Life With Your Dog, Reimagined 

Personalized in-home training programs designed around your unique challenges and goals. 

Real-world dog training for change that actually sticks

Building Better Days, One Step at a Time

Stop managing problems.

Build strong foundations from the start

You thought your dog would

"grow out of it,"

but instead they just got bigger

the dog AND the problems!  

  • Pulling on leash walks

  • Ignoring commands

  • Overexcitement or reactivity

  • Difficulty settling at home

No matter where you're starting, we're here to help you find a clear path forward to build a stronger partnership with your dog.

Spend less time guessing and more time enjoying life with your dog again.

Life With Your Dog, the Way It Should Be

Dog training isn’t just about fixing behaviour.

It’s about creating real change in how you and your dog live together every day.

  • A dog that comes back when called

  • Walks without being pulled

  • The doorbell rings… and it stays quiet

  • Settles calmly, even with distractions

Less managing. More enjoying

Less stress. More freedom

Private Dog Training

Whether you're raising a new puppy or working through challenges with an older dog, there's a program designed for your stage.

No matter your dog's age, get personalized in-home training and ongoing support to help prevent small frustrations from turning into bigger problems.

(and maybe save a few gray hairs along the way)

Puppy Pathway

(2–6 Months)

For puppies discovering how strange (and wonderful) life with humans can be.

Everything is new. Routines, rules, expectations, and how to live in a human home.

We focus on building strong foundations early so life together starts off right for both of you.

Best For:

  • Accidents in the house

  • Constant biting and chewing

  • Jumping on people

  • Never seeming to settle down

Teenage Trail

(6-18 Months)

When your teenage dog is pushing boundaries and acting like they’ve suddenly forgotten everything.

Navigate the unpredictable teenage phase with ease.

More independence, more distractions, and a dog who suddenly only listens when it suits them.

Best For:

  • Pulling harder on walks

  • Ignoring commands they know

  • Distracted by everything outside

  • Listens on their terms

Adult Avenue

(18+ Months)

For adult dogs who already have habits.

Some helpful, some frustrating.

Reshaping daily life to feel more predictable, more manageable, and easier to live with.

Best For:

  • Reacting or lunging on leash

  • Managing dog and kids

  • Jumping on people

  • When you’ve had enough

With Evan for support, our 13yo daughter has gained so much confidence, and helped the bond between pup and human be so much stronger. - Amy Hawkins

What Makes Us Different

Dogs don’t struggle in perfect training environments.

 They struggle during real life

  • On walks

  • At the front door

  • During busy routines

  • In distracting environments

That’s why training happens where real life actually takes place.

We focus on the environment your dog lives in.

Helping skills become practical, reliable, and easier to maintain long-term.

We combine:

  • In-home coaching

  • Structured real-world practice

  • Positive reinforcement

  • Personalized guidance for dogs and humans

Training should feel fun, clear, and practical. Not stressful or overwhelming.

The goal isn’t perfection.

 It’s helping everyday life feel calmer, easier, and more enjoyable for both of you.

Meet The Trainer

Evan Shoemaker, KPA-CTP #61911

Hi, I’m Evan Shoemaker, KPA-CTP, owner and trainer at Positive Pathways Dog Training

Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner 2024

I guide people and their dogs to open the lines of communication so you can truly understand each other in any situation. I strive to build strong cues and even stronger bonds, using positive reinforcement methods by rewarding desired behaviors with what the learner finds motivating

Discover how to listen to your dog’s unique language, and master how to clearly express what you want in a way your dog can understand. I specialize in transforming challenging walks into enjoyable adventures and equipping you with practical, real-world solutions tailored to your dog’s personality.

Connect on a deeper level, overcome obstacles, and build a lifelong partnership. Whether your goal is smoother leash walking, resolving reactivity, or simply developing a stronger bond, I’m here to empower you every step of the way.

Evan is such a blessing to our family. His guidance and expertise have helped our family so much. 

With Evan for support our 13yo daughter has gained so much confidence, and help the bond between pup and human be so much stronger. - Amy Hawkins

Being a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner signifies my commitment to excellence in positive reinforcement training.

Learn how this sets me apart.

As a Thrive member, I am dedicated to continuous professional growth and success.

Discover what this means for your training experience here.

Which Stage Is Your Dog In?

Puppy Pathway

(2–6 Months)

Building strong foundations from the start.

Teenage Trail

(6-18 Months)

Navigating the teenage phase with confidence

Adult Avenue

(18+ Months)

Creating a calmer, more manageable daily life

Not sure which path is right for you?

Let’s talk! Book your free 15-minute Discovery Call and we’ll help chart the perfect path for you and your dog.

Want expert tips, inspiring stories, or exclusive offers?

Join the Positive Pathways Community and get pawsitive training advice, each month, delivered to your inbox!

Service Area

Otsego, MI 49078, USA

Positive Pathways Dog Training proudly serves families and their dogs throughout Allegan County and neighboring communities.

Allegan County

Otsego

Plainwell

Martin

Allegan

Hopkins

Shelbyville

Wayland

Fennville

Nearby Cities and Towns

Kalamazoo

Parchment

Portage

Schoolcraft

Richland

Gobles

Galesburg

Augusta

Don’t see your town listed? Feel free to reach out to explore your options. 

Virtual training is available for anyone so you and your dog can enjoy professional, positive reinforcement dog training wherever you call home

Sign Up For Our Monthly Newsletter

And Stay Up to Date with Positive Pathways

© 2025 | Positive Pathways Dog Training

P.O. Box 353 Otsego MI, 49078

(269)225-6971