Mackinaw City · Cheboygan · Northern Michigan

Welcome to Valiant Canine Training

More than obedience. More than a quick fix. Training for real life—and the dogs who make it feel hard.

9+ Years Experience · Individualized Programs · Northern Michigan’s Trusted Canine Behavior Professional

Trainer working one-on-one with a dog outdoors

Our Approach

Training Built Around Your Dog's Unique Needs

Your dog is not a copy and paste project.

Within my 9 years of experience, I've learned that there is no single approach that works for every dog. That's why our training is built around the individual dog in front of us and what they find most reinforcing, whether that's food, toys, play, or something else entirely.

Our balanced training approach uses positive reinforcement to build desired behaviors while also providing clear communication, boundaries, and practical training tools to create an approach that makes sense for the individual dog in front of us.

We take the time to understand the why behind your dog's behavior, whether we're building a foundation with a puppy, working through everyday training challenges, or addressing more complex behavioral concerns.

We are not just teaching commands. We are helping you and your dog learn how to better understand one another and build a relationship based on trust, respect, and clear communication.

What truly sets our approach apart is our focus on real life. Training does not happen in a vacuum, and your dog needs to be prepared for more than a quiet training environment. From home manners to public outings and navigating the things that challenge your dog, we focus on building practical skills that carry over into everyday life.

At Valiant Canine Training, we treat every dog as an individual and every relationship as worth investing in. Our goal is to help you build a lasting, fulfilling relationship with your dog, one built on trust, respect, communication, and most importantly... fun.

How We Can Help

Puppy Training

Start your puppy off on the right paw with foundational skills and socialization.

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Day Training

Professional training during the day, with you staying involved in the process and learning how to continue the work at home.

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Board & Trains

Your dog stays with us and receives intensive, immersive training in a real life environments.

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Day Camp & Boarding

Familiar faces, structured play, and care for Valiant graduates while you're away.

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Reviews

Valiant Canine Training — 100% Recommend · Based on 12 reviews

"Traci is an exceptional dog trainer—knowledgeable, patient, and truly passionate about what she does. She took the time to understand our dog's unique personality and tailored her approach accordingly."

Lynette DePeter Schulz

1/11/2026

"Words cannot express how dedicated Traci is to the dogs she works with. She genuinely cares about the animals and their owners, and it shows in every session."

Karri-Todd VandenBrink

9/15/2025

"Simply put, Tracy is an incredible trainer. She's kind, professional, and gets real results. Our dog is a completely different (better!) dog thanks to her."

Jessika Reinhart White

8/24/2025

Certifications & Affiliations

IACP Professional MemberE-Collar Technologies Authorized DealerBusiness Insurers of the CarolinasL.E.G.S.Family Dog MediationAKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

Your dog deserves more than a quick fix.

Tell us about your dog. We'll build a plan around them — not a template.

Let's Talk About Your Dog

Call or Text

(810) 705-0437

Hours

By Appointment Only

Mon – Fri: 9am – 6pm

Sat & Sun: Closed

Valiant Canine Training

Professional Dog Training in Northern Michigan

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