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!
