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The Best Dog Trainers in Michigan of 2026

David Adams photo

David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

This is a list of the top dog trainers in Michigan, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

  • Jill Hassevoort Photo

    Jill Hassevoort

    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.


  • Dagny Kaspar Photo

    Dagny Kaspar

    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, ...


  • Jenn Gavin Photo

    Jenn Gavin

    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...


  • Jean Carew Photo

    Jean Carew

    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...


  • Christine Fox Photo

    Christine Fox

    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...


  • Laura Maihofer Photo

    Laura Maihofer

    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...


  • Becky Kamp Photo

    Becky Kamp

    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.


  • Rose Adler Photo

    Rose Adler

    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...


  • Jane Wolff Photo

    Jane Wolff

    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...


  • Roz Granitz Photo

    Roz Granitz

    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 ...


  • Laura Witkowski Photo

    Laura Witkowski

    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...


  • Sarah Fox Photo

    Sarah Fox

    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...


  • Sara Alguire Photo

    Sara Alguire

    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 ...


  • Delores Carter Photo

    Delores Carter

    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...


  • Jacqueline Drake Photo

    Jacqueline Drake

    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...


  • Angela Schmorrow Photo

    Angela Schmorrow

    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.


  • Kate Wilson Photo

    Kate Wilson

    "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...


  • Kj Johnson Photo

    Kj Johnson

    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.


  • Nancy vonKoehnen Photo

    Nancy vonKoehnen

    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.


  • Abby Knue Photo

    Abby Knue

    Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Pet CPR and First Aide certified

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train

    "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 dremel...


The Best Ann Arbor, MI Dog Trainers In 2026

  • Jean Carew Photo

    Jean Carew

    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...

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  • Laura Maihofer Photo

    Laura Maihofer

    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...

    View profile

  • Rose Adler Photo

    Rose Adler

    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...

    View profile

The Best Detroit, MI Dog Trainers In 2026

  • Becky Kamp Photo

    Becky Kamp

    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.

    View profile

  • Dianna Heverly Photo

    Dianna Heverly

    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.

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  • Kalie Wiser Photo

    Kalie Wiser

    We offer a holistic approach to dog training that will help owners and their dogs reach their full potential.

    View profile

The Best Grand Rapids, MI Dog Trainers In 2026

  • Jenn Gavin Photo

    Jenn Gavin

    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...

    View profile

  • Lindsay Carlson Photo

    Lindsay Carlson

    Lindsay graduated from Central Michigan University in 2009 with her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Biology. In her degree program, Lindsay studied animal learning and volunteered in a rat and pigeon behavior laboratory, deepening her interest in and knowledge of learning and behavior. After graduation, Lindsay worked in the veterinary field for a few years before leaving to pursue educatio...

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  • Virginia Brophy Photo

    Virginia Brophy

    Gin has a diverse background, but when she adopted her first dog, she discovered her passion and has been training ever since. She has a passion for shaping and confidence building, and loves watching for that moment when it just clicks and the dog starts to figure out what they are learning! Some of her favorite training areas include puppy socialization, leash walking, counter surfing, and do...

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The Best Lansing, MI Dog Trainers In 2026

  • Dagny Kaspar Photo

    Dagny Kaspar

    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, ...

    View profile


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:

  • Puppy training
  • In home training
  • Reactive dog training
  • Aggressive dog training
  • Board and train
  • Agility training
  • Off leash training
  • Deaf dog training
  • Service dog training
  • Herding training
  • Protection/guard dog training

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 77 trainers on this Michigan list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Michigan trainer, Dagny Kaspar, uses the following methods: My process always starts with an introductory behavior consultation during which we discuss all questions, all problem behaviors, history, training goals, and first steps. I email various resources after the consultation to support the training plan. Moving forward, I usually see clients every 2 or 3 weeks for a couple months to check in on training progress, make sure everything is going according to plan, and adjust anything that needs changing. For my methods, I focus on positive reinforcement for desired behaviors and addressing the dog's emotional needs. We always start with a lot of treats and emotional rewards (puppy parties, as I like to call them) and then after a while, the behaviors we reward become habit and the dogs WANT to listen to us because they want to please us. I leverage the dog's natural tendencies to make big changes in their behavior in a way that makes sense to them. I make sure to explain to the humans not just how we are going to make changes but why these methods work. We go into the science of behavior and break things down into understandable concepts. I never use shock collars, prong collars, harsh corrections, 'dominance techniques', or violence of any kind because it's inhumane and simply not necessary. Our dogs have a natural need to be with us and be loved by us and that requires trust. Using violence destroys that trust and leaves the dog in a state of self-preservation, which is not only wrong but dangerous. My methods always prioritize preserving the trust between people and their dogs..

Explore the top dog trainers in Michigan as voted by our community:

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FAQ: Top Dog Trainers in Michigan

How did Sniffspot determine the best dog trainers in Michigan?

After collecting 1096 votes, we compiled a list of the top trainers in Michigan. These experts have proven their skills in Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, and more with Jill Hassevoort leading the pack.

What sets Jill Hassevoort apart in Michigan?

With certifications like KPA CTP, Jill Hassevoort offers a well-rounded approach to Aggressive dog training and Reactive dog training. They focus on Aggressive dog training, ensuring that each training session addresses specific behavior challenges.

What motivates Michigan dog trainers?

Jill Hassevoort began their journey into dog training because 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..

What’s the top training advice from Jill Hassevoort?

According to Jill Hassevoort, the key to successful Aggressive dog training training is If it's not a problem, it's not a problem. You don't have to train everything..

What do other trainers recommend in Michigan?

Jenn Gavin suggests focusing on Start by addressing your dog's underlying feelings about something before jumping to training obedience., Dagny Kaspar emphasizes Don't assume that you know your dog's motivation! We have a strong tendency to project our own feelings and quirks onto our dogs. This is almost always detrimental to the relationship because if we're not seeing the real problem, we're not able to fix it. If you think your dog is doing something to make you mad, to get back at you, or out of jealousy, you're probably heading down the wrong path..

What qualifications do these Michigan trainers have?

All of the trainers on our list hold certifications like Aggressive dog training, reflecting their expertise and commitment to professional development. Many also volunteer with Michigan rescue organizations.

Why are these qualifications important?

These certifications ensure that the trainers are well-versed in the latest Aggressive dog training and Reactive dog training training techniques, providing your Michigan dog with the best possible care.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

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