JOYFUL DOGS
OF
MICHIGAN
We are Mid-Michigan's most experienced trainers with over 70 years of combined experience!
Welcome to Joyful Dogs of Michigan
Mid-Michigan's Most Experienced Dog Trainers Located in Lansing, MI
For over five decades Joyful Dogs of Michigan has helped families build owner/dog relationships with confident, well-mannered dogs. We combine science-backed techniques with experienced trainers to deliver results you can see and feel.
Why Dog Training Matters
Dog training is about more than training commands. It's about creating a trusting relationship between you and your dog. Proper training addresses a myriad of issues. Investing in professional training builds a foundation of communication that benefits your dog for life.
Key Benefits of Professional Training with Joyful Dogs of Michigan
Better Communication: Learn clear, consistent cues that your dog understands.
Safe Public Behavior: From calm guest visits to relaxed park outings.
Reduced Stress: Training reduces anxiety for dogs and owners.
Real-Life Results: Our methods deliver behaviors you can use at home, on walks, and with visitors — not just in training sessions.
Long-Term Maintenance: We provide what you need to maintain proper behavior. We are always available to give advice and assistance.
Our Training Philosophy
Joyful Dogs believes in a positive, science-based approach to dog training. We focus on reinforcement of desired behaviors and incremental shaping of skills.
How Joyful Dogs of Michigan Helps
Backed by a family legacy that dates to the 1950's, Joyful Dogs combines decades of experience with modern behavioral science. Our trainers are skilled in adapting to your dog’s temperament and family lifestyle.
Puppy Training: Name recognition socialization, mouthing and jumping inhibition, introduction to surroundings, activities, and body handling.
Basic Obedience: Sit, down, stay, recall, leash skills, polite greetings, and more
Advanced Obedience: Off-leash control, complex recalls, distance work, and more
Service Dog Training (Psychiatric & Mobility): Specialized skills based on client needs, customized task training, and public access test preparation and testing.
Board and Train Programs: Immersive training in Basic and Advanced obedience, and Service Dog training all tailored to specific training goals.
AKC Evaluator Services: Training and evaluation for AKC Canine Good Citizen Program (all levels), Trick dog (all levels), and Virtual Home Manners.
Programs that Fit Your Life
In-Person Sessions
Learn the proper cues, reward timing, and the proper way to correct.
AKC Group Classes
CGC is a core part of the AKC Family Dog Program. AKC Family Dog includes the 4 levels of the Canine Good Citizen title program: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine, and AKC Urban CGC.
The AKC Family Dog Program also includes the AKC Trick Dog title
Virtual Consultations
Remote assistance for distant clients and busy families.
Board and Train
Continual, structured training with owner transition lessons on pick up.
All Private Lessons
One-on-one training so you and your dog get all of our attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How soon will I see results?
A: You will see results after the first session. Lasting behavior change occurs over weeks to months, depending on the training consistency of the owner.
Q: What should I bring to my first session?
A: Bring your dog’s collar, a 4-6 foot leash, and vaccination records.
Q: Do you work with rescues or shelter dogs or dogs with special needs?
A: Absolutely. We have extensive experience rehabilitating and training rescue dogs, working closely with shelters and foster families. We also have many cases of working with deaf or blind dogs from puppies to adults.
Q: Can you prepare my dog for AKC evaluations?
A: Yes. As AKC Evaluators we conduct classes to prepare your dog for evaluation for all Canine Good Citizen titles, and Trick Dog titles. We even evaluate the AKC Virtual Home Manners which are also official AKC titles for puppy and adult dogs - VHMP and VHMA
