Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Cadillac, Baldwin, Ludington; Kent County, Ottawa County.
Support your dog trainer by sharing your story
Jenn Gavin, CPDT-KA, FPPE is the owner and founding trainer at A Pleasant Dog. She has been rescuing and training dogs for over twenty-five years. For the last ten years, Jenn has focused her practice on anxious and aggressive animals, and has become one of the most trusted trainers working with aggressive animals in our state. Jenn works extensively with veterinarians and veterinary behaviorists.
Jenn is passionate about learning and sharing what she has learned. She presents frequently to the training and veterinary communities. She has conducted research in animal behavior, and that research has been selected for presentation at the Veterinary Behavior Symposium by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Jenn has also been an invited speaker before the West Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, The Science of Animal Behavior Conference, West Michigan Therapy Dogs, and others. She has spoken on a variety of topics including "Helping Fearful & Aggressive Animals - It Takes A Village", with Kathy Sdao and Dr. Jill Sackman, DACVB; "Risky Business - Assessing and Managing Risk in Aggression Cases"; "How to Choose A Trainer" with Dr. Jill Sackman, DACVB; "Covid Puppies"; and "Body Language and Therapy Dogs" and more. Jenn is a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator! She adores working with families and their dogs.
Certifications:
CPDT-KA, FPPE
Dog training services include
Aggressive dog training
Deaf dog training
Reactive dog training
Service dog training
Agility training
In home training
Off leash training
Puppy training
More info about Jenn Gavin's dog training:
We provide at A Pleasant Dog private, group, and day training for everything from puppy kindergarten through advanced sport skills. Our trainers are recognized experts in behavior for anxious and aggressive dog. We also provide continuing education to the veterinary and training communities ; and conduct research in behavior and training to better the lives of people and their animals.
Behavioral issue focus:
Obedience and manners, Separation anxiety, fear aggression, sensory processing disorders, resource guarding aggression, conflict aggression, interdog aggression, stereotypy, high arousal behaviors.
Dog training methods:
We use positive reinforcement. Our private training, consultations and behavior consultations involve an initial history taking process through which we develop management and training plans, taking into account the client's goals and priorities for their dogs. When necessary, we are comfortable and frequently worked with veterinarians in veterinary behaviorists as needed.
Why I became a dog trainer:
I came to training through rescue 28 years ago, but dogs have always been my passion. I started using positive reinforcement with my dog when I was ten years old.
My favorite part of being a dog trainer:
Helping people understand their dogs so they can improve their lives and enrich the human animal bond.
My #1 dog training tip:
Start by addressing your dog's underlying feelings about something before jumping to training obedience.
David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
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