MEET Lauren E. Richards
Founder and Lead Trainer
PASSIONATE ABOUT ANIMALS
Lauren Richards is Third Coast Canine’s Founder and Lead Trainer. She has been very passionate about animals her whole life.
At age seven, Lauren began volunteering at the Charlevoix Area Humane Society, located in Boyne City, Michigan. She was later employed as a Kennel Attendant at the Humane Society, where she worked for a year and a half. It was in February of 2016, during her employment at the Humane Society, that Lauren met a local dog trainer. After spending some time learning about dog training, it was very evident Lauren had found her passion!
In the summer of 2016 Lauren began learning and working under the local dog trainer as an Apprentice; by that winter, she had started performing private lessons without assistance. During that time, Lauren worked with a variety of breeds and temperaments. In the spring of 2017, Lauren’s status was changed from Apprentice to Assistant Dog Trainer!
Lauren attended North Central Michigan College in pursuit of a degree that would prepare her for a career in Animal Control. In the Spring of 2017 she graduated from North Central Michigan College with an Associates of Arts degree, as well as an Associates of Science degree with an emphasis in Criminal Justice. After graduating, she took a position with the Antrim County Sheriff’s Department as an Animal Control Officer. After working in Antrim County for nearly a year, Lauren decided to take a position in the Charlevoix County Building, which allowed her to be closer to the dog training facility she was working at.
In 2020 Lauren purchased a home and began taking on more responsibilities at the dog training facility, including most of the Board and Train Programs. In 2022, Lauren formed Third Coast Canine Academy in an effort to divide and conquer, but also to offer more services to those in the area.
After many hours of learning, Lauren is prepared to share her knowledge with those who are seeking assistance with their dog. She believes it is important for all dog owners to learn how to properly communicate with their dog and learn the skills necessary to properly handle their pet.
SPECIAL TRAINING EVENTS
- Canine/ Feline CPR (Winter of 2015)
- Michigan Humane Society Animal Welfare Conference (Fall 2017)
- Michigan Humane Society Animal’s in the Field Training (Fall 2017)
- Certified as a Canine Good Citizen Tester with the AKC (Winter 2019)
- Workshop with trainer Ivan Balabanov (Fall 2021)
- Ivan Balabanov’s “Make Your Dog Somebody” Training Series (Summer 2022)
Meet Kortney M. Sandahl
Dog Groomer and Dog Walker
at Third Coast Canine Academy
As a Dog groomer at Third Coast Canine Academy, Kortney believes that dog grooming is more than just making your dog look great; it’s about creating a positive, stress-free experience, that leaves them feeling relaxed and happy. She specializes in one-on-one grooming sessions, which means she can give your dog her full attention ensuring they feel safe and comfortable throughout the entire process. Whether it’s a routine groom, a special trim, or just a bath, she takes the time to cater to each dog’s unique needs.
Kortney’s goal is not only to help your dog look their best, but to make sure they leave feeling their best. She knows that every dog is different, so she approaches each grooming session with patience and care, always creating a calm environment and positive experience.
Kortney moved to Charlevoix from Coldwater after meeting lead trainer Lauren Richards. Once she got involved with some of the training dogs at Third Coast, her passion for the dog industry really started to grow. She began by grooming her own dogs (Gizmo the Shih-tzu and Todrick the Long-haired Dachshund) and branched out from there; offering grooming services to dogs boarding at Third Coast. Now, Kortney offers her services to the general public too!
When Kortney is not grooming, you’ll find her taking her own dogs on walks, camping under the stars, swimming in the lakes, or cooking up something new in the kitchen. Kortney is all about enjoying life, embracing the outdoors, and making the most of every moment.
If you’re looking for a groomer, who genuinely cares about your dog’s comfort and well-being, Kortney would love to work with you and your dog.
