AKC Family Dog Program
akc CGC, STAR Puppy, Trick Dog, VHM, & Fit Dog Evaluator
AKC ATT & Fetch Judge
akc Temperament Test (ATT) & Fetch Judge
Obedience Class Information
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class (in-person)
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class (in-person)
S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and a Responsible owner. This 6 week class teaches puppies basic skills and obedience. The cost of the class includes an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. Class is offered near Battle Creek, MI.
PUppy Start Right Class (virtual)
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class (in-person)
The Puppy Start Right program is a 5 week socialization and training class for puppies 8 weeks to 4 months old. It is designed by Kenneth Martin, DVM, DACVB and Debbie Martin, LVT, VTS (Behavior), CPDT-KA, KPA CTP. Prepare your puppy for a lifetime of good behavior by enrolling today.
AKC Virtual Home Manners Preparation Class & Personal Coaching (Virtual)
The Virtual Home Manners (VHM) class is a 6 week class in which you train your dog at home. When you get a puppy or new adult dog, Virtual Home Manners can get you started on practical skills before you attend other training classes. The cost of the class includes personalized, one-on-one virtual coaching and an AKC VHMP or VHMA test.
Foundations of Obedience (In-Person)
Drop-in Training, Trek 'N' Train and seminars
This 6 week class covers basic foundation obedience skills using the Karen Pryor Academy modular format. Class is offered near Battle Creek, MI and Coldwater, MI.
AKC CGC Preparation Class (In-person)
Drop-in Training, Trek 'N' Train and seminars
Drop-in Training, Trek 'N' Train and seminars
This 8 week in-person class covers the 10 skills needed to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. The cost of the class includes an AKC CGC test. Class is offered near Battle Creek, MI.
Drop-in Training, Trek 'N' Train and seminars
Drop-in Training, Trek 'N' Train and seminars
Drop-in Training, Trek 'N' Train and seminars
I offer drop-in training, trek 'n' train and seminars on a variety of canine-related topics. Please contact me for details.
Fitness Class Information
General information
AKC FIT DOG courses are designed to provide safe, structured fitness activities for your dog. These courses are for healthy dogs who have no significant prior injuries or ongoing conditions. They are NOT a canine rehabilitation program. My in-person fitness classes are located near Battle Creek, MI and Coldwater, MI.
AKC Fit Dog Level 1
Dogs must be healthy and have completed a basic obedience class before enrolling in this course. Level 1 skills include: Nose Touch Front Paw Targeting, Shake Paws, Tuck Sit, Cookie Stretch, Kick Back Stand, Spins, Fold Back Down, Cavaletti Poles, and Rear Leg Pivots.
AKC Fit Dog Level 2 (coming soon)
Dogs must be healthy and have completed AKC Fit Dog Level 1 before enrolling in this course. Level 2 skills include: Target Hind Feet, Front Foot Target with Duration, Pivot Over an Object, Push Up, Stand and Give Paw, Leg Weaves, Walk Backward to Target, Hind Feet Elevated with Duration, Pop Ups, Front Limbs Elevated with Position Changes, and Rear Limbs Elevated with Position Changes .
AKC Fit Dog Level 3 (coming soon)
Dogs must be healthy and have completed AKC Fit Dog Level 2 before enrolling in this course. Level 3 skills include: Advanced Leash Skills, Sidestepping, Elevated Nose Touch on Balance Equipment, and Rear Leg Stretch.
Advanced Fitness skills
This course is designed for adult dogs that have completed an AKC Fit Dog Level 3 course or an advanced Do More With Your Dog fitness course. Keep your dog engaged and fit by completing obstacle courses and movement puzzles.
Community Events
I am available to give informative presentations at community events for pet owners and animal lovers.
My Story
Lara Mahr, KPA CTP
I grew up training dogs and have been working as a Professional Dog Trainer since 2008. I have been a KPA CTP and AKC CGC Evaluator since 2010. I am committed to meeting the highest ethical, humane, and safety standards in the dog training industry. I have trained dogs for a variety of working disciplines including detection and service work (Medical Alert, Mobility and Psychiatric). I have also competed in numerous sports with my German Shepherds. I am a member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America. I hold a BA degree in Anthropology (with an interest/specialization in Anthrozoology) from Western Michigan University. Anthrozoology is the interdisciplinary study of the interactions between humans and other animals.