Certified Dog Trainers in Madison, Wisconsin

At The Dog Den and Puppy Den our training philosophy is simple: engaged minds and wagging tails! We have developed classes that not only combine the latest scientifically-proven, positive training techniques but we also focus on making training simple and fun for the whole family, including your pup. Our focus is on helping to build strong relationships between you and your pup. We use a combination of treats, praise, games and other rewards to teach your pup and build those strong ties. We strive to work with you and your dog as individuals to meet your training goals instead of focusing solely on a set curriculum from week to week.

I am a CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed) and PST-CI (Predation Substitute Training - Certified Instructor) working in Madison, WI, USA. I do group classes in puppy & basic manners skills, private training for newly adopted puppies & dogs, and a walk & train service for reactive or fearful dogs as well as puppies needing practice & socialization. I became a PST-CI in 2025 and am excited to offer predation substitute training services starting this year! I have two dogs - Copper, 11, a GSP, and Hazel, 4, a Coonhound/Mountain Cur mix. I grew up around gun dog breeds and while I am not a hunter, I love to watch dogs use their noses and find joy in nature. I have a BS in Conservation Biology, Environmental Studies, and Community & Environmental Sociology (University of Wisconsin - Madison, 2014). I have always had a passion for working with animals and in high school, even raised a puppy for Leader Dogs for the Blind, who went on to become a service dog. After adopting my dog, Copper, I knew I needed more experience and help than what I had ever had access to growing up, and once I began training with him, I loved it and wanted to help others, too. I am a member of Pet Professionals Guild, as well as Force Free Trainers of Wisconsin, both of which hold me to force-free training standards, about which I am very passionate. I am also certified in pet CPR & first aid. You can view more of my services at our website, https://TeachersPetTraining.com/

Here We Go Dog Training, LLC focuses on ensuring that dogs and their humans enjoy their lives together. To accomplish that goal, we use modern, humane, rewards-based training methods and a healthy dose of fun. We are committed to helping your dog learn to be one of the greats—the companion of a lifetime.

Sarah has been working with dogs professionally for over twenty-five years and is the owner of Blue Dog Training and Behavior in Madison, Wisconsin. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the CCPDT and a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the IAABC. Sarah is on the board of the Companion Animal Sciences Institute, is recognized in the state of Wisconsin as an expert witness in dog behavior, and has run a dog rescue organization for over twenty-five years. Sarah graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, studied comparative cognition between dogs and dolphins through the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was a member of the Lab’s humpback whale research team. A popular public speaker since the release of her Language of Dogs and Am I Safe video series (available on DVD and streaming), Sarah has given more than a hundred seminars across the U.S. and internationally to dog training organizations, veterinary schools, dog breed clubs, and rescue/shelter groups. Sarah and her husband Andrew, an engineer, work together with their six dogs to create training tools for professional trainers and dog owners. The most well-known of these tools is the Dog Safe Hands-Free Leash System.

Founded by Steph Tauscher (CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, KPA-CTP, Fear Free Certified), SMART Puppy Co. offers evidence-based, relationship-focused training for dogs and the people who love them. SMART Puppy specializes in early learning, behavior support, and emotional wellness through individualized coaching. Services include in-person and virtual training, video review, and consulting for pet professionals. All support is rooted in humane, science-backed methods that center trust, communication, and real-life progress.

I believe no matter the breed, no matter the problem, training can be accomplished without a heavy hand. This mean I will never resort to using pinch collars, prong collars, or shock collars (also called stim collars, or e-collars) to punish your dog. Not only are those methods harmful, they actually can prevent effective, long term learning! I align my practice with the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's position statement on humane dog training: "There is no evidence that aversive training is necessary for dog training or behavior modification". In alignment with that, I blend positive reinforcement methods and force free handling to deter and replace unwanted behaviors, and encourage and strengthen desirable ones.

Animal Oasis I am offering private and small group lessons and problem solving. I have been in business since 2004 and am certified as an Animal Care Specialist, Groomer and Obedience Instructor.