Q: What is your pricing, and what does each option cover?

A: Group Classes: $90 for each six-week session. This includes instruction and weekly emails with tips, tricks, and reminders. Group classes also include an AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine, or AKC Star Puppy Test, depending on your class. 

Thursday Walk & Train Sessions: These are available to current group class students and all Riverside Dog Training Alumni! We charge $10 for students currently enrolled in a group class and $15 per student if they are not currently enrolled. 

Virtual Private Lessons: $25 per session with payment due 24 hours ahead of your scheduled lesson time.

Equipment: While you are free to use any equipment on your dog that is both safe and effective, I do have Herm Springer chain training collars available for purchase for $10 each if you feel it would be beneficial for your training. 

Q: Where are you located?

A: Classes are held in the King Memorial Building (located on the "Recreation Park" grounds) in Lowell, Michigan.

Q: What is "balanced training"?

A: Balanced training is an umbrella term used to describe dog training methods that use both positive and negative reinforcement. We lean heavily into positive reinforcement when the dogs are getting used to a new skill and only bring in fair corrections when the disobedience is seen as wilful. For example, when we start with recall skills, we make it super fun and instill that positive drive in your dog to come when they are called. As time passes and the dog understands the command they will be corrected if they ignore the recall command, but then praised as soon as they move in the right direction again. 

Q: How can I keep my dog mentally stimulated without having to be actively playing or working with them?

A: Depending on your dog's diet and how much mental stimulation they need I suggest a slow feeder, or better yet, a puzzle toy/feeder. I have a list on Amazon.com that has a few options that are easily cleaned and can do wonders for stimulating your dog's mind. Click below to access the list, there are also some suggestions for equipment and toys on there too!