Grand Rapids Offers Free and $5 Dog Training Classes

If there’s one thing Grand Rapids does really well in the summer, it’s finding ways to get people out into the community without spending a fortune.

You might already know about the free summer camps for kids, free weekend activities for teens, and free fitness classes for adults. But something a lot of people might not realize is that there are even opportunities for dogs and their humans, too.

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Free and $5 Dog Training Classes Return to Grand Rapids

Once again, the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department is teaming up with A Pleasant Dog to offer free and low-cost dog training classes throughout summer 2026.

The classes will take place at parks across Grand Rapids, as well as at A Pleasant Dog’s location on Knapp Street. They cover a lot of the real-life situations dog owners actually deal with every day. The $5 classes include topics like leash manners, recall training, impulse control, appropriate greeting behavior, nosework, and tricks.

There are also free classes specifically geared toward reactive dogs and the people who love them, including a workshop for owners and a support group for reactive dog owners.

One important thing to know is that the reactive dog workshops and support groups are humans-only events, so no dogs attend those sessions.

The classes are designed to be standalone one-hour sessions, which is nice because you don’t have to commit to a huge multi-week program if your schedule is already packed this summer. But if you want to sign up for several, you absolutely can.

👇BELOW: DISCOVER DOG PARKS AROUND GRAND RAPIDS👇

What’s Included in the Summer Dog Training Lineup

Here’s a look at the summer lineup:

Pleasant Greetings: Don’t Jump Up

Wednesday, June 3 at Martin Luther King Park from 3 to 4 p.m.

Leash Manners

Friday, June 5 at Wilcox Park from 4 to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, June 23 at Riverside Park from 6 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, June 24 at Richmond Park from 3 to 4 p.m.
Friday, August 14 at Roberto Clemente Park from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Come Back! Recall Training

Saturday, June 6 at Pleasant Park from 2 to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, June 24 at Garfield Park from 6 to 7 p.m.

Reactive Dogs are Good Dogs, Too - Free workshop for humans only:

Wednesday, June 17 at A Pleasant Dog from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 29 at A Pleasant Dog from 2 to 3 p.m.

No Bad Dogs - Free support group for reactive dog owners:

Tuesday, June 30 at A Pleasant Dog from 6 to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, July 28 at A Pleasant Dog from 6 to 7 p.m.

Impulse Control

Tuesday, July 14 at Midtown Green from 6 to 7 p.m.

The Nose Knows: Nosework Skills and Training

Wednesday, July 15 at Huff Park from 3 to 4 p.m.

Go Ahead and Show Off: Tricks 101

Saturday, August 1 at Cambridge Park from 2 to 3 p.m.

How to Register and What Dog Owners Should Know

There are a few requirements for the $5 dog classes, including current vaccinations, leashes, and keep it to one dog per person.

Registration is required for all classes and is now open.

6 Free Dog Parks Near Grand Rapids Where Your Pup Can Run Off-Leash

Looking for a spot where your dog can run, play, and burn off some energy—without spending a dime? These six dog parks near Grand Rapids all have fenced, off-leash areas and plenty of room for your pup to roam.

Be sure to check each park’s rules and hours before you go to ensure a safe and fun visit for everyone.

Gallery Credit: Janna

7 Dog-Friendly Beaches in West Michigan

A day at the beach isn't the same without man's best friend. You and your pup are allowed to go to these beaches together. Information comes from the State of Michigan and Bring Fido.

Note: All these parks require a recreation passport.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill