Unleashed Dog Training

02/14/2025

Only I would make an emotional help book into a dog training book.

I’m almost done with this book, and while SOO many things are applying to my life in general, there is ONE thing that stood out to me. How to help with anxiety, via the “Let Them” theory.

Using her example- picture this: your kid wakes up in the night, comes down stairs and says they’re anxious and want to sleep with you, what do you do? You scoot over and make room, helping by comforting your child. The next night, same thing. “Its just a phase” you tell yourself. Next thing you know, you’re going in 6 months and they have either a permanent spot in your bed, or you have a bed on the floor for them. Youre loving them through it, helping them to sleep at night.

In reality, while you’re telling yourself child “you can sleep on the floor of our room” what you’re actually telling them is “I believe you’re not strong enough to face this.” They are learning they can avoid the anxious feeling, by leaving the situation, which is making the impulse to run stronger and stronger.

Instead of trying to fix the problem temporarily, why don’t you put your arm around them, offer support and encourage them to face what they’re avoiding.

Do you see where I’m going with this?

Dogs with anxiety. ITS THE SAME THING!!! Specifically fearful, timid, and uncertain dogs. Instead of allowing them to live in the fear and take them away from the trigger or scary object, let’s put our arm around their shoulder and offer support by assuring them they are capable of overcoming something that’s hard. Then we stand by their side as they do the hard thing. We can do this, together. Little victories at a time. Showing them they CAN face the scary things, they CAN settle down during busy times, they CAN walk past that dog without exploding. It’s all a game of partnership, trust, and eventually setting the dog up to be able to do it.

Validate their emotions, separate your own, comfort, and support them. Work as a team WITH THEM to show them they can be successful. And you are there to work WITH them.

Look at their struggles as an opportunity to show support while discovering new strengths.

Who would’ve thought, I could turn this into a dog training book😂 if I had a dollar for every underlined sentence that has “THIS APPLIES TO DOGS AND OWNERS” next to it, I’d be RICH.

THANK YOU for coming to my Ted Talk, heavily inspired by Mel Robbins book, The Let Them Theory.

Let US help you UNLEASH your dog’s potential.🐾

02/13/2025

FIELD TRIPPPPPP🚌

In this video we have BIG MAN WALDO and LITTLE LADY LAINEY.

🐾Waldo, we know his history. This was his first public outing. He did GREAT! No spike in anxiety, no searching for other dogs. He did LOVE this little pup, but worked nicely around her. I’m VERY proud. Continuing to encourage relaxation at home. And shaping good mental states.

🐾Lainey is a 10 week old golden retriever pup who is here for our Puppy Jumpstart. This is our ABSOLUTE favorite, shaping good experiences and good manners while they’re young makes a HUGE difference when they’re adults!

Tis the season of puppies! Our puppy jumpstart program can be found here, along with the rest of our board and trains!

https://www.unleasheddogtrainingmi.com/boardandtrains

02/12/2025

Classes canceled tonight! Stay warm!

02/12/2025

Today is one of those days, heavy with reflection. So many things going through our brains- one of those things is the Dog Training Industry in general.

Being selected by our clients is so rewarding. They trust us with their family member. Because dogs 100% are part of the family in today’s day and age. We pride ourselves on being entirely transparent. Our facility is open (during working hours) for people to see where their dogs are staying. Inspected yearly by the county, and honestly- the entire team here is so particular on our facility because we love each dog that comes through as our own.

There’s been ALOT of stuff going around in the dog training industry. Trainers not being open and forthcoming about where their dogs stay, using words in advertisements that are false, and taking ideas from other businesses due to lack of creativity or jealousy of business practices.

When searching for a dog trainer, make sure you’re asking the right questions! Here’s some GREAT questions for you to ask to ensure you’re getting the right fit!

🐾What training methods do you use?
It is so important to understand their approach and ensure it follows your beliefs. Do they used positive reinforcement? Are they balanced (where they use both positive reinforcement and corrections when necessary)? Or, are they compulsion based meaning they don’t use rewards.

🐾What are your credentials/experience?
While formal education isn’t required, ensure they have the hands on experience to back it up. Do they have any form of training? Or, did they train their family dog and decide they can train others.

🐾Can you provide references from previous clients?
This is probably one of the most important ones. Reviews are amazing, but having a conversation with a previous client on their experience is AMAZING. References can help ensure the trainer is safe, caring and going to offer training you’re hoping for.

🐾Do you offer a meet and greet/trial?
A meet and greet allows you to see how they interact with you and your dog. Giving you the opportunity to ask questions and decide if they are the right fit for you!

🐾What is the cost of your training?
Having a clear idea of the prices and what’s included in each program. Cheapest isn’t always the best option. But neither is the most expensive. Make sure all of the other questions are answered the way you feel comfortable with.

🐾Do you provide follow up support after the training is completed?
Are the trainers there to help ensure success? Or are they handing the leash off and washing their hands? Some trainers offer a specific amount of support time after each program, to help with the hand off and ensure the dogs are working well!

🐾How do you involve the owners in the training process?
Are you getting video updates? Video lessons? In person lessons? A take home? All of these are important questions to ensure your success with your dog! Video updates are cool, but in-person lessons are so important to help with timing, real interactions, and problem solving.

Remember to do your research on trainers- ask the right questions, take a tour of exactly where your dog is staying, talk to previous clients, and ensure it’s a great fit for you and your dog!

Interested in training with us? Let’s set up a tour and meet and greet!

Www.unleasheddogtrainingmi.com

02/12/2025

FEBRUARY CLASSES!!!

🐾AKC STAR PUPPY🐾

AKC STAR Puppy Class is a great way to start introducing your puppy to obedience commands and proper socialization. Getting a head start on setting your new furry friend up for success
This class will teach you how to maintain your puppy’s health, help you with a schedule for adequate play/exercise, and will teach you how to keep your puppy safe.
This class will also expose your puppy to new environments and promote safe socialization. Deterring any aggression or handling problems your pup may experience.
We will cover introduction to obedience commands such as sit, down, and come and are offering the option to title your pup through AKC.
To attend your puppy must be between the ages of 8 weeks old – 6 months and have received at least three rounds of puppy shots.
This is a 6 week course meeting for 1 hour
Cost: $250
WE HAVE 2 CLASS OPTIONS THIS ROUND
-Saturdays at 1:30pm
-Mondays at 6pm

🐾AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN🐾

Our AKC Canine Good Citizen class will teach you and your dog the skill set to be a well behaved member in society.
Focusing on basic obedience commands and handling techniques, we will cover proper ownership and how to set your dog up for success. You will train in a group like setting and receive weekly homework to practice at home. The last class day we will test you for certification.
Duration: 6 Weeks meeting for 1 hour
Cost: $250.00
WE HAVE TWO SETS OF CLASSES THIS ROUND!
-Saturdays at 2:30pm
-Mondays at 7pm

These classes fill fast, and this is our FIRST Saturday option!!
Message us now to sign up!
Www.unleasheddogtrainingmi.com

02/12/2025

February CLASSES!!!

🐾AGILITY🐾

🐾🐾Beginner 1- non contacts, this is a 6 week course teaching the fundamentals for agility! Covering jumps, tunnels, weaves, table AND the start of confidence on contacts. Weds nights at 6pm starting Feb 26th . Limited space available, $250

🐾🐾Beginner 2- contacts. 6 week course teaching the contacts, 2 on 2 off method, starting courses and learning to work independently. Beginner 1 is recommended before 2. Starting Feb 26th at 7:30 pm, runs for 6 weeks
Cost:$250

These classes fill up fast!
Message us now to sign up!
Www.unleasheddogtrainingmi.com

02/12/2025

HERE WE GO!!!

Unleashed Service and Facility Dogs are searching for 2 raisers!

These puppy raisers are SOOO crucial to the program. Raising, caring, and foundation training these pups that will become a life changing support system for someone is such a rewarding task! Requirements:

🐾Weekly classes, Tuesday evenings for now.
🐾Loving family, willing to follow the rules and steps to ensure success.
🐾time patience and love

We provide routine vet care, flea and tick, and training!

If you or someone you know might be interested in puppy raising, PLEASE reach out! 🐾

02/12/2025

What a beautiful winter day!!! ❤️

We have group classes forming, AKC Star Puppy and Canine Good Citizen!!! Starting February 22nd and 24th!!! (Two separate classes)

That means we have the option for a Tuesday night FUN CLASS!!! We’re going to offer TWO fun classes for Feb!!! Here we ARE!!

🐾SCENT WORK🐾

Scent work is a fun team sport that develops an amazing bond with your pup! By teaching your pup to detect specific scents, and alert to you where that scent is, you can create an amazingly fun new game! Whether you decide to compete, or just want to give your pup an outlet, this is the perfect class for you! We will be going over some of the novice skills for AKC and UKC

This course runs 6 weeks. Tuesday nights at 6pm, starting February 25thth. The cost is $250. Dogs must be well socialized with no behavior issues.

🐾TRICK TRAINING🐾

Did you know you can obtain trick dog titles for your dog? In this class we will learn 2 new tricks a week, aiming for a trick dog novice title! This is a PERFECT class to keep your pups brain engaged during these COLD winter months! Some tricks we will teach: crawl, get it, get on, high five, spin, touch, kiss, hand signals, jump, and balance beam. Of course there’s opportunities to learn other tricks, but these are some of the required tricks! Prerequisites consist of: able to take treats in a class setting, interested in working for treats, and non reactive.
✨WE HAVE TWO OPTIONS FOR THIS CLASS
Saturdays at 4pm (6weeks)
Tuesdays at 7pm (6weeks)
Cost:$200

02/12/2025

Emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, and service dogs each have unique roles and responsibilities, and they are recognized differently under the law.

Emotional support dogs provide comfort and emotional support to individuals with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. They do not require specialized training to perform specific tasks but are there to offer companionship and alleviate symptoms of their owner’s condition. Emotional support dogs are primarily recognized under the Fair Housing Act, which allows them to live with their owners in housing that typically does not permit pets. However, they do NOT have access rights to public places like restaurants or stores.

Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and affection to people in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas. They work with their handlers to offer emotional support and improve the well-being of those they visit. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs do NOT have access rights to public places unless they are invited as part of their therapy work. They are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but may be allowed in certain facilities with permission.

Service dogs are specially trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, helping them with daily activities and increasing their independence. This training can include guiding the visually impaired, alerting the hearing impaired, pulling a wheelchair, or retrieving items. People with anxiety and PTSD can qualify for a service dog, the dog has to have specific tasks thag are trained to help mitigate their disability. Service dogs are protected under the ADA, which grants them access to public places where pets are usually not allowed, such as restaurants, stores, and public transportation.

While emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, and service dogs all provide valuable assistance, they differ in their training, roles, and legal protections. Service dogs have the most extensive access rights due to their specialized training to assist with disabilities.

02/12/2025

We have ✨GRADUATES✨

So proud of the first class of 2025!

🎓AKC STAR PUPPY
🐾Castielle
🐾Charlie
🐾Sawyer
🐾Helya
🐾Huck
🐾Maverick
🐾Willow

🎓AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN
🐾Gravy
🐾Beba
🐾Chevy
🐾Willow
🐾Sunny
🐾Lucy (absent on the photo night)

We’re forming classes again, and we have TWO opportunities for puppy and beginner obedience!!

Saturdays and Mondays! Reach out for more info!

SO PROUD OF THESE PUPS!
Www.unleasheddogtrainingmi.com

02/10/2025

Bentley has begun some small task shaping and public access! This boy has some great potential to help his family back in Texas!

We’ve been sending lots of updates, and are 100% jealous of their warm weather! But Bentley is loving the snow, and loving training!

✨Changing the world one Service Dog at a time🐾🥹

02/10/2025

Big man Waldo has had some HUGE milestones!

We have offered to relax in the morning in the kennel, WITH a tech in the building. When he came he would be so amped from the moment he woke up, til he fell asleep from exhaustion. Specifically around people.

We also PLAYED for the first time with us. When he would get his play time he would spend it running, pacing and just over all anxious behaviors. He actually tried to pick up a toy and play with us!

AFTER said play time he LAID DOWN in the training room of his own accord. Which is HUGE

🐾these might all seem SOO little to the average eye. But to someone who knows what we’re looking for, these are not just steps in the right direction, but BOUNDS.

🐾our obedience and leash work has been slowly progressing as well. And we are finally able to pet his head without a total melt down of over stimulation. And we are getting to his neck and shoulders slowly.

Im so proud of my main squeeze Waldo❤️ We’re on your team buddy, at your pace we will make it to the finish line🥹

Interested in a board and train? We are booking into April! Let us help UNLEASH your dog’s potential!
Www.unleasheddogtrainingmi.com

02/08/2025

DOES YOUR SCHOOL OR BUSINESS NEED A FACILITY DOG? One that brings your students, residents, and employees peace and comfort?

Unleashed Dog Training has upcoming puppies who would be GREAT facility dogs (or service dogs).

Testimonies for Facility Dogs:
When Cash and I started our journey to become a therapy dog and handler over a year and half ago, I thought I understood the effect it would have on me, Cash and those we would encounter. For me it would help fill the part of the void created by the loss of my husband. Cash would have more time with people which he loves and kids would get to hang out with a “cute” and precious dog. But I now know I didn’t truly understand the impact of a sweet dog’s unconditional love in a classroom until today. I also had my students write about the experience.

There was a calm in my room today even though the kids were excited to have Cash here. What I witnessed was very moving to me as a teacher and Cash’s mom.

✨I saw one girl smile for the first time today and she wanted to stay close to Cash all day. She wrote “ when I am next to you I feel calm not just in the room, I mean like I’m petting you or giving you belly rubs at home. … I love you.”

✨I saw a boy, who is often upset with others and scowls a lot, smiling big and often today, especially when Cash decided to lay his head on the boy’s hand and use it for his pillow. He wrote about it “I loved when you were sleeping on me. You are kind and calm.” He was still talking and smiling about that experience the next day.

✨One girl (who lives in a single parent home) sat down in her seat, put her head down and when she raised her head tears were streaming down her face. She got up and walked up to Cash and hugged him. When I asked her why she was crying she told me “I just love him so much.”

✨Another girl was also tearing up when she kept saying “I just love him” "Please, please let him come back.”
Other’s wrote:

“I felt happy when Cash came.”
“Cash, you made my day.”
“I like that we can pet you.”
“I feel safe with Cash. I like when Cash is by me.”
“I felt happy when Case came, it made me feel warm inside and I liked it. So I want him to come more”
“Dear Cash, I felt so happy yesterday that you filled my bucket. I loved how we are lucky and get to spend time with you.”
“When you walked around and sniffed everyone it made me happy. I know I’m not your owner but I love you. You made my day better when I was having a horrible day. You made me smile…”
“I love Cash, he makes me happy. I want Cash to stay.”
“He makes me happy because he will touch my hand with his nose (when you say touch).”
“When Cash was here I felt good…”

One student told me “I think Cash loves me.” (I replied “I know he loves you but why do you think he loves you?”) The boy looked at me and simply stated, “Because I love him!”

Cash has now been coming to school with me for 3 months. He is acclimated and very comfortable in the building now. We have a routine. We enter the school and go straight to the classroom. While I am getting the room ready for the day, Cash is getting into his toy basket (which is filled to the brim with the toys my students bought him for Christmas) and playing. If I take too long opening up the room, Cash will start barking at me to let me know that it is getting late and it is time to begin our morning journey down to the office.

Once we arrive at the office, Cash will make his rounds greeting all who are there. Then he politely sits down near the door that leads to the backroom where the ladies keep his bag of treats. Often, when there are upset children in the office (missing mom, stressful bus trip, disagreement with a friend) the office staff will give them an opportunity to give Cash his morning treat. I have yet to see a child opt not give him a treat when given the choice. That small interaction between an upset student and Cash has built many lasting friendships.

02/06/2025

IF TODAY WASNT THE BEST DAY EVER….

Thank you Big Rock Preschool for having us and allowing us to educate our youth on the importance of service dogs.

Thank you Brittney and Jen for being amazing puppy raisers and sharing your time❤️

02/05/2025

Can anyone guess what we are gearing up for?!?

02/04/2025

FEBRUARY GROUP CLASSES ARE AS FOLLOWS

✨SATURDAYS starting 2/22✨
🐾Therapy Dogs (11:30am)
🐾AKC Star Puppy (1:30pm)
🐾AKC CGG/Beginner Obedience (2:30pm)
🐾Trick Lvl 1 (4pm)

✨MONDAYS starting 2/24✨
🐾AKC Star Puppy (6pm)
🐾AKC CGC/Beginner Obedience (7pm)

✨TUESDAYS starting 2/25✨
🐾Scent Work Lvl 1 (6pm)
🐾Trick Lvl 1 (7pm)

✨WEDNESDAYS starting 2/26✨
🐾Agility 1 (6pm)
🐾Agility 2 (7:30pm)

✨Thursdays (on going)✨
🐾4H/Youth class (6pm)
🐾Agility 3 drop in (7pm)

Descriptions are on the website, all classes are 6 consecutive weeks, for $250- except Therapy, which is 8 weeks for $500.

WILL WE SEE YOU THERE?!!
www.unleasheddogtrainingmi.com

Woman and veteran owned dog training and boarding facility in Central MI.

02/04/2025

This boy and his EXPRESSIVE face!

We’re going to be posting the next round of group classes!

Stay tuned!! We have SATURDAY classes!