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600 South Capitol Ave.
Lansing, MI 48933
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Carol Hein-Creger

Canine Training Center

For information about any of our classes or services contact:

CANINE TRAINING CENTER
Carol Hein-Creger, Training Director / Owner

517.857.2884

Click To Watch Video
ABC: Agility Builds Confidence II, Summer 2010, prepared by student Joyce Heideman, DVM. Thank you Dr. Joyce!

Carol Hein-Creger

AnnaBelle's is privileged to have Carol as its lead trainer. Carol is the owner, founder and Director of the Canine Training Center. She has been teaching and training professionally since 1979, having taught thousands of dog owners and pet care professionals how to effectively train and modify dog behavior. She is a published author and has lectured to many organizations, including MSU Veterinary College. Carol is a recognized master at her craft and she has trained many of the local dog-trainers in the greater Lansing area. In addition to group classes, Carol offers private training and lessons, problem behavior counseling and boarding.

Be sure to check out Carol's series on tips and guidance for the Canine Good Citizen test items on the AnnaBlog: Tips and Guidance for CGC Test Item 1: Accepting a Friendly Stranger, Tips and Guidance for CGC Test Items 2 and 3: Sitting Politely for Petting and Grooming, Tips and Guidance for CGC Test Items 4 and 5: Loose Leash Walking and Walking Through a Crowd, Tips and Guidance on Canine Good Citizen Test Items 6 and 7, Sitting/Down on Command and Coming When Called, Tips and Guidance on Canine Good Citizen Test Items 8 and 9: Reaction to Other Dogs and Reaction to Distraction, and Tips and Guidance on Canine Good Citizen Test Item 10: Supervised Separation.

 

Click here to learn more about Carol's training
philosophy and methods!

Carol also has a training advice column, Carol's Corner: Is Corrective Training Necessary to Train Effectively? How to Reward Multiple Behaviors at the Same Time. Send Carol your training questions to info@coolcitydogs.com with "Carol's Corner" in the the subject line.

Listen to Carol talk about dog behavior and training on In Her Shoes Radio, Lansing Women's Talk Radio Show on WJIM AM 1240. Click on Episode 44 from September 26th.

 

Follow Carol on Twitter!

 

Join Carol on Facebook!

 

See more fun videos on AnnaBelle's YouTube Channel!

See more agility fun in Carol's ABC: Agility Builds Confidence II class. This video is from the Fall 2010 term and was prepared by student Joyce Heideman, DVM. Thanks again Dr. Joyce!

 

Classes

Click To Expand

  • Follow My Lead Puppy. For puppies up to 20 weeks of age, this class begins the important process of training and socialization. Topics include household manners, preventing or resolving behavior problems and the basic obedience exercises of come, sit, down, stay and loose leash walking.
  • Follow My Lead Beginner. For dogs 5 months of age or older that have never had structured training, this class covers the same topics as the Puppy class with an emphasis on gaining your dog's respect and increasing your control using positive methods and philosophy.
  • Follow My Lead Intermediate. For dogs that have successfully completed a beginning level class, this class focuses on off-leash and distance control with increased levels of distraction. Covers hand signals, heel position exercises and out-of-sight stays and recalls.
  • Canine Good Citizen (CGC). Teaches your dog to remain calm and mannerly in the presence of people and other dogs as the 10 CGC tests are introduced and practiced. The Canine Good Citizen Test is given the last night of class.
  • Calm and Confident. Designed for dogs that are shy or fearful around strangers, other dogs, or new environments. Confidence building exercises are taught and socialization skills are introduced that effectively reduce your dog's reaction to stress.
  • Rally. Introduces the Novice Rally exercises while preparing dog and handler for Rally competitions.
  • Handling. Prepares both the dog and handler for the conformation show ring.
  • Novice Obedience. Introduces and proofs the Novice exercises needed to prepare both dog and handler for Novice level obedience trials.
  • Open Obedience. Introduces the drop-on-recall, flat retrieve, retrieve over high jump and the broad jump needed to compete at the Open level of obedience competition.
  • Utility. Introduces the Utility exercises including signal exercises, scent work, directed jumping and directed retrieve.
  • Combo Class. A fun and progressive class where the students will experience a bit of everything, from standard obedience exercises and Agility to Rally and tricks! Master new skills while discovering what your dog really loves to do!
  • Tricks and Treats. Want your dog to kiss, speak, rollover, shake hands, spin around and play dead on command? Teaching tricks using treats and praise helps your dog learn how to learn. Join us for this fun and informative class!
  • Meeting and Greeting. Does your dog have the social skills necessary for a day at the dog-park? To attend your family reunion? Or to enjoy a peaceful lunch at a dog-friendly outdoor cafe in downtown Lansing? We will teach you how to make your dog a social success around other people and dogs. No more jumping! No more humping!
  • This Dog is Made for Walkin.' And that's just what he'll do. But instead of walking all over your, you'll learn how to perfect loose-leash walking regardless of distractions. No pulling, no fooling!
  • See Spot Come! Tired of chasing your dog after he slips out the door? Do you dream of letting your dog run off-leash and calling him back at will? We'll teach you how to get your dog to reliably come when you call, each time, every time!
  • ABC: Agility Builds Confidence. Unleash your dog's potential!  Instead of being roadblocks, obstacles are the bridge between dog and handler. In this fun and practical class,CTC will utilize agility obstacles in a non-competitive environment.
  • Refined Canine. Does your dog need some social and  behavioral refinement? Does he jump on people or inappropriately greet other dogs? Pull on the leash or just not pay attention to you when distracted? CTC will teach you how to make your dog a polite and refined member of human and canine society!

*Not all classes are offered each term*

Testimonials

  • I just finished ABC II and was sad to see it end. I've taken 3 or 4 classes from Carol and LOVED each one. She's a fabulous trainer with lots of knowledge but more importantly to me, trains with obvious care for both dogs and their people, does it with a sense of humor and left me feeling so positive about the training that I intend to continue with many more classes. I've taken lots of classes in other venues, but this is the best!!
    - Paula C.
  • "I was so excited to find a Canine Good Citizen class in our area. Carol was a great trainer and really helped me with the issues I was having with my dog. She is also so welcoming and invites people to come back anytime they need help without needing to officially join a class, and is always offering assistance. My dog passed his CGC test at the end of the class thanks to Carol!"
    My favorite thing about AnnaBelle's training is the "Friendly staff!!!! Great atmosphere and so helpful. Even in the CGC class, Carol was encouraging of everyone and so helpful with any issue a dog may have had."

    - Gabi M.
  • The knowledge, dog fluency/intuition/sense of timing and presentation skills both Carol and Erinn have with both dogs and people. And last but not least, the LOVE they both have for us and our dogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    - Anonymous
  • Carol and Erin are so knowledgable and great with not just the dogs but us humans too! The classes are not just challenging but fun as well.
    - Margo Kortes
  • Great selection of classes, Carol is very knowledgeable and friendly
    - mdsteele47
  • I have taken classes from Carol before and they have always been excellent. My dogs have been rescues and needed extra socialization which the classes provided. I ended up with social, happy and secure dogs. It allowed me to take them out in public and to the dog park. Thank you.
    - Theresa Pietrzak
  • My dog is getting more and more outgoing. Carol has been very helpful about showing me the tricks to get my dog with short legs to have to do what I want to get the treats. Lily has also never played with any toys and she sniffed the ones Carol put out one night so I tried a couple of them and she is having a ball playing with them.
    - Margie Roggelin
  • I never thought Jackson would have so much fun learning agility!!! He loves it and eagerly tries each new obstacle with more and more confidence each week! Thanks Carol and Erinn!!!
    - Melissa D.
  • Carol and Erinn are very observant and are ready to help you before you know you need help.
    - Barb N.
  • The course did a good job of setting us up to be able to deal with any problem behavior.
    - S. Adler
  • I've raved to the vets about how impressed I was with the puppy class and the results we got from the training.
    - Martha B.
  • I loved the classes I took at AnnaBelle's through Canine Training Center. Carol and Erin are excellent instructors and have great suggestions if you get stuck. I can't wait to take another class.
    - Tanya W.
  • The most helpful thing I learned was "that consistency is the key to a well trained dog and that even small things we do affect the dog's behavior.
    - Barb M.
  • Excellent choice of classes with a highly professional, credentialed staff. Readily available with assistance when needed. I would not consider using any other facility.
    - Sue B.
  • The most helpful thing I learned was "to remain patient and calm when training and that the dog did not understand what you wanted them to do at first. We did an exercise where someone came in and we had to get them do to something and it was very enlightening. That has assisted us in all of our training efforts!
    - Amy G.
  • Our favorite place to play and learn! I started with AnnaBelle's for the doggy day care and have now completed 2 classes with Carol (Refined Canine and Agility Builds Confidence). I couldn't be happier with the results from her classes. We love the doggy daycare too - nothing beats a worn out and happy dog! ... I would highly recommend AnnaBelle's to anyone!
    -Julia on Google
  • Annabelle's is GREAT!!!!!!! My Golden Retriever and I attended this class not knowing what to expect. I had never been to a training class. We were welcomed at the door by friendly staff who made sure my dog and I were both comfortable. I took carol's follow my lead class which i found enjoyable and informative. My dog will be attending many more classes here in the future. I highly recommend coming here for all your doggy needs!
    -Tiffany on Google
  • I have taken multiple classes through the Canine Training Center and at the end of each and every session my dane has shown Marked improvements. Erinn and Carol work with you, help you identify problems, and then find ways for you to fix them with your dog in an easy to understand and practical approach. After adopting my dane (who was reactive with little training) less than 3 months prior and attending a 6 week canine good citizens class he passed his CGC test and went on to pass his therapy dog international test. His rescue can't believe what a different dog he has become! Better yet, he adores the trainers -- which speaks highly of their ability to not only get results, but do so in a positive manner.
    -Jamie on Yelp
  • AnnaBelle's is a truly wonderful place for pets and their people. Carol and Erin are the best trainers in Lansing and the staff of Annabell's are professional but treat everybody like family.
    -Dr. Joyce on Google
  • My Vizsla and I have taken 2 classes from Carol Hein-Creger at AnnaBelle's and have enjoyed them both! I enjoyed the people who worked there so much that I started putting her in day care a few times a month. I love the web cam on the website as it gives me a chance to peek in on her while she's there. My puppy absolutely loves her time there. She comes home happy and tired. Few things are better than a pooped out Vizsla!! I highly recommend AnnaBelle's!
    -AnaBean23 on Google
  • We started out the year very nervous about how our reactive dog would act with a new baby in the house, not to mention an upcoming move. Ellie was leash-reactive and had been aggressive towards people and other dogs when she felt threatened. We were afraid we would have to rehome her as her behavior was outside our ability to manage. Thank goodness we found the flyer for Refined Canines!!! :) Through the course of working with Erinn and Carol in that class, we saw Ellie transform from an unknown quantity into an incredibly well-behaved, pleasant companion. Following up with Agility has just completed the transformation. She is such a good dog now that our whole (not-dog-friendly) family is jealous of us and makes hints that they would like to steal her away :) She has been perfect with the baby and is very well-mannered in public. No more aggression towards people or dogs!!! We have absolutely no doubts at all that the classes we took with Erinn and Carol were exactly what we needed to understand and manage her behavior, as well as build her confidence so she can handle new situations with ease. We have seen her blossom into a great family (and agility!) dog over the past few months, and wanted an opportunity to thank Erinn and Carol for all their help.
    - Allison Eden, Jason Weller, and Ellie
  • We were at our wit's end with our five month-old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy until Carol came to the rescue. From morning to night our adorable puppy would chew and mouth as though he were a piranha. It got to the point where our friends would not come over to the house because the only way our puppy would interact with them was by chewing their clothes, shoes, fingers or hands. Worried that we might not be able to manage a puppy that appeared to chew on 'autopilot,' we consulted our vet who recommended Carol. Because our puppy was particularly chewy, we boarded our puppy with Carol while she worked with him. Every day Carol worked closely with our puppy to teach him self control and to interact with people calmly without chewing. She also taught him to sit, drop to his tummy and to heel. When he returned to our home, Carol took the time to tutor all of us so that we could continue to reinforce the lessons he had learned. She even took the time to write down a checklist so that we could remember everything we needed to do. We only wish we had found Carol sooner. We love our 'new and improved' puppy. Thank You Carol!!!!!!!!!!!
    -Private Training Client
  • I cannot say enough good things about Erinn and Carol. I adopted my Great Dane three months ago as a one yr old male with minimal training and some significant socialization issues. After some negative interactions with other dogs I was afraid to take him anywhere and was even nervous coming to dog classes.
     
    Erinn and Carol not only helped me work on Grover’s manners and socialization but also gave me the confidence to take him out in public. Not only did Grover pass his Canine Good Citizen’s test on his first try but he also plays well with other dogs and I love taking him everywhere with me! His foster parents think that we have accomplished what they would have previously deemed impossible for him.
     
    Even better, not only does Grover come to Annabelle’s for class to work on his manners and socialization skills but he also truly loves coming and absolutely adores Erinn – his ears perk up and tail starts wagging the minute he sees her. He always comes and leaves a happy dog. This speaks volumes of their ability to positively work with the dogs and get positive, if not amazing, results.

    -Jamie and Grover

 

Carol Hein-Creger

Select an item below for more information:
New! Intro to Treibball

Treiball is a fun new sport for dogs of all ages that love to play games of chase or love to herd things.  In Treiball, the dog follows cues, signals, and commands to use his nose or shoulders to drive 8 balls into a goal net in a designated amount of time. Communication between dog and handler is the foundation of this exciting new game. Join the fun! 6 week class. Class size is limited!

Mondays, 8-9 pm: 2/27-4/2

Price: $99.00
Add To Cart
Follow My Lead - Puppy

For puppies 10-20 weeks of age. This class begins the important process of training and socialization. Topics include household manners, preventing and managing problem behaviors and basic obedience exercises. Class size is limited. 6 week class.
Mondays,
6-7 pm: 2/27-4/2

Price: $99.00
Add To Cart
Follow My Lead Beginner

Carol Hein-Creger of the Canine Training Center presents this class for all dogs 5 months and older who have not had structured training. Topics include household manners, preventing and managing behavior issues and basic obedience exercises, including sit, stay, down, come, and walking on a leash without pulling. Class size is limited. 6 week class.

Mondays, 7-8 pm: 2/27-4/2; Thursdays 6-7 pm: 3/1-4/5

Price: $99.00
Add To Cart
Follow My Lead - Intermediate

Carol Hein-Creger of the Canine Training Center offers this Intermediate Level Class for dogs that have successfully completed a beginning level class. This class focuses on off-leash behavior and distance control. Class size is limited.

Thursdays, 7-8 pm 6 weeks: 3/1-4/5

Price: $99.00
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Canine Good Citizen

This class focuses on teaching  your dog to remain calm and mannerly in the presence of people and other dogs. Carol Hein-Creger of the Canine Training Center introduces and practices the exercises needed to prepare the dog and handler for the CGC evaluation. The CGC evaluation is given the last night of class. Class size is limited. 6 week class.

Thursdays, 8-9 pm: 3/1-4/5

Price: $99.00
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Advanced Skills

This class takes training to a higher level utilizing hand signals, obstacles, retrieving and off-leash training.  This class is suitable for students who have completed an intermediate obedience, canine good citizen, beginning Rally, or other similar intermediate level class. 6 week class.

Tuesdays, 8-9 pm: 2/28-4/3

Price: $99.00
Add To Cart
ABC: Agility Builds Confidence I

Unleash your dog's potential! Instead of being roadblocks, obstacles are the bridge between dog and handler.  In this fun and practical class, Carol Hein-Creger of the Canine Training Center utilizes agility obstacles in a non-competitive environment. Class size is limited! 6 week class.

Tuesday, 6-7 pm: 2/28-4/3

Price: $99.00
Add To Cart
ABC: Agility Builds Confidence - II

Continue to unleash your dog's potential! Instead of being roadblocks, obstacles are the bridge between dog and handler.  In this fun and practical class, Carol Hein-Creger of the Canine Training Center utilizes agility obstacles in a non-competitive environment. Prerequisite: ABC: Agility Builds Confidence I or equivalent. Class size is limited. 6 week class.

Tuesdays, 7-8 pm: 2/28-4/3

Price: $99.00
Add To Cart
Dog Rescue Foster Parent Drop In Sessions

AnnaBelle's supports and encourages the fostering of rescue dogs. We know how much work, effort, time, and money that foster parents devote to their foster dogs. And, we know how much good training helps to get those foster dogs adopted! Hopefully, your foster dog will get adopted quickly. But, if that happens, you may not be able to complete an entire training class with a single foster dog. We now offer a convenient and low-cost drop-in punch card so you can bring any foster dog to any class we offer! *Weekend workshop classes - 1 day equals 3 punches* Ask about our dog rescue foster parent discount - 1/3 off any class we offer!

6 session punch card only $79. Good for 6 months from the date of purchase. Non-refundable and Non-transferable.

Price: $79.00
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ANNABELLE'S GIFT CERTIFICATE

Give the dog-lover in your life a gift that is sure to please. Our $25.00 Gift Certificates can be used for any AnnaBelle's service or product, including training, doggie day care, spa treatments and our retail store. Gift Certificates are good 12 months from the date of purchase.  

Want a different denomination? Call 517.599.0995. Non-refundable.

Gift Certificates will be mailed to the address of your choice within 48 hours of payment.

Price: $25.00
Add To Cart