Valiant Canine Training, LLC

04/22/2025

While Ragnar is here for boarding, we’re making the most of our time together by brushing up on his training! He’s been slipping back into some old pulling habits, so we’re working in different environments away from our home to help practice that loose leash walking.

We took a trip down to the park by the bridge to practice, mixing in some sit and down stays, plus plenty of time for sniffing and exploring, of course! This handsome guy holds a special place in our hearts, and it’s always a joy to spend time with him and keep building on the work we’ve done together! 🥰

🌐 www.valiantcaninetraining.com
☎️ (810) 705-0437
📧 [email protected]
📍Mackinaw City/Cheboygan, Michigan

04/21/2025

After some snowy, stormy weather here in Northern Michigan pushed back our original date, we’re excited to officially invite you to our Facebook LIVE event!

Join us Tuesday, April 29th at 11 AM Eastern / 10 AM Central for an exciting and informative chat about all things dog training with myself, Traci Swearer of Valiant Canine Training, and Steven Joshua Wood of Grunt Style Canine Training!

We’ll be spending an hour unpacking a variety of essential training topics, including:
- Canine body language
- Everyday behavioral challenges
- Effective communication
- Socialization
…and so much more!

If we can’t cover it all in one go, we may just have to turn this into a recurring series, there’s so much we’re excited to share!

Bring your questions, your curiosity, and maybe even a notebook, this is going to be an engaging, informative hour you won’t want to miss. We’re so looking forward to connecting and talking dogs once again!

Can’t make it to the LIVE? No worries at all! The recording will be posted afterward so you can watch it at your convenience! 😁

🌐 www.valiantcaninetraining.com
☎️ (810) 705-0437
📧 [email protected]
📍Mackinaw City/Cheboygan, Michigan

04/21/2025

❗️Hey local followers!❗️

I’ve got a quick poll I’d love your help with. With the weather getting nice, I’ve been getting some interest in a service folks keep asking me to offer. Before I dive into the logistics, I’m doing a little “market research” to get a better feel for things.

So here’s my question:
How many of you have had a dog go through training, either recently or in the past (with any trainer)?

And a quick follow up:
Do you still look for opportunities to continue working with your dog, particularly in a group setting, to keep up on their training and social skills?

Your feedback means a lot, and I truly appreciate everyone who takes a moment to participate. Thank you!! 😁

🌐 www.valiantcaninetraining.com
☎️ (810) 705-0437
📧 [email protected]
📍Mackinaw City/Cheboygan, Michigan

04/20/2025

As I sit here, reflecting on this Easter Sunday, looking at photos I’ve taken of Ragnar since he’s been boarding with us, I’m overcome with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. For him and his owners (Thank you, Lisa and James); being my very first clients as I opened my business at the end of October. Trusting me when they were in one of toughest moments of their own lives, with their own 6 month old German Shepherd. One of those moments where life just feels like it’s come full circle.

If you don’t know our story, let me share a piece of my heart: I didn’t get into dog training “just because.” I didn’t do it because I was bored with my job, or because it sounded like a good retirement plan, or because I thought it would make me a ton of money. This dream started the day we brought Piper home; April 11th, 10 years ago. And 2 years later, in 2017, her behavioral challenges led me down the path that would change everything: the path to becoming a dog trainer.

This journey, every single step, has meant something. None of it has been random. Every challenge, every moment of doubt, every success… has led to this life we’re living now. If you had told me 10 years ago that I’d be here today, with a beautiful home on a few acres in Northern Michigan for Piper to run and explore, a small training space and kennels, and a business that we (Jeremy and I) built with our own two hands, but also with the help and support of those fellow, amazing friends and trainers I have met along the way.. I wouldn’t have believed you.

I walked away from a stable banking career just for the chance to be around dogs. I started with dog walking and sitting while we lived in the Florida Keys, eager to soak up anything I could. When we were in the thick of Piper’s behavioral challenges. 2 “trainers” and a “veterinary behaviorist” later. Still to this day, I have connections to those that trusted me from the very start. My “regulars”, I am so thankful for you all (I’m looking at you, Linda, Dana, and Jason!) I sought out real education from the best, I partook in shadow programs, I interned and worked with the most valuable source I still have to this day (Steven Joshua Wood, Grunt Style Canine Training), I learned by working hands on with dogs of all kinds, different breeds, temperaments, and behavioral challenges. I didn’t just take a quick online course and slap “dog trainer” on my social media bio. Because those certificates mean nothing without time, dedication, and experience in the real world.

This isn’t just a job to me. This is a calling. I care deeply, not just about the dogs, but about the people who love them. Anyone can say they’re a dog trainer, they’re coming out of the woodwork these days. But look for the ones with passion in their eyes. The ones who’ve walked the long, sometimes messy road to get here. The ones who take their time, who don’t promise overnight or quick fixes, because real behavior change takes time, effort, and heart.

And as I look at Ragnar, peacefully resting at my feet in our living room as I write this, I can’t help but think, he wouldn’t be here without Piper. People in my life, I wouldn’t know. This house wouldn’t be ours. This life, this business, this purpose, it all started with HER. Somehow, one dog, influenced all of this.

She changed everything. And for that, I will forever be grateful to our sweet Piper girl.💕

🌐 www.valiantcaninetraining.com
☎️ (810) 705-0437
📧 [email protected]
📍Mackinaw City/Cheboygan, Michigan

valiantcaninetraining

04/20/2025

Happy Easter, everyone!! 🐣

We’re soaking up the sunshine and staying busy today making a few upgrades to the yard! Piper, Kino, and Ragnar have all been our supervisors, making sure we stay on task (with plenty of breaks for play time, of course!). Hope you’re all enjoying this beautiful Sunday as much as we are! 🤗

🌐 www.valiantcaninetraining.com
☎️ (810) 705-0437
📧 [email protected]
📍Mackinaw City/Cheboygan, Michigan

04/19/2025

One of the most common things we hear from dog owners is, “My dog only listens when I have food in my hand or on me!” Sound familiar?

This usually happens when food becomes part of the cue instead of the reward. Two common culprits are asking your dog to perform a behavior while your hand is already in the bait bag, or holding food in your hand when giving a command. When that happens, your dog starts focusing more on the food than on you, or the words you’re saying.

That’s where our marker words come in and work their magic!

Using clear marker words like “yes” (our reward marker) or “good” (our duration marker) tells your dog exactly when they’ve done something right or to continue doing what theyre doing and that a reward is coming. The key is to say the marker first, then go for the reward. For example:

Say “yes” → brief pause → reach into your bait bag → reward.

The same goes for “good” when you’re building duration. Say “good,” then move to your dog and reward them in place.

Another sneaky habit is what’s called “layering” which is when you give the food and say your marker or command at the same time. While it might feel natural, your dog is more likely to pay attention to what you’re doing than what you’re saying. So, by leading with your marker, you teach them to listen first!

Remember: Marker first, movement second. This little change builds clarity, boosts engagement, and creates behavior that lasts, with or without a treat in sight!!

🌐 www.valiantcaninetraining.com
☎️ (810) 705-0437
📧 [email protected]
📍Mackinaw City/Cheboygan, Michigan

04/18/2025

If you’re local, here’s a fun and rewarding way to get outside!! Lend a hand to your local animal shelter and help their pups get some much needed steps in! It’s a great way to give back, soak up some fresh air, and make a dog’s day a little brighter!! 🤗

‼️NEW OPPORTUNITY AT CCHS‼️
Do you have interest in walking a dog but don't have one yourself? Are you passionate about providing positive experiences to animals in need? Maybe you just love going on walks and could use a friend to tag along! Whatever your reason may be, we would love to have you come walk one of our four-legged friends!🐶

We have created an ideal trail for you and our dogs to enjoy that is perfect for their daily needs. At just over 1.5 miles this route will take approximately 30 minutes to walk. If you are interested in walking dogs here at CCHS, please fill out the volunteer questionnaire linked below! You are also more than welcome to come in and fill out a paper copy.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1O2EP2Fd6IGKvbbEplrxYIOMQ4TY4empmoB3UGwPM3Ko/edit

🛑DOG WALKERS MUST BE 21 OR OLDER🛑
We hope to see you soon!

04/17/2025

Exciting news to share, everyone!! 🤗

I am beyond thrilled to share that Valiant Canine Training is officially partnering with a brand I absolutely love and stand behind, Voilà Pets!!

If we’ve worked together or you’ve had a consultation with me, there’s a good chance you’ve seen me using my favorite treat pouch. I’ve been using Voila Pets treat pouches since they launched in 2022, and I haven’t looked back since! They’re seriously the best, super functional, easy to clean, and come in a variety of sizes and colors! I truly use mine every single day! Here is their new MINI size in the color, Navy! Very on brand for us!! 🥰

And now I get to share the love with you! You can use code VALIANTCANINE at checkout for 10% off your new favorite treat pouch! You’re going to love it just as much as I do!

🌐 www.valiantcaninetraining.com
☎️ (810) 705-0437
📧 [email protected]
📍Mackinaw City/Cheboygan, Michigan

04/16/2025

We’re back in action, friends! After that wild ice storm that hit Northern Michigan and the power outages threw a little wrench in the schedule, we’re thrilled to say that power was restored Friday and we’re officially back to business as usual!

Sasha and her owner kicked things off today with a lesson! We revisited their second session to sharpen up leash handling and build a clearer understanding of those foundational skills. We also introduced the ever famous painter’s bench, one of our favorite aids for teaching a tight heel position and helping dogs to learn how to follow their owner’s left leg. Our favorite moments from the lesson? Sasha choosing to settle on her own while we chatted through some questions, such a beautiful sign of her growth compared to our very first lesson.

This is a great reminder that dog training isn’t always a straight line. As owners, you’re learning new skills right alongside your dog, so bumps in the road are completely normal! Progress takes time, trust, and a solid relationship. The journey might not be linear, but it’s so worth it.

And guess who else is back?! Little Sir Ragnar!
His pawrents are off to sunny Florida, and he’s staying with us for the next 10 days! We’ll be brushing up on some of his training, soaking up the snuggles, and of course, living the Jolly Ball life!!! 😂

Thank you all again for your patience and understanding as we navigated the unexpected power outages and had to shuffle a few things around. We truly appreciate your flexibility and grace during those uncertain moments, it means the world to us!!

🌐 www.valiantcaninetraining.com
☎️ (810) 705-0437
📧 [email protected]
📍Mackinaw City/Cheboygan, Michigan

04/04/2025

Many dog trainers are very accomplished in their own fields (eg protection, detection, agility, …) but that does not mean they are also experts in behaviour rehabilitation of your reactive, anxious, fearful, or aggressive dogs.

E.g. we will often hear something like this from some trainers, “I have a reactive dog (or l know someone with a reactive dog), and after 5 years of working together, the dog is doing much better now.”

Regardless of how accomplished this person may be in other training disciplines, having some success with only 1 dog after 5 years obviously does not make this person an expert in reactive dog rehabilitation; yet, we often hear a lot of strong opinion coming from trainers like this on the Internet.

Different training requires different skill sets and talent.

For me, rehabilitation is something that makes me feel right at home. I am very comfortable around anxious/reactive/aggressive dogs, l can really connect with them, and they with me, and l love nothing more than seeing owners excel and living a happy life with their once highly isolated dogs. It is just something that comes easy to me and something that gives me lots of joy.

But l don’t feel that way doing say scent work, bite work, or agility. There are lots of trainers out there who are much better than me. l stay at what l am good at and l refer clients to seek trainers who are experts in those other training disciplines when they ask for it.

For example, an agility trainer - even one who has won lots of trophies - is not automatically an expert in behavioural rehabilitation. They are experts in getting a dog to run as fast as possible in an arena; but that skill sets is very different from getting an anxious dog to feel safe, helping a fearful dog to feel confident, or showing a reactive dog how to calmly follow the handler without having a meltdown.

When you want some help with your teeth, you will not go to a chiropractor - even though they are both doctors. When you want help with your dog’s reactivity, anxiety, fearfulness…you should seek someone with a proven track record in this field.

Please choose wisely who you take your advice from.

Hope this helps.

Thank you.

PerfectCompanionK9.com

04/04/2025

This certificate right here is hands down one of my favorites, right up there with my Behavior Modification certification from The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers (I need to get all of them framed.) Dog training is an ever-evolving field, with new research and discoveries shaping our understanding of dogs every single day. As trainers, we should never stop learning, and I’m passionate about growing, refining my skills, and staying at the forefront of modern dog training. It’s everything I love about this work!

When looking for a trainer, especially for behavior modification, it’s crucial to find someone with the knowledge, experience, and understanding to guide you and your dog through those challenges. The right approach can make all the difference; problem solving, adapting, and helping you to build a stronger relationship with your dog and the understanding of why they perform the behaviors that they do! 😁

With that said, we are still without power. We will continue to update everyone and let you know as soon as it is restored! Thank you again for your understanding!!

🌐 www.valiantcaninetraining.com
☎️ (810) 705-0437
📧 [email protected]
📍Mackinaw City/Cheboygan, Michigan

04/02/2025

We are taking things day by day. While we’d love to be back to business, like much of the area, we are still without power, internet, and consistent phone service. Our generator is running the essentials, and we’re incredibly grateful that my father traveled up from downstate to bring us a larger generator and much needed gas, as fuel has been difficult to find.

We’ll have some cleanup to do in the yard and training room, as we’ve had to utilize that space during this time. Until power is restored, we will not be operating, and all lessons and consultations are being rescheduled.

Another storm system is moving in today, which could bring additional challenges, so we’re staying prepared and hopeful. Unfortunately, we can’t control Mother Nature. Thank you all for your patience and support as we navigate this, we truly appreciate it! 🤗

🌐 www.valiantcaninetraining.com
☎️ (810) 705-0437
📧 [email protected]
📍Mackinaw City/Cheboygan, Michigan

03/31/2025

With the major ice storm that has hit Northern Michigan, many are without power and essential resources, including us. We’re currently without power, internet, etc., and since phone service at our home is spotty, I have to head to a specific area just to make calls or check for local updates on Facebook.

If you have a lesson or consultation scheduled this week, I’ll be reaching out to check in. We may need to adjust plans or reschedule depending on when power is restored.

I truly appreciate everyone’s support and understanding. This isn’t an ideal situation, but safety comes first! Stay warm and stay safe!

🌐 www.valiantcaninetraining.com
☎️ (810) 705-0437
📧 [email protected]
📍Mackinaw City/Cheboygan, Michigan

03/31/2025

I’ve had this discussion with many people when asked, whether just in random conversations, phone consultations, or in-person consultations. The idea that you need to be your dog’s “alpha” and the old, outdated concept of “pack hierarchy” have been widely debunked. If we’ve talked about this before, you’ve likely heard me explain that wolves actually live in family units, led by parent figures who work together rather than through dominance and aggression to obtain compliance.

This video from Dr. Melanie Uhde does a fantastic job of breaking it down even further, definitely worth a watch! 😁

Are dogs trying to dominate you? Is the “alpha” myth real—or just outdated science? 🐾In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of social hierarchi...

03/30/2025

One of the best providing insights on genetics and training!

03/25/2025

Don’t forget to go and vote!!! 🎉

03/24/2025

‼️Exciting Announcement, Friends and Followers!!!‼️

I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be teaming up for a Facebook LIVE very soon with my friend, mentor, and former boss; Steven Joshua Wood!! 🎉

For those of you who don’t know Josh, he’s an Army Veteran, Mississippi native, and an incredibly talented trainer based in the Mobile, Alabama area. Josh is the owner of Grunt Style Canine Training and has built a strong reputation for his work with behavioral rehabilitation such as aggression cases, reactivity, resource guarding, fear based behaviors, and more. He also trains everything from puppies, basic to advanced obedience, service dogs, other specialized training, protection and sport dogs, and even runs a protection club that’s now back up and running!!

It’s been way too long since Josh and I have been able to sit down and collaborate like this (not since we moved from Alabama to Michigan!) So you can imagine how excited we are to catch up, talk dogs, and share some knowledge with all of you!

We’re finalizing the date soon, but in the meantime, what topics or questions would YOU have interest in hearing about during the live? Whether it’s training tips, behavior struggles, industry insight, or other dog related topics; we want to hear it!

Stay tuned, as soon as we have the date locked in, I’ll share all the details! You won’t want to miss this one! And if you can’t make the live? No worries; it’ll be posted for you to view at your convenience! 😁