Professional Dog Training for Better Manners, Off-Leash Control, Service Dog Skills, and Challenging Behavior. At Michigan Dog Training, we help dogs become calmer, more polite, and a joy to live with.
At Michigan Dog Training, we help you get the results you want without the frustration and wasted time. We provide expert training with clarity for yourself and your dog.
Posted on Google Ann Marie RogersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Five Stars (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) Incredible expert with unmatched dog intuition! If you need a dog trainer or behaviorist, Michael Burkey at Michigan Dog Training in Plymouth, MI is the gold standard. I have known Michael for more than three decades, and his dedication to understanding dog behavior is a 24/7 passion. He just completed an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation and therapy dog temperament testing for my Collie, William. Michael brings a wealth of real-world experience as a former police canine and search and rescue handler. He is smart, exceptionally knowledgeable, calm, and kind. His ability to read and understand dogs is unmatched. Your dog is in the best possible hands with Michael and Michigan Dog Training!Posted on Google Barb CouryTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Michael has really has taught my puppy who is only 4 months old how to sit,stay,and walk on a leasch in a short time. He is a great trainer I highly recommend him. BarbPosted on Google Tamara NelsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our Blu heeler wanted nothing to do with listening to us especially during walks his training was a game changer. He now listens better than ever great experience!Posted on Google Nora TeaganTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They did a great job on training our two dogs. All of my family and friends commented many times how well behaved they were. I would definitely recommend this place!Posted on Google Kathleen CraigTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Michael and his team were amazing. Flexible with our crazy schedules and so patient as I learned how to train my adorable Dallas.Posted on Google Leslie RiggsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We absolutely love MDT for training and boarding. The team is great with large breeds. The MDT team takes care of Ace and loves on him like he was their baby. We know that he gets the best care possible when we leave him with MDT. We are so lucky to have found them!Posted on Google Maria NormanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Michael at Michigan Dog Training was very professional, patient, and informative. He helped me train my Rottweiler to be a mobility aid for me. He taught me how to properly motivate my pup to learn new tasks. He supervised me and taught me how to better work with my dog and be his leader.Posted on Google Gary ZylkaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After books, videos, and home training we realized that we alone were unable to train our dog to be a true service dog. After our first meeting with Mike at Michigan Dog Training we made the decision to sign up with them for their service dog training. Our family now has a dependable service dog. Thanks Mike!Posted on Google Samantha SmartTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband and I enrolled our German Shepherd, Zeus, at MDT after receiving numerous recommendations from neighbors who had previously worked with Michael and his staff. Choosing MDT was one of the best decisions we could have made. When Zeus started training, he was highly reactive to other dogs and people. While he was never aggressive, he struggled with overexcitement, jumping, and remaining calm when guests entered our home. Through private lessons, we were able to better understand Zeus and give him the structure, guidance, and confidence he needed. From walking, heel, and place training to one-on-one interactions with other dogs, every session helped create a more comfortable and controlled environment for him. Not only did Zeus learn, but I learned as well. I genuinely looked forward to our weekly classes, and the entire staff was always supportive, knowledgeable, and encouraging. We are truly going to miss seeing everyone each week, though I promise we’ll still stop by to say hello. One thing Michael said early on has stayed with me throughout this journey: “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” That reminder meant so much during the process and perfectly reflects what training truly requires. For anyone considering board-and-train or private lessons, it’s important to understand that success doesn’t come from training alone — it also comes from the consistency and effort you put in at home using the tools MDT provides. Zeus would not be where he is today without both the expertise of MDT and the continuation of that training in our daily lives. Real change takes commitment, patience, and consistency. We are incredibly grateful for this training academy and for all of the wonderful people we met along the way. I will always recommend MDT to anyone looking for professional, compassionate, and effective dog training. Sincerely, SamPosted on Google R H CoyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We proudly recommend Michael and the team at Michigan Dog Training (MDT). Each team member was professional, knowledgable, and willing to answer questions or concerns. They walked us through each of their services to find the right fit and kept us up to date throughout the training process. Even making a special effort to send our daughter a birthday message from Scout while she was in service dog training! We are already planning dates to bring our 5 year-old GSP in for training classes after seeing the benefits from Scout’s training experience. Thank you to Michael and the entire MDT Team!
Michael Burkey, CEO and Lead Trainer, has 45 years of dog training experience including having been a Police K9 Officer, Search and Rescue (SAR) K9 Handler, and a certified Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator. His expertise in handling aggressive, fearful, and high-energy dogs makes him the go-to trainer for dog owners across Michigan.
Michigan Dog Training is the preferred choice for many area veterinarians, and our services have been featured on Channel 2, 4, and 7 News.
Negative behaviors like dog aggression, anxiety, or biting can be replaced with positive behavior through effective and compassionate dog training. Michael Burkey, a professional dog trainer and behaviorist, offers positive results through a variety of services, including quick solutions for your dog’s behavioral problems, Board and Train options, and customized services such as private lessons or group classes and boarding.
As a former Police K9 Officer and Social Worker and now a Dog Behaviorist; Michael offers expert training to all breeds, big or small. His professional services are guaranteed. Veterinarians rely on Michael to train their own dogs, making him their preferred dog trainer and behaviorist.
You can trust Michael’s experience, integrity, and professionalism to help you develop a new appreciation and love for your dog.
Fill out the form on our website to schedule a free behavior consult for your dog.
We'll assess your dog’s behavior and recommend a personalized training plan.
Experience the joy of a well-trained dog who listens and behaves as you always hoped.