Elite

Therapy Dog Training


Top Therapy Dog Trainers in Traverse City, MI

Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

231-508-3029


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Contact Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

231-508-3029


Se habla español!

What is a Therapy Dog?

A therapy dog is a dog that performs a service for other people. Typical therapy dog tasks are going to nursing homes or hospitals to cheer people up. For your dog to qualify, he/she must be friendly with strangers, and with training, be able to work around a high level of distraction and to understand personal boundaries, such as not jumping up, licking, mouthing, etc.

Research shows that therapy dogs can have a positive effect on a patient’s mood, stress, and pain levels during facility stays. Children, in particular, respond positively to therapy dogs. They are more motivated to participate in treatments, feel optimistic about the future, and experience an overall sense of calm when a certified therapy dog is present.

Therapy dogs can promote social interaction between individuals within communities that may not otherwise experience socialization typically. Therapy dogs offer unconditional love, non-judgmental interaction, reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness and provide an overall positive distraction to ailments.

Goals for Your Therapy Companion


  • Socialization
  • Lower Pain Levels
  • Motivation
  • Provide Comfort
  • Decrease in Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
  • Promote Healing
  • Increase Overall Optimism
  • Ease Loneliness


Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Therapy Dog

Therapy dog training is based on your dog's abilities.

$2,745

A therapy dog volunteers alongside you, where permitted, and provides comfort to others. Examples include cheering people up at nursing homes or hospitals.

A good therapy dog is naturally friendly with strangers, able to work around a high level of distraction (with training), and able to understand personal boundaries, such as not jumping up, licking, mouthing, etc (with training).

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar

  • Puppy Selection advice
  • Private, one-on-one training sessions in your home and the community 8 Sessions
  • Group Training Classes 16 sessions
  • AKC Training
  • Therapy bandana, ID Card, and Certificate of Training
  • An exclusive directory of therapy events and locations for you to donate your time
  • Come
  • Sit, Down
  • Place
  • Heel
  • Quiet
  • Off, Wait
  • Leash Manners
  • People Manners
  • Load up in the car / kennel
  • Make a friend
  • Choose one personalized greeting (high five, shake, hug, etc.)
  • Top-notch off leash obedience
  • Distraction Training

Our Balanced Theory

We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.


  • Empowering Owners
    We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
  • Personalized
    We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
  • Environment Specific
    We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
  • Supportive
    We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
  • Involved
    We work with all members of the household.
  • Simplified & Customized
    We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
  • Continued Training
    Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
  • Lifetime Investment
    We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
  • Satisfaction Ratings
    Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.

We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!

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!!
— Deborrah Bower
Posted August 24th 2024
google
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!
— Bobby Mey
Posted July 27th 2024
google
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!
— Crystal Bailey
Posted June 8th 2024
google
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!
— Caitlyn Walston
Posted June 4th 2024
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Did great with our Aussie.
— Mistea Case
Posted June 3rd 2024
google
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!
— Jordan N. Lindsey, Esq., MA
Posted May 30th 2024
google
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!
— Kristi Jo Brubaker
Posted May 24th 2024
facebook
Dan is a terrific trainer!
— tyler daniels
Posted May 20th 2024
google
Dan was great will our two lab puppies. He was super patient and we are very happy with their progress!
— Julia Nicholas
Posted May 19th 2024
google
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!
— kristi jorns
Posted May 16th 2024
google
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
Posted May 16th 2024
facebook
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
Posted May 16th 2024
google
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!
— Michael Broodo
Posted May 14th 2024
google
Best dog training business hands down! Our trainer Dan is absolutely amazing and so good with our puppy! Would highly recommend!!
— David Chauvette
Posted May 3rd 2024
google
Dan is a wonderful human trainer and he’s great with dogs too! My Bernadoodle service dog is getting weekly trainings from him, and he’s doing a wonderful job. I highly recommend Dan!
— Elizabeth Teklinski
Posted May 3rd 2024
google
Dan Luchko trained my adopted Staffordshire terrier, which I could not take walking because she dragged me so hard. Dan trained her not only to heel and walk with slack in the leash, but how to come, stay, stay in "place". He came right to my house and was a super nice man, and spent real valuable time training my dog. I can not say enough good things about his service.
— Rachel Bezile
Posted May 3rd 2024
google
I had a fantastic experience working with Dan. His devotion to his work is readily apparent. I knew from the moment he arrived that my dog was in good hands. I highly recommend working with Dan.
— Daniel Nelson
Posted April 15th 2024
facebook
I had a fantastic experience working with Dan. His devotion to his work is readily apparent. I knew from the moment he arrived that my dog was in good hands. I highly recommend working with Dan. The training sessions are quick and easy, and I saw results after the first session. I would give 6 stars if I could! Amazing experience and immediate results, from a trainer who cares about his clients!
— Daniel Nelson
Posted April 15th 2024
google
I wish I had video footage to share comparing Dan’s first visit with Miss Large-and-in-charge and the second visit! Matilda is a rescue and is very protective of her new family and home. She growled at, barked fiercely, and tried to push Dan out of her space the first time he met her. I was mortified and very concerned about whether she could be trained by someone with whom she had such difficulty. (Definitely her problem, not his!) Dan brought the E-collar the second time he came over (first training session) and taught us how it works. He proceeded to work with Matilda for the hour and by the time he left she was a new dog! She followed him, looked to him for praise, and rolled on her back for belly scratches! Our walks are no longer stress-filled and I am AMAZED! I am so thankful that Dan was not put-off by her terrifying behavior at her assessment, and that he had the ability to teach this big girl how to behave! Many thanks from Matilda and her mom in Manistee!!!
— Ruth Zehnder
Posted April 10th 2024
google
Absolutely unbelievable! I highly recommend having Dan train anyone's dog! I have had great results after the first session!
— William Meade
Posted April 7th 2024
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