Elite, Award Winning Dog Training in Traverse City, MI

All Breeds. All Sizes. All Ages.

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Contact Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan today!

Empowering Owners

We work with dogs of any breed, size or age - and we empower owners with lifelong skills to continue successes.


  • Leash & potty training
  • Staying & coming
  • Destructive chewing & digging
  • Stealing food, clothing, or other objects
  • Barking, howling & whining
  • Food guarding & begging
  • Mouthing, nipping & playing rough
  • Anxiety & submissive urination
  • Jumping up & hyperactivity
  • Aggression & anxiety

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We strongly believe that the key to sustained obedience and training is to empower owners to be an integral part of the training experience.

Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan offers expert in-home dog training near you in Traverse City.
In-Home Training

Dog obedience classes are held on a consistent basis and are included in most packages. Our dog obedience training classes are designed to place yourself and your dog in public places (surrounded by other dogs, people, smells, and sounds)!

Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan offers professional group dog training programs near you in Traverse City.
Socialized Group Training

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Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan

231-508-3029

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Award Winning Dog Training Services in the Traverse City, MI Metro Area


Welcome to Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan! We are a professional, family owned Traverse City, MI-based dog training company with over 40 years of experience that specializes in strengthening the bond between your dog and your family, with a strong emphasis on teaching your dog the highest level of obedience, despite even the toughest level of distractions. Our Traverse City, MI dog training programs are certain to meet all of your training needs. Unlike a lot of other dog training companies, we understand that each client has different needs, so we tailor our dog training programs to accommodate your unique situation. Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan also trains service animals and dogs ready to volunteer in the community as therapy dogs and companions to those with special needs. We also offer a fun and challenging personal protection program as well!

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Meet Our Trainers

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Dan Lutchko

Owner & Trainer

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.

Dog Training Services in Traverse City, MI

and The Following Surrounding Areas

Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan has award winning in-home dog trainers and top rated dog training programs.

Why Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan?

Lifetime Investment

We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.

Value Priced

We pride ourselves on being able to offer our professional services at prices that are budget friendly.

Local Trainers

All of our local dog trainers are trustworthy, willing to be there for our clients and love what they do.

Simplified & Customized

We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 15 min/day follow-up practice.

Come Meet Us!

We are often at home shows in your area! Our passion for dogs and service sets us apart. All of our local dog trainers are trustworthy, willing to be there for our clients and love what they do. We want to build a community for our clients that love their dogs just as much as we do and once you begin the training process with us, you become a part of the Dog Training Elite family.

Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.

Learn More

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!

If I could leave 100 stars - I would! I took custody of a fragile foster. The dog would not leave my vehicle when I arrived home. I called Dan after hours - on a Sunday ---- he rushed over to help me. Dan coaxed the dog out of my truck, helped me set up a proper decompression area, and will be returning to help me with the dog. My foster is in an extremely sensitive state after surrender. Dan has already worked a few miracles today. I recommend calling Dan!!!!!! I look forward to our work together by my foster Belgian Malinois.
— Donna Allers
Posted March 24th 2024
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Dan is a fantastic trainer, I can’t believe how quickly he’s training our families dogs!
— Dane Vermeulen
Posted July 2nd 2023
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Dan is enthusiastic and professional. He loves what he is doing and it is shows. We have just begun training our 4 month old puppies. He has taught us many things so far and we are very happy with the progress in our sessions and Dan and his dog training talent.
— Patricia Racine Barch
Posted May 5th 2023
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Highly recommend! Dan has been nothing but patient and understanding with our 1 yr old Rottweiler! We are only a handful of sessions in and we already see a major difference. He’s very helpful even on days we aren’t training. Just a phone call away to help answer any questions or give advice if needed, he’s very accommodating to all our needs/wants. It’s nice not only having my dog being trained but me and my household as well! Happy to say my big headed, stubborn boy loves Dan! (Sometimes even more than me I think). It’s been great working with him and cannot wait to see the end results!
— Ashley Leach
Posted April 23rd 2023
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Dan is an incredible dog trainer and person. He is very patient and accommodating. He's been working with our French Bulldog for a while now and his reactive behavior and anxieties have diminished significantly. It's such a joy to watch him interact with his own dogs as well. They are incredibly well behaved and a testament to his training abilities!
— Mary Elizabeth
Posted April 21st 2023
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Want to make life with your dog more enjoyable for you, for him/her and for your family? Have challenges with your dog (excessive barking, fear of bicycles, anxiety)? Call Dan at Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan. His guidance trained us, to train Milo, and help him through those challenges. Highly recommended!!
— Gary Gardner
Posted April 21st 2023
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Dan is an amazing dog trainer and human being! His advice and recommendations are very helpful. He is extremely patient with our scheduling. Watch him with his own pups, it's incredible to observe!
— Mary Olen
Posted April 21st 2023
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Dan was the best! We loved working with him and he made our anxious dog feel safe, calm and helped to get us better boundaries in our house. Highly recommend. His dog Pickles is the best for socializing dogs.
— Emily Wilkinson
Posted April 19th 2023
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Dan is doing great work with my Certified Therapy Dog in Training. Dan has a passion for dogs and my dog definitely loves him too!
— Michelle Loeffler-Rohraff
Posted April 19th 2023
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Dog training elite helped me save my relationship with my dog 🐕 ❤. Dan is great its obvious that he really cares about people and dogs.
— Samantha Schropp
Posted April 19th 2023
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Super convenient, “fixed” my dog literally the first day. I thought he was untrainable. 10/10
— Lauren
Posted April 19th 2023
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Dan loves this work! Dogs are his passion and helping owners enjoy their much loved pets is why he chose this career. He is great at what he does, and is also a very nice guy. Highly recommend!!
— Nancy Craig
Posted April 19th 2023
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Highly recommend! Dan is outstanding with our dogs and beyond fabulous to work with. We have a pack of 4 and he has helped us with everything from severe anxiety to major manner issues and everything in between. We can now walk all 4 dogs at one time with zero issues, our whole pack can now go on off-leash adventures with us (and have flawless recall), and they now all have the very best of manners! We love how enthusiastic and positive Dan is with our dogs and we are so thankful for the positive changes he’s helped create in our household! ❤️🐾👏🏽

Posted December 20th 2022
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Dan is awesome, he truly cares about every dog, and it shows in his training! His dog Pickles is a legend!!!
— Austin Goble
Posted October 11th 2022
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Dan is a great dog trainer! Really cares about what he does!
— parker fillmore
Posted September 28th 2022
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Dan is an incredible business owner who has a true passion for dog training. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
— Michaela Macchia
Posted September 28th 2022
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