Nothern Michigan
Service Dog Training
Obedience Training
We believe sustained obedience comes from empowering owners and their dogs to build strong, lasting bonds through training.
Service Dog Training
Built on 7+ years of experience, NoMi Service Dog Academy proudly leads the way in professional service dog training tailored to your needs
Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT): Applying sustained body weight to the handler's lap, chest, or legs to interrupt panic attacks, dissociation, or sensory overload.
Tactile Interruption: Using a trained nudge, paw, or lean on cue to break rumination loops, anxiety spikes, or flashback onsets.
Nightmare Interruption: Waking a handler from a night terror by jumping, pawing, or licking.
Item Retrieval: Picking up dropped objects such as keys, phones, wallets, or medication.
Door and Drawer Operation: Pulling open or pushing shut doors, cabinets, and refrigerators, or operating light switches.
Balance and Stability: Bracing or providing counterbalance for transfers, walking, or stairs (often using a specialized harness).
Dressing Help: Assisting with removing jackets, shoes, or socks
Crowd Control / Blocking: Standing in front of or behind the handler to create physical space in busy public areaSeizure Response: Sensing or alerting to an oncoming seizure, positioning the handler safely, or fetching a phone.
Diabetic / Blood Sugar Alerts: Detecting chemical or physiological changes and bringing insulin or food.
Hearing Support: Alerting deaf or hard-of-hearing handlers to alarms, doorbells, timers, or sirens, and leading them to the source.
Guide Work: Assisting visually impaired handlers with obstacle avoidance, drop-off/curb signaling, and finding exits or seats
Learned Skills your dog will have after completing NoMi Service Dog Academy intensive 12 week training program
About Me
Chris Birch
Certified Service Dog Trainer
With a passion for helping people and strengthening the bond between humans and their dogs, our service dog trainer believes that successful service dog training starts with the handler.
Training a service dog is about much more than teaching a dog commands; it is about teaching the human how to communicate, lead, and remain consistent so their dog can confidently respond to their needs.
Working with individuals with disabilities and their dogs, the focus is on building trust, dependable behaviors, and specialized skills that can make a meaningful difference in everyday life, including recognizing and responding to emergency situations.
A service dog is only as successful as the partnership it shares with its handler. Consistency, patience, practice, and commitment from the human are essential to helping a dog understand its responsibilities and reliably perform the tasks it has been trained to do.
The goal is simple: empower the person, build confidence in the dog, and create a partnership that can truly change a life.
“A service dog is not simply trained to follow commands; it is trained to become a trusted partner. The true success of a service dog comes from the commitment of its handler, the consistency of its training, and the bond of trust that allows both to work together when it matters most.”
— NoMi Service Dog Academy
Successful Stories
Amanda's Story – Breaking Stigmas, One Paw at a Time ❤️
“I honestly couldn't have asked for a better experience or a better outcome. My pit bull has become the most incredible service dog, and I couldn't be more proud of how far we've come together. The training didn't just change my dog's life; it changed mine, too.
I learned that becoming a successful service dog team takes patience, consistency, trust, and a commitment from both ends of the leash.
Today, my best friend goes everywhere with me, helping me navigate life with confidence and independence.
Along the way, we've challenged stereotypes and broken stigmas about pit bulls, showing people that a dog's heart, temperament, and training matter so much more than its breed.
People who once looked at my dog with uncertainty now see an intelligent, loving, dedicated companion who takes her job seriously.
We went from training together to becoming an unstoppable team. I have my best friend by my side, and we are living our happily ever after!
Thank you, NoMi Service Dog Academy, for helping us discover just how amazing we could be together. ❤️”
— Amanda & Her Amazing Pit Bull
Tim's Story – Healing, Trust & A Second Chance at Life
“When I began this journey, I never imagined how much my Cocker Spaniel would change my life.
As someone living with PTSD, a disability, and recovering from alcoholism and addiction, everyday challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. Having my dog by my side has given me a sense of comfort, companionship, and confidence that is difficult to put into words.
My Cocker Spaniel has become so much more than a pet. He is my devoted companion and service dog, and our bond has grown into something truly special.
He helps me feel grounded, provides comfort during difficult moments, and gives me a reason to stay focused on the positive things in life.
One of the most important parts of our training was learning that it isn't just about training the dog. Chris understands that the human has just as much, if not more, responsibility in building a successful service dog partnership.
Chris specializes in working with individuals in recovery, understanding that we must learn to manage our own emotions, behaviors, and consistency while also understanding our dog's temperament and needs.
The training helped me better understand myself and my dog. I learned how to communicate with him, recognize his behaviors, and become the handler he needs me to be. That relationship has made all the difference.
I'm grateful to have a companion who stands by me through the good days and the difficult ones.
We are growing together, learning together, and taking life one day at a time.
Sometimes healing comes in unexpected ways. For me, it came with four paws, a wagging tail, and unconditional love.”
- Tim Bradstreet
Email:[email protected]
Site: www.NoMiServiceDogAcademy.com