RVVH dog obedience classes teach you how to communicate with your dog based on mutual trust and respect. Our classes are based on positive interaction and trust building exercises.

Small class sizes help to ensure one on one attention for you and your pet.  To participate in the class you will need to provide proof of a current vaccination history including the distemper, rabies, and bordetella vaccines along with a negative fecal test.  To register for class please call (616) 863-9390.

PUPPY OBEDIENCE CLASS
This class is for puppies age 3 to 6 months old.

Curriculum Summary

How to socialize your puppy

Help with potty training, puppy chewing, mouthing etc.

How to help your pup through fear and stress

Using correct training equipment

Learn how to reinforce behavior

Basic commands sit/down/come

Beginning steps to teach your pup to "stay"

Leash walking practice

Understanding how dogs communicates

Grooming skills

This class runs 6 weeks - Cost $99

When you complete a RVVH 6 week puppy or basic obedience class your dog (up to 1 year old) is eligible to be enrolled in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. Our AKC evaluator Heather Woodard will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test at the end of the course. Upon passing the test, you'll get an application to send to AKC^® for enrollment in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. All dogs are welcome to participate in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program including purebreds and mixed breeds. Your dog will receive the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Medal and will be listed in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records. In addition, so that you can continue learning, you’ll receive our AKC S.T.A.R. Cost for certification - $10.00


BASIC OBEDIENCE CLASS
This class is for dogs age 6 months and older.

Class Curriculum

• Learning to communicate with your dog
• Basic commands sit/down/stay/come
• Leash walking and basic heeling
• Focus exercises
• How to reinforce behavior
• Problem solving techniques for problem behavior
• Building trust and self esteem within your dog
• Grooming and social skill exercises

This class runs 6 weeks - Costs $99

If you are interested in the Canine Good Citizen test contact one of our instructors. The AKC CGC test is a great certification if you would like to use your dog for therapy work. Some home owners associations will require this test for your dog. You can either sign up for our advanced obedience class to teach your dog good citizen behaviors. If you think you and your dog already have the needed skills our instructor Heather Woodard is certified bythe AKC to test you and your dog. Contact us for more information 616-863-9390.Cost for certification - $10.00

ADVANCED OBEDIENCE CLASS (6 week course)
We offer advanced classes for anyone who is interested. Depending on your training goal we will adjust the curriculum to the need of the students in class. This class will prepare you for Canine Good Citizen certification. For handlers who are interested in competitive obedience, this class is a great way to be introduced to advanced obedience skills like "down on recall", "off lead heeling", "distance control" etc.