Michael Burkey, Dog Behavior Expert
Michael Burkey is a dog behavior expert and the CEO and Dog Behaviorist at Michigan Dog Training, a highly successful dog training corporation whose aim is to provide behavior solutions so your dog can become a well mannered family member. He is a:
- Dog Behaviorist
- Professional Dog Trainer
- Expert Witness on Dog Behavior
- Service Dog Trainer
- Certified Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator for the American Kennel Club (AKC) and a former
- Police K9 Officer
- Search and Rescue (SAR) K9 Training Director
- SAR K9 Handler
- Obedience, Schutzhund and Rally competitor and
- Social Worker.
For many years, he volunteered as a Dog Behaviorist for the Humane Society of Huron Valley, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was a founding member and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and served as their Ethics Committee Chairman for many years.
Michael specializes in working with dogs who are:
- Happy but high energy temperaments
- Show fearful and/or aggressive tendencies or are in need of
- Service Dog Training
- In southeastern Michigan: Oakland County, Washtenaw County and Wayne County.
Michael works with all breeds, temperaments, and sizes. He is highly regarded by veterinarians, rescue organizations, and clients. Many dog trainers refer their aggression cases to Michael and veterinarians choose him to train their personal dogs. Michael Burkey is also a former social worker. This unique experience of consulting and training (people and dogs), sets Michael apart as the one to rely on to help you solve your dog training problems. He will teach you how to :
- Modify your dog’s behavior
- Train your dog the right way, the first time and
- Have fun with your dog.
Dog training is a complex science and art requiring knowledge of behavioral science and learning. You can rely on Michael and his Staff experience, teaching methods, and integrity. Learn more about Michael’s awesome staff.
Michael's Personal Dogs
Michael trains and loves all breed of dogs, temperament and sizes. His personal dogs have included: 6 Belgian Malinois (plus two litters of puppies), 6 German Shepherds, 1 Dutch Shepherd, 2 Standard Poodles, 1 Labrador Retriever, 1 German Shorthair Pointer, 2 Miniature Schnauzers, and 1 Beagle/Rat Terrier mix. Some of them are pictured below.
Previous Dogs
Michael Burkey, Dog Behavior Expert
“I have always felt a close kinship with dogs. As a young child, my inner ear canals were blocked due to environmental allergies. This condition went undetected for the first four years of my life causing me to miss hearing beginning language sounds. The result was that I wouldn’t try to talk with people. My parents initially thought I was learning disabled until I was correctly diagnosed.
The speech therapist advised my parents to obtain a dog that would sit and listen to me babble all day. The dog would have undying interest in my attempts to talk in return for non-stop petting. The allergist, of course, recommended against the dog. Allergies were what caused the ear blockage in the first place.
Fortunately, my parents listened to the speech therapist. They brought home a mixed Beagle/Terrier, named Princess that sat patiently each and every day, listening to me make beginning speech sounds as I petted my special friend.
So that is how a dog taught me to talk. I have enjoyed a special bond with dogs ever since.”
