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Why Clicker Train?

Click here for a Clicker Q&A


Alpha Dog/Dominance?

The truth revealed! Click here



Think your dog may be aggressive? Click here.


Start at the Head of the Class!

Check out these books that will help deepen your understanding of positive reinforcement methods, which are used in all Trainers Academy classes:

 

 

If you have trained dogs before, but not with positive reinforcement, this is a great place to start:

 

 

Meet Muffin!
Trainers Academy, LLC Class graduate and Daycare Player!


Muffin, down!


Muffin, High-5


Good Muffin (Click & Treat!)

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Classes

All of our classes are taught using the principles of positive reinforcement. Please call 248-244-1372 to confirm class dates and to enroll or if you would like to observe a class. All classes meet for 6 weeks and 90 minutes unless otherwise noted in the description.

Class Requirements

  • Participants must pre-register to guarantee a spot in class
  • Students must supplyTrainers Academy, LLC with veterinary records including:
    • Bordetella
    • DHLPP
    • Rabies
    • Fecal check current within 90 days of the class start date
  • No choke chains, pinch, prong collars or shock collars are allowed in class
  • Students must bring or purchase a clicker and treats for week 1

Class Calendar is subject to change. Please call 248-244-1372 to confirm dates and times, and to reserve  space in any of our classes.

Is your dog shy? Does he bark at dogs or people? If you're not sure class is right for your dog, read this.

Located on Maple (15 Mile Rd.) between Livernois & Crooks at 950 W Maple, Suite A 

Schedule

Class and Time

Instructor

Tuesday 2/7 - 3/13
         

Puppy 6:45 pm FULL

Devene Godau, CPDT-KA

Wednesday 2/8 - 3/14
         

Intermediate 6:45 pm FULL

Lisa Patrona, Dip. DTBC, CPDT-KA. PDT

Monday 2/27 - 4/2

Intermediate 6:45 pm FULL

Sue Esper, CPDT-KA

Saturday 3/3 - 4/14
                (No Class 3/24)
       

Intermediate 9:00 am
Puppy  10:45 am

Sue Esper, CPDT-KA

Wednesday 3/14 - 4/18
        

Intermediate  7:15 pm

Devene Godau, CPDT-KA

Tuesday 3/27 - 5/1
         

Puppy 6:45 pm

Devene Godau, CPDT-KA

Wednesday 4/4 - 5/9
        

Intermediate  6:45 pm

Lisa Patrona, Dip. DTBC, CPDT-KA. PDT

Monday 4/16 - 5/21

Intermediate 6:45 pm 

Sue Esper, CPDT-KA

 

Click on Riley's picture below for some Clicker Training Q&A


"We have had very good experiences with both Lucy and our previous dog Belle.  We think that it is a very good course/program, which is why we continue to come back (we have to drive 45-60min to reach the training facility)."

- Todd Miller with Lucy


"Very good training method using the clicker . Petey comes immediately outside... It is a very effective training method and I will continue to work with him using it."

- Danniella Marra with Petey

"I took my former dog to your classes and they were wonderful. I took my current dog to a class elsewhere and was very frustrated. I could not get him under control and they used old techniques—no clicker, no treats. They also used choke collars. I finally dropped out of the class and came back to your training. What a difference!

- Grace Laverdiere with Spudley

 

Class Descriptions
 

Puppy Class
A class for puppies between the ages of 9 weeks and 5-1/2 months. This class focuses on socialization exercises that will help your pup grow into a confident and calm dog! We also have behavioral discussions and begin laying the foundation for obedience. Click here for more info. See past puppy grads in our gallery.

Intermediate Class
Open to dogs over 5-1/2 months or puppies that have graduated from our Puppy Class. This class works on basic household manners such as sit, down, stay, come, and leave it. Click here for a slideshow featuring our Intermediate Class.

Advanced Class
Our Advanced Class is taught by Trainers Academy President, Lisa (Laney) Patrona, Dip. DTBC, CPDT-KA, PDT. Please drop us an email if you wish to be added to our Advanced Class waiting list.

CGC/TDI proofing class
Prerequisite: Intermediate Class, as participants must know how to use the clicker.
Proof your dog for all of the items on the Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog International tests. Participants will be given the CGC test on the last night and will be given priority for open test slots when we schedule a TDI test. Click here for more info.

For more info about Therapy Dogs International click here.

Greyhound-Only
* We have expanded this class! Week 1 will run 60 minutes, weeks 2-6 will be 90 minutes each.

This greyhound-focused training class has been developed through our years of interaction with several of Metro-Detroit's greyhound adoption groups. Greyhounds-Only was developed to help newly retired racers transition from racer to household pet. This class was designed for greyhounds that have had no formal training. Click here for more info. Click here to see a slide show of previous Greyhound-only Classes.

To be contacted when we schedule the next Greyhound-Only Class click here.

Student Comments:

"When I brought Zoey in and I was told that you would be able to help with her walking on a leash, I just laughed to myself because I knew how she was on a leash with the pulling and wanting to be way ahead while walking. But you all proved me wrong by week 5, I was able to take her out on her walks without the pulling and without having to click and treat her I was amazed. She is a totally different dog now on the leash out on her walks thanks to the class and showing me how to teach her the proper ways. The new Easy Walk Harness is also a blessing and also makes it alot easier on the arms, thanks for the suggestion I would recommend that type of harness for anyone who has a dog that pulls when walking.

Thank you for all the help and information that you have provided me with to help me continue the training of Zoey."

- Keitha Habersack with Zoey

"I've been to a lot of different dog training facilities over the years and Trainers Academy is the best! I feel like the otheres were a waste of money compared to this training. The istructors are knowledgeable and truly care about the dogs. The techniques are gentle, help the dogs understand quickly, and the instructors give individual attention."

- Darleen Urbanek with Micah

"Loved the training, the instructors cared so much for Gizmo, It makes you feel good when you walk in and they know your dogs name and greets them. The class taught me to be a better human being to my dog."

- Victoria McGill with Gizmo

 

"We absolutely treasure the classes at Trainer's Academy. We travel almost 2 hours to class and have put one of our puppies through puppy, intermediate and advanced, and our second puppy through puppy class. It is well worth the travel time! The knowledge provided is invaluable to not only our pups, but also to us as pet owners. We look forward to continuing with Trainer's academy in the future."

Kathy VanGorp
Puppy, Intermediate & Advanced Graduate

 

"Coming here made me realize how worthless all the previous dog training I've taken has been. I've learned so much from this class, and the handouts were the perfect reinforcement for me."

- Jeff Proulx & Grace
Greyhound-Only Graduates

"In the past, I have been to other training which was less expensive, but I have learned that you get what you pay for! The instruction at Trainers Academy is the very best and definitely very worth the extra cost.    I really like the positive training techniques that are taught.  And how the dog's interpretations of our actions are explained!"

- Edie McLeod & Ian, Intermediate Graduates

"Tess has definitely gained confidence (and personality).  While you didn't see it in class, when we'd get home she'd strut around, like she really thought she was something else - tossing toys in the air, teasing Cody and initiating play.  She now approaches neighbors that she knows - wagging her tail and asking to be petted!  That's huge and beyond my expectations of what she'd get from the class.  Thanks!!!"

- Jill Calvin & Tess
Intermediate Graduates