About Dogology University

Professional Dog Training in Grand Haven

Dogology University is a veteran-owned dog training company now based in Grand Haven. We focus on three core services that fit easily into family life: in-home dog training, private lessons, and our mobile Day School program. Our training is practical, clear, and built for real-life results, helping dogs become calm, confident partners at home and out in the community.

The Start of Dogology University

Dogology University began with a simple idea. Real-world dog training works best when it is built on clear communication, structure, and trust. That belief comes from founder Matthew Lamarand, a U.S. Air Force veteran and former explosive-detection K9 handler who trained working dogs in high-pressure environments overseas and later supported the Secret Service during President Obama’s security missions.

When Matthew returned to civilian life, he realized something important. The same principles that create reliable working dogs such as clarity, consistency, and calm communication are the principles family dogs need too. If a dog can learn to search for explosives, it can learn to walk politely on a leash, settle at home, and respond to everyday cues. Families simply need training that works in the environments where their dogs actually live.

During this transition, Matthew began writing down the methods and philosophies he learned in military K9 school. Those notes became Dogology 101, a book that quickly resonated with dog owners looking for practical, real-world solutions. That success inspired the creation of Dogology University, a training company focused on helping families build calmer, better-behaved dogs through clear communication instead of quick fixes or gimmicks.

A Mission Rooted in Personal Experience

Matthew speaks openly about living with PTSD after his service. His own dog played a major role in helping him reconnect to daily life. That experience inspired Dogology University’s ongoing mission work, which includes training select shelter dogs as support companions for veterans and individuals dealing with trauma, medical needs, or emotional challenges. These dogs help people find structure, stability, and a sense of normalcy.

A Larger Purpose for West Michigan Families

Matthew also saw a preventable problem. Many surrendered dogs had never received basic training. Dogology University exists to change that. By giving families simple, real-world tools, we aim to reduce behavior-related surrenders and help more dogs stay in their homes.

Today, Dogology University serves families in Grand Haven and surrounding Lake Michigan communities, offering in-home dog training, private lessons, and day school programs designed for busy households. Every program reflects our core belief:

When communication is clear and training fits real life, families get calm dogs and dogs get better homes.

Mission, Vision, Values

Our Mission

Our mission is to help West Michigan families raise calm, confident, well-behaved dogs through real-world training and clear communication. We give owners practical tools that work in everyday life and make training accessible so fewer dogs end up in shelters. We also support second chances by training select shelter dogs as support animals for veterans and individuals working through trauma.

Our Vision

Our vision is a community where every dog has the chance to thrive in a stable, understanding home. We want families to feel confident with their dogs and for dogs to feel secure with their people. We imagine a future where fewer dogs are surrendered, more shelter dogs find purpose, and veterans and individuals with trauma gain support through the human-animal bond.

Our Core Values

Real-World Training: Dogs learn best in the environments they live in. We train in homes, on walks, and in everyday situations so skills transfer to real life.
Clear Communication: We use structured, consistent methods rooted in behavioral science and Matthew’s experience as a K9 handler. Clear communication helps dogs understand what is expected.
Owner Education: Training works when owners understand it. We teach families how to maintain progress at home with simple, practical steps.
Humane and Reward-Based: We focus on positive reinforcement and relationship-building. Our goal is trust, not fear.
Honesty and Transparency: We are straightforward about what creates lasting change. Structure, patience, and consistency produce results that hold up over time.
Continuous Improvement: We keep learning and evolving. Our methods reflect ongoing study with respected trainers and new insights in canine behavior.
Second Chances: We believe both dogs and people deserve new beginnings. Through our mission programs, we help shelter dogs and support veterans and individuals facing emotional challenges.

Meet the Team

Matthew Lamarand — Founder & Lead Trainer

U.S. Air Force veteran and former explosive detection K9 handler who worked overseas and served on a Secret Service detail for President Obama’s team. Matthew developed the Clear Communication Training Method and founded Dogology University to bring real-world dog training to families. He is the author of “Dogology 101: The Secret Language of Dog Whispering” and “Dogology 202: Secrets to Living with a High Energy Dog.”

Our Training Philosophy

At Dogology University, we believe effective dog training comes from real-world practice, clear communication, and owner involvement. Dogs learn best when training happens where life happens, inside the home, on walks, and in public spaces. Our approach focuses on building calm, confident behavior while giving families the tools to maintain progress long after training sessions end.

Our methods combine military K9 principles with modern behavioral science and positive reinforcement. We teach dogs to think, stay focused, and respond reliably through structure and trust, not fear or force. Training is progressive, humane, and customized to each dog and family. When the emotional foundation is strong, behavior improves faster and results last longer.

Dog Training Services at Dogology University

Dogology University provides practical dog training services designed to support the real needs of West Michigan families. Each program is built around clear communication, structure, and training that works in everyday life.

In-Home Dog Training

Personalized, one-on-one training that takes place inside your home and daily routine. This option is ideal for addressing behavior challenges where they actually happen, including barking, anxiety, leash issues, reactivity, or household manners. Personalized, one-on-one training that takes place inside your home and daily routine. This option is ideal for addressing behavior challenges where they actually happen, including barking, anxiety, leash issues, reactivity, or household manners.

Private Lessons

Customized training sessions tailored to your dog’s learning style and your family’s goals. Private lessons offer direct guidance from a professional trainer and flexible scheduling for busy households.

Mobile Day School

A convenient option for families who want consistent training without rearranging their schedules. Your dog is picked up for structured, real-world training during the day and returned home calmer, focused, and more reliable.

Board and Train Programs

Structured, immersive training programs designed for dogs that need focused behavior development. Available in multiple lengths to support obedience, manners, and confidence building.

Service Areas

Dogology University proudly serves dog owners across West Michigan and surrounding areas, including:

Grand Haven
Allendale
Holland
Zeeland
Ottawa County

Spring Lake
Norton Shores
Ferrysburg
Marquette
Coopersville

Our training services are designed to support families throughout these communities with in-home dog training, private lessons, and Mobile Day School programs built for real-life environments.

Real Results You Can See and Feel

At Dogology University, training is measured by real-life change. Our goal is simple: calmer dogs, easier daily routines, and owners who feel confident again. We focus on behavior that works at home, on walks, and in public spaces, not just during lessons.

Before and After Training

Pulling hard on leash, making walks stressful or even dangerous
Barking or reacting to people and dogs
Anxiety in new environments or crowded spaces Ignoring commands once distracted
Difficulty settling at home
Poor impulse control and jumping
Reactivity that affects the family's quality of life

Before training, many dogs arrive with:

Calm, controlled walks they can actually enjoy
Reliable responses to commands in real-world situations
Improved focus around distractions
Reduced anxiety and reactivity
A quieter, more relaxed home
A dog they can trust and enjoy
Confidence in handling their dog's behavior

After training, owners consistently report:

Training doesn’t just change the dog. It changes the household rhythm.

Behavior Challenges We Help Solve

We regularly work with dogs struggling with:

Leash Pulling and Poor Walking Manners — Dogs that pull dangerously, making walks stressful or unsafe for owners and family members
Anxiety, Fear, and Overstimulation — Dogs that struggle in new environments, crowded spaces, or situations with multiple distractions
Reactivity Toward Dogs or Strangers — Dogs that bark, lunge, or show fear-based reactions to other dogs or people
Jumping, Barking, and Impulse Control Issues — Dogs that don’t know how to settle, greet politely, or control their excitement
Lack of Focus in Real-World Environments — Dogs that listen at home but ignore commands when distracted in public
Inconsistent Obedience Outside the Home — Dogs that know commands but don’t apply them in real-world situations

Our programs address the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Real Success Stories

Zeus: From Dangerous Pulling to Safe, Enjoyable Walks

Zeus had severe leash pulling that injured his owner's fiancé. After training at Dogology University, Zeus went from a dangerous liability to a calm, confident walking companion. His family now enjoys weekly walks and has made Zeus part of Dogology's alumni community for ongoing support. "He went from a dog that was so terrible at walking that he put my fiancé in the hospital to a dog that loose leash walks! The staff at Dogology really care about the dogs and gave us very frequent updates on Zeus! And best part is Zeus loves it here!"

- Zeus's Family

Freddy: From Reactivity to Confident, Well-Behaved Companion

Freddy had reactivity issues that made his owner nervous about leaving him for training. After an intensive board & train program, Freddy's owner went from doubtful to empowered. She gained the confidence and tools to handle any behavioral challenge. "After viewing the first private session video, I not only saw how much the staff GENUINELY loved dogs, but I was also made aware of the attention given to each dog. Dogology gave me the confidence and the tools to correct ANY unwanted behavior!"

- Freddy's Owner

Newfoundland: From Untrained to Obedient Family Companion

A 120-pound Newfoundland mix, missed a year of training while her owner recovered from surgery. After a 4-week board & train program, she became obedient and calm. Her owner went from unable to exercise her safely to walking her every day. "She did a 4 week program here and she has been doing AMAZING ever since she's been home! I'm back to walking her every single day and she knows her 'stay' commands and 'leave it' which has been so helpful."

- Newfoundland mix owner.

Community Involvement & Social Impact

Dogology University has always believed that dog training should serve a bigger purpose. Beyond working with private families, we actively support local organizations, rescue efforts, and veteran-focused initiatives that align with our mission of second chances, structure, and stability.

Rescue & Shelter Partnerships

We have worked directly with Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit and Fur Babies Rescue, supporting dogs in need of structure, training, and a fresh start. These partnerships allowed us to help surrendered dogs become more adoptable and better prepared for life in a home environment.

Veteran & Service Dog Initiatives

Dogology University has supported and collaborated with organizations focused on helping veterans rebuild independence and confidence through trained dogs. We worked with Guardian Dogs and Mission 2nd Stripe to retrain and rehome a surrendered dog, preparing it for service dog work for a disabled veteran. This work reflects our belief in the power of training to restore purpose for both dogs and people.

Community Sponsorships & Local Support

As active members of the local business community, we participated in the Chamber of Commerce and sponsored multiple community-focused events, including:

Feeding the Frontline initiatives supporting first responders and essential workers
Wounded Warrior charity golf outings, helping raise awareness and funds for injured veterans

Giving Back Through Training

Every community partnership we support ties back to education, structure, and clear communication. Whether helping a shelter dog gain confidence, supporting a veteran through service dog placement, or sponsoring local causes, our goal is always the same. Create stability. Build trust. Improve lives.

Dogology University is proud to serve not just West Michigan families, but the wider community that supports dogs, veterans, and responsible ownership.

Awards, Recognition & Media Mentions

Dogology University’s work has earned recognition for its real-world impact, educational approach, and commitment to improving the lives of dogs and the families who love them. From published training resources to media features, our mission-driven work continues to reach dog owners well beyond West Michigan.

Published Works

Dogology University is founded on education and clear communication. Our training philosophy is documented in two widely read books written to help everyday dog owners understand behavior and build better relationships with their dogs.

Dogology 101: The Secret Language of Dog Whispering
Dogology 202: Secrets to Living with a High Energy Dog

These books focus on practical, real-life training concepts that owners can apply immediately, reinforcing our belief that education is the foundation of lasting behavior change.

Media Features & Interviews

Dogology University has been featured in both local and online media for its work with dogs, families, and community-focused initiatives.

YouTube Feature: “TOP #106: How One Veteran is Helping Shelter Dogs in Need”
Highlighting Dogology University’s mission-based work supporting shelter dogs and second-chance training.
Social House News: “Raise the ‘Woof!’: New Local Dog Obedience Business a Success” Recognizing the early impact and success of Dogology University within the local community.

Professional Recognition

Through education, outreach, and results-driven training, Dogology University continues to be recognized as a trusted resource for dog owners seeking calm, reliable behavior in real-life environments. Our focus remains the same. Train dogs clearly. Educate owners honestly. Create lasting change that improves daily life for families and their dogs.

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Take the First Step

Real training starts with the right structure and clear communication.
If your dog struggles on walks, reacts in public, or ignores commands outside the house, it’s not a failure. It’s a sign they need training that works where life actually happens.

Dogology University helps West Michigan families build calm, reliable dogs through in-home dog training, private lessons, and mobile day school programs. We don’t rely on quick fixes or one-size-fits-all plans. We teach skills that carry into everyday life.

If you’re in Grand Haven, Holland, Zeeland, Allendale, Ferrysburg, Spring Lake, Norton Shores, Coopersville, Marquette, or Ottawa County, we’re ready to help.