As the seasons are changing and winter is arriving, it will be increasingly dangerous to drive when the snow arrives. Yet we realize the importance of dog obedience classes and other ways to get your dog exercised or socialized. Soon the weather will dictate our coming and going which results in dogs who stay home most of the day.

To avoid problem behaviors due to boredom and lack of exercise you may consider dropping off your dog at our doggy daycare. You can check out our daycare at www.rvvhdaycare.wordpress.com. This blog includes training tips and you will read about the daily dog play groups. You can drop off your dog for up to 4 hours for $13 or up to 8 hours for $18. We will exercise your dog, build social skills and return your dog content and tired for the remaining of the day.
For RVVH agility graduates and students we offer the Friday agility fun night. Using a punch card system will allow you to join our agility night each week to practice and exercise your dog in our gym under supervision of an instructor.

Another way to keep your dog well trained and socialized is to join a seminar. We developed these seminars to serve you and your dog in this cold winter season. The RVVH dog training seminars are during the day to enable you to drive safe during daylight when we have snowed in roads. A seminar is a one-time training meeting of 1.5 hours, packed with training tips, practice time and hand outs to take home to continue practicing.
Cost is $45 per seminar. You can always repeat a seminar to continue to build training skills. Meeting only one time for a seminar will also fit better in your schedule instead of 6 week classes as the busy holiday season fills up your agenda quickly.

The instructor teaching the seminars is Jeanette Groner an internationally certified obedience instructor and a member of both IACP, NADOI and certified through CPDT-KA. You can contact her for any questions or to register at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 616-863-9390.

We will continue to make 6 week dog obedience classes available which mostly meet in the evening. We have puppy and basic obedience classes avaliable. RVVH's professional certified trainer Heather Woodard will be your instructor for these classes. We have new classes starting in beginning of November and again in January.

Types of seminars that we offer at RVVH:

Child & Dog Safety Seminar
A seminar for the whole family. No dogs allowed. (only in private sessions are dogs allowed)
As a parent you will learn how to keep your child safe around your dog at home or with neighbor dogs. The seminar includes story time, hands on practice, games and crafts. The instructor is certified through the British Oscar & Rufus project to teach children about safe dog interaction. We will be using materials of the international Blue Dog project and the KIDS project of the Humane Association.
Next seminar is Saturday November 21 at 10am.

Puppy 101 Seminar
How to train your puppy basic skills and work through puppy behavior problems like potty training, chewing and jumping. This class is for dogs under the age of 6 months. All puppies are welcome as you will be having hands-on practice time.
Seminar dates:
November 21 at 12pm
December 5 at 11am

Pooch 101 Seminar
This class is based on the two skills which most dog owners are looking for in their dog when they joun a class. "Come" when called and proper "leash walking" will be the main focus of this seminar. Bring your dog as you will have hands-on practice time.
Seminar dates:
November 28 at 9am
December 5 at 9am

Pooch 102 Seminar
Talk with a behavior specialist about problem behaviors in your dog and how to set up a training plan to solve the issues at hand. Dogs are welcome as we will start hands-on training during this seminar.
Seminar dates:
November 14 at 4pm
November 28 at 4pm

Pooch 201 Seminar
An advanced obedience seminar. Practice steps in off leash heeling and prepare for AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. Or if you are interested in therapy work with your dog, this class is for the serious dog owner who wants to explore a higher level of training. Bring your dog as you will have hands-on practice time.
Seminar date December 12 at 11am

Agility 101 Seminar
It does not matter if you have never done dog agility before or you are looking for practice time to keep your agility skills up. This seminar will challenge you to grow and have fun with your dog. Bring your dog as we will have tons of hands-on practice time.
Seminar dates:
December 5 at 4pm

Stay tuned as our dog club is building unique classes which will start in 2010. We are going to offer dog pilates classes, teaching your dog body awareness and problem solving skills. We are in the beginning stages of organizing a 5K run for both dog and owner. Stay tuned for classes to get in shape with your dog. If you like bike riding we will be offering classes on using your bike in building endurance in your dog.

We will continue to build our RVVH dog program to serve our community. For any further information contact Jeanette Groner at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 616.863.9390.