We focus on not only training your dog but teaching owners how to best communicate with their dogs and help them overcome common behavioral issues. Communication is the key.
It is our firm belief that dogs learn from being motivated to learn. All of Michael’s Pack trainers are certified professional dog trainers, schooled in positive reinforcement training. Some feel that you can get a dog to “listen” by using heavy handed techniques but that’s not us. We want you to have a happy dog and a wonderful relationship with your pet.
Relationship-based dog training creates trust and mutual respect. The team at Michael’s Pack uses only humane, positive-reinforcement training methods. No fear-based training.
Training & services
Training goals
Behavior consultationProgram details
Struggling with unwanted behaviors? Michael's Pack offers behavior modification programs in NJ and NY tailored to your dog’s unique needs. From jumping and barking to fear or reactivity, we help guide your dog toward calmer, more positive responses in everyday situations.
Canine Good Citizen preparationProgram details
Michael's Pack offers Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification training in NJ and NY to help your dog master good manners and earn recognition for their obedience and behavior. Our program prepares dogs and their owners for the test with step-by-step guidance and support.
Crate training
House trainingProgram details
Michael's Pack provides puppy potty training in NJ and NY to help your pup learn where and when to go. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, we make housebreaking easier and set the stage for a clean, well-trained home companion.
Leash trainingProgram details
Michael's Pack provides off-leash training in NJ and NY to help your dog develop reliable recall and self-control in any environment. Our step-by-step approach builds trust and responsiveness, giving you the confidence to enjoy more freedom with your well-trained pup.
Tired of your dog pulling on the leash? Michael's Pack offers training in NJ and NY to teach loose-leash walking using clear, gentle techniques. We help your dog stay focused and calm on walks, making outings more enjoyable for both of you.
Obedience trainingProgram details
Michael's Pack offers expert obedience trainers in NJ and NY who help dogs of all ages master essential skills. From basic commands to improved manners at home and in public, our positive training methods build trust, structure, and lasting results for you and your dog.
Puppy trainingProgram details
Got a new Lab pup? Michael's Pack offers specialized Labrador puppy training in NJ and NY to set the stage for a lifetime of good behavior. We focus on socialization, housebreaking, and basic commands—all tailored to match your Lab’s playful, energetic personality.
A new puppy needs the right guidance from the start. At Michael's Pack, we offer early training programs in NJ and NY that focus on key skills like housebreaking, crate training, and basic obedience. Our supportive approach helps your puppy grow into a confident, well-behaved companion.
Michael's Pack offers puppy group classes in NJ and NY that focus on early socialization, basic commands, and confidence-building. In a fun, supportive setting with other pups, your dog learns how to interact, listen, and grow into a well-mannered companion.
Michael's Pack offers puppy school programs in NJ and NY designed to give your pup the best start. Our classes cover socialization, basic obedience, and good manners in a fun, structured environment—helping your puppy grow into a well-behaved, confident companion.
Recall training
SocializationProgram details
Michael's Pack offers dog socialization classes in NJ and NY to help your pup build confidence and learn how to interact calmly with other dogs and people. Our sessions create a safe, controlled environment where your dog can develop positive social skills and enjoy new experiences.
Behavior support
Aggression training
Barking
Fear and confidence
Reactivity training
Separation anxietyProgram details
Michael's Pack offers dedicated separation anxiety training in NJ and NY to help dogs feel calm and secure when left alone. Our trainers create step-by-step plans tailored to your dog’s needs, reducing stress and building the confidence they need to feel safe and relaxed.
How training happens
Group classesProgram details
Join one of Michael's Pack’s group training sessions in NJ or NY for a fun, engaging way to strengthen your dog’s obedience skills. With real-world distractions and guidance from our expert trainers, your dog learns to focus, listen, and behave around other dogs and people.
In-home trainingProgram details
Michael's Pack offers in-home dog training in NJ and NY, bringing expert guidance right to your doorstep. We tailor each session to your dog’s needs and your home environment, making it easier to address behavior, obedience, and everyday challenges where they happen.
Online or virtual trainingProgram details
Michael's Pack offers virtual dog training sessions for clients in NJ, NY, and beyond. Get expert guidance from the comfort of your home with personalized support for obedience, behavior issues, and puppy training—no matter where you are. Convenient, effective, and tailored to your needs.
Owner coachingCustomer-reported
Private trainingProgram details
Michael's Pack offers private dog lessons in NJ and NY, tailored to fit your dog’s unique personality and training goals. One-on-one sessions allow us to focus on specific challenges and build lasting skills at your pace—in the comfort of your home or a familiar setting.
Michael's Pack provides private dog training sessions in NJ and NY designed to meet your dog’s individual needs. These one-on-one lessons offer focused guidance on everything from basic obedience to behavior challenges, all in a comfortable and distraction-free environment.
Dog age
PuppiesProgram details
Puppy chewing can be frustrating, but it’s a normal part of development. At Michael's Pack, we help families in NJ and NY manage and redirect chewing habits through positive training and proper guidance—protecting your home while teaching your pup what’s okay to chew.
Michael's Pack supports healthy puppy development in NJ and NY with training that nurtures confidence, good behavior, and strong bonds. From early socialization to basic commands, our programs guide your pup through every stage of growth with care and consistency.
At Michael's Pack, we support puppy parents in NJ and NY with expert guidance every step of the way. From housebreaking to handling early behavior challenges, our training helps you raise a well-adjusted pup while building a strong, lifelong bond.
Michael's Pack features experienced puppy trainers in NJ and NY who specialize in early development and positive training. We help your pup learn essential skills like housebreaking, socialization, and basic commands—setting the stage for a lifetime of good behavior.
Training level
Beginner trainingProgram details
Michael's Pack offers beginner dog training classes in NJ and NY designed to teach essential skills like leash walking, basic commands, and focus. Our friendly, hands-on approach helps build confidence in both dogs and owners for a strong start to training.
Support between sessions
Homework and practiceCustomer-reported
Personalized training plans
Your dog’s background
Rescue dogsProgram details
Michael's Pack offers rescue dog training in NJ and NY to help your new companion adjust, build trust, and learn essential skills. With patience and positive reinforcement, we guide rescue dogs through behavior challenges so they can thrive in their new forever homes.
Training approach
Positive reinforcement
Other listed services
View 7 additional details
Dog trainingProgram details
The team at Michael's Pack holds a strong belief that dog training should be relationship-based, with a focus on trust and mutual respect. Communication is the key. We are proud to provide our professional, high quality training services to dog owners in New York and New Jersey.
Animal BehavioristProgram details
Michael's Pack offers expert guidance from skilled animal behaviorists in NJ and NY. Whether your dog is dealing with anxiety, excessive barking, or trouble adjusting to new environments, we provide personalized support to improve behavior and bring harmony to your home.
Anxious DogsProgram details
Michael's Pack works with anxious dogs in NJ and NY to build confidence and create a sense of safety through gentle, personalized training. Whether your dog is fearful of people, noises, or new environments, we help them feel more secure and at ease in daily life.
Basic CommandsProgram details
At Michael's Pack, we teach basic commands like sit, stay, come, and heel to dogs across NJ and NY. Our positive, reward-based training builds a strong foundation for good behavior and strengthens the connection between you and your pup.
Dog Separation IssuesProgram details
Michael's Pack helps dogs in NJ and NY overcome separation issues with personalized training plans that reduce stress and build confidence. Whether it’s barking, destructive behavior, or anxiety when left alone, we work to create a calmer, more secure dog.
Local Dog TrainerProgram details
Looking for a local dog trainer in NJ or NY? Michael's Pack provides personalized, in-home training that fits your schedule and your dog’s unique needs. Whether you're working on obedience, manners, or behavior issues, our experienced team is here to help.
Shock Collars
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5/5I have a female mini bernardoodle puppy and I needed in home training for her, and I contacted Michael's pack, and the head trainer Phil took on my puppy and he is just amazing. He trained my girl so quickly and easily, using positive reinforcement and Phil is just so pleasant an…Read full reviewClose full review
I have a female mini bernardoodle puppy and I needed in home training for her, and I contacted Michael's pack, and the head trainer Phil took on my puppy and he is just amazing. He trained my girl so quickly and easily, using positive reinforcement and Phil is just so pleasant and personable to speak with. Phil is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to dog training and dog behaviors. I highly recommend !!
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Kaitlin Kehoe-Colfin
5/5We started working with Phil at Michael’s Pack when our dog Sushi was just a few months old, and a year later, we can honestly say it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made as dog owners. The transformation in Sushi’s behavior, obedience, socialization, and separation anxiet…Read full reviewClose full review
We started working with Phil at Michael’s Pack when our dog Sushi was just a few months old, and a year later, we can honestly say it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made as dog owners. The transformation in Sushi’s behavior, obedience, socialization, and separation anxiety has been remarkable, and we owe so much of that progress to Phil’s guidance.
What stood out most was Phil’s approach to positive reinforcement. He never made training feel harsh or forced, and he was just as patient teaching us the skills as he was working with Sushi himself. Training a dog is as much about training the humans, and Phil made that process feel manageable, encouraging, and even fun.
A year in, Sushi is more confident, better socialized, and so much more comfortable being on his own. We know that took real work and consistency, and Phil was with us every step of the way.
We can’t recommend Phil highly enough. He’s become our go to for any dog-related question, and we’re so grateful for everything he’s taught us and Sushi. If you’re looking for a trainer who genuinely cares about your dog’s wellbeing and your success as an owner, Phil is the one to call.
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Harry Harkins
5/5I was referred to Michaels Pack by a friend. Now that my puppy - Rhett - has finished 12 sessions, I will certainly be passing referrals to my friends. I had mixed feelings about hiring a trainer in the first place, but after the initial consultation with Phil, I was sold. It tur…Read full reviewClose full review
I was referred to Michaels Pack by a friend. Now that my puppy - Rhett - has finished 12 sessions, I will certainly be passing referrals to my friends. I had mixed feelings about hiring a trainer in the first place, but after the initial consultation with Phil, I was sold. It turned out that we had Phil as our trainer and I couldn’t imagine hiring anyone else! With Phil’s services, I truly feel that I made an investment for life giving me the tools to get the most out of being a dog owner. Great experience, and would recommend to anyone who wants a happy, obedient and safe dog.
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Joseph Niczky
5/5Our dog 5 year old dog Murray had some behavior issues that we had trouble with, mainly stealing things and Murray struggling to adapt to there being a new baby in the house. Phil did a wonderful job training him. In just a few sessions, Murray’s behavior improved significantly a…Read full reviewClose full review
Our dog 5 year old dog Murray had some behavior issues that we had trouble with, mainly stealing things and Murray struggling to adapt to there being a new baby in the house. Phil did a wonderful job training him. In just a few sessions, Murray’s behavior improved significantly and he’s now much calmer around the baby and is less prone to steal things. Plus, Phil was always available to answer questions on the phone, including from his vacation. He was a tremendous help!
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Lisa Dugan
5/5I wanted to wait to write my review. Phil worked with us with my daughters pup. He had been with her at college, and although she did the right things, her roommates and other dog owners did not. We wound up with a pup who was fearful of people coming into the house and with o…Read full reviewClose full review
I wanted to wait to write my review. Phil worked with us with my daughters pup. He had been with her at college, and although she did the right things, her roommates and other dog owners did not. We wound up with a pup who was fearful of people coming into the house and with other dogs.
Phil came and truly listened. He heard her say she wanted her dog to be with her at school and not with us.
He created a training program that was very specific to him. He worked with her on facetime while he was with us, and by the end of our 8 week package we all saw the progress. He was not a different dog, we did not want that. He was however, the best version of himself. And he was able to successfully be back where he belonged.
When we first heard the cost we were a bit taken back. It is an expensive program. However, it is worth the price. It is not a one size fits all training class. It is a one on one custom program based on your and your dogs needs. What is even better, it is a lifetime commitment from Phil. The relationship does not end in 8 sessions. He wants to hear from you - he will celebrate the wins - and work through the questions.
If you have a dog that has challenges, and are willing to put in the time, the love, and the work, then Phil is the perfect fit for you.
I have had and trained dogs for over 50 years, but still needed some help with our boy - I cannot recommend Phil enough.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
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