Welcome to the Detroit, MI Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2022. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Detroit based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 45,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This list is a subset of the broader Top Trainers in Michigan list.
Dog training is one of the most important activities someone can do with their dog. Many come to dog training through a specific issue they want addressed, anything from barking to separation anxiety. Some have adopted dogs from animal shelters with an abusive experience and some just have happy puppies looking for everyday life skills. Trainers can help with all kinds of specific skills and issues, from leash manners to territorial aggression to anxiety around skateboards to common puppy challenges. However, what many discover is that working with a trainer is actually a way for a pet owner to deepen their relationship with their dog. The enhanced communication skills that result can increase quality of life, be a rewarding experience, be a social experience and lead to more harmonious relationships. Knowing that one’s dog is having a happier life can dramatically improve peace of mind. As the saying goes: happy dog, happy life. And it extends further than just the dog, to the pet owners. Owner empowerment can actually improve the relationship between owners. And finding the right trainer can make all the difference in the experience.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, which is the largest network of private dog parks for rent in the world. Each of the thousands of Sniffspot dog parks are hosted by locals on private land with 100% private bookings to maximize safety for guests and their dogs. Sniffspot offers various types of dog parks, including fenced, water parks, indoor dog parks, dog beaches and more. Sniffspot has worked closely with dog trainers to create safe spaces for dogs and our top trainer lists are a natural extension of that relationship. You can browse Sniffspot's local dog parks here.
The Best Detroit, MI Dog Trainers in 2022
Jill Hassevoort
I help dogs and their people develop more harmonious relationships using methods that are fun and feel good for everyone involved.
Certifications: KPA CTP, CPDT-KA
Services include:
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
Behavioral issue focus:
Reactivity, resource guarding, fear, life skills, cooperative care
Training methods:
Clients can complete the contact form on our website to receive a full breakdown of services and schedule a free introductory call.
Service area:
Remote, Metro Detroit (Detroit, Ferndale, Oak Park, Huntington Woods, Royal Oak, Troy, Livonia, Farmington Hills)
Website: https://jackandjilldogtraining.com
Jacqueline Drake
Current masters student at Virginia Tech for a Masters in Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare. Bark Nation volunteer. Credentialed & experienced!
Certifications: CPDT-KA, Fear Free professional, Pet CPR, AAI, ACAAB (in progress), Canine Emotion & Cognition
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
- Service dog training
- Off leash training
Behavioral issue focus:
Fear, reactivity, aggression
Training methods:
Consultation, and follow up instruction. Detailed training plans are emailed to clients after lessons.
Service area:
Travel range: up to 20 miles from Pinckney
Website: https://www.trainingbyjacqueline.com
Christine Fox
Christine Fox, CPDT, began her career in dog training in 1989, researching both dog behavior and canine communication with professional behaviorists from all over the world. Throughout her career, she has helped thousands of dogs and pet parents as well as met some of the industry leaders including, Patricia McConnell, Kyra Sundance, Victoria Stilwell of It's Me or The Dog, and Dr. Ian Dunbar, just to name a few.
Years of hands-on teaching and experience, regular attendance to seminars all over the country, and operating her own training and boarding center since 1999, has given her the skills necessary to work with thousands of dogs and their families. Christine is a leader and advocate for dogs in her local community. In addition to overseeing the day to day operations at Wag n Tails, she creates educational programs, speaks publicly, and provides private training opportunities.
Christine is also a City Counsel Member for the Parks and Recreation Department with the City of Utica, Michigan, member of the Small Business Administration of Michigan, and a member of Michigan Film Production as animal wranglers for dog acting and modeling.Certifications, Press, and Media:Proud member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and Pet Sitters InternationalDMWYD (Do More with Your Dog) Trick Training and CertificationAKC (American Kennel Club) Grooming Safety CertificationWag n Tails is the only facility in the area certified for health and safety. Featured in Fox 2 Detroit, ClickOnDetroit \| WDIV Local 4 and WXYZ Channel 7Lectures at Local Universities
Certifications: AKC tester. Scheduled to take exams this spring for CCPDT, Treat Retreat with Suzanne Clothier and IAABC.
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Website: https://wagntails.net/
Kalie Wiser
We offer a holistic approach to dog training that will help owners and their dogs reach their full potential.
Certifications: BSW, CPDT-KA
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- Board and train
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Website: https://wiserdogs.com
Kate Wilson
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 had a lifelong passion of observing and studying animal behavior. As the lead trainer at the Creature Conservancy in Ann Arbor, Kate also trains and works with various exotics including cougars, coyotes, alligators, sloths, warthogs, kangaroos, and porcupines. With a strong focus on improving the lives of the animals in her care, she works tirelessly to provide constant enrichment, allow the animals ample opportunities to practice natural behaviors, and provide them with training to allow for low-stress vetting and handling experiences...
Previously, Kate worked as an educator in math and zoology, and has traveled around the world observing animals in their natural environments. Now, with K9 Turbo, she helps ensure that every trainer on the team is educated to the highest level, is up-to-date on current research, and is following our company's strict code of ethics. Kate also runs and presents for our community education lectures and seminars. Additional certifications/associations include: Pet CPR and First Aide certified
Certifications: 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
Services include:
- Board and train
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
Website: https://www.k9turbotraining.com/
Abby Knue
Abby comes to K9 Turbo Training with an eclectic bag of experience. Abby was a Kindergarten teacher in a Montessori setting for 18 years before becoming the Education Director at The Creature Conservancy in Ann Arbor. It was there that she was introduced to positive reinforcement training and was hooked!
If you can train a warthog to calmly rest its chin in your hand while its tusks are dremeled, the possibilities seemed endless! It is now a passion of hers to pursue and explore the newest science based information in animal behavior and to be able to promote a force-free philosophy through education.
Abby has always had a love for animals having grown up with dogs and horses. As a teacher her greatest joy was being able to help struggling students by observing their strengths and weaknesses and preparing their learning environment to meet their needs and set them up for success. She has found this same joy in helping dogs and their people build relationships based in trust and respect and to help domestic and captive animals have their best life possible.
Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Pet CPR and First Aide certified
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- Board and train
- Reactive dog training
Website: https://www.k9turbotraining.com/
Roz Granitz
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 compassion.
Learning and applying the methods of positive motivational training have brought success in and out of the show ring. All three of Roz's Old English Sheepdogs earned many obedience titles. Early in the 1990s Roz learned of 'a new sport' Dog Agility. At the same time Roz had added two Australian Shepherds (Kanga & Brava) to her family. As she stepped into the agility show arena, Roz continued to also show her dogs in Obedience. Both Kanga and Brava achieved the highest titles in AKC and ASCA obedience with Brava being ranked the number two obedience dog in Canada.
As Roz continued to show her dogs (Coffee, Speed-Oh! and Eureka!) she continued to have success at local and National events. Roz has been invited to National Specialties in both obedience and agility where she has earned national acclaim and ranking. Her dog Coffee was ranked number two open obedience dog in the USA and was a top ten finalist at the National All Star Dog Invitational event. Not only is Roz a competitive trainer, she is also a gifted teacher. She earned a Master of Education degree from Wayne State University and spent many years teaching high school English composition and literature.
She is a proud member of the Pet Professional Guild, a professional member of APDT, and is both a certified APDT C.L.A.S.S.instructor and evaluator. She is a AKC CGC & Puppy Star evaluator, an AKC Trick Dog Evaluator, Fit Dog Instructor, ACT Judge and a CTDT (Certified Trick Dog Trainer) and Certified Evaluator. Roz is continually learning new techniques and teaching methods by attending seminars, webinars and classes. She continues to be both a student and teacher.
Roz is the owner of My Hero Dog Training
Certifications: CTDI
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Service dog training
- Off leash training
Behavioral issue focus:
We work a wide variety of problems that our students are having with their dogs from leash lunging to resource guarding to fear and reactivity
Training methods:
We use positive teaching techniques. We meet with perspective students to create a training plan that fits their unique situation
Service area:
We serves most of Oakland County, Michigan
Website: https://www.myherodogtraining.com
Kyle Conte
Kyle has been working in animal welfare since 2014. He started volunteering at a local shelter before accepting a position on staff, growing his training knowledge and skills. His passion and heart lies within shelters and rescues, working with the staff, volunteers and animals that live there.
Kyle was adopted by 5 rescue animals over the past 11 years - two Double Merle Australian Shepherd mixes (one having limited vision and the other being born both blind and deaf) and three cats. Living with dogs that have special needs has given him an entirely new and enhanced perspective on working with animals, which he loves to share with other animal lovers.
Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- Board and train
- Reactive dog training
Website: https://k9turbotraining.com
Sniffspot Detroit Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions
How are Detroit dog trainers selected for this list?
These are the top dog trainers in Detroit as selected by broad voting from the Sniffspot community and the general public. These trainers are expert dog trainers, who received votes from their delighted customers, due to their excellent dedication to customer service, excellent results and general care they exhibit for their clients. Many have worked with thousands of dogs and are highly experienced trainers.
How can I get in touch with dog trainers?
Each of the trainer profiles contains a link to their website. You can click through to their website where you can find more contact information.
Are these Detroit dog trainers certified professionals?
Dog training is not regulated at the federal or state level, so there is no standard dog training certification and professional trainers are not required to be certified. However, certifications are important to show that a professional dog trainer has a standard of expertise to help train your dog. Each trainer’s certifications are listed on their profile.
What are the top certifications for Dog Trainers in Detroit?
Some of the top certifications in the dog training industry are CPDT- KA, IAABC, Karen Pryor Academy - KPA certification, Jean Donaldson's Academy - CTC certification and Fear Free Certification. You can review the dog trainer certifications for each specific dog trainer on their profile on this page.
What methods are used in the dog training sessions?
There are many methods for teaching dogs and a lot of disagreement about the correct training approach. All of the Detroit trainers included on this list use positive reinforcement training only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This includes not using any specifically aversive approach to training or training aid, such as a prong or electronic dog training collar (also called remote dog training collar or shock collars). As for specific training programs and specialties, such as day training / doggie daycare or obedience training, you can see more information in each trainer’s profile.
Are dog training lessons in a training facility or are virtual options available?
Some dog trainers operate exclusively from a training facility, some do house calls and some offer video calls or other virtual options. There are pros and cons to each option and the most efficient behavioral training option depends on specific circumstances, for instance, what hours work best for you. A training center or training ranch can be a good option if your training plan requires facilities, training equipment or dedicated space. We recommend reaching out to the specific trainer you are interested in or browsing their website for more information.
Are dog training lessons private or in a group setting?
Every different circumstance of dog and owners may require a different setting, whether it’s housebreaking issues, anxiety issues, lack of proper socialization, food aggression or just bad habits. Each trainer has different offerings as far as whether they can offer clients a private training session or a group class. Trainers provide information about their private class and group class offerings in their profiles and you can browse their website for more information as well. It may make sense for your specific circumstance to reach out to the trainer to ask if they recommend group or private dog training classes. Some trainers also have a team of specialists that can provide even higher levels of service, or provide specialized sessions, such as pack walks.
How much does dog training in Detroit cost?
Detroit dog trainers have a wide range of costs for different services and phases of training. For instance behavioral modification that involves boarding is often more expensive than day training, and private lessons are generally more expensive than group lessons. Prices can also vary depending on specific behavioral issues. Lastly, some trainers have more overhead than others, We recommend first picking a trainer that provides the services that you are looking for, then reaching out to them to get up to date pricing.
Is training a dog good for the dog?
Yes! Training has many benefits for dogs. Whether with basic training skills or complex training techniques, going through behavior training with your dog can improve the bond that you share with them. Also, training can do a lot to improve the level of confidence enabling of a dog (and it can also help with building customer confidence!). Rather than being about exerting maximum control over them, it gives them more certainty that they understand how the world around them works. For instance, crate training can help a dog feel safe and at home in a crate vs fearful and uncertain. Dog training can teach important skills, such as leash control, potty training or a general level of obedience skills. And lastly, it’s just fun for the dog to learn life skills and for their family. Training can be very stimulating and enriching for a dog and serve them throughout their entire healthy life!
Can an aggressive dog be trained?
Yes! Any dog behavior can be worked on through training and coaching. Aggression in dogs is a serious issue, but it is also a term that is used very broadly. Many dogs that are thought to be aggressive are actually reactive, which is a different behavior altogether. A trainer can help you interpret signs of aggression, such as excessive barking, fear aggression and leash aggression, and type of aggression. If you believe you have a dog with aggressive behaviors, we recommend reaching out to one of your local top trainers to get their diagnosis and advice.
I am a Detroit dog trainer. How can I get listed here?
As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in Detroit you can be considered for this list. We update this list once per year, normally starting in January. Make sure to keep an eye on our social media and sign up for email updates with Sniffspot in order to be in the loop on the next round of nominations.
How much do dog trainers make in Detroit?
Dog trainer earnings vary widely depending on many factors, such as whether a dog trainer is an employee or owns their own full-service professional dog training business. According to ZipRecruiter, the average dog trainer salary in Michigan was $32,963 per year and $15.85 per hour. It is impossible to say how much a dog trainer can earn with a full-service professional dog training company, because the size and profitability of companies can vary widely.
See The Best Dog Trainers In Other Cities Near Detroit
Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list
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