Business Details
39 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Dog Training & Boarding in Grand Rapids
Kim's K-9 has been a family-owned, West Michigan-based business since 1987, dedicated to providing high-quality dog training, boarding, and daycare services. Our professionally trained staff combines 35 years of experience with a deep understanding of canine psychology to create personalized programs tailored to each dog's unique needs. We maintain rigorous safety standards, including vaccine requirements and supervised playgroups divided by size and energy level, ensuring a secure environment for all pets.Our facility offers structured enrichment activities, private kennels, and emergency preparedness, reflecting our commitment to excellence in pet care. With a focus on building strong human-canine relationships through positive reinforcement, we serve the greater Grand Rapids area as a trusted partner in pet development and well-being.
Services
Dog Boarding
Daycare Services
Puppy Training
Private Training
Puppy Pre-School
Day Training
Bootcamp Programs
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer 35 years of specialized dog training expertise
- Our staff implements LIMA-certified, science-based training methods
- We maintain strict vaccine and safety protocols for all pets
- Our playgroups are carefully divided by size and energy level
- We provide personalized enrichment programs with daily structured activities
Associations and certifications
- LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive)
What people say
Amazing staff
Best bang for buck
Superior care
Professional intervention
Visible training results
Services
Dog Boarding
Our boarding program provides safe, supervised group play and private rest areas for dogs. Each day includes 4-6 hours of staff-monitored playtime, name recall practice, and structured enrichment activities. Dogs sleep in private kennels with personalized feeding schedules using owner-provided food or IAMS for $5/day. Vaccine compliance and temperament assessments ensure safety for all guests.
Daycare Services
Interactive daycare features structured playgroups divided by size and energy level. Dogs enjoy 4-6 hours of supervised play, recall training, and enrichment activities like play structures and weather-dependent outdoor access. Private naptime prevents over-exertion while maintaining socialization benefits. Puppies under 6 months receive specialized care in our Private Puppy Playground with housebreaking support.
Puppy Training
Puppy Kindergarten (12-18 weeks) focuses on early socialization and basic obedience. Six-week programs teach sit, wait, and recall while addressing housebreaking. Complementary Puppy Preschool offers pre-ownership education covering schedules, crate training, and behavior management. All programs emphasize confidence-building and aggression prevention through positive reinforcement techniques.
Bootcamp Programs
Four-week residential training programs develop practical skills for dogs and owners. Custom-tailored curricula address specific behavioral challenges while teaching real-world commands like focused walking and door waiting. Includes daily staff interaction, boarding integration, and owner demonstration sessions. Designed for comprehensive skill development with post-training maintenance guidance.
Private Training
Six-week private training programs combine personalized instruction with owner participation. Trainers develop customized solutions for unique situations, focusing on practical skills over tricks. Requires owner commitment to daily practice between sessions. Ideal for special scheduling needs or unvaccinated dogs ineligible for facility access.
People
Martha
Owner/Trainer
With 35 years of experience in canine behavior, Martha leads Kim's K-9 as a LIMA-certified trainer. She develops training protocols that combine scientific principles with practical application, ensuring consistent methodology across all staff. Her expertise focuses on building strong human-canine relationships through positive reinforcement techniques.
Questions
What does my dog do while boarding?
Dogs receive structured play and rest cycles with 4-6 hours of supervised playtime daily. They practice name recall, enjoy private kennels for rest, and receive meals according to owner-provided schedules. Staff monitor playgroups divided by size and energy level.
How are dogs divided into playgroups?
We categorize dogs into eight groups based on size and energy level. Tiny Tots (under 25lbs) have specialized play areas, while medium and large dogs join groups like Balance Buddies or Rowdy Rompers according to their play style.
Do you offer grooming services?
We provide baths with towel dry services but don't offer full grooming. Clients can add bath services during daycare visits or request special arrangements through our staff.
What vaccination records are required?
All dogs must meet our vaccination standards. Puppies in training programs must be on schedule with age-appropriate vaccines. Owners can submit records via email or fax from their veterinarian.
Can non-social dogs attend daycare?
We don't recommend daycare for antisocial dogs. Our private boarding option offers alternative enrichment opportunities for dogs who don't thrive in group settings while maintaining our safety standards.
What training methods do you use?
We follow LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) principles with positive reinforcement techniques. Our training focuses on practical skills over tricks, emphasizing clear communication between dogs and owners.
Reviews (4)
Madra Likkel
Jun 28, 2022
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This place is nothing short of phenomenal. Even before we started sending our pup here, they were wonderful with quick and clear communication. Our pup has anxiety, so we were worried about how things would go, but he had so much fun and we got a cute little report card detailing the day. Between the excellent service, the superior care they provide, and the low prices, Kim's K9 is most definitely the place to bring your pups.
Noah Riley
Jun 03, 2022
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Was my wonderful pit bull Genesis's first time at a dog daycare she was from the shelter and can be very shy at times, but they handled her perfectly, I could tell that she felt very relaxed around all the workers and loved playing with the other dogs and was still happy and excited even when we were leaving. 10/10 experience so happy I have a place to bring her to that she is comfortable and well taken care of while I am gone.
Kathy Zimmerman
May 28, 2022
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We took our 9 month old Bernedoodle puppy for his "get acquainted" visit for daycare yesterday. He absolutely loved it! Everyone we talked to was so nice and obviously love what they do! Samson is looking forward to more play dates there and we feel very good about leaving him there!
Andy Grow
May 26, 2022
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Both our dogs LOVE going to Kim's. for daycare or boarding, it doesn't matter, they get THE BEST love and care available. We are always happy when we pick them up, and they are always tired from all the awesome play they get!
