The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that people with disabilities have a civil right to bring a service dog into any “public accommodations,” even if that place normally prohibits animals. Furthermore, the penal code applied by Michigan state law makes it a misdemeanor to refuse or inhibit entry to a service animal. Public accommodations cover various venues, including hotels, stores, transportation services, and educational institutions. Businesses, including landlords and airlines, cannot legally charge a disabled person for an accompanying service animal.
Therefore, if you’re living with an eligible disability in the state of Michigan, it’s worth training your canine companion to become a fully-fledged service animal—the convenience and cost-saving benefits are immense. Eligible disabilities include visual impairment, hearing loss, seizures, mobility issues, and balance or stability problems. Service animals that assist with psychiatric conditions are covered under these laws, but emotional support animals are not.
A service animal must be adequately trained in Michigan, although there is no formal certification or registration requirement. In the State of Michigan, a person with a disability can voluntarily register a service animal in order to receive a photo ID card and a patch, which ensure prompt identification.
What to Look For When Choosing Service Dog Training
Choosing an appropriate service dog training center is the first step towards turning a canine companion into a bonafide service animal.
Regardless of whether you choose an online or in-person trainer, it’s best to stick with an established operator with years (or decades) of industry experience. Look for a provider with a proven track record with your specific disability.
Not all trainers work with every type of dog. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing—it could mean they excel at training a specific breed. Some insist on working with a purpose-bred puppy, while others accept existing pets (after a rigorous evaluation) or source animals from a local shelter. In any case, check whether their conditions align with your needs.
For a brick-and-mortar establishment, it’s worth assessing the facilities in person before committing. Are the kennels in good shape? Do the dogs have plenty of open space? A low-quality trainer will cut corners and deliver subpar results.
While a sizable waiting list is indicative of a successful business (or a popular non-profit), you should consider your own timeline as well. If you need an animal trained in a hurry, there’s no point joining a year-long waiting list.
Finally, cost is a crucial consideration. While the law requires a service dog to be capable of supporting its owner, there’s no legal requirement to enlist an in-person trainer. An online training course gives you the necessary tools to train your animal at home and saves you thousands compared to an in-person program.
Online vs In-Person Service Dog Training
So what’s the best option for training a service dog: in-person or online? Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll discuss below.
While an in-person course requires you to attend scheduled classes, an online program lets you train your animal at your convenience—you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your own home. The most significant benefit, however, is cost. Online programs give you all the support and guidance you need at a fraction of the price of an in-person course.
Although rigid and expensive, in-person programs may achieve better results because an experienced professional provides expert, tailor-made training sessions. Furthermore, the in-person option puts less burden on the owner, which can be essential when a severe disability renders self-training impractical. Both human and canine also get ample opportunity to socialize and exercise—active and outgoing owners often find in-person training more fun.
| Pros of Online Service Dog Training | Pros of In-Person Service Dog Training |
| Cost-effective: online courses cost a fraction of the price of in-person programs | Easy: trainers do most of the work, essential for people with severe disabilities. |
| Convenient: train your dog at a time that’s suitable for you | Effective: in-person trainers draw on years of experience to achieve optimal results |
| Comfort: no need to leave the comfort of your own home | Exercise: you and your dog will get out and about |
The Best Service Dog Training in Michigan
Now that you’re up to speed, it’s time to check out the top service dog training programs in Michigan, both in-person or online. We’ve searched long and hard to identify and review the top courses in the state to make the selection process easier for you.
US Service Animals Online Training
The top dog in virtual training, US Service Animals Online Training gives you everything you need to teach your canine to become a service dog from home. The six-module program consists of 12 easy-to-follow videos that outline cutting-edge animal behavior theories and how they apply to your four-legged friend. Unlike other online programs, you’ll also get customized support from a professional service dog trainer throughout the course.
The comprehensive program teaches your pet to assist with various disabilities, including blindness, hearing loss, diabetes, mobility issues, and epilepsy. No breed or size restrictions apply, and you get a handy certificate at the end (along with an optional service vest, collar, collar tag, and leash).
Cost: $349
Location: Online only (6 video modules)
Certificate: Yes
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: Clicker, plus optional service vest, collar, collar tag, and leash
Link: www.usserviceanimals.org
Sterling Service Dogs
Sterling Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to pairing trained service dogs with diabled children and adults to help give them the best lives possible. Sterling Service Dogs does also offer a service dog training program for applicants who have dogs of their own that they’d like to train to be service dogs.
The training in this program is one-on-one and typically runs once a week over the course of six to eighteen months, depending on what tasks the handler is training their service dog for. The cost of Sterling Service Dogs’ training program is offered at a sliding scale; they encourage applicants to reach out for more details.
Upon graduation of the program, the service dog will be offered a certification testing opportunity. Even after the service dog graduates, lifetime support will still be offered when it comes to access and training issues through Sterling Service Dogs.
Cost: Varies, based on sliding scale
Location: Sterling Heights, MI
Certificate: Yes
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: Logo patches
Link: sterlingservicedogs.org
Clever Canine Dog Training
This highly-regarded in-person operator offers a comprehensive service dog training program for people with a range of disabilities. The company has extensive experience working with clients of all ages and prides itself on taking a fully bespoke approach to every animal. As a result, the cost and duration vary for each customer.
The focus is on creating a strong, long-lasting partnership to overcome everyday obstacles, thus restoring freedom and independence. Your dog can learn numerous skills across five key pillars: alertness (recognizing intruders, alarms, and smells), calmness (interrupting compulsive behaviors and responding to panic attacks), detection (of low blood sugar levels and allergens), retrieval (of personal items and medications), and support (with assisted wheelchair propulsion and opening doors).
The company rarely works with breeds other than golden retrievers and Labradors to protect its outstanding reputation.
Cost: Varies
Location: Metro Detroit and Oakland County
Certificate: Unspecified
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: Unspecified
Link: www.cleverk9mi.com
Paradise Dog Training
Led by esteemed canine trainer Lori, Paradise Dog Training has been serving the greater Detroit region for over 25 years. Although the business provides service and assistance training for a range of disabilities, they don’t train animals to serve the visually impaired. The company is especially well-regarded for diabetic alert dogs and hearing impaired service animals, making them a worthy consideration for anyone suffering from these afflictions.
Paradise Dog Training primarily works with Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers, although sometimes considers training other breeds. To ensure optimal results, the company prefers to provide the client with one of its own dogs, which it breeds through its Foster Puppy program. Service animal training takes place over 7-8 months at an in-house facility, then over 3-4 months while working with the client in real-world situations.
Cost: Varies
Location: Fenton
Certificate: Yes
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: Unspecified
Link: www.paradise-dogtraining.com
PAWS With A Cause
PAWS is a non-profit organization that runs fundraising campaigns to acquire donations from individuals across America. The money goes towards breeding, raising, training, and placing an assistance animal with needy disabled clients, none of whom are required to pay for the service.
Due to high demand, the waiting list is often as long as 24 months for approved applicants. But depending on individual requirements and available animals, the process can sometimes stretch out to four years. Once allocated, a PAWS representative helps the client learn to work with their new dog in their home. PAWS primarily trains canines to assist people with physical or neurological disabilities that affect mobility or strength.
Cost: Free
Location: Detroit and Grand Rapids.
Certificate: No
1:1 Support: Yes
Equipment Provided: Unspecified
Link: www.pawswithacause.org