. Whiskers offers a variety of times and options to suit both owner and dog needs. The basics include, but are not limited to sit, down, stay, coming when called and leash walking.
Advanced Obedience: This picks up where the Basic class ends. Previous skills are sharpened and new skills are learned. This lays the groundwork for earning the Canine Good Citizen certification.
Play and Train: Whiskers recognizes that busy schedules may make it difficult for you to commit to other types of training. The Play and Train option allows you to drop your dog off for training and play time so you can enjoy the time you have with your best friend. *
Board and Train: This is another option for the time challenged. Whiskers gives you the opportunity to have your dog trained while boarding at our facility. Your dog will receive all the luxuries of our boarding program while your training goals are met. *
Specialty classes and workshops will cover a variety of skills and topics.
*A private consultation with owner and dog is required in order to optimize the success of these programs.
Basic Obedience
For dogs 6 months and over.
This class teaches basic skills such as sit, down, stay, coming when called and others. The class runs 6 weeks. Cost is $150.00
Wednesday evenings
6:30-7:30 or 7:40-8:40
AKC S.T.A.R Puppy
For dogs under 6 months
This goal of this class is to get your puppy started on the right paw. Your puppy will have socialization time, exposure to people and dogs as well as learning basic skills and meeting the requirements of the AKC S.T.A.R Puppy program. Your puppy may then be registered as an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy. This is open to all breeds, mixed included.
Thursday evenings
6:30-7:30 or 7:40-8:40
Download the Training Class Registration Form
Kristie Swan CPDT
Originally from the east side of the state and a graduate of Central Michigan University, Kristie Swan has lived in Grand Rapids since the early nineties. Kristie spent 25 years in the radio business and also volunteered for several local rescues while also fostering and rehabilitating dogs for adoption. National statistics show that 86 percent of dogs in shelters are said to have behavior issues. Largely this is a matter of no training or poor training methods. This is the reason Kristie began studying canine behavior and training.
Kristie’s training methods strive to enhance the human/canine relationship. She plans to bring the highest level of training in the Grand Rapids area to Whiskers Resort & Pet Spa. She will tailor a training plan to meet each individual’s needs and abilities.
Kristie shares her home with three black cats and two dogs. Olivia is a rescue mix and Wendigo is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. She loves training and has dedicated her life to animal behavior.
