In-Home Dog Training Grand Rapids, MI | CPDT-KA | Emmy's Way
Alex Dunn holding her dog Emmy's paw during a training session in Grand Rapids, MI
Emmy's Way Dog Training  ·  Grand Rapids, MI

In-Home Dog Training
in Grand Rapids, MI

Personalized, force-free training in your home.

Fluffy puppy sitting attentively during an in-home training session in Grand Rapids, MI

Whether you're welcoming a new puppy, navigating behavior challenges, or looking to build a stronger relationship with your dog through fun training games and positive reinforcement, we're here to support you and your dog every step of the journey.

Training works best when it happens where you and your dog actually live. That's the idea behind my in-home dog training services here in Grand Rapids and the surrounding West Michigan area.

I'm Alex Dunn, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) with a Master's degree in Education (M.Ed.), and I offer private, one-on-one in-home sessions designed around your dog, your home, and your goals.

Why In-Home?

Why In-Home Training?

Group classes and training facilities have their place, but for many dogs and many behaviors, nothing beats hands-on coaching in the environment where the behavior is actually happening. In-home training means:

No New Environment

We work with your dog's real routines, real triggers, and real distractions — no adjustment period needed.

Direct Coaching for You

I'm right there to guide your hands, your timing, and your technique in real time.

Convenience

No driving, no crating up for a facility visit, no added stress for you or your dog.

Customized Plans

Every session is built around your specific dog, your specific home layout, and your specific goals.

Services

What Can In-Home Training Help With?

Private sessions are great for clients looking for one-on-one, hands-on instruction to support them with a wide range of behaviors, including:

  • Potty Training
  • Puppy Biting & Mouthing
  • Jumping on People
  • Digging
  • Excessive Barking
  • Counter-Surfing
  • Loose Leash Walking
  • Come When Called
  • Resource Guarding
  • Canine Good Citizen / Patio Pup
  • Reactivity
  • Confidence Building
  • Scentwork & Enrichment
  • And More!

No matter what's going on with your dog, I'll start by getting to know your dog's history, personality, and the specific challenges you're facing and work with you to build a plan that's realistic for your life.

My Approach

Force-Free, Fear-Free, and LIMA-Based

Every session I run is grounded in LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) principles. That means:

  • Game-Based Training Engaging, positive methods that make learning enjoyable for your dog.
  • Positive Reinforcement The foundation for building every new behavior we work on together.
  • Management Strategies Setting your dog up for success while they're still learning.
  • Clear, Judgment-Free Communication A supportive space for you and your dog, every step of the way.

My M.Ed. background also shapes how I teach. My goal isn't to only work with your dog, but to help you and your family understand the "why" behind each technique, so you feel confident continuing the work between sessions and long after our time together ends.

What to Expect

What to Expect From a Session

Every 60-minute private session is hands-on and tailored to where you and your dog are in the process. Depending on your goals, a session might include:

  • An initial assessment of your dog's behavior, triggers, and home environment
  • Step-by-step coaching on specific skills (potty training routines, polite greetings, leash manners, etc.)
  • Real-time feedback on your handling, timing, and body language
  • Management and prevention strategies for problem behaviors
  • Enrichment ideas like scentwork to help with focus and confidence
  • A training plan including videos and descriptions of each skill worked on to practice between our visits
Two happy dogs sitting on outdoor furniture during an in-home training session in Grand Rapids, MI
Happy, confident dogs are the goal — whatever that journey looks like for your pup.
Packages & Pricing

Choose the Support Level That's Right for You

I offer flexible private session packages so you can choose the level of support that fits your dog's needs and your budget. All sessions are 60 minutes and take place in your home unless we agree on another location together. Payment plans are available for multi-session packages.

1 Session
$150
per session
4 Sessions
$520
$130 / session
6 Sessions
$750
$125 / session
8 Sessions
$960
$120 / session

Multi-Session Package Bonuses

When you invest in a multi-session package, you'll also receive ongoing support between visits, including:

  • Unlimited email/text support between sessions for quick questions and encouragement
  • Videos of behaviors practiced in session so you can review techniques at home
  • Video and text submission for feedback — send me clips of your dog's progress (or struggles) for personalized guidance between sessions
Ready to Get Started?

Let's Build a Plan That Fits
Your Dog, Your Home & Your Goals

Wherever you're needing a little extra guidance — a brand-new puppy, a few frustrating habits, or something more complex — I'd love to help.

Schedule Your First Session

Frequently Asked Questions

That's completely up to you! A single session is a great option if you have one specific issue you want help troubleshooting. For ongoing behavior change — like puppy training, reactivity, or more established habits — a multi-session package usually gives the best results and the best value.
In-home training is one-on-one and happens in your space, which is ideal for behaviors tied to your home environment (potty training, counter-surfing, reactivity to household triggers) or for dogs who do better without the distraction of other dogs and people around. Group classes are great for socialization and practicing skills around distractions once your dog has some foundational behaviors in place.
Absolutely. Some of the most effective training happens early, before behaviors like jumping, mouthing, or counter-surfing become ingrained habits. Private sessions are a great way to build good habits from the start.
Yes! Sessions take place in your home unless we agree on another location together. This lets us work directly on the behaviors as they happen in your actual day-to-day life.
With multi-session packages, you'll have unlimited email/text support between visits, plus the ability to send me videos for feedback so you're never stuck waiting until our next appointment.
I provide in-home dog training throughout Grand Rapids and the surrounding West Michigan area within a 30 minute radius, including East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Ada, Cascade, Caledonia, Grandville, Wyoming, and Rockford.
Not at all! I work with dogs of all ages and life stages — from brand-new puppies to adult dogs working through long-standing habits.