Service Dog Training in Waterford, MI — Serving Metro Detroit
The Right Dog,
Trained Right,
Changes a Life.
Custom service dog training built around your specific needs, your dog, and your life — by a trainer who has lived it firsthand. Serving Michigan, Ohio, Indiana & the Great Lakes Region.
Our Lead Trainer Has Lived Your Story
“At 12 years old, I developed a rare autoimmune disorder that changed my life. Working with a service dog didn’t just help me manage my condition — it showed me what was possible. That experience is why I do this work. When you come to me, I’m not just your trainer. I’m someone who has been where you are.”
Lizzie leads all service dog training at Clever Canine. Her personal experience with service dogs gives her a perspective that goes far beyond technique — she understands the daily challenges, the emotional weight, and the profound difference the right dog can make in a person’s life.
We Help People Living With a Wide Range of Disabilities
Service dogs can improve quality of life for people with physical, neurological, and psychiatric disabilities. Every training program is built around your specific needs — not a generic curriculum.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Trained tasks to support children and adults with autism including interrupting repetitive behaviors, providing deep pressure, and creating a calming presence during difficult moments.
PTSD & Anxiety Disorders
Grounding, interrupting anxiety spirals, creating personal space in crowds, nightmare interruption, and providing a constant calming presence for veterans and civilians alike.
Epilepsy & Seizure Alert
Trained to detect and alert to oncoming seizures, stay with you during a seizure, seek help, and assist with post-seizure recovery tasks.
Diabetes & Blood Sugar Alert
Detecting dangerous changes in blood sugar levels before they become a crisis — giving you and your family greater peace of mind and independence.
We also train service dogs to assist with:
Three Paths to a Life-Changing Partnership
Every situation is different. The right program depends on your dog, your goals, and your level of involvement. Read each path carefully before applying.
We Raise & Train Your Dog
You purchase an approved dog from an approved breeder. Your dog lives with and is raised by a Clever Canine certified trainer until placement — trained to our standards, fully backed by our legal knowledge and lifelong advocacy. The most hands-off path to a fully trained service dog. If you are ever denied public access or face a rights issue, we stand behind you.
Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, or Standard Poodle. Great Danes and Newfoundlands accepted for mobility tasks only. Dogs must be between 8 weeks and 5 months of age. All other breeds are evaluated case by case. A waiting list is currently in effect.
You Raise, We Train Together
You purchase an approved dog from an approved breeder — your dog lives with you and comes to group classes and private sessions throughout. You work with your dog daily between sessions. Trains to the full Clever Canine service dog standard with our legal knowledge and lifelong advocacy behind every step. A fully CC-backed service dog, built together.
Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, or Standard Poodle. Great Danes and Newfoundlands accepted for mobility tasks only. Dogs must be between 8 weeks and 5 months of age. All other breeds are evaluated case by case. A waiting list is currently in effect.
We Teach You to Train Your Dog
The only program where you can work with a dog you already own — any breed, any age. No breed or age restrictions. No waiting list. Clever Canine gives you the knowledge, skills, and methodology to train your own dog. Three options depending on where your dog is in their training, starting with foundation obedience. We teach you the right way to do it — but the daily training and execution rest with you.
None. Any breed. Any age — including dogs you already own. This is the only program for existing dogs. Three options available depending on where your dog is in their training. No waiting list.
Not sure which program fits your situation? The application takes about 10 minutes and helps us point you in the right direction. If none of our programs are the right fit, we’ll tell you honestly and refer you to organizations that may be able to help.
What Your Dog Can Be Trained to Do
Every skill is selected based on your specific disability and daily life. We don’t apply a generic task list — we build your dog’s training around what will actually make a difference for you. Click each category to explore.
- Alert to people approaching
- Alert to specific sounds — alarms, ringtones, sirens
- Alert to specific smells — smoke, gas, allergens
- Wake-up alerts
- Go seek help during a medical emergency
- Press a medical alert button
- Alert to change in cortisol levels
- Apply or receive deep pressure therapeutically
- Cuddle on cue
- Interrupt repetitive or compulsive behaviors
- Lead to uncrowded area or designated safe space
- Respond to anxiety or panic attack
- Interrupt nightmares or night terrors
- Detect allergens — specific foods or odors
- Detect low blood sugar levels
- Detect presence or absence of people in a space
- Detect change in cortisol levels
- Pre-seizure alert detection
- Retrieve personal items — keys, phone, medication
- Carry items for you
- Deliver payment or receive merchandise
- Open and close doors, cabinets, drawers, appliances
- Bring medication at a designated time
- Act as a positional buffer in crowds
- Turn lights on and off
- Open and hold doors
- Provide bracing to stand or steady yourself
- Assist with dressing and undressing
- Pull manual wheelchair
- Target away from dangerous areas — traffic, stairs
- Signal to politely excuse you from social situations
“We don’t apply a task list to every dog. We build your dog’s entire training program around what will make a real difference in your specific daily life.”
Our Approach to Service Dog Training
Service dog training is not a product you purchase. It’s a lifelong partnership you build — between you, your dog, and us. Here’s how we build it together.
We Know the Laws. We’ll Help You Navigate Them.
The service dog world is complex. The law is on your side — but knowing how to exercise your rights, and what to do when they’re violated, is something most trainers never address. We do.
ADA Public Access Rights
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, service dogs are permitted in virtually all public spaces. We make sure you understand exactly what the law says, what businesses can and cannot ask, and how to handle access situations with confidence.
Handling Denial of Access
Denial of access happens — and it’s illegal in most circumstances. We prepare you for these situations, help you know how to respond in the moment, and connect you with resources and advocates who can help if your rights are violated.
Resources & Advocacy
We maintain connections with legal resources, disability advocacy organizations, and support networks in Metro Detroit and Michigan. You’re not navigating this alone — we point you to the right people when you need them.
This is a rare differentiator — most dog trainers train dogs. We train you, your dog, and prepare you to navigate the world confidently together.
Is Our Program the Right Fit?
We want to work with the right people — and we want to be honest when we can’t help. Read this before applying.
- ✓You have a qualifying disability under the ADA that substantially limits a major life activity
- ✓You need a dog trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate your disability — not companionship or emotional support alone
- ✓You are in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, or the Great Lakes region and can travel to Waterford, MI for training sessions
- ✓You understand this is a 12–24 month commitment that requires your active participation
- ✓For Full & Signature programs: your dog is a Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, or Standard Poodle between 8 weeks and 5 months of age (or you need guidance selecting one)
- ✗You are looking for an emotional support animal letter, registration, or certification only
- ✗You need a fully trained dog delivered to you without your ongoing participation in the training process
- ✗Your dog is outside the breed or age parameters for Full or Signature programs — the Train Your Own program may still be an option for you
- ✗You are outside our service area and unable to travel to Waterford, MI for training sessions
If we’re not the right fit, we won’t leave you without options. We maintain connections with other organizations in Michigan and nationally and will do our best to point you toward someone who can help.
Service Dog Program Application
The application takes about 10 minutes. There is no cost and no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
All programs offer flexible payment options. Here is what each program costs:
$200 deposit + 6 monthly payments of $232 · or $200 deposit + 8 monthly payments of $174
6 monthly payments of $664 · or 12 monthly payments of $332
$250/month for 6 months
Full pricing details and payment options are discussed after application review. We will always walk you through what makes sense for your situation.
Service Dog Training — Michigan, Ohio, Indiana & the Great Lakes Region
Based at 4396 Dixie Hwy #3 in Waterford, MI — we serve clients throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and the broader Great Lakes region. Service dog training is a long-term partnership, and many of our clients travel to train with us.
Not sure if your situation qualifies? The application is the best first step — it’s free, takes 10 minutes, and gives us what we need to give you an honest answer.