SongDog Northern Michigan Dog Training

4.9 Stars,77 Reviews
4203 Woodin Rd, Vanderbilt, MI 49795

Service area: Serves Northern Michigan (Gaylord, Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Charlevoix, Traverse City), Upper Peninsula (Marquette, Houghton, Sault Ste. Marie), Southern Michigan (Ann Arbor, Metro Detroit), and Midwest US (Cleveland, Chicago).

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Family Dog
  • Therapy Dog
  • Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Puppy Training
  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Jumping on People
  • Barking Excessively
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Biting / Nipping
  • Fearfulness
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Facility
  • Board and Train

Program Formats

  • Intensive Program

Types of Dogs

  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
  • Giant
  • Herding
  • Sporting
  • Working
  • Hounds
  • Terriers
  • Doodles
  • Brachycephalic

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Positive Reinforcement Only

Equipment: 

  • Clickers
  • Food Rewards
  • Harnesses
  • Flat Collars

SongDog offers three core board-and-train programs: the VIP Puppy Program for puppies under 6 months, the Foundation Program for dogs needing basic obedience and socialization (3–6 weeks), and the Ultimate Companion Program for advanced training including off-leash recall and behavior modification. The Behavioral Therapy Program targets aggression, fear, and reactivity with a focus on extinction of unwanted behaviors. All programs include weekly photo/video updates, hands-on training for the dog, and a comprehensive handoff session with the owner upon return to ensure consistency. Follow-up support is available indefinitely via phone or email.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed; programs are customized based on dog needs and duration. Clients are encouraged to contact Jason directly for detailed package information. Board and train programs are offered in structured durations (e.g., 3-week foundation, 10-week off-leash, behavioral therapy), with costs reflecting the intensive, individualized nature of training and care.

Policies

No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated on the website. However, clients are encouraged to communicate directly with Jason for any changes, and the business maintains long-term support for graduates. Programs are intensive and require full commitment during the boarding period.

Testimonials

Jason saved our dog! We were contemplating putting him down because he was nipping at people. Jason changed our dog. We still watch our dog carefully and follow Jason’s training but our dog is now a different dog. Our dog now obeys every command given the first time. He is much calmer around people and more confident in his own skin. We are very happy with our new dog. We also now have the tools we need to help our dog control himself. We are very happy with the outcome of trusting our dog with Jason.
-Todd Hofer

I cannot recommend Jason and SongDog Kennels enough. We sent our rambunctious, 6 month old puppy, who had very few manners, off and he returned a well behaved (still rambunctious) puppy who is a joy to have in our lives. His off leash recall is fantastic and he walks politely on a leash instead of pulling and biting at it. He is no longer biting at the kids’ heels and will cuddle sweetly with our son, who wanted nothing to do with him before training. You won’t regret this investment in your dog!
-Sarah Ford

Jason helped us save an abused Plott hound that had severe fear aggression. Otis has become a beloved member of our family. His issues are under control. We know that if we ever need help and advice Sound Dog and Jason are only a call or text away!
-Marc Sroufe

About the Trainer

Jason Major, an Applied Animal Behaviorist and dog trainer with over 25 years of experience, operates SongDog Kennels in Northern Michigan, offering scientifically sound, innovative dog training and behavioral therapy. The business specializes in board-and-train programs that transform dogs with behavioral issues including reactivity, aggression, fearfulness, leash pulling, and poor recall. Jason and his wife Tiffany provide compassionate, hands-on care during boarding, ensuring dogs are never left isolated and receive consistent exercise and enrichment. They focus on building strong foundations for puppies and rehabilitating dogs with severe behavioral challenges, including those rescued from hoarding or abuse. Clients receive detailed follow-up guidance to ensure long-term success, and Jason remains available for ongoing support. The facility serves clients across Michigan and the Midwest, with a reputation for transforming dogs into confident, well-mannered companions.

SongDog Kennels does not offer in-home, group, or day training — all programs are intensive, facility-based board-and-train experiences. They also breed and raise puppies with health-tested parents and provide boarding services for returning clients. Their approach emphasizes lowering dog stress, building trust, and teaching owners how to maintain training outcomes at home.

The business is known for its high client retention, with many families returning for refreshers and boarding over multiple years. Jason’s expertise is sought nationally and internationally for difficult cases, including aggressive and reactive dogs.

SongDog Kennels is not a pet store, grooming salon, or dog walker, but provides premium boarding and training under one roof with exceptional care and communication.

Accomplishments

Jason Major has over 25 years of hands-on dog training experience and has operated SongDog Kennels for more than 20 years. He is recognized as an industry leader in rehabilitation of aggressive and reactive canine behavior, with clients traveling from across the U.S. and internationally. He has successfully transformed dogs with severe behavioral issues, including those deemed untrainable or at risk of euthanasia. His work is frequently referenced in client testimonials as life-changing.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin by contacting Jason Major via phone or email to discuss their dog’s needs. An initial consultation is offered free of charge to assess suitability for the board-and-train program. If accepted, clients schedule a drop-off date and receive detailed pre-program instructions. Weekly updates are provided during training, and a full handoff session is conducted at pickup to ensure owner success.

SongDog Northern Michigan Dog Training featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 26+ Years Experience

  • Free Consultation

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening

Certifications

  • Credentialed

Associations

  • Accredited

Languages

  • English
  • wheelchair accessible parking

Other Services Offered

  • Dog breeder
  • Kennel
  • Pet boarding service

Location

4203 Woodin Rd, Vanderbilt, MI 49795

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