We had our giant schnauzer, Zelda, trained (obedience and protection) by K-9 Specialist and were very pleased with the training. Al came to our house for a free consultation and was thorough in explaining what the training would cover. I was very impressed with the obedience and responsiveness to commands that my dog learned in a few short weeks with K-9 Specialist. I appreciated the time Sharon took to train my husband and I how to utilize Zelda's new skills. While Sharon is strict in her training, I can tell that Zelda absolutely loves going back to see her when I board her with K-9 Specialist. I honestly don't trust any other kennel to leave my dog with. Throughout Zelda's protection training, Al built on her natural protective instinct and worked strategically to build her confidence. Al answered any questions I had and Al's expertise and knowledge of dogs was clearly evident when he worked with my dog. I cannot put a price tag on the safety of my family and knowing that my dog is ready at all times to protect her family puts my mind at ease, especially when my husband isn't home. I have no hesitations in recommending K-9 Specialist to anyone looking for obedience and/or protection training for their furry family members. read more

I had my, extremely active, GSD, trained by K-9 Specialist and I couldn't be happier! The owner, Al, has years of experience and is extremely passionate about what he does. He truly cares about what is best for the dogs! He took the time to guide me through the entire process, explaining everything in great detail as we went along. Now, I am able to go anywhere with my dog and have complete confidence! My dog is happier too! CMW Norton Shores, MI read more

My husband and I lost our Yorkie, Oscar, to cancer. He died naturally and the heartache was unbearable. We waited a year before we decided to bring another dog into our family. We also had our 8 year old Silky Terrier, Zoey. When we found the perfect pup for our home at a rescue we brought him home with much excitement. Well our Zoey wasn't as excited as we were and in fact she hated her new brother Earl. Earl is a two year old Cairn Terrier. We made the commitment to provide a loving home to both of our dogs, so we decided after only a few short weeks of the two fighting to find a trainer. I wasn't sure where to go, so I called my vet in Byron Center and they recommended K-9 Specialist. I talked to Al on the phone and he listened to my story. When I was finished talking he gave me his expert advice on how he could help my pups get along. He was very knowledgeable about my dog's breeds, the problems we were facing and how we could correct the problems. He came and met me and my husband at our home so he could talk further to us about our problems and meet the dogs. After spending an hour with us at no cost, my husband and I felt very comfortable signing his contract for training our two dogs. We dropped our dogs off to Al for three extensive weeks of training. When we picked them up I was just so excited to see my pups! My dogs are my children! I would do anything for them! With their training, my dogs now get along! They are respectful of each other. For example, they eat out of the same bowl! They wait for each other to finish before eating for themselves. In addition to my dogs getting along, Al went above and beyond to also train them to come, sit, walk on a leash properly, etc. Our dog Earl would take off if he was off a leash, now he doesn't do that, thanks to Al's training. My dog Zoey would hide under the bed and not come out when you called her and she would bite at you if you tried to get her. Now she immediately comes out. I could not be happier with his knowledge, patience, care and love for dogs. He also came to our home several times after we brought the dogs home to make sure we continued the training at home and were doing it properly. Al has become a great resource for us. Recently Zoey got sick and the vet told us she would die within the year. I didn't want to believe this so I called Al. At no cost he spent time listening to me and then educated me on this particular disease and how I can actually heal Zoey. I had nothing to lose and everything to gain so I took his advice to feed her a raw diet, with specific vitamins, raw pumpkin, etc. Both of my dogs now eat a raw food diet. Zoey is back to her energetic self! It is like she has a new lease on life thanks to Al. I can never repay him for this gift he has given to my family, just out of the goodness of his heart and love for dogs. Al and K9-Specialists is truly the best out there! This isn't just a business for Al, it is a passion for his love of dogs, and shows through his training, advice, knowledge, professionalism, and exceeding all expectations. His training is worth every penny and more! I wish I could give K9-Specialists 6 stars! read more

I paid in advance to have my dog trained and certified as a service dog. At the end of the training, I was told I had to pay an additional fee for the dog's certification. I reminded them that I was told at the beginning that the original fee was to cover the certification but they and I disagreed. I paid the additional fee and still did not receive the certification. Both calls and visits to their Muskegan facility were to no avail. The training was satisfactory; but the certification as a service dog was a total rip-off. read more