About SongDog Northern Michigan Dog Training

Where it is

SongDog trains on its own ground in the northern Lower Peninsula: "Training takes place on our 200-acre farm in Vanderbilt, Michigan, purpose-built as an enriched environment for learning. Dogs are worked across a wide range of real-world conditions throughout Northern Michigan so that their training generalizes far beyond the kennel." The footer address is "4203 Woodin Road Vanderbilt, Michigan 49795."

Board-and-train only, and small

There is one format, and the site defends the choice: "We work exclusively with board-and-train programs because full immersion in a dedicated environment produces transformations that weekly lessons simply cannot." Intake is deliberately limited: "Sessions are intentionally small, approximately five dogs at a time, so that every dog receives the focused attention that transformation requires." Every program ends with a handover: "Every program concludes with a comprehensive transfer of training session, so when your dog comes home, you understand exactly what's been built and how to maintain it."

The two people

Jason Major is listed as "Applied Animal Behaviorist & Trainer" and "brings more than 30 years of hands-on experience in animal behavior, training, and canine development," sought out by owners "facing everything from basic obedience challenges to complex aggression and behavioral issues that others couldn't solve." Tiffany Major is "Operations & Kennel Director"; she "oversees SongDog's Breeding Program and VIP Puppy Program, and brings more than 20 years of corporate management experience to her role leading day-to-day kennel operations."

Behavioral work

Aggression is a named specialty: "For dogs with aggression, anxiety, and complex behavioral challenges, we are the leader in rehabilitation and management of aggressive canine behavior." The FAQ lists the range: "Aggression (for a list, see our Behavioral therapy section), unruliness, separation anxiety, barking, digging, running away, jumping, and just about anything else your dog can think of!" They also state a limit. Asked "Will you tell me if my dog cannot be helped?" the answer is "Yes. We will give you realistic expectations of outcome for the training of your dog."

Tone the site sets itself

"SongDog isn't for everyone and that's by design. Our programs are built for owners who are serious about transformation, willing to trust the process, and ready to be part of something that holds itself to the highest standard in the industry." A Labrador breeding program runs alongside the training.

Before you book

Ask about prices, program lengths and start dates.