Playing Fur Keeps LLC Dog Training and Services

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Playing Fur Keeps LLC  Dog Training and Services Playing Fur Keeps was founded in 2016, with the hopes of helping dogs stay in their furever homes. Over 3 million dogs enter shelters each year in the US alone.

Playing Fur Keeps is a certified dog training service in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. Casey DeKam, the owner and trainer, is an Animal Behavioral College graduate holding seven certifications, including a specialized certification for training shelter/rescue dogs. PFK provides safe, effective, gentle dog training for dogs of all breeds and puppies of any age. Training techniques are strongly b

ased upon positive reinforcement and the building of a proper leadership structure. PFK believes in the L.I.M.A approach and feels strongly that positive punishments, even if force free, should be nothing more than last resort efforts. Although positive punishments may be employed as a last resort within the L.I.M.A approach, any corrective measures used by PFK are designed to be painless and not to induce a fear response. PFK’s goal will always remain to create a positive bond designed to fuel a dog’s drive to please those that they love and respect most. A dog that “listens” out of fear of consequence will never be a confident and well-bonded dog. Therefore, PFK does not believe that pain holds any place in dog training. A Little About Me:
After years of fostering rescue dogs and volunteering in local shelters, I one day decided that I COULD do more. I could no longer just sit back and continue to watch great dogs needlessly suffer through the pain of abandonment. The #1 reason for owner surrenders? Behavioral issues. Many of which can be corrected through owner dedication and basic training. So, I set out on a two-and-a-half-year journey, in which I gained certificates from Animal Behavioral college in 7 different areas. In 2016, I took the leap and began building my business, with 1 main goal in mind. Providing affordable and effective training to my community, in hopes of keeping more dogs out of our area shelters. That goal will never change!

My dearest followers, With the holidays approaching, let's make some days better for those that could use a helping hand...
14/11/2025

My dearest followers,
With the holidays approaching, let's make some days better for those that could use a helping hand! PFK will match the first $100 in item donations made by followers! Simply message me proof of donation (Wishlist receipt, photo at drop point, etc.).

I still have some December availability for in-home courses! These are the shortest wait times I have been able to offer...
12/11/2025

I still have some December availability for in-home courses! These are the shortest wait times I have been able to offer all year (typical through the holidays)! Message me today to take advantage! :)

With the holidays approaching, I wanted to take a moment to highlight my amazing 6 Week Puppy Package!  ALL YOUR PUPPY N...
08/11/2025

With the holidays approaching, I wanted to take a moment to highlight my amazing 6 Week Puppy Package! ALL YOUR PUPPY NEEDS in one place, at a price that won't break the bank!

The Puppy Package also has an optional socialization extension.

Two more 5-star reviews/ recommendations! Thank you, Emily and Brie, for taking a moment to share your experiences! The ...
05/11/2025

Two more 5-star reviews/ recommendations! Thank you, Emily and Brie, for taking a moment to share your experiences! The pleasure has been all mine. 🥰

Reviews are the referral that never stops giving, and I genuinely appreciate each one of my now 84 (all 5-star) reviews! I cannot wait to get to 100! 😁

I LOVE receiving updates from past clients! Sometimes a simple picture can speak a thousand words. This sweet girl here ...
04/11/2025

I LOVE receiving updates from past clients! Sometimes a simple picture can speak a thousand words.

This sweet girl here is Miss Charlie. She went through my basic course earlier in the year. Charlie's parents were struggling to reach peaceful coexistence with their new adoptee and her sister, Pippa. Charlie was very overstimulated at the sight of her sister, and sister was NOT feeling that energy in the slightest. Pippa not being able to roam freely was growing really heavy on her mama's sweet heart. I took the time to give weekly tips on the side, throughout the course. The girl's parents put in amazing efforts to gradually build exposure while building positive associations and calm behavior along the way.

My heart was SO happy to open up this text and see that these sweet sisters have graduated to NOSE BOOPS!!

You cat lovers out there now what an honor a nose boop is!! 🥰🥰🥰

Go Charlie and Pippa! So proud of you, sweet girls. 😍🙌😍

Happy Halloween y'all! Feel free to share those doggo costumes later!! 😁😍
31/10/2025

Happy Halloween y'all! Feel free to share those doggo costumes later!! 😁😍

25/10/2025

Rehome your Pet over Shelter Surrender. This is the best way to rehome your pet and nationwide becoming best practices in Animal Welfare and Sheltering.

Animal Shelters and Foster Based Rescues are at Capacity in our community, in the state and nationally, this is a ongoing situation.

If you cannot keep your pet you need to take action on your own to rehome directly.

A reminder that as a community we need to eliminate judgement on individuals who need to rehome their pet and instead be helpful and supportive with resources.

How to Safely Rehome Your Pet:

1. Reach Out to Your Network
Connect with trusted friends, family, and neighbors who might be interested in adopting or know potential adopters. Personal connections often lead to the best outcomes since you already know and trust these individuals.

2. Leverage Online Resources
- Share detailed posts on social media platforms, especially in local community and pet rehoming groups
- Utilize dedicated rehoming websites like Adopt-a-Pet, Home-to-Home, Find Benji
- Include high-quality photos and information about your pet
- Ask your network to share your posts to increase visibility
-Share frequently and update photos and video of your pet
- Links to these Rehoming platforms in the comments

4. Create a Complete Pet Profile
Document essential information including:
- Age, breed, weight and physical characteristics
- Personality traits
- Medical history and vaccination records
- Dietary needs and preferences
- Activity level (Couch potato, Triathlon or somewhere in between)
- Cues they know
- Favorite activities, toys, enrichment
- Behavioral quirks or special needs
- Compatibility with children, other pets, or specific living situations
- Ideal home and environment for your pet

5. Screen Potential Adopters
- Arrange meet-and-greets in a comfortable, neutral setting
- Ask about their pet history
- Discuss their living situation and lifestyle (other pets, children, elderly, busy or quiet and routine home)
- Verify their ability to provide proper care
- Trust your instincts about potential matches

6. Support the Transition
- Provide familiar items (toys, bedding, food) to ease the adjustment
- Share detailed care instructions and routines
- Transfer medical records and microchip information
- Remain available for questions and support during the initial weeks and potentially longer, perhaps you can assist with pet sitting in the future
- Consider a trial period before finalizing the adoption

Key Considerations
- Start soon rather than later 24 hours, a week, even 2 weeks is not enough time to rehome a pet
- Prioritize your pet's well-being over a quick placement
- Be transparent about any behavioral or health challenges
- Document the transfer of ownership in writing (Rehoming platforms such as Rehome by Adopt a Pet provide adoption materials)
- Understand that adjustment periods are normal for pets in new homes

Remember, taking time to find the right match is crucial for both your pet's future happiness and your peace of mind. A thoughtful, thorough rehoming process helps ensure a successful transition to a new loving home.

I cannot thank my army of supporters enough for taking the time to cast votes on Community Votes!! I am thrilled to anno...
15/10/2025

I cannot thank my army of supporters enough for taking the time to cast votes on Community Votes!! I am thrilled to announce that PFK has now won back-to-back years!! I am blessed to have even been nominated in an ever-growing field. There was a total of 25 amazing trainers nominated this year! THANK YOU all from the bottom of my heart!!! 🥰🥰🥰

Less than 24 hours left to get those votes in! PFK made it through nominations and into the voting round (top 12 of 25. ...
11/10/2025

Less than 24 hours left to get those votes in! PFK made it through nominations and into the voting round (top 12 of 25. nominees). There are SO many categories and amazing businesses awaiting your votes! Get those votes in while you can! 🤗

Official 2025 Community Voting Awards Platform for Grand Rapids, MI. Where the community votes for their favorites every year.

A huge thank you to Theo and family for this GORGEOUS mum!! I am going to smile every time I walk by it in the coming we...
08/10/2025

A huge thank you to Theo and family for this GORGEOUS mum!! I am going to smile every time I walk by it in the coming weeks! 🏵🥰🏵

Some times it's the little things that start someone's week off right! I do my best to respond in detail to every email ...
07/10/2025

Some times it's the little things that start someone's week off right! I do my best to respond in detail to every email I receive, even those that I am unable to take on as quickly as they need/want. Very rarely am I actually thanked for my time and guidance in doing so. A little kindness sure goes a long way in this world! 🥰

If you or someone you know is looking for a group class setting, The Humane Society has an amazing variety to offer, at some of the most affordable prices around. I did one of my two mentorship programs there and I can personally vouch for their certifications and fear-free approach! They also have a Behavior Consultant on staff, too!

Wishing you all a GREAT week. 🐕💕🐕

My apologies for the delay! Remaining December availability has been updated! PFK is full through the months of October ...
07/10/2025

My apologies for the delay! Remaining December availability has been updated! PFK is full through the months of October and November, for all services.

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Opening Hours

Tuesday 10:00 - 19:30
Wednesday 10:00 - 19:30
Thursday 10:00 - 19:30
Friday 10:00 - 18:30
Saturday 10:30 - 15:00

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