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Northern Sky Obedience Academy Inc. is based in Charlevoix, Michigan. We provide the residents of Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Gayolrd, Petoskey, Traverse City, Grayling and their surrounding areas with professional dog training services. Are you the owner of a dog who won't come when called, destroys your possessions, uncontrollable on walks, rude and inappropriate when greeting guests (or strangers), dashes out open doors or reactive towards other dogs while on leash? Would you like humane and effective training, durable long lasting results and to experience the enjoyment of a well trained companion? Our goal is to evaluate your needs, train your dog and provide you with the skills and knowledge to reinforce your dog's positive behaviors while helping you to develop a special bond between the two of you.
Everything we want our dogs to do, to be well mannered around family and guests, to be a good citizens when in public, to walk nicely on leash and to come when called no matter what may be going on is easy to achieve and reasonable to expect. It's easy and reasonable that is, if we understand the way dogs think, learn and retain information. Most canine behaviors are connected in some way to genetic instincts. And if properly managed, they can be turned into something positive. Next time your dog does something you don't like, stop and think before you scold. He's not being a bad dog - he's just being a dog, not being bad intentionally. The instincts that drive the behaviors we love in our canine companions can also be the same ones that make us tear our hair out. For example, the desire to be a member of a social group (our family) is what makes a dog so amenable to family life and training. We love that!! Unfortunately, it is this same social instinct that in some dogs triggers destructive "separation anxiety" behaviors when left alone. Dog behaviors and instincts can be properly directed turning an unruly pet into a well-adjusted, cherished family member. What instinct is driving your dog's behavior? How can you work with your dog's instincts instead of against them? 

In the minds of our dogs, behavior is neither good nor bad; they are just doing what dogs do, driven by instinct and governed by the consequences of their actions. We enhance your dog's learning process and strengthen the bond between the two of you. Our training methods are based on consistency, mutual respect, proper diet & exercise, clear communication, social interaction, instinctual drive,and how dogs view the world, other canines and their owners. We enhance your dog's learning process and strengthen the bond between the two of you

We know there is no one (all or nothing) way to train dogs. Each dog has a unique and individual personality. What works for one dog many not be the best way for your dog. Our trainers use a variety of techniques, systems and methods when working with dogs; some are based on Grisha Stewart's "Behavioral Adjustment Training" (aka B.A.T) and Kayce Cover's Syn Alia Training System (aka S.A.T.S).

Behavior Adjustment Training is useful when working with fear and aggression problems because it reduces the behaviors by giving the dog socially acceptable ways to communicate their needs.  Syn Alia Training System is an integrated system of training for all animals and people, based on a number of elements, and with a unique philosophy. The philosophy of S.A.T.S. is that all animals are capable of conscious thought, and can learn to work with people in a common communication system and culture.  Other methods include Canine Massage and Tellington T Touch to ease aggressive, stress related and boisterous behaviors, and help reduce discomfort from physical problems.

Dogs learn when the advantages and disadvantages of their actions are spelled out in black and white. When we don't clearly communicate to our pet where their advantage/reward lies, stress and confusion set in and learning does not take place. When training becomes unclear, imprecise and poorly timed we weaken the bond with a dog and it either becomes confused about what we want it to do or the pay off (reward) isn't big enough. Dogs learn more quickly, effectively, and happily when we focus on rewarding good behaviors. It is Northern Sky Obedience Academy's responsibility to provide, during the teaching process, the best motivation and reward sufficient and clear enough that your dog understands where the advantage/reward lies. Because dogs have a willingness to please, the process of teaching is easily accomplished without depending on the use of food, intimidation or harsh treatments.

 Patience and consistency are far better tools than gimmicks and tricks being pushed by dog trainers today. Food and management devices such as halters, harnesses etc can change behaviors quickly but a "quickly trained" dog is not necessarily a "well trained" dog. Trainers often rely heavily on "one method or one tool". We find the excessive, over use or exclusive use of "one" method or tool can be extremely limiting and decrease reliability.

We customize your dog's training to fit its personality and meet your goals without the use of excessive force or intimidation tactics. Customized training requires a unique trainer, one with years of experience, knowledge of canine learning theory, instinctual drives and one familiar with numerous training methods and tools. Remember there is no one way to train ALL dogs. Many "professional trainers" do not train dogs full time, by full time we mean thirty to thirty five hours a week. When a dog trainer can not assert that they work their job as a profession it is possible they are new to the field or lack experience. We're experienced and professional.