My dog training philosophy is that no one tool or method works for every dog! Many factors must be taken into account, including but not limited to the temperament of the dog, the drive levels of the dog, what motivates the dog, and what tools/methods the handler is comfortable with and most efficient at using correctly.
I think the most important things when training a dog are baby steps and timing. No matter what tools or methods are used, a good trainer *always* breaks down the desired behavior into "baby steps" so that the dog is always setup to succeed. This implies that you have a good relationship with your dog and understand what motivates your dog to learn and how your dog learns best. Timing is important because it defines how we communicate with our dogs. We need to be able to say "yes, that was it!" or "no, try again" at precisely the right moment so the dog is learning what we want it to learn and not becoming confused and frustrated with us.
Most of my training tools and methods are based on the four quadrants of BF Skinner's Operant Conditioning. My preference is to build games and rewards into my interactions with my dogs and then use these as motivators and rewards during training. My favorite way to train is to "freeshape" behaviors using marker training and rewards. There are a few behaviors and exercise I train using classical conditioning.
These are my recommended clubs and trainers in or near west Michigan. These are all people/clubs I've dealt with personally, or have been recommended to me by at least two sources I trust.
** Note: If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are looking for pet/companion training such as puppy classes, basic or intermediate obedience, or Canine Good Citizen, I strongly recommend Pawsitive Canine Training Center and Jeanne Thomas above all else! Cheaper and closer is not necessarily better for you or your dog!
Pawsitive
Canine Training Center
Puppy obedience, obedience, Canine Good Citizen, AKC rally obedience, APDT
rally obedience, agility (seasonal), conformation, private lessons, behavioral couselling in Lowell.
K9 Dog Works - Ron Stokes
Training for the real world. Obedience, Schutzhund, private, group, in-home, CGC.
K9 Dog Works Schutzhund Training
An all working breed Schutzhund and SDA training group located near Battle Creek.
Mid-Michigan Rottweiler & Schutzhund Klub - Dan Williams
Schutzhund and SDA training club near Lansing.
Capital Area Schutzhund Club - Gustavo Sanchez
Schutzhund training club near Lansing.
Liberty Working Dog Club - Chris and Tim Wild
Schutzhund and SDA training club in Ann Arbor.
South Michigan Schutzhund and Police Club - Lisa Clark
Schutzhund training club in Manchester.
Taking the Lead
Puppy, obedience, Canine Good Citizen, agility, tracking, conformation, rally
obedience, open mat, private lessons in Marshall.
Beacon Bay Pet
Services - Meghan Rosenstengel, CPDT
Boarding and training in Lake Odessa.
Teach Your
Pet - Jeanne Thomas, CPDT
Puppy obedience, obedience, Canine Good Citizen, AKC rally obedience, APDT
rally obedience, private lessons, behavioral counselling in the Grand Rapids area.
Grand Rapids
Agility Club
Training, matches, and trials in AKC and CPE agility.
Woolman
Herding - Sharon Woolman
All breed herding classes and private instruction.