At SongDog Kennels, we believe dogs deserve better than quick fixes. Our scientifically grounded approach combines decades of behavioral expertise with individualized training programs designed to create lasting change for both dogs and their owners. Led by Applied Animal Behaviorist Jason Major, we specialize in board and train programs, behavioral therapy, aggression rehabilitation, puppy development, and advanced obedience. Every dog receives personalized attention through our small-scale, immersive programs, followed by comprehensive owner education to ensure success long after training is complete. Located in Northern Michigan, SongDog serves clients throughout Michigan and across the United States who are looking for expert dog traini
Training & services
Training goals
Behavior consultationProgram details
Meet with Applied Animal Behaviorist Jason Major for a comprehensive behavioral assessment and customized training plan designed to resolve behavior challenges and improve your dog's quality of life.
Meet with Applied Animal Behaviorist Jason Major to develop a customized training plan for your puppy. Learn how to build confidence, prevent behavior problems, and establish lifelong habits from the very beginning.
Crate training
House training
Leash training
Obedience trainingProgram details
Professional obedience training focused on reliable commands, loose-leash walking, impulse control, and everyday manners. Individualized programs create confident, well-behaved family companions.
Puppy trainingProgram details
Give your puppy the best start with early socialization, crate training, potty training, obedience, and confidence building. Our Puppy Program builds the foundation for lifelong success.
Recall training
Socialization
Behavior support
Aggression trainingProgram details
Specialized aggressive dog training in Michigan focused on understanding behavior, building confidence, and creating lasting change through individualized rehabilitation and proven behavioral science.
Barking
Fear and confidence
Reactivity trainingProgram details
Personalized behavioral dog training for reactive dogs. Reduce barking, lunging, and overstimulation while building confidence and improving focus in real-world environments.
How training happens
Board and trainProgram details
Premium Board & Train in Northern Michigan led by Applied Animal Behaviorist Jason Major. Personalized programs build obedience, off-leash reliability, confidence, and lasting results through science-based training and owner education.
Owner coaching
Private trainingProgram details
Personalized one-on-one dog training tailored to your dog's unique needs. Work directly with Applied Animal Behaviorist Jason Major to build obedience, improve behavior, and create lasting success through individualized coaching.
Dog age
PuppiesProgram details
Develop a confident, well-rounded puppy through structured socialization, environmental exposure, foundational obedience, and positive learning experiences during critical developmental stages.
British Labrador Retrievers bred for health, temperament, intelligence, and trainability. Carefully raised to become exceptional family companions, hunting dogs, and lifelong partners
Training level
Advanced obedience
Advanced training
Beginner trainingCustomer-reported
Support between sessions
Personalized training plans
Assistance and working dogs
Hunting dog training
Additional services
BoardingCustomer-reported
Other listed services
View 4 additional details
Behavioral Dog TrainingProgram details
SongDog specializes in behavioral dog training for dogs experiencing fear, anxiety, reactivity, and difficult behaviors. Our scientifically grounded approach identifies the root cause of behavior rather than masking symptoms, creating lasting change through individualized training and owner edu.
Fear & Anxiety RehabilitationProgram details
We help fearful and anxious dogs build confidence through customized behavior modification. Our science-based approach addresses the root cause of unwanted behaviors for lasting success.
Off-Leash Dog TrainingProgram details
Build reliable off-leash obedience with advanced recall, distraction training, and real-world proofing. Personalized programs strengthen communication, confidence, and trust between you and your dog.
Safety TrainingProgram details
Our Safety Training program is a behavioral modification process that eliminates aggression by de-arousing your dog's nervous system, targeting the root emotional triggers rather than just blocking or suppressing them.
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Questions & answers
From Google
What people have asked about this business.
If my dog goes away for training, will my dog remember me when they return?
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 act from that point on. We know this would not work. Your dog will remember you and remember how they acted with you before the therapy and transfer of training.
What types of dog behaviors can Songdog help me control?
Aggression, unruliness, separation anxiety, inappropriate elimination, barking, digging, running away, jumping, spinning and just about anything else your dog can think of!
Will training or therapy break my dog’s spirit or change their personality?
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.
5/5Our family can't say enough for what Songdog's training did for our one-year old black lab, Cruz. Since he was trained over the summer, Cruz has been the perfect family dog. He comes when called, he doesn't pull his leash and we can walk him for miles, and he's great around other…Read full reviewClose full review
Our family can't say enough for what Songdog's training did for our one-year old black lab, Cruz. Since he was trained over the summer, Cruz has been the perfect family dog. He comes when called, he doesn't pull his leash and we can walk him for miles, and he's great around other dogs in public. One thing we didn't expect is his improved behavior at at home; he doesn't pick up the kids' toys, he's more relaxed, and he doesn't rush or bother our guests. He also seems mush less anxious, yet is still as playful as he was before.
Because of all the great things we've heard about Songdog, we had high expectations going into training. Our expectations were greatly exceeded. The training Cruz received at Songdog was the best investment in Cruz (and our sanity) that we possibly could have made. Thanks again Jason and Tiffany!
K
Kelly Derenzy
5/5My 6 month old Labrador Retriever Murphy completed the 3 week foundation program. What a transformation, he now has great recall, walks on a leash and does not jump when greeting people or us. I’m so happy with Murphy’s outcome, it’s truly amazing. Jason and Tiffany are amazing a…Read full reviewClose full review
My 6 month old Labrador Retriever Murphy completed the 3 week foundation program. What a transformation, he now has great recall, walks on a leash and does not jump when greeting people or us. I’m so happy with Murphy’s outcome, it’s truly amazing. Jason and Tiffany are amazing at what they do! I definitely recommend them. Thank you so much Jason and Tiffany you both are amazing! Murphy says thank you too.
B
Beth Schweikhardt
5/5
We had a wonderful, very successful training experience. We are very much please with everything. Thanks to Jason and Tiffany.
S
Sherri Schoenberg
5/5Songdog is amazing!
Jason and Tiffany are amazing!
Our 9 month old Sheepadoodle is now amazing!
Jason suggested the companion program for us and we couldn’t be happier. Walks and meeting people is now a pleasant experience and he comes immediately when called.
Jason and Tiffany…Read full reviewClose full review
Songdog is amazing!
Jason and Tiffany are amazing!
Our 9 month old Sheepadoodle is now amazing!
Jason suggested the companion program for us and we couldn’t be happier. Walks and meeting people is now a pleasant experience and he comes immediately when called.
Jason and Tiffany are patient and kind and treat our beloved pets the way we want them to be treated. They even checked on us after we got home. Songdog is the best gift you can give your dog and yourself!
Thank you Songdog!
Sherri, Ken and Deano
F
Frances Grossman
5/5This outstanding company trained my previously owned Portuguese Water Dog. He came back to me an Angel! The transfer training that Jason did with me allowed our Family 17 years of pure enjoyment with JayBee!
After that Jason let me know about another dog who looked just like my …Read full reviewClose full review
This outstanding company trained my previously owned Portuguese Water Dog. He came back to me an Angel! The transfer training that Jason did with me allowed our Family 17 years of pure enjoyment with JayBee!
After that Jason let me know about another dog who looked just like my JayBee but is a Goldendoodle also trained by Jason! He gave us a fabulous dog who is being trained now to become a Therapy dog!
I can not praise enough about the talents of Songdog Kennels! They are outstanding and anyone lucky enough to use them will enjoy a pet who will be PERFECT!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
FirstBark