Michigan Dog Training and Obedience Schools

Whatever the breed, dogs need training. It is a big decision to take a dog into a training situation with a professional trainer. Finding the right trainer and obedience school does not have to be difficult--do some research on the qualifications and training methods of various schools and talk to pet owners who have well-trained dogs. Referrals are also an effective way to find a qualified dog trainer.

  1. Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Training

    • Michael Burkey, a former Police K9 Officer, Search and Rescue K9 Handler and Trainer, and Canine Good Citizen Evaluator has the experience to help anyone with all types of dog training. For dog owners, Michael offers group dog training and obedience classes at his school, or personalized training in the home. Michael will also train a dog without the owner's participation in the classes. His specialty is working with fearful, aggressive, and high energy dogs. His training techniques utilize effective, humane training to encourage good behavior. Michael is a dog behavior expert and claims to be the preferred dog trainer in the state of Michigan. The school is located in Westland, Michigan, and serves the metro Detroit and Ann Arbor areas.

    Best Friends Dog Training

    • This dog training and obedience school is owned and operated by Shirley Julin. Shirley has been professionally training dogs since 1976 and is a member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. Her training philosophy helps owners build a close relationship with their dogs through friendly, reward-based methods. These time-tested methods help dogs become willing, happy, obedient and responsive. Classes include Puppy Training, Beginner Training Class, and Canine Good Citizen and novice obedience sessions. The school also offers private lessons for dogs with aggression problems. The school is located in Orion, Michigan, and serves the metro Detroit area.

    K9 Academy International

    • Nino Islamcevic, owner of the K9 International Academy has been professionally training dogs since 1990. The staff at this dog training and obedience school offer group classes, in-home training classes, personalized training, and private training classes. The training philosophy is positive reinforcement of good behavior. K9 Academy International uses Operant Conditioning and Training, which allows them to accomplish more training in less time. Customer testimonials on the website speak of dogs that were considered lost causes becoming well-trained pets after attending the six-week training school. K9 Academy serves all of west Michigan and is located in Lowell.

    Dogs Bay

    • Deb Scanzillo, owner of Dogs Bay and a certified trainer since 1997, understands that a pet dog is part of the family. Dogs Bay offers Puppy Kindergarten, Pack Rehab training, Group Obedience classes, Intermediate training, Advanced training, and an Off-Leash Advanced class. Dogs Bay will also assist pet owners with creating or adding a customized training package along with the group training packages offered. Lots of positive customer testimonials back up the claims of their training abilities. Deb is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and a graduate of the Companion School for Dogs Certification Course. Dog's Bay is located in Holland, Michigan.