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Socialization is an important step in raising a well-mannered dog. Safely introducing your dog to new environments, people, and other animals teaches them how to behave well in everyday situations. Here are a few simple ways to begin: 🐕‍🦺 Start Early: Socialize your pup from a young age to build confidence. 🐕 Make It Positive: Use praise, treats, and calm energy to create good associations. 🐩 Add Obedience: Practice commands like place or heel during social outings. 🦮 Train with Guidance: Professional training provides structure and support that makes socialization safer and more effective. At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, our obedience-based training supports socialization at every stage, helping your dog handle real-world distractions with confidence. Call 231-508-3029 today to schedule a free consultation!
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At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, we take pride in providing exceptional service, expert trainers, and real results. Here's what one client had to say: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Awesome service. Awesome trainers. Couldn't have been happier about the way my dog behaves. — Carson S. Contact us today to get started with professional training!
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Happy New Year! 🎉🐶 We're proud of what our team at Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan has accomplished this year, and even more excited about what's ahead. Here's to a new year of growth, progress, and well-trained dogs in 2026!
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Thinking about getting a dog for the holidays? Puppies can bring a lot of joy, but they also bring responsibility. Before you surprise the family, ask yourself: 🎁 Do you have the time to care for and train a dog every day? 🎁 Are you committed to starting consistent training from day one? 🎁 Are you financially ready for vet visits, food, grooming, and dog classes? 🎁 Is your home prepared with the basics like a crate, leash, and safe space? If you've considered the above and are ready to welcome a puppy, Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan can help you build a strong bond with in-home, personalized training. Call today to learn about our Puppy Plus training package!
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🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan 🐶 This season, we're reflecting on how grateful we are for the amazing dogs and families we get to work with every day. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your dog's training!
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Tired of coming home to a destroyed house and an anxious dog? Pups that suffer from separation anxiety will destructively chew, eliminate inside the house, and bark for hours on end when left alone. Though frustrating, this behavior is not a disobedience issue—it's caused by stress. The best way to handle stress-based issues is to work with a professional. At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, we focus on structured, in-home training to build your dog's confidence and help them feel comfortable while you're away. Call or visit us at https://dogtrainingelite.com/traverse-city to schedule your free consultation.
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The right guidance can make all the difference. At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, our classes are designed to help you feel prepared and capable as you work with your dog. Here's what one owner had to say after attending a class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing class! I enjoyed all of the knowledge and tips. I feel so much more confident with my dog. Ava S. Call or visit us at https://dogtrainingelite.com/traverse-city to schedule your free consultation and see the difference one class can make.
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💙October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month 💙 At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, we're taking time this month to recognize the importance of awareness, inclusion, and support for individuals with Down syndrome. For some individuals with Down syndrome, a service dog can assist with routines, provide safety support, and help build independence. If you're exploring service dog options, we're here to answer questions and guide you through the next steps. Click to learn more or schedule a free consultation!
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About Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan

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Dan Lutchko - Owner & Trainer
Dan Lutchko
Owner & Trainer

My name is Dan Lutchko. My fiancé Samantha and I have 4 beautiful children, 12, 8, 6, and 3. We enjoy hiking, bike riding, kayaking, swimming and taking in all the beauty that Northern Michigan has to offer with our three dogs, Pickles (French Bulldog), Luna (Puggle) and Spike (Frug). I have spent the last 11 years in food manufacturing where I held various positions during my tenure with the company. During the last couple of crazy years, I began to think about how I could make a difference, both in my immediate community and beyond! The moment I discovered Dog Training Elite and saw the impact it can have on people, and the vital and important relationships they have with their animals, was the moment I found my new passion. Pickles, Luna, Spike and I look forward to meeting you and we hope you will join us on this amazing journey!

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Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Bonnie McDonald
    Feb. 8, 2026
    We love Dan so much! He’s an incredibly intuitive dog trainer and people trainer 😂 Our sweet but aggressive-biting, dog has responded so well to his training that I just can’t believe it. Same protective loving dog, but with more respect and trust that his owners are in charge and he can relax. Our other sweet girl has benefited from some gentle corrections, and the whole household is more at peace. Cannot recommend Dan enough, for both nervous owners and reactive dogs ❤️
  • Leslie Vreeland-Corpe
    Dec. 21, 2025
    I cannot recommend Dan from Elite Dog Training highly enough! He worked absolute MAGIC with my dogs! I couldn’t be happier - BEST money ever spent! Their final session today - at the mall, the weekend before Christmas. I would never have dreamed that I could get my dogs to calmly sit, lay down etc….with constant distractions around them. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart !
  • Northerner Too Far South
    Aug. 16, 2025
    Honestly, no clue about the training, but someone that trains 3 sweet pugs how to ride a Skateboard is AWESOME! Seen you in a WTTW video, and I'll bet you are great at what you do!
  • Scott Eley
    Aug. 10, 2025
    Dan is amazing within 1 session we had a well behaved dog. He is available to answer questions and treats your home and dog like its his own. If I could give 6 stars I would.
  • Cindi Ford
    Jul. 22, 2025
    We had Dan come to our house! We had e- collar with our 3 year old lab! What a difference!! She is a different dog outside! Dan was great and gave us lots of advice! We highly recommend this dog trainer and service!!!
  • 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.
    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!
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