An image of three well-trained dogs in the community - contact DTE to benefit from our local dog trainers in Traverse City, MI.

Professional Training

In the Community

Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan

Request Free Assessment


Request Free Assessment


Our Local Dog Training Could Help:

Basic obedience
Socialization
Separation anxiety
Aggression management
Off-leash training
Housebreaking

Local Dog Trainers in Traverse City, MI

Are you looking to hire local dog trainers in Traverse City, MI? Thanks to four decades of experience, Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan is one of the highest-rated dog trainers to choose from. We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages, helping them become well-behaved and confident. From basic obedience to advanced skills, our methods deliver dependable results.

At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, we focus on clear communication and positive reinforcement to strengthen the bond between dogs and their families. If you’re training a new puppy, a rescue, or an older dog, our expert trainers help every dog become a well-mannered and valued part of your family.

See Training Packages

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!

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!
An obedient dog being trained in the community by Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan's local dog trainers.

Our Training Method

Read More
Read Less

When it comes to training, the approach matters. At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, we rely on a balanced combination of positive reinforcement and gentle electronic collar techniques to provide the best results for you and your dog.

  • Positive Reinforcement: Dogs are eager to please and we take advantage of this in our training method. Unlike other trainers that use harsh punishment to reinforce behavior, we only use positive tactics. By showing dogs what we want them to do with positive reinforcement, we receive a better response. This is the preferred method for dog lovers! We certainly do not want to harm dogs, and we know most dog owners agree with us.
  • Electronic Collar: Our trainers use an electronic collar to support their positive reinforcement training methods. This is not a shock collar. The electronic collar simply gets your dog's attention and ensures superior training results when paired with a command.
  • Stronger Bonds: To develop stronger bonds between dog and family, we ask dog owners and other family members to take part in training sessions. Our goal is to help you train your new dog as a valuable member of your family with love and trust.

We Also Offer

Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan - DTE. E-Collar in Dog Training in Traverse City, MI
E-Collar in Dog Training
Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan - Veteran Service Dog Training in Traverse City, MI
Military / Retired Vet Programs
Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan -
Private Dog Training
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

A leashed dog recieiving training from local trainers at Dog Training Elite.

Local Dog Trainers in Traverse City, MI

Build a Stronger Bond with Your Dog Today

Read More
Read Less

At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, our mission is to build stronger, healthier relationships between dogs and their families. Through positive reinforcement, we teach dogs to listen and respond to their owners without fear. Our local dog trainers in Traverse City, MI provide the tools and support needed for long-term success. Whether you need in-home dog training, basic obedience, or advanced skills, we’re ready to help you achieve your goals and create a well-behaved companion.

Contact us today to start building the bond you've always wanted with your dog!