About Bark Tutor, Traverse City, MI

About Bark Tutor

Bark Tutor describes itself as a "Dog Training and Behavior Modification Specialist" in Traverse City,

MI 49684, reachable on 231-463-8401 and alicea@barktutormi.com. Sessions are offered "In-Person and

Virtual".

The business is deliberately small: "All training is Private and tailored to you and your dog. I only

take a small number of dogs at a time to make sure I can give you and your dog enough time and

attention".

The trainer

"After relocating to Traverse City from Indianapolis, Alicea opened Barks and Rec. Animal Training and

Behavior until she partially retired in 2026 and opened Bark Tutor. Now she makes more time for a

smaller group of trainees."

Her credentials as published: "Alicea is a Licensed Veterinary Technician and a Veterinary Technician

Specialist in Behavior (the only VTS – Behavior in northern Michigan, and one of fewer than 30

worldwide!). She became a Certified Training Partner through the prestigious Karen Pryor Academy (KPA –

CTP) in 2008 and is also a Fear Free Level 3 Certified Professional."

"Alicea has more than 25 years of experience training many species of animals, but dogs are her

favorite!" She has "been nationally-recognized as a speaker at veterinary conferences and as a

contributor to several veterinary texts and publications. She is the co-author of a book titled

'Cooperative Veterinary Care,' published in Jan. 2018."

Method

"All training programs are positive reinforcement based. Positive training is more than just 'giving a

treat' its about reading body language, understanding motivation, understanding the evolutionary

ethology of the dog in front of you, timing, consistency and compassion."

Programs and published prices

– **Puppy Programs** — "6 in-home sessions weekly, handouts, videos and unlimited support via emails.

Starting at $750.00"

– **Household Manners** — "6 in-home sessions, handouts, videos and unlimited support via email.

Starting at $750.00"

– **Obedience** — "6 in-home sessions, handouts, videos and unlimited support via email. Starting at

$750.00"

– **Behavior Modification** — "8 in-home or around town sessions, handouts, videos and unlimited

support via email. Starting at $1150.00"

The stated range is "everything from family manners and puppy programs to anxious and aggressive dogs."

An "Online Classroom" and a "Shop" also appear in the site navigation.