Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Dog Training & Events in Kalamazoo
Founded in 1948, Kalamazoo Kennel Club has dedicated itself to advancing the well-being of dogs through education, training, and community engagement. Our organization provides comprehensive programs in obedience, agility, conformation, and scent work, designed to foster responsible dog ownership and enhance the human-canine bond. With decades of collective experience, our team of certified instructors and industry professionals delivers structured classes that cater to dogs of all ages and skill levels, from foundational training to competitive preparation. We maintain partnerships with leading canine organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) to ensure our curriculum aligns with national standards while addressing local community needs.Our state-of-the-art 12,000 sq ft facility hosts regular trials, seminars, and health clinics, demonstrating our commitment to both dog sports and public education. Through volunteer-driven initiatives and facility rentals, we actively promote dog-related activities while maintaining transparent operations that prioritize animal welfare and owner education. Our track record of producing award-winning handlers and well-socialized dogs underscores our expertise in developing canine potential. By combining proven training methodologies with modern facilities, we provide accessible pathways for dog owners to achieve their training goals while contributing to safer, more dog-friendly communities.
Services
Obedience Training
Agility Classes
Conformation Coaching
Scent Work Trials
Facility Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- We offer 75+ years of continuous experience in dog training and AKC-sanctioned events
- Our 12,000 sq ft facility includes specialized agility and conformation training spaces
- Certified instructors teach progressive curricula from puppy basics to competition preparation
- We host monthly dog sports trials and community education seminars
- Our rental facility supports local dog clubs and organizations with complete amenities
Associations and certifications
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
What people say
Expert instructors
Progressive training programs
Community engagement
Well-maintained facilities
Competitive preparation
Services
Obedience Training
Structured classes develop essential skills in sit, stay, recall, and leash walking. Our curriculum progresses from basic commands to advanced competition preparation. Certified instructors use positive reinforcement techniques to build owner-dog communication while addressing behavioral challenges. Programs accommodate puppies through experienced competition teams.
Agility Classes
Progressive agility training builds obstacle proficiency and handler-dog coordination. Foundational courses develop jump techniques and body awareness, while advanced classes prepare teams for AKC competitions. Outdoor drop-in sessions allow practice of full course runs in a social environment with varying skill levels.
Conformation Coaching
Specialized instruction prepares dogs and handlers for AKC conformation events. Beginning classes teach ring procedures and stacking techniques, while advanced training refines presentation skills for competitive showing. Sessions focus on proper gaiting patterns and handler-dog synchronization during ring demonstrations.
Scent Work Trials
AKC-sanctioned scent work classes develop dogs' natural olfactory abilities using target odors like birch and clove. Training progresses from basic scent identification to complex search scenarios that simulate official trials. Programs accommodate all experience levels, emphasizing positive reinforcement and handler-dog teamwork.
Facility Rentals
Our 12,000 sq ft climate-controlled facility includes a 135x55 show arena with permanent matting. Renters access meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, and outdoor grassed areas with shade trees. The space accommodates dog shows, training seminars, and club meetings with flexible rental packages for short-term events.
People
Jim Fankhauser
President
AKC delegate with 20+ years of experience in dog sports, specializing in handler development and competition strategy. Active in promoting youth involvement in canine activities.
Shannon Dobbins
Vice President
Golden Retriever breeder with expertise in conformation showing and breed-specific health initiatives. Organizes community outreach programs to educate new dog owners.
Mary Lester
Obedience Chairperson
Certified obedience instructor with 15+ years of experience teaching progressive dog training curricula. Develops class structures that balance skill development with owner engagement.
Julie Prentice
Conformation Chairperson
AKC judge with specialization in proper ring presentation techniques. Trains handlers in breed-specific conformation standards and competition protocols.
Angela Boeske
AKC Delegate
Chesapeake Bay Retriever breeder focused on responsible breeding practices and canine health advocacy. Coordinates club participation in regional dog shows and educational events.
Questions
What dog training classes do you offer?
We provide obedience, agility, conformation, and scent work classes for all skill levels from puppy basics to competition preparation.
Are your facilities available for rent?
Yes, our 12,000 sq ft space with indoor arena, meeting rooms, and outdoor areas rents for dog shows, training events, and club meetings.
Do you host public dog events?
We organize monthly AKC-sanctioned trials, health clinics, and educational seminars open to the general public.
What training methods do you use?
Our certified instructors employ positive reinforcement techniques focusing on reward-based learning and clear communication between handlers and dogs.
How can I register for classes?
Download registration forms from our website or contact specific class coordinators for enrollment details and availability.
Do you offer beginner dog training?
Yes, our STAR Puppy program and Beginner Obedience classes provide foundational training for puppies and new dog owners.
