Training Services Overview
In a world full of options, how do you choose what’s right for your family?
Dream Dogs has been helping Grand Rapids grow their Dream Dog since 2012 with a variety of services designed to fit every lifestyle!
Dream Pup Academy
Positive Reinforcement Puppy Board and Train
Three-week positive reinforcement training, socialization and foundation skills for puppies under 6 months of age.
Drop off Monday, pick up Thursday - bond with your pup on the weekend!
Training includes age appropriate basic obedience, weekly field trips and handling/bathing.
At pick up, each family receives a 30-minute lesson and light homework to practice through the weekend.
Private in-home lesson following completion of the program.
Continued support is offered for the dog's first year of life.
Limited to 2 puppies per session. Only available for puppies under 6 months.
Puppy Primer Day School
Day Training & Puppy Play
Each class meets twice weekly for 3 consecutive weeks (M/W or Tue/Th).
Drop off at 8:30am, pick up at 3pm.
Age appropriate obedience training, handling and foundation skills for puppies under 6 months of age.
Trainer-led structured play in small groups in our 6,000 sq. ft. grass play yard.
Homework handouts at pick up, online content to continue the learning at home.
Only available for puppies under 6 months.
Puppy Playcare for Alumni
Daycare for graduates!
Graduates of Dream Pup Academy, Puppy Primer Day School and Group Classes are eligible for Puppy Playcare!
Trainer-led structured play to facilitate development of appropriate play skills
Rotations through play and rest help your pup regulate and develop calming skills.
Small groups help develop confidence in social scenarios and beyond!
Pups play with even-tempered ambassador dogs who model appropriate play-break sequences.
Training included: group sits, group downs, recall out of play
Supplemental one-on-one training can be added upon request.
Only available for puppies under 6 months.
Boarding
Overnight care for graduates and pups under 6 months
All boarders participate in group play/rest rotations.
Boarders must maintain good training as well as appropriate play skills.
Start your pup in our programs early to develop your pup as an all-around-good-dog!
Group Class for All Ages!
Group Class at Cascade Hospital for Animals
Meets once weekly for 6 consecutive weeks
101 Puppy Survival: Introduction to working in a distracting environment, building basic obedience like sit, down, come, leash walking and staying on a bed. Topical discussion themes throughout course including biting, chewing, jumping, potty training and handling.
201 Puppy Momentum: Building on foundation obedience by adding distance (i.e. sending your dog to their bed), duration (3-minute stays) and distractions. Focus on self-control exercises like leave-it and leash walking.
Prerequisite: 101 level course or similar class experience. Dog should be able to focus/be redirected within a class environment.
301 Beyond Basics CGC: This class covers it all! Canine Good Citizens test is give upon graduation and covers dog and people greetings, advanced leash walking, out of sight stays, calm handling, advanced recall and more!
Prerequisite: 201 level course.
Animal Actors
On-set talent experience for national brands!
Spend the day with a trainer on set shooting commercials for national brands like Meijer and Bissell.
All ages, breeds and mixes welcome.
Dogs (and cats) must be well-rounded, love people and confident in new environments.
Do you think your dog would be a good fit? Send us a headshot and we’d love to meet for an evaluation!
Requirements:
Veterinary physical exam and started on age appropriate vaccines at least 7 days prior to start of program including:
Two Distemper vaccines administered.
First can be administered by breeder.
Second must be given by your local vet.
Rabies and Bordetella vaccines are not required at enrollment date.
The above vaccines will need to be given at appropriate ages, as directed by your vet.
Negative fecal examination or completed treatment for intestinal parasites.
Because space fills quickly, we encourage you to enroll your pup before bringing them home from the breeder or rescue!
Location
Alto, MI (84th Street and Morse Lake Ave SE)
Located 10 miles south of Cascade, our Alto facility includes a 6,000 sq foot outdoor play area where your pup can stretch their legs and romp with friends. We also utilize our indoor training area, grooming space and on-site home to foster calm behavior across environments. Pups will also join us on field trips to local parks and dog-friendly businesses. Training in a variety of locations strengthens understanding and general socialization.