Playing Fur Keeps LLC Dog Training and Services

01/01/2025

I know mine will be! 🥰🐶🥰🐕🥰

31/12/2024

What a year 2024 has been! Thank you all for your support, whether it be through booking, social media shout outs, or direct referrals. 2024 brought Playing Fur Keeps, my forever pride and joy, to never before seen levels. I certainly cannot forget the humbling tag of “Best Pet Trainer” in Grand Rapids. I've put so much into getting here, and my soul's purpose has never been more validated than it was this year. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. 💖

Wishing each and every one of you (those furry little babies too) a safe and blessed New Year.

Bring on 2025! 🐶🐶🐶

25/12/2024

🐕🎄🎅🎄🐕

19/12/2024

I need a little pick me up today. As I get busier and busier, unfortunately the chance of not succeeding in some cases is going to grow. That is really hard space for me, as my reason for being in this industry is rooted in purely genuine intent. I’ve recently had 2 dropouts, and this is not familiar territory for me. Over the last 8 years of operating as an LLC, I have only had one other drop out that was not related to a medical emergency. So, to have 2 so close together is heavy. With one of these, we had a big difference of opinion. The handler was putting a prong collar on a puppy, without an attempt at real loose leash training and proper socialization first. Not only was it unnecessary, but the handler was also utilizing it wrong by attaching it to a retractable leash and yanking upwards with physical force instead of letting the collar teach the dog how to release the pressure as it is designed to. Both of these mistakes bring a high risk of both physical and mental harm, so I of course stood up for this puppy. The handler felt that their google searches outweighed 2.5 years of schooling and over a decade of hands-on experience, and they dropped out of their course. The 2nd one, was an anxious rescue that really needs some structure and confidence building to reach true decompression and begin to genuinely bond with and build trust with their new family, simply said that they cannot be good students right now and have no interest in keeping at it. While I have had plenty of tough cases in my career, I always see them through at any cost. I am realizing with these 2 cases that the true toughest cases for me are going to be those that I have no choice but to walk away from; while knowing how much they need me, and how much more I could help them on their journeys. Sigh.

14/12/2024

Do you have room in your home (and heart) to foster through this upcoming transition?

The Kent County Animal Shelter is moving to a temporary location in January and is asking for people to foster or adopt animals to help prep for the move.

11/12/2024

05/12/2024

🐕💕💕💕💕💕🐕

Official 2024 Community Voting Awards Platform for Grand Rapids, MI. Where the community votes for their favorites every year.

03/12/2024

Tons of availability coming up in January! Shares appreciated. :)
If your family will be growing over the holidays, I do not suggest waiting until you find yourself desperate for help! Be a proactive per parent and set your family up for a lifetime of harmonious coexistence!

27/11/2024

Dogs who were rescued from a filthy pickup truck in Walker are ready to be adopted for the holidays, according to the Kent County Animal Shelter.

26/11/2024

Carolina Prime Pet, Inc, recalls Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips Dog Treats. See the Dog Food Advisor for more details.

22/11/2024

Apologies for the delay! I have finally updated availability to reflect January. If you have that Christmas puppy coming, message me to claim your spot today! I will have you set up with a "Puppy Prep List", and early material to ensure you start on the right paw, right away, with both potty training and kennel training. :)

22/11/2024

🤔.. yea, I could see this working. 🤣🤣

21/11/2024

Another 5- star review! 🥰 Thank you so much Hutch, Loki, and family for such a detailed and thoughtful review! It is deeply humbling when people recognize my passion and my drive to set them up for long-term success. I feel strongly that long-term success is fueled by a handler's knowledge. Strengthening that knowledge is always one of my biggest focal points. 💕🐕💕🐕💕🐕💕

15/11/2024

Thank you Joey and family for the kind words and generous gift! The pleasure was all mine! Be a good boy, Joey! 💕💕💕