Calmer Walks and Better Behavior with Certified In-Home Dog Training in Muskegon
Stop dreading stressful walks, jumping on guests, nonstop barking, or puppy chaos. Get personalized, positive reinforcement dog training in your home from a certified trainer serving Muskegon and nearby West Michigan Communities.
CPDT-KA Certified - Fear Free Certified - AKC CGC Evaluator - Humane Society Training Experience
Training Programs for Puppies, Obedience, and Reactive dogs in Muskegon
Every dog is different. Training is personalized to your goals, your home, and the real-life challenges you're dealing with, from puppy chaos to stressful walks.
Puppy Foundations
Build great habits early with help for potty training, crate routines, biting, socialization, confidence, and first leash skills
Starting at $285
Reactive Dog Training
For dogs who bark, lunge, or become overwhelmed on walks or around triggers. Humane behavior modification with clear guidance and support.
Starting at $650
Basic Obedience Training
Improve leash walking, focus, jumping, impulse control, recall, and everyday manners with personalized in-home coaching.
Starting at $495
Advanced Training & CGC
Take training further with Canine Good Citizen prep, stronger reliability, public manners, and advanced skills.
Starting at $475
Not sure what program fits your dog? Book a free consultation and we'll recommend the right starting point.
Why Muskegon Dog Owners Choose Port City Dog Training
Dog training should feel clear, humane, and tailored to your real life, not one-size-fits-all or built around harsh methods.
Certified Professional Training
Work with a CPDT-KA certified trainer committed to evidence-based, humane dog training methods that focus on lasting behavior change
Shelter & Behavior Experience
Hands-on experience as a dog trainer and behavior technician working with shelter dogs, including dogs struggling with fear, overstimulation, and challenging behavior.
Fear Free & Positive Reinforcement
Training focuses on positive reinforcement methods that build trust, confidence, and reliable behavior without intimidation or punishment.
Personalized Training Plans
No cookie-cutter programs. Training is tailored to your dogs personality, your goals, and the real-life challenges you're working through.
Real World In-Home Coaching
Your dog learns where behavior actually happens, in your home, neighborhood, and daily routines, not in an artificial training environment
Support Between Sessions
Get guidance between appointments so you're never left wondering what to do next or how to keep progress moving forward.
CPDT-KA Certified - Fear Free Certified - AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator - Shelter Behavior Experience
What Muskegon Area Dog Owners Are Saying
Real results from local dog owners working through leash pulling, reactivity, puppy training, and everyday behavior challenges.
Walks Went From Stressful to Enjoyable
I can't say enough great things about how our training went! I have a 65 + pound dog that thought he was born for the Olympic dog sled pulling team, quite literally pulling me off of my feet on walks. I dreaded hooking up his leash. I had been using a gentle leader and treats to no avail. After training, we are walking down the sidewalk past dogs, people, deer (with a harness now) and no issues. I only wish I had started sooner. Steve was very flexible with my crazy schedule, and I'm quite sure we will be doing refresher courses from time to time, but I am so pleased with our progress :)
-Jen Pearson
Leash Walking & Obedience
A Game-Changer for Reactivity
This training has been a game-changer for me and my 1-year-old Australian Shepherd, Molly. We started reactivity training to help with her anxiety around people and overstimulation on walks, and the improvement has been remarkable. Molly is now much more comfortable in different environments, quicker to disengage, and more relaxed overall. Steven was incredibly friendly, professional, and great with Molly—always patient and supportive. I also appreciated the helpful articles and tips he shared, which made it easier to stay consistent between sessions.
What really stood out was his use of non-punitive, positive methods and his willingness to come to our home, which made a big difference in Molly’s progress. His approach was tailored, compassionate, and clearly focused on long-term success. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Port City Dog Training to anyone looking for effective, kind, and professional support for their dog.
-Samantha M. & Molly
Reactive Dog Training
From Overwhelmed Puppy Owner to Therapy Dog Team
Steve knows dogs, and Steve knows people. Steve guided me from a first-time dog owner, stressed about destructive puppy behavior, through the Canine Good Citizen and now to a happy, bonded therapy dog team. My life is so, so much richer because of my relationship with my pup, and Steve played a huge role in making that so. Steve's skill at fear-free, positive reinforcement training, his endless enthusiasm and encouragement, his kindness and grace, and his true interest in helping dogs and their humans succeed together make every lesson a joy. And Piper gives Steve a 5 bones review too!
-Marla E. & Piper
Puppy Training & CGC
Trusted by West Michigan Dog Owners
How In-Home Dog Training Works
Getting started is simple. We'll create a plan tailored to your dog, your goals, and the challenges you're facing.
STEP 1
Schedule a Free Consultation
Tell me about your dog, your goals, and the behaviors you'd like to improve. We'll discuss your challenges and determine the best path forward
STEP 2
Start Training With Confidence
You'll receive a personalized training plan tailored to your dog's needs, your household, and your goals.
STEP 3
Build Lasting Results
Learn practical skills, strengthen communication, and enjoy calmer behavior at home, on walks, and in everyday life
Ready to Get Started?
Let's create a training plan that works for both you and your dog
In-Home Dog Training Throughout West Michigan
Port City Dog Training provides in-home positive reinforcement dog training in Muskegon, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, and nearby West Michigan communities. Training happens where your dog lives and learns, so we can work on real-life challenges like leash pulling, puppy manners, barking, and reactive behavior
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Questions about training, methods, or getting started? Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often
Do you use punishment, prong collars, or e-collars? No. Training is based on positive reinforcement and Fear Free principles that focus on teaching desired behaviors while building confidence and trust.
Can you help with reactive dogs? Yes. We work with many dogs that bark, lunge, or become overwhelmed around people, dogs, or other triggers. Training focuses on reducing stress and teaching alternative behaviors.
How long does dog training take? Every dog is different. Some families see improvements within a few sessions, while more complex behavior challenges may require additional training and practice.
What areas do you serve? We provide in-home dog training throughout Muskegon, North Muskegon, Norton Shores, Fruitport, Whitehall, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, and nearby West Michigan communities.
Still have questions?
Contact Us
Contact
Opening Hours
Mon - Thurs
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fri - Sat
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Free Consultation
Ready to improve your dog's behavior and enhance your bond? Schedule a free 15-minute discovery call to discuss your goals, and let's create a customized plan for you and your pup.