Welcome to Cher Car Kennels

Founder CHERYL CARLSON of Cher Car Kennels in St. Johns, Michigan is one of the best known experts in the industry who has been training and breeding dogs professionally since 1977; providing guard dog service, teaching family companion dogs (manners, problem solving and behavior modification), training alert/assistance dogs, personal protection dogs and Police K-9s.  Cher Car Kennels breeding program has produced more than 350 dogs (German, Belgian and Dutch Shepherds) that have gone on to certify as Police, Sheriff and Governmental Department K-9s and more than 100 dogs certified in Search and Rescue applications (wilderness, disaster, cadaver, avalanche and drowning rescue or recovery).  In addition, over 200 dogs provide support as medical assistance dogs helping their owners mitigate disability related limitations by serving as Brace and Mobility (BMSD) dogs, Medical Alert (allergy, diabetic, seizure, migraine, psychiatric) service dogs, Listening Ear (hearing alert) dogs, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) service dogs and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) service dogs.  The vast majority of our dogs, however, serve as loving and loyal family pets and protectors.

Dog Training

Private LessonsWe have 48 years of dog training experience teaching family companions to be your best friend (manners, problem solving, behavior modification). If you need help training your dog, contact us for private lessons personalized for your specific needs.  Visit our Private Lessons page for more information.
Boarding SchoolWe also offer in-kennel board and train services for your dog, allowing our experienced trainers to teach your dog over a one or two week period. Visit our Boarding School Training page for more information.
Group Dog Obedience Class
Our next 6 week session of GROUP DOG OBEDIENCE training classes will begin on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 6:00 pm.   Visit our Group Obedience Class page for more information.
Protection Dog Training for Beginner Dogs Only Our next 6 week session of Group PROTECTION DOG  training classes (for beginner dogs only) will begin on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm.  Visit our Personal Protection Class page for more information.

Dog Training

Group Nosework Classes for Beginner DogsOur next session 4 week session of GROUP NOSEWORK training classes (for beginner dogs only) will begin in 2025.  Watch for the starting date to be announced in the future. Visit our Group Nosework Class page for more info.
Protection Dog Training for Advanced DogsCanine Personal Protection "Bite Nights" for Advanced Dogs will be offered on an intermittent basis.   Watch for posted dates and times in the future.  Visit our Personal Protection Class page for more info.
Dock Jumping ClassesOur next 4 week session of Group Dock Jumping classes will begin in 2025.  Visit our Dock Jumping Class page for more information.

Our customers love us

"I purchased two German shepherds from Cheryl....in my opinion, she is #1 with knowledge on the breed, and matching a pup to a person/family. She can read her dogs/pups personality like no one I have ever met. I would never buy a German Shepherd from anyone else."
Penny Ducat
"I can't say enough good things about Cher Car Kennels! The facilities are great. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Obedience classes & Boarding are top notch! This is the only place I'll take my dog!"
Stephanie Hirsch
"The obedience class was worth every penny and then some. I picked Cher Car because of their experience with Shepherds! I couldn't be happier with the results in my GSD after training and the information I learned while in class. I would highly recommend Cher Car to anyone who wants to learn how to train their dog. I will likely attend more classes with Meeko. Thank you ladies!!!!"
Melissa Dinkens
"My wife and I were lucky enough to pick up our little Duchess today from Cher Car Kennels. Duchess is a gorgeous GSD and we feel fortunate to have been able to get her from Cheryl and company!! Cheryl, Lori and Carol were absolutely incredible and took as much time with us as we needed to feel ready to take our little girl home to meet the pack. What a great day with these ladies. Their expertise in every aspect of this process is quite unique and excellent. We can't thank you enough and look forward to seeing you for training this fall. Just a top notch organization of dog lovers!"
John Sebring
"Excellent place to do GSD training. It's my first time doing protection training and I'm very impressed with the trainers and their staff. I drive 1-1/2 hours each way for class and it's totally worth it. I highly recommend Cher Car Kennels. "
MM
"Let’s talk a bit about positive only training, shall we? I know this is touchy but hear me out. I have two Dutch Shepherds and I’ve fostered numerous dogs. I love my dogs dearly and positive training sounds great. However I learned the HARD way that positive-only training can be a disaster with certain dogs. I have a dog that was becoming reactive to people. Positive only trainers made things worse …and WORSE. Sure, he could hold it together for a treat but he was still WAITING to react. The tension & drive were still there and treats were just enforcing that. Positive Only trainers couldn’t figure it out. I called Chercar. (Cheryl Carson is a legend in the working dog breeding and training industry.) She listened carefully to my issue and got right to the source. She gave me practical advice that actually worked. She showed me how. And here’s the best part - my dog understood the assignment. Immediately. She went from a dog that lunged at a man, to licking his hand with a RELAXED wagging tail …in minutes. I brought the lessons home and my dog is improving rapidly. Thank you, Cheryl, Lori and scary decoy dude (Kurt?)"
Anika Hubbard

Breeding & Training Dogs for Lives of Significance & Service® since 1977

Welcome to Cher Car Kennels!

Celebrating 48 years of Serving the Dog Community

Current Litters

Upcoming Litters

Dogs for Sale

Dogs for Adoption

Dogs Available to Foster

Dog Boarding

Dog Training

Dog Training

Dog Safety Awareness & Bite Prevention Training

Our customers love us

HIGH QUALITY

EXPERIENCE

BREEDING LEGACY

Our Dogs Do Stuff®