Business Details
9 Years
experience
Expert Dog Training in Kalamazoo, MI
TipTopTails Dog Training is a professional dog training service dedicated to fostering positive relationships between dogs and their owners. With over six decades of combined experience, our team of certified trainers specializes in puppy socialization, behavior modification, and dog sports instruction. We offer a range of services including small group classes, one-on-one lessons, and immersive Puppy Day School programs in Kalamazoo and South Haven. Our science-based, reward-focused methods prioritize gentle training techniques to build practical skills for everyday life.We serve as a trusted resource for dog owners seeking solutions to behavior issues, competitive sports training, and foundational obedience education. Our team includes Certified Professional Dog Trainers and a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, ensuring expert guidance for every client. Through our dog*biz Dog Walking Academy, we also train professionals in safe dog handling and business management. With a commitment to community education, we provide pet CPR/first aid classes and collaborate with local humane societies to promote responsible pet ownership.
Services
Puppy Day School
Adult Manners Classes
Dog Sports Lessons
Behavior Consults
Pet CPR Classes
Private Training Lessons
Group Training Classes
Online Dog Training
Canine First Aid
Dog Walking Academy
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- Certified trainers with over six decades of combined experience
- Science-based, reward-focused training methods for all dog ages
- Specialized behavior modification programs for reactivity and aggression
- Small class sizes for personalized attention and effective learning
- Innovative Puppy Day School with comprehensive socialization curriculum
Associations and certifications
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC)
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Services
Puppy Day School
Our immersive drop-off program provides comprehensive training for puppies under six months. Each session includes manners training, potty training, socialization with people and dogs, and confidence-building exercises. Puppies receive individualized attention while learning essential skills like loose leash walking, recall, and impulse control through reward-based methods.
Behavior Consults
Specialized programs address reactivity, aggression, and anxiety in dogs. Certified behavior consultants develop customized plans using science-based techniques to modify problematic behaviors. Services include individual assessments, training strategies, and follow-up support to improve dog-owner relationships and ensure safe, effective behavior changes.
Dog Sports Lessons
We offer specialized instruction in agility, disc dogging, nose work, and obedience competitions. Our experienced trainers provide both group classes and private lessons to develop skills for competitive events or recreational enjoyment. Programs focus on building teamwork, precision, and confidence through positive reinforcement techniques.
Private Training Lessons
Customized training sessions address specific needs in obedience, manners, or behavior modification. Available in-person or online, these lessons provide personalized instruction for dogs of all ages. Packages include follow-up support and written materials to reinforce learning between sessions.
Pet CPR Classes
Certified five-hour courses teach pet owners emergency response techniques. Curriculum covers CPR, rescue breathing, injury assessment, and first aid kit creation. Taught by certified instructors using hands-on practice, the class prepares participants to handle medical emergencies before reaching veterinary care.
People
Kelly Elvin
Founder & Head Trainer
Certified dog trainer with 23 years of experience, former attorney, and developer of the Puppy Day School program. Specializes in early training and socialization.
Matt Elvin
Nose Work Specialist
Certified Missing Animal Response Technician with expertise in scent training. Teaches nose work classes and co-developed the Puppy Day School program.
Holly O'Brien
Behavior Consultant
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with 14 years of experience. Specializes in reactivity and aggression cases, leading Reactive Rover classes and providing individual consultations.
Becki Vander Weele
Sports Trainer
Dog sports specialist with competitive obedience and nose work expertise. Teaches SuperDog foundation classes and has professional grooming experience.
Beth Anglemyer
Obedience Instructor
Experienced trainer with 4-H program background. Specializes in obedience, rally, and conformation training using positive motivation techniques.
Questions
What dog training services do you offer?
We offer puppy day school, obedience classes, behavior consultations, dog sports lessons, and private training sessions for dogs of all ages and skill levels.
Do you provide behavior modification programs?
Yes, we offer specialized behavior programs for reactivity, aggression, and anxiety issues with certified dog behavior consultants providing customized solutions.
Are your trainers certified professionals?
Our team includes Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) and a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with decades of combined experience.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Kalamazoo, Portage, Paw Paw, Mattawan, Lawrence, Bangor, South Haven, and surrounding areas in Michigan.
Do you offer online training options?
Yes, we provide online dog training lessons for behavior modification and basic obedience through live Zoom sessions with certified trainers.
What is your Puppy Day School program?
Our 8-day immersive program includes manners training, socialization, potty training, and confidence-building exercises for puppies under six months old.
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