About Lorenzo’s Dog Training Team, LLC – Ann Arbor

What it is

A trainer network rather than a single school. The company describes itself as offering "serious training paths through a nationwide trainer network and a Cleveland, Ohio headquarters," and lists Michigan among the states it covers, alongside "California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, Texas." Figures published on the home page are "40+ Years Experience," "Nationwide Trainer Network," "Thousands of Dogs Trained Annually" and "17,000 Sq. Ft. Headquarters."

The founder

"Lorenzo Miller's journey with dogs began long before he ever built a company, trained professionals, or developed a nationally recognized system. It began as a child growing up in the inner city with a deep compassion for the stray dogs wandering the neighborhoods around him. At just six years old, Lorenzo could not ignore what others walked past… He began bringing stray dogs home whenever he could. Knowing his parents would not allow him to keep them, Lorenzo secretly hid the dogs in his bedroom, training them to remain calm and quiet so they would not be discovered."

His training followed: "By the age of ten, Lorenzo's parents recognized that his connection to dogs was more than a passing phase. They began sending him to work with professional dog trainers… Over the years, Lorenzo trained under multiple professionals throughout the 1970s and 1980s, studying a wide range of techniques and philosophies across different disciplines of dog training." The system came out of that comparison: "every system had strengths, and every system had weaknesses… he began combining the most effective elements from the various methods he studied while eliminating the limitations he repeatedly observed in the field."

The three published paths

"01 Obedience & Behavior Modification: For dog owners who need manners, housebreaking, reliable obedience, or help with difficult behavior." "02 Specialty, Service & Advanced Training: For advanced clients seeking alert training, service tasks, assistance work, scent work, utility, retrieval, or higher-level control." "03 Academy / LDTT Certification Career Path: For future trainers ready to become a professional trainer inside a proven system."

How an engagement starts

An evaluation, in person or remote. "Start with a professional evaluation in person or by Zoom so the trainer can understand your dog, your household, and your goals." Then: "We look at temperament, obedience level, behavior patterns, timing, handling, and the structure already in the home," after which "Your trainer recommends the right path for your pet." The final step is stated as "Train for Real Life: The program teaches the dog and the owner together so the results hold up at home, around distractions, and in daily life."

Method and mission

"Lorenzo's system is built on technique, timing, communication, leadership, rules, and boundaries. The goal is not a quick trick. The goal is a dog that understands what is expected and an owner who knows how to lead with consistency." The stated mission is about placement: "keep dogs out of shelters and in safe, happy homes by teaching owners leadership, rules, boundaries, and clear communication."

Before you book

The company's site is national. Ask the Ann Arbor location about the local trainer, address, schedule and prices; the phone number the site gives is the national line, "(866) 436-4959."