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Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

Jenn Gavin

Dog trainer in Grand Rapids

#54 in United States, #3 in Michigan, #1 in Grand Rapids

United States

Grand Rapids

https://apleasantdog.com

Service areas:

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.

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Dog Trainers

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