About Us
Background
Canine Training Academy was started by Laurie Rhodes-Griffith in Reno,
Nevada, in 1984. Laurie moved the business to Michigan in 1989 when she took a faculty position with
Michigan State University. In 1995, Laurie left the University to build her dream boarding and training facility. In 1996,
the dog training business was incorporated into All Creatures Great and Small Pet Resort. This new
facility, although still under construction, allows for indoor training and play in the 45x30 training
room or outdoor activities in the spacious 10,000 sq. ft. training yard. The outdoor runs and large
play yards (average size of 2,000 sq. ft.) offer plenty of room and opportunity for exercise and games
outside as well. The Pet Resort provides for vacation accommodations that are heated, spacious and
airy. In addition, being located on the 65-acre farm, the location offers a variety of training
situations and exciting adventure to our “guests” as they train around or visit the over 200 farm
animals or romp through the fields and pastures.
Prior to training on her own, Laurie spent 4 years working for top trainers
in California then held the position of Head Trainer for 5 years at Canine Behavior Center in Morro Bay,
California. During this period she attended California Polytechnic State University, attaining a
Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1983. Her main areas of study were in Genetics,
Veterinary Science and Behavior and included extensive hands-on work with a variety of animals as
well as intensive field studies on wolves. Laurie went on to receive a Master of Science degree in
Animal Nutrition, Behavior and Genetics from the University of Nevada, Reno. While attending UNR,
Laurie taught in undergraduate and graduate level animal behavior and nutrition courses. After
graduation she first worked as a nutritionist for an animal feed company then took a position with
UNR which she held until moving on to MSU. Laurie also does volunteer work for 4H, local schools,
businesses and service organizations, educating on proper pet care, dog training, pet nutrition
and animal behavior.
Laurie has trained and shown several breeds of dogs to working titles.
These breeds include Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, Silky Terriers and Cocker Spaniels. Laurie has
trained dogs for Search and Rescue, tracking, hunting, weight pulling, sledding, carting and draft,
protection, Companion Dogs for the Handicapped and Hearing Ear Dogs. Through her training classes,
she has successfully worked with countless breeds and mixtures of breeds with a vast array of
temperaments, training challenges and motivational needs.
Laurie has also had experiences as a veterinarian assistant and as a
groomer. Being a dog breeder/exhibitor has further rounded Laurie’s experience in the dog world.
She has bred German Shepherds, Brittany’s and Rottweilers and is now breeding top winning
working/conformation Golden Retrievers.
David has been involved with animals all his life through farming and 4H.
The six children are all animal lovers with knowledge and experience levels far advanced for their
ages. The older 4 are all very successful with their many animal 4H projects, as well as own, train
and show their own dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits and goats.
Goals of the Pet Resort
All Creatures Great and Small Pet Resort was started to give pet owners
an alternative to the standard small enclosure boarding facilities. Our family run business has one
goal in mind – To make sure all our guests have a great time! We get them all out of their runs,
condos or kennels several times a day for walks about the farm, personal playtimes or just a good
cuddle session. We cater to their special needs. Pets are rarely scared or upset about being away
form home for long with all the fun and attention we give them! One look at your pet’s happy, healthy
attitude will ease any owners guilt at “leaving their pet behind” because they realize they are
sending them on their own adventure filled vacation. When our guests return for another stay at
the Resort, they usually rush in to greet us, excited to be “on the farm” again.
The Pet Resort is a full service facility. You can treat your pet to a trip
to our Pet Beauty Salon/Barber Shop for their regular clip or bath. (Baths are already included for
stays over 4 days. A “pedicure” is standard for all our guests.) We can also expand your dog’s
knowledge (level of training) while they stay with us for a very small additional charge.
Dog Training Philosophy and Methodology
Laurie works under the assumption that training is accomplished because of
teamwork – herself, the owner and their dog being the components of that team. It takes effort and
commitment from all to achieve the well-trained companion everyone is after. Her training classes are
kept small – 8 to 10 people – so that she may individualize training to meet the needs of each owner
and their dog. She also does private training and “Boarding for Training” for an intensive and personal
approach. Her sound behavioral method and emphasis on positive motivation as well as on presenting a
clear picture to the dogs make for very successful results if the owner and dog are committed and do
their “homework”. Written instructions are given for each lesson to ensure that accurate and consistent
methods are used at home as well. She trains first with a “show me” phase where the dog is taught the
appropriate response before introducing any correction. She encourages the standard use of a flat
buckle collar using chain “training collars” (also called choke chains) only when necessary, only for
as long as necessary, always returning to the flat collar as soon as possible. Her motto is “If
Seeing Eye dogs can work on flat collars, so can our pets!” She is not a “Food Trainer” but uses
various motivational tools that may include limited use of food rewards as needed for individual
situations. Although there is an outline for each course, each owner/dog pair can accomplish as much
or as little as is possible for them in Laurie’s individualized setting. Although Laurie does not
take a “show ring” approach in her training classes, those who have wanted to compete have done so
very successfully after training with Laurie.
Laurie is mainly interested in helping people enjoy their dogs more and in
doing so, helps improve the quality of the dog’s life. To that end, she remains flexible and
understanding should circumstances arise that prevent making a lesson or completing a class.
Make-ups can usually be worked out. Class registration fees are actually payment for given number of
lessons rather than a certain training course. Although it is best to complete the lessons within one
training course, clients are given a three month time period in which to complete their lessons.
Under special arrangements, more time can be allowed. In addition, Laurie remains dedicated to the
client even after the course has ended. Her advice is just a phone call or car drive away.
Laurie Rhodes-Griffith, Owner-operator
5865 Kinneville Road
Eaton Rapids, Michigan 48827
(517) 628-2885 voice
allcreatures@vansach.com
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