In the business of dogs

Lolita Harper

Seven years ago, Newport Beach couple Michael and Angela Grier got

a new leash on life.

The Griers left the corporate rat race and started their own

business, which caters to a different breed of four-legged animal:

dogs. The couple started a modest dog-sitting and walking business

that quickly grew to what is now Good Dog University.

Michael Grier said the couple has the luxury of doing what they

love, and they love working with energetic dogs. He said they merged

their love and knowledge of pets with their corporate skills to build

a necessary service.

“I like making a little dent in people’s life,” Michael Grier

said.

While dog-sitting, the Griers noticed many of the pooches lacked

leash manners and had other obedience problems. Their business went

from dog care to dog training, and they took on a partner, Jayme

Rogers, co-host of the local cable TV show “Pick-A-Pet-Foundation.”

Together, they created a place where dog lovers learn to train

their own pets while gathering expert information from professionals.

Proper training of puppies also helps control the population of

shelter animals, he said. Many people get rid of their dogs when they

are in their most destructive phase of adolescence, he said, instead

of teaching their puppies the proper way to act.

Melinda Dewey of Costa Mesa said the Griers helped quell the

tensions in her home between her older dog and a new puppy.

“It is very clear that [the Griers] genuinely care and are

committed to making a difference for dogs and their owners,” Dewey

said.

He is used to awarding the certificates, but Michael Grier

received his own prestigious credentials when he become only the

second professionally certified trainer in the county.

He was recognized as a Certified Pet Dog Trainer by a state

council after passing a grueling four-hour test.

* LOLITA HARPER covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at [email protected].