This is a list of the top dog trainers in Michigan, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
KPA CTP
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training
worldwide
Jill Hassevoort is a certified professional trainer specializing in working with clients remotely to resolve fear, reactivity, and aggression concerns. She shares her life with two amazing bully breeds and enjoys being outdoors with them.
CPDT-KA, FPPE
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Agility training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Cadillac, Baldwin, Ludington; Kent County, Ottawa County.
Jenn Gavin, CPDT-KA, FPPE is the owner and founding trainer at A Pleasant Dog. She has been rescuing and training dogs for over twenty-five years. For the last ten years, Jenn has focused her practice on anxious and aggressive animals, and has become one of the most trusted trainers working with aggressive animals in our state. Jenn works extensively with veterinarians and veterinary behavioris...
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Lansing, East Lansing, St Joseph, Dewitt, Mason, Charlotte, Grand Ledge, Haslett, Okemos, Bath, Williamston, Perry, Owosso, Eagle
I'm Dagny! I've been a scientist from day one, and graduated from MSU with a BS in Genetics. Along the way, I met my mentor and discovered that dog training is a perfect blend of my two passions: dogs and science. Thus began my dog training career. I've learned from and practiced with experts in the field. I've studied (and will continue to study) the science behind canine behavior, evolution, ...
ABC-DT, ACBDC
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
South East Michigan
Force Free Trainer Jean Carew spends her time living her passion; teaching dogs and their owners how to develop better relationships through training. She trains in both private and group class settings at all levels. Jean is passionate about all dogs but has a soft spot in her heart for those that are fearful or aggressive. As a result, she co-developed one of the area's most successful reacti...
CCPDT-KA, AKC Evaluator
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Macomb, Oakland, Hamilton
Wag n Tails creator Christine Fox has over 20 years of experience loving, training, and working with dogs. She has translated her life's work into bite-size pieces that help dog lovers everywhere. Wag n Tails goes beyond dog training. Through our methods and approach, we promise an increase in love, abundance, patience, and mindfulness when it comes to understanding your pet. We believe pet own...
CPDT-KA CBCC-KA
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Washtenaw County, Southfield, Virtual
I'm Laura Maihofer, a certified canine behavior consultant and a veterinary technician assistant with a Bachelors in Zoology. I have been training dogs since 2015 and take joy in constantly furthering my education in training and behavior. I utilize cooperative, relationship-focused training to help people build positive and happy partnerships with their pets. My goal is to help people live pea...
ABCDT
Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Sterling Heights, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Shelby Twp, Macomb, St. Clair Shores, Chesterfield, New Balitmore, Warren, Roseville, Madison Heights, Clawson, Maybee, Cadillac, Grosse Pointe Woods, Detroit, West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Farmington, Berkley, etc...
Since becoming a certified dog trainer in 2012, I have worked with many types of dogs, different breeds, temperaments and lifestyles.
I can relate to dog owners who have behavioral issues in their home. I have a Beagle/Spaniel mix that loves to challenge me every day. I believe that all dogs and their owners are individual, and your training should be tailored to fit you and your dog.
CPDT-KA, CTDI
Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Washtenaw County
I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who services clients remotely as well as in person in the Ann Arbor area of Michigan. My passion for dog training started in my early 20s with my first reactive dog - my first dog, in fact. When other training methods damaged our relationship, I started shadowing reinforcement based trainers in the area and at last found safety and compassion where I ne...
CPDT-KA, CTC, CSAT, FFCP
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Ypsilanti and surrounding area, remote nation wide
Jane Wolff specializes in treating separation anxiety and is a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). She also graduated with honors from The Academy for Dog Trainers (CTC), is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and is Fear Free Certified¬Æ . She has been working with dogs profess...
CTDI
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Off leash training
Roz Granitz B.A., M.Ed., C.T.D.I. has shared her entire life with dogs. Her first dog, as an adult, was an Old English Sheepdog who was very rambunctious and in need of training. Through a friend she learned about obedience training. Roz and Hari signed up for an obedience class and they both were "hooked." Since that time Roz's training techniques have evolved from one of compulsion to one of ...
CTC, CSAT, CPDT-KA
Ypsilanti MI
Laura Witkowski is a graduate of the esteemed Academy for Dog Trainers (CTC) and certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). Laura is Fear Free Certified¬Æ and has a particular interest in helping dogs with body handling and fear-related behavio...
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Metro Detroit
Sarah Fox M.A. SHRM-CP is a dog trainer, retired dog sledder, and business professional with over two decades of experience and knowledge working with dogs and people.
At Adventures With My Dogs, we use scientifically proven and modern positive reinforcement dog training methods for behavior change that creates a higher quality of life for you and your dog.
Sarah specializes i...
KPA CTP
Puppy training
Sara believes that work should be play and learning should be fun! A public school educator for 31 years, Sara has lived this philosophy as a special education teacher, school social worker, and summer camp director.
Sara began incorporating her therapy dog, Duchess, into her work with children in 2005. This experience opened her eyes to the healing power of the human-animal bond. She ...
KPT-CTP, UW-AAB, FDM
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Livingston and Washtenaw counties
Delores is the founder of The Learning Dog Academy in Whitmore Lake, Michigan. She's a certified professional dog trainer (Karen Pryor Academy). Learning is a lifestyle for her (and her pups). Delores earned a certificate in Applied Animal Behavior (University of Washington), completed a certificate in Aggression in Dogs, and maintains certification as a fear-free trainer.
Delores lov...
Fear Free MS in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare (in progress) IAABC CDBC (in progress) previous CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
PinckneyDexterChelseaHowellBrightonSouth LyonGregoryWhitmore Lake
Jacqueline is a current graduate student with Virginia Tech completing her Masters in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare! She completed her undergrad studies at Eastern Michigan University where she was a research student under Dr. Jamie Cornelius studying bird behavior, and physiology. Jacqueline received her certification in Canine Emotion and Cognition from Duke University, and is pet CPR c...
CSB-D (IAABC), KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Ann Arbor and surrounding areas (Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, South Lyon, Plymouth, Canton, Whitmore Lake)
Angela loves helping owners better understand their dogs using force-free methods and positive reinforcement that make training enjoyable for both people and dogs. She has a particular passion for helping dogs overcome fear, anxiety, and reactivity. Angela is a Certified Shelter Behavior Professional, a Karen-Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer.
CPDT-KA
Off leash training
Ferndale, MI
While new to dogs, KJ Johnson has an extensive background in training exotic animals. We have loved working with her in a variety of ways over the years, and are so thrilled to have her transition over to helping dogs and their people.
Oakland and surrounding counties
I've been training dogs for over 50 years always learning about the sports I train and compete in. I've been training people to train their dogs for over 40 years. I've been competing in dog sports for over 40 years. I've been learning from the world's top trainers for most all of those years using the most current, up to date training methods.
"Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) as well a Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers Pet CPR and First Aide certified"
Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training
Kate is our Director of Training at K9 Turbo Training and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) as well a Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Kate has her Bachelors of Science from Michigan State University with a focus in Applied Animal Behavior and Neurobiology. She trains both dogs and exotic animals. Kate has h...
Licensed Veterinary Technician, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, Certified Fear Free-Veterinary, Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed.
Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Oakland County, West Bloomfield, Commerce Twp, White Lake
I am a licensed veterinary technician with a passion for dog training. I have been training dogs in some form for over 20 years. I compete in IGP/schutzhund, agility, and rally. I love incorporating enrichment into the daily lives of dogs I am working with. I believe it is important to address the overall well-being of the dog when addressing problem behaviors.
Force Free Trainer Jean Carew spends her time living her passion; teaching dogs and their owners how to develop better relationships through training. She trains in both private and group class settings at all levels. Jean is passionate about all dogs but has a soft spot in her heart for those that are fearful or aggressive. As a result, she co-developed one of the area's most successful reacti...
I'm Laura Maihofer, a certified canine behavior consultant and a veterinary technician assistant with a Bachelors in Zoology. I have been training dogs since 2015 and take joy in constantly furthering my education in training and behavior. I utilize cooperative, relationship-focused training to help people build positive and happy partnerships with their pets. My goal is to help people live pea...
I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who services clients remotely as well as in person in the Ann Arbor area of Michigan. My passion for dog training started in my early 20s with my first reactive dog - my first dog, in fact. When other training methods damaged our relationship, I started shadowing reinforcement based trainers in the area and at last found safety and compassion where I ne...
Since becoming a certified dog trainer in 2012, I have worked with many types of dogs, different breeds, temperaments and lifestyles.
I can relate to dog owners who have behavioral issues in their home. I have a Beagle/Spaniel mix that loves to challenge me every day. I believe that all dogs and their owners are individual, and your training should be tailored to fit you and your dog.
I am a licensed veterinary technician with a passion for dog training. I have been training dogs in some form for over 20 years. I compete in IGP/schutzhund, agility, and rally. I love incorporating enrichment into the daily lives of dogs I am working with. I believe it is important to address the overall well-being of the dog when addressing problem behaviors.
We offer a holistic approach to dog training that will help owners and their dogs reach their full potential.
Jenn Gavin, CPDT-KA, FPPE is the owner and founding trainer at A Pleasant Dog. She has been rescuing and training dogs for over twenty-five years. For the last ten years, Jenn has focused her practice on anxious and aggressive animals, and has become one of the most trusted trainers working with aggressive animals in our state. Jenn works extensively with veterinarians and veterinary behavioris...
Kaylee Cook-Benjamin is our licensed veterinary nurse with a passion for training both dogs AND cats!
She is a Fear Free Elite certified professional, Certified Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional, and an Accredited Dog Trainer (ADT) with years of experience working in rescue and shelter environments. Kaylee completed an internship with Dr. Jill Sackman of Animal Behavior Consultants ...
“Established in 2022, Jason boasts a lifetime of canine expertise. In the late ’90s, he immersed himself in the world of wolves at Wolf Park in Battle Ground, IN, conducting hands-on research on wolf behaviors. His passion for animals led him to northern Wisconsin, where he joined a wolf tracking team while volunteering at local dog shelters.
In 2020, Jason became a dog trainer for...
I'm Dagny! I've been a scientist from day one, and graduated from MSU with a BS in Genetics. Along the way, I met my mentor and discovered that dog training is a perfect blend of my two passions: dogs and science. Thus began my dog training career. I've learned from and practiced with experts in the field. I've studied (and will continue to study) the science behind canine behavior, evolution, ...
Welcome to Michigan’s list of top dog trainers. The Michigan list is based on 1096 votes from the Sniffspot community. Only the Michigan dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Jill Hassevoort at the top of this list with 151 votes.
Our rankings include trainers certified by CPDT-KA and CPDT-KA. They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.
Michigan dog trainer services include:
Dog trainers in Michigan selflessly set pets up for success. Jill Hassevoort shares why they chose this path: I originally became interested in training because I wanted to give Jack the best possible life that I could. As my knowledge of training and behavior grew, I became ever more passionate about alleviating the stress and worry that comes with being the guardian of a dog with behavior concerns, using reward-based methods to get the best results for both ends of the leash.. All 76 trainers on this Michigan list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Michigan trainer, Jenn Gavin, uses the following methods: We use positive reinforcement. Our private training, consultations and behavior consultations involve an initial history taking process through which we develop management and training plans, taking into account the client's goals and priorities for their dogs. When necessary, we are comfortable and frequently worked with veterinarians in veterinary behaviorists as needed..
Explore the top dog trainers in Michigan as voted by our community:
I originally became interested in training because I wanted to give Jack the best possible life that I could. As my knowledge of training and behavior grew, I became ever more passionate about alleviating the stress and worry that comes with being the guardian of a dog with behavior concerns, using reward-based methods to get the best results for both ends of the leash..
If it's not a problem, it's not a problem. You don't have to train everything..
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.