About Us

Riverside Dog Training LLC (Riverside for short) was started in June 2019 by the mother-daughter team of Emma Wikstrom and Gail Roderick to provide affordable, effective, and experienced dog training for the West Michigan community. Riverside hosts group classes for all ages and experience levels in the King Memorial building in Lowell, Michigan.

Emma began training dogs at age five due to her mother's influence. She participated in the Michigan Dog 4-H program and competed in AKC performance sports, earning titles and becoming the Top Junior Performance Handler. Emma also helps her community as the Kent County Youth Fair Assistant Dog Project Superintendent and a leader of the Working Paws Youth Dog Training Club. 

Gail started her dog career at sixteen at a German Shepherd kennel. She attended the Florida School for Grooming and has owned a grooming business since the mid-80s. Gail taught obedience classes for over 30 years and trained service dogs for Canine Companions for Independence. She also competes in AKC Obedience, Rally, and Agility while serving in her community as the Kent County Youth Fair Dog Project Superintendent and Key Leader for Working Paws.