About Emmy's Way
Relationship-based dog training for dogs and the people who love them.
I started Emmy's Way because of my love for supporting and teaching both dogs and humans. I believe that both humans and dogs deserve to live their best lives together. I serve Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas, and my goal is to help dogs and humans build a better life together through training that is compassionate, functional, game-based training that is tailored to support their real life. My approach is rooted in understanding behavior, supporting communication, and creating lasting change with trust and connection.
I believe great training starts with seeing the whole picture: the dog, the person, and the relationship between them. Every session I offer is designed to meet dogs where they are, support their individual needs, and give owners the tools and confidence to keep making progress long after the session ends.
Alex Dunn · CPDT-KA, M.Ed.
Meet Alex
I'm Alex Dunn, the owner and head trainer of Emmy's Way. I am passionate about helping both humans and dogs build their best relationship with one another. My background is in Elementary Education, Spanish, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and I spent five years specializing in teaching English as a Second Language to students in grades K–12.
While I was teaching, I rescued my first dog as an adult, Emmy, and she sparked a new passion in me: dog training. Through Emmy, I fell in love with behavior and with finding ways to support dogs with compassion, empathy, curiosity, and fun. That experience shaped the heart of Emmy's Way and continues to guide my training philosophy today.
I specialize in leash reactivity, anxious and nervous pups, cooperative care for vet visits and grooming, confidence building, and human-directed reactivity.
Specialties- Leash Reactivity
- Anxious & Nervous Pups
- Cooperative Care
- Confidence Building
- Human-Directed Reactivity
Charli Perkins, Revel in Reward
Meet Charli
Charli specializes in building confident puppies and developing strong foundations for future sport dogs. With a background in competitive agility, she brings a thoughtful, engagement-focused approach to every session, helping both dogs and their humans build connection and confidence.
Her passion for agility translates into strong foundational skills like focus, drive, body awareness, and clear communication. Whether you're raising a new puppy or exploring sport for the first time, Charli creates training plans that are structured, engaging, fun, and practical for everyday life.
Charli is especially passionate about early puppy development and socialization, jumping and leash pulling, recall, confidence building, engagement and play-based learning, and introductory agility foundations.
Specialties- Early Puppy Development
- Socialization
- Jumping & Leash Pulling
- Recall
- Confidence Building
- Engagement & Play-Based Learning
- Introductory Agility Foundations
Our Services
At Emmy's Way, we offer personalized dog training services designed to support dogs at every stage of life. Our services include private training sessions, puppy foundations, leash reactivity support, confidence building, cooperative care, training for sport foundations, and more.
We serve Grand Rapids and surrounding areas, bringing thoughtful, relationship-based training to families who want a better daily life with their dogs.
Private Training Sessions
One-on-one, in-home sessions tailored to your dog, your home, and your goals.
Puppy Foundations
Building great habits, socialization, and confidence from day one.
Leash Reactivity Support
Compassionate, science-based help for dogs who struggle on walks.
Group Classes
Skill-building in a group setting through East Grand Rapids Parks & Rec.
Sport Foundations
Introductory agility, scentwork, and engagement training for motivated dogs.
Wedding Dog Handling
Professional handling so your pup can be part of your big day, stress-free.
Ready to Build a Calmer,
More Connected Life With Your Dog?
We offer practical training, personalized guidance, and a compassionate approach that supports both ends of the leash. Schedule a session with Emmy's Way today and take the first step toward a happier, more confident dog — and a stronger partnership for life.
Schedule a Session