A DTE trainer and german shepherd at a show demo - learn exactly why we offer the best in-home dog training in Traverse City, MI.

About Us

Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

A woman walking with a service dog - Dog Training Elite can train your puppy or dog in Traverse City, MI.

In-Home Dog Training in Traverse City, MI

Why Choose Dog Training Elite?

At DTE, we bring over 45 years of proven experience to every training session. Founded by a dedicated family of dog owners, our company is committed to enhancing the bond between dogs and their handlers with expert obedience training. We focus on teaching dogs to perform at their best, even amidst the toughest distractions.

Our approach is simple and professional, and we maintain the highest industry standards for training service dogs, therapy dogs, and family pets. We believe in training each dog based on their individual needs.

With our in-home dog training in Traverse City, MI, you can rest assured your dog receives the most effective training possible.

See Training Packages

About Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan

Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan - Meet Our Elite Team. Dog Training Elite in Traverse City

Meet the Team

Get to know the dedicated professionals behind Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan. Our team of experienced trainers is passionate about helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting bonds. Learn about their backgrounds, expertise, and what drives them to deliver the highest level of training in the industry.
Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan - Our Reviews. DTE in Traverse City, MI

Reviews

Our testimonials showcase the success stories of dogs and their owners who have benefited from our training programs. From basic obedience to advanced service dog training, see how Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan has transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families!
Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan - FAQs. DTE in Traverse City, MI

FAQs

Our FAQs cover the most common inquiries about our training methods, programs, and what you can expect when working with Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan. If you’re curious about anything related to our services, this is where you will find the information you need.
Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan - Careers. DTE in Traverse City, MI

Careers

Join the Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan family! If you’re passionate about dogs and interested in making a difference, explore career opportunities with us. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence in dog training and customer service. Discover how you can grow with us and become a part of a team that truly cares about dogs and their owners.
Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan - Our Gallery. Dog Training Elite in Traverse City, MI

Gallery

Our gallery features photos and videos of dogs in training, successful graduates, and highlights from community events. See what Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan can offer your dog and get a glimpse of the work we’re passionate about.
Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan - Local Dog Trainers in Traverse City, MI. DTE

In the Community

At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, we’re proud to be an active part of the community we serve. Check out recent events in our area where we’ve had the privilege to participate in local events, support fellow small businesses, and promote responsible dog ownership.

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

A DTE team member and dog waiting to participate in a podcast.

Our Values


Read More
Read Less

At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, our core values are the foundation of everything we do. These values guide our approach to dog training and define our commitment to our clients, their pets, and the community.


Commitment to Our Customers

We believe each customer is our most important customer. We understand every dog and owner is unique, and we customize our services to meet those individual needs. From the first consultation to the final training session, we are dedicated to providing prompt, courteous, and elite service. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we go above and beyond to make sure you and your dog have a rewarding and successful experience.

Integrity and Professionalism

Every training service we provide at Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan is designed with integrity and professionalism. Whether working with a family pet, a service dog, or a therapy dog, we maintain the highest standards in the dog training industry. Our dedication to ethical practices and professional excellence is evident in every aspect of our work.

Customer Ease and Satisfaction

We strive to make the training process as easy and rewarding as possible for our customers. By offering the tools and resources to build a lasting bond with their dog, we help owners enjoy the pride and comfort of a well-behaved pet. Our training programs are designed to exceed expectations and make the journey effective and enjoyable.

Excellence in Service

We stand behind our work with confidence. As dog training experts, we have the tools, knowledge, and experience to deliver on our promises. We are committed to continuous improvement and always strive to improve our training techniques. If a client is ever unhappy with our services, we do our best to make it right.


At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, these values are promises we keep every day as we provide elite in-home dog training to owners and families in the Traverse City community.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Alexis Brantley
    Jun. 1, 2025
    We’ve completed one training session and I am in awe with how well my dog is already behaving. The E collar has made a HUGE difference. Dan is absolutely amazing with my dog, knowledgeable, and very helpful for first time puppy owners. Thank you so much
  • Kathy W
    May. 31, 2025
    Dan was extremely knowledgeable and successful in training me and my dog! We enjoyed every session with him- highly recommend.
  • Eric Smith
    May. 31, 2025
    Dan is a wonderful trainer. It is great to get training right in our home. We are only 2 sessions in and our 9 month old Bernese Mountain dog has learned so much! Dan is very kind and patient with her. We appreciate his service and would recommend him to anyone.
  • Elle Scollard
    May. 29, 2025
    After just one session Dan was able to get my very reactive dog to calm down when a guy came in the house to fix the water filter! As well as when we passed another dog. Very detailed and gives clear instructions!
  • jessica eisner
    May. 28, 2025
    Dan was the best! My dog was so aggressive towards other dogs before I met Dan! Then, I brought home an orphaned dog and knew immediately if I didn’t get a trainer there, my dog would kill the new dog! After the initial session I had a new and improved dog already and it just kept getting better as time went on. I would 100% hire Dan again! He is worth his weight in gold!
  • Deb Schepperly
    May. 28, 2025
    After just 1 session with Dog Training Elite Holly was walking beside me and watching me for instruction! Amazing!
  • Skylar Burleson
    May. 22, 2025
    Oh wow! It’s been a week since our first training session with Dog Training Elite and I am in absolute awe! Within one hour, my dog was listening and obeying commands without hesitation. Our daily walks have always been hectic, overwhelming, anxiety filled and exhausting.. for both of us..for years. Until now! I cannot put into words how just one hour has changed our daily life routine already!!! Our walks are now enjoyable for both of us!! Mogli (my 5 1/2 Belgium Malinois) needed some structure that I didn’t even know I wasn’t giving her. Thank you for this opportunity for my pup and my family! I cannot wait to see what else we will accomplish in this training!
  • Deborrah Bower
    Aug. 24, 2024
    Dan helped us with two dogs. One was more willing than the other. He was very careful and handled the dogs well. They took quite a liking to him. His training has made a world of difference!!
  • Bobby Mey
    Jul. 27, 2024
    Dan was a magician when it came to Training our new dogs! He works fast and efficiently, making sure to train your pup and to make sure you know how to continue the training. He left the first training session and we already felt as if we had brand new, trained and obedient dogs. His expertise is worth every penny!
  • Crystal Bailey
    Jun. 8, 2024
    Dan was great to work with and a huge help in teaching us how to communicate better with our dog Lola. We saw a major difference even after the first training session. We highly recommend Dan and Dog Training Elite!
  • Caitlyn Walston
    Jun. 4, 2024
    My rescue rottie, Brix, and I had our first session with Dan & Tyler today and it went remarkably well! Brix is a good boy but also displays some resource aggression so the financial investment is absolutely worth it to me to start him under training right away. Watching Brix and the guys in session this afternoon was confirmation and reassurance that he truly wants to please and do good work for those asking it of him, we both just need some extra guidance so I’m very excited to see what comes of my sessions with DTE! I will leave an updated review upon our training completion but at this time I’m very excited and hopeful!
  • Mistea Case
    Jun. 3, 2024
    Did great with our Aussie.
  • Jordan N. Lindsey, Esq., MA
    May. 30, 2024
    This is by far the best dog training company in the northern Michigan area! Dan is a wonderful trainer! He is kind, patient and knowledgable working with all types of dogs. I appreciated his flexibility in scheduling and ability to offer in-home training in my dogs’ usual environment. I have worked with many trainers in the past and have never met someone as nice to work with as Dan is. Totally recommend this company for all your dog training needs - you and your pups will no doubt love him and the results you’ll see after even just one session with Dan at Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan!
  • Kristi Jo Brubaker
    May. 24, 2024
    Dan IS the man!!!😉 Seriously, he gently and kindly whipped both my dog and me into shape. He is not only wonderful with dogs, he’s great with people, too! He’s not just training your dog, he patiently instructs you as well. He has picked up every phone call to ease me out of whatever situation is going on. That in itself is rare! I was hesitant at first because of the cost, however, it’s been worth every penny. Soon we will participate in the group classes which I’m really looking forward to. Do it! You won’t regret it!
  • tyler daniels
    May. 20, 2024
    Dan is a terrific trainer!
  • Julia Nicholas
    May. 19, 2024
    Dan was great will our two lab puppies. He was super patient and we are very happy with their progress!
  • kristi jorns
    May. 16, 2024
    I recently had the pleasure of working with Dan at Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan to train my dog. I couldn't be more satisfied with the results. From the very first session, it was clear that Dan had a deep understanding of dog behavior and a genuine passion for helping dogs and their owners. They are incredibly patient and used positive reinforcement techniques that made the training sessions enjoyable for both my dog and me. They tailored the training program to address specific issues we were facing. One of the things I appreciated most was Dan’s ability to explain the reasons behind each technique and provide practical advice that I could easily implement at home. This not only helped improve my dog’s behavior but also strengthened our bond. In a few short weeks, I saw remarkable improvements. My dog is now more obedient, confident, and well-behaved, both at home and in public. I am truly amazed at the progress we've made and grateful for the support and guidance provided by Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate dog trainer. They truly did wonders for my dog, and I’m confident they can do the same for yours. Thank you, Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan for your outstanding work!
  • Brianne Geetings
    May. 16, 2024
    Our sweet little shihpoo Sophie has had a serious issue with stranger aggression due to lack of socialization during Covid. We grew tired of her barking, growling and nipping at people all the time, so we decided to call Dog Training Elite. I'm so glad we did! After just a few sessions with Dan, Sophie's whole demeanor has changed. She is learning and responding to commands, and we can easily quiet her when people come to the door. We can't wait to see how she progresses!
  • Brianne Geetings
    May. 16, 2024
    Our sweet little shihpoo Sophie has had a serious issue with stranger aggression due to lack of socialization during Covid. We grew tired of her barking, growling and nipping at people all the time, so we decided to call Dog Training Elite. I'm so glad we did! After just a few sessions with Dan, Sophie's whole demeanor has changed. She is learning and responding to commands, and we can easily quiet her when people come to the door. We can't wait to see how she progresses!
  • Michael Broodo
    May. 14, 2024
    I can't recommend Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan enough! We've been working with Dan for the past four months to train our dog Milo, and the experience has been nothing short of fantastic. Dan is not only supportive and flexible but also extremely knowledgeable. No matter what the training challenge, he's always available and ready to help with practical solutions and encouragement. It's clear he cares deeply about the progress and happiness of the pets and the peace of mind of their owners. If you're looking for a dog trainer, look no further than Dan at Dog Training Elite!
  • Alexis Brantley
    Jun. 1, 2025
    We’ve completed one training session and I am in awe with how well my dog is already behaving. The E collar has made a HUGE difference. Dan is absolutely amazing with my dog, knowledgeable, and very helpful for first time puppy owners. Thank you so much
  • Kathy W
    May. 31, 2025
    Dan was extremely knowledgeable and successful in training me and my dog! We enjoyed every session with him- highly recommend.
  • Eric Smith
    May. 31, 2025
    Dan is a wonderful trainer. It is great to get training right in our home. We are only 2 sessions in and our 9 month old Bernese Mountain dog has learned so much! Dan is very kind and patient with her. We appreciate his service and would recommend him to anyone.
  • Elle Scollard
    May. 29, 2025
    After just one session Dan was able to get my very reactive dog to calm down when a guy came in the house to fix the water filter! As well as when we passed another dog. Very detailed and gives clear instructions!
  • jessica eisner
    May. 28, 2025
    Dan was the best! My dog was so aggressive towards other dogs before I met Dan! Then, I brought home an orphaned dog and knew immediately if I didn’t get a trainer there, my dog would kill the new dog! After the initial session I had a new and improved dog already and it just kept getting better as time went on. I would 100% hire Dan again! He is worth his weight in gold!
  • Deb Schepperly
    May. 28, 2025
    After just 1 session with Dog Training Elite Holly was walking beside me and watching me for instruction! Amazing!
  • Skylar Burleson
    May. 22, 2025
    Oh wow! It’s been a week since our first training session with Dog Training Elite and I am in absolute awe! Within one hour, my dog was listening and obeying commands without hesitation. Our daily walks have always been hectic, overwhelming, anxiety filled and exhausting.. for both of us..for years. Until now! I cannot put into words how just one hour has changed our daily life routine already!!! Our walks are now enjoyable for both of us!! Mogli (my 5 1/2 Belgium Malinois) needed some structure that I didn’t even know I wasn’t giving her. Thank you for this opportunity for my pup and my family! I cannot wait to see what else we will accomplish in this training!
  • Deborrah Bower
    Aug. 24, 2024
    Dan helped us with two dogs. One was more willing than the other. He was very careful and handled the dogs well. They took quite a liking to him. His training has made a world of difference!!
  • Bobby Mey
    Jul. 27, 2024
    Dan was a magician when it came to Training our new dogs! He works fast and efficiently, making sure to train your pup and to make sure you know how to continue the training. He left the first training session and we already felt as if we had brand new, trained and obedient dogs. His expertise is worth every penny!
  • Crystal Bailey
    Jun. 8, 2024
    Dan was great to work with and a huge help in teaching us how to communicate better with our dog Lola. We saw a major difference even after the first training session. We highly recommend Dan and Dog Training Elite!
  • Caitlyn Walston
    Jun. 4, 2024
    My rescue rottie, Brix, and I had our first session with Dan & Tyler today and it went remarkably well! Brix is a good boy but also displays some resource aggression so the financial investment is absolutely worth it to me to start him under training right away. Watching Brix and the guys in session this afternoon was confirmation and reassurance that he truly wants to please and do good work for those asking it of him, we both just need some extra guidance so I’m very excited to see what comes of my sessions with DTE! I will leave an updated review upon our training completion but at this time I’m very excited and hopeful!
  • Mistea Case
    Jun. 3, 2024
    Did great with our Aussie.
  • Jordan N. Lindsey, Esq., MA
    May. 30, 2024
    This is by far the best dog training company in the northern Michigan area! Dan is a wonderful trainer! He is kind, patient and knowledgable working with all types of dogs. I appreciated his flexibility in scheduling and ability to offer in-home training in my dogs’ usual environment. I have worked with many trainers in the past and have never met someone as nice to work with as Dan is. Totally recommend this company for all your dog training needs - you and your pups will no doubt love him and the results you’ll see after even just one session with Dan at Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan!
  • Kristi Jo Brubaker
    May. 24, 2024
    Dan IS the man!!!😉 Seriously, he gently and kindly whipped both my dog and me into shape. He is not only wonderful with dogs, he’s great with people, too! He’s not just training your dog, he patiently instructs you as well. He has picked up every phone call to ease me out of whatever situation is going on. That in itself is rare! I was hesitant at first because of the cost, however, it’s been worth every penny. Soon we will participate in the group classes which I’m really looking forward to. Do it! You won’t regret it!
  • tyler daniels
    May. 20, 2024
    Dan is a terrific trainer!
  • Julia Nicholas
    May. 19, 2024
    Dan was great will our two lab puppies. He was super patient and we are very happy with their progress!
  • kristi jorns
    May. 16, 2024
    I recently had the pleasure of working with Dan at Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan to train my dog. I couldn't be more satisfied with the results. From the very first session, it was clear that Dan had a deep understanding of dog behavior and a genuine passion for helping dogs and their owners. They are incredibly patient and used positive reinforcement techniques that made the training sessions enjoyable for both my dog and me. They tailored the training program to address specific issues we were facing. One of the things I appreciated most was Dan’s ability to explain the reasons behind each technique and provide practical advice that I could easily implement at home. This not only helped improve my dog’s behavior but also strengthened our bond. In a few short weeks, I saw remarkable improvements. My dog is now more obedient, confident, and well-behaved, both at home and in public. I am truly amazed at the progress we've made and grateful for the support and guidance provided by Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate dog trainer. They truly did wonders for my dog, and I’m confident they can do the same for yours. Thank you, Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan for your outstanding work!
  • Brianne Geetings
    May. 16, 2024
    Our sweet little shihpoo Sophie has had a serious issue with stranger aggression due to lack of socialization during Covid. We grew tired of her barking, growling and nipping at people all the time, so we decided to call Dog Training Elite. I'm so glad we did! After just a few sessions with Dan, Sophie's whole demeanor has changed. She is learning and responding to commands, and we can easily quiet her when people come to the door. We can't wait to see how she progresses!
  • Brianne Geetings
    May. 16, 2024
    Our sweet little shihpoo Sophie has had a serious issue with stranger aggression due to lack of socialization during Covid. We grew tired of her barking, growling and nipping at people all the time, so we decided to call Dog Training Elite. I'm so glad we did! After just a few sessions with Dan, Sophie's whole demeanor has changed. She is learning and responding to commands, and we can easily quiet her when people come to the door. We can't wait to see how she progresses!
  • Michael Broodo
    May. 14, 2024
    I can't recommend Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan enough! We've been working with Dan for the past four months to train our dog Milo, and the experience has been nothing short of fantastic. Dan is not only supportive and flexible but also extremely knowledgeable. No matter what the training challenge, he's always available and ready to help with practical solutions and encouragement. It's clear he cares deeply about the progress and happiness of the pets and the peace of mind of their owners. If you're looking for a dog trainer, look no further than Dan at Dog Training Elite!

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

An adorable dog outside with a trainer - Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan.

Our Balanced Methods

Read More
Read Less

At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, we are deeply committed to creating well-behaved dogs and empowered owners, offering more than basic commands or temporary fixes. Our goal is to be the last dog trainer you will ever need.

  • A Commitment to Compassionate Training: At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, our trainers understand dogs respond best to positive reinforcement, where good behavior is rewarded and trust is built. By focusing on rewards, praise, and encouragement, we help dogs learn desired behaviors in an effective and humane way.
  • Safety and Trust at the Forefront: At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, we know that your dog is a beloved member of your family, and their safety and well-being are our top priorities. You can trust your dog is protected and nurtured in the hands of our skilled trainers. We take pride in creating a safe, supportive environment where dogs can learn, grow, and build a strong bond with their owners.
  • Proven Methods, Positive Results: We have seen time and time again that dogs crave structure and consistency. Our training ensures long term success resulting in happier dogs and stronger relationships between dogs and their families. Whether you’re working on basic obedience or advanced training, you can feel confident our methods will bring out the best in your dog without causing fear or stress.
An image of a girl holding her puppy at home - discover the benefits of Traverse City in house puppy training with Dog Training Elite.

Traverse City In House Puppy Training

Read More
Read Less

At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, we believe in-home dog training is the most effective way to address your dog’s needs. Unlike traditional obedience schools, which often provide a one-size-fits-all approach, in-home training allows our team to observe and address your dog’s behavioral issues within the environment they naturally occur.

For instance, if your dog has a habit of barking at the mailman or chasing the neighbor’s cat, our trainers can work directly with your dog in those exact situations. This personalized approach ensures we target the root of the behavior, making it easier for your dog to understand and follow commands.

In-home training minimizes distractions and allows your dog to focus better on learning. By starting in the home and gradually introducing group lessons, our program helps your dog retain commands and respond accordingly to their surroundings.

An adorable golden retriever puppy getting in-home dog training in Traverse City, MI from Dog Training Elite.

Benefits of In-Home Training Techniques

Read More
Read Less
  • Develop a Strong Bond
  • Dogs thrive in training sessions when they are with their loved ones. Learning commands is a way for your dog to connect with you, and your praise and treats make the experience enjoyable and strengthen your bond.

    Sending your dog to obedience school separates you from the training process, missing out on this important connection. At Dog Training Elite, we involve you and your family in every in-home training session. Our trainers focus on teaching you how to train your dog and enhance your bonding experience.

  • Quickly Teach Obedience
  • Obedience commands are crucial for any comprehensive dog training program. They ensure your dog’s safety and prevent unwanted behaviors. At the core of successful training, these commands must be mastered before progressing.

    Our in-home training program emphasizes foundational obedience, teaching essential commands like sit, down, come, and drop it. Once these basics are solidified, our trainers will guide you and your dog through more advanced skills.

  • Correct Problem Behaviors
  • If your dog jumps on guests, charges the door when the bell rings, or begs at the table, these issues can be effectively corrected with the right training techniques.

    Group classes or basic training programs often overlook these specific problem behaviors, which usually occur in your dog's familiar home environment. Bringing a trusted trainer into your home ensures these behaviors are addressed in the context where they happen, leading to more effective solutions.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan.
Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

Schedule Your Free Consultation with Dog Training Elite: A Company That Cares

Traverse City In-House Puppy & Dog Training


At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, we provide elite dog training services in Traverse City. Our unique and personalized in-home dog training approach ensures your dog’s needs are met and you’re satisfied with the results.

As passionate dog lovers, we’re committed to helping you build a positive, lifelong relationship with your pet. Our proven training methods are designed to bring out the best in your dog while fostering a foundation of trust, love, and loyalty.

Schedule your free consultation for Traverse City in-house puppy training and experience the difference of working with a company that truly cares.