Our approach is rooted in nearly three decades of applied behavioral science, refined through thousands of dogs and the owners who love them.
We don't cut corners. We don't compromise our process. When you choose SongDog, you're not just enrolling your dog in a program. You're joining a community of owners who refused to settle, and got the companion they always knew was possible.
The science is the training of the dog and IT'S OWNER, THE ART IS MERGING THEM TOGETHER.
The Art & Science of the Human/Dog Bond
For dogs with aggression, anxiety, and complex behavioral challenges, we are the leader in rehabilitation and management of aggressive canine behavior. Our behavioral therapy is grounded in the science of how dogs think, feel, and learn.
Behavorial Therapy
From brand-new puppies to adult dogs in need of a reset, SongDog's board-and-train programs are the most thorough in the industry. Dogs leave attentive, calm, and connected. Owners leave knowing exactly how to maintain the work.
Training Programs
Precision Training. Lasting Results.
The team at SongDog Kennels includes Applied Animal Behaviorists and trainers with decades of combined experience. We work exclusively with board-and-train programs because full immersion in a dedicated environment produces transformations that weekly lessons simply cannot.
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.
Our methods are innovative, science-backed, and continuously refined. This isn't cookie-cutter dog training — it's the most effective approach in the industry, delivered by the team that helped define it.
Nearly 30 Years.
One Standard.
WHY SONGDOG
Real Dogs.
Real Owners.
Real Results.
TESTIMONIALS
— Susan Hays
"I am truly amazed at the training that actually worked for my dog, a 4 year old GBGV. Not only was the training excellent, the time spent with me to ensure consistency and follow through with the methods that work was invaluable. I am forever grateful to Jason and Tiffany for teaching and LOVING my dog when he was in their care. I can also contact them with any questions or concerns I have and get redirected as to how to handle any situation that I present to them.
The time away from our dog was difficult, but the results far outweigh not having him underfoot for several weeks.
I strongly recommend choosing these two dedicated and loving individuals to train your dog to be the best it can be. It is worth every penny. I am forever grateful to Jason and Tiffany."
— April Marie
“As a travel nurse, I needed my dog to be well behaved in public places and in hotels. I dropped off a overly hyper 6-month-old Labrador. I picked up a well behaved traveling companion. Baxter is a totally different dog. Now he knows when it’s play time and when he need to stay at my side. He no longer jumps on strangers or drags me on his leash. I will definitely bring my future dogs to Songdog!"
—Orit Szwarcman, DVM
"Jason has now trained 3 of my dogs. Over the years I have learned to trust his judgement and recommendations. As a veterinarian I have referred many people to him for training as well."
— Philip Arbit
"Jason took our rambunctious nipping pup and transformed her into the dog we’ve always wanted. We were worried her personality would change, but nope… Same fun crazy dog, she just listens now. Walks off leash. Doesn’t jump or nip anymore. Jason did an amazing job with kindness and caring. He truly loves his job and it shows in how he treats your pet. I couldn’t recommend him any higher. He is also always a phone call away for questions and touchups."
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
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!
This is probably our most commonly asked question. The answer is yes! It has been Jason Major’s experience that if you have known the dog for at least two weeks, the dog will remember you for life. Actually, if the dog did not remember you, it would make our job easier. We could simply remove the dog from your environment, complete the training and send the dog home, and that is how they would behave from that point on. We know this would not work. Your dog will remember you and remember how they behaved with you before the training and transfer of training.
Many people are concerned about this. This is where science meets art. It is possible for the trainer to become so overbearing that the dog simply shuts down. We have all seen dogs that, while they responded to the handler, do so without drive and motivation.
Songdog takes great pride in giving the owner back a dog that not only responds well but also, does so out of love and respect. We teach the dog coping skills and active avoidance strategies. We spend a tremendous amount of time implementing play reinforcement and relaxation training to counter any emotionality the dog may be experiencing due to the training.
Yes. We will give you realistic expectations of outcome for the training of your dog.
Why SongDog exclusively offers board-and-train programs over group classes or private lessons for lasting behavior change.
Proven space-management techniques to potty train your puppy faster and prevent accidents in the home.
A step-by-step guide to crate training that debunks the “cruel crate” myth and speeds up potty training success.
Why the 8–20 week socialization window is the most critical period for shaping a puppy’s lifelong behavior, and how to make the most of it.
