The Best Dog Training in Madison, WI

Madison WI is the jewel of the midwest, despite not being as well-known as Chicago. Savvy midwesterners know that this city has the best of urban living on a manageable scale, with great job opportunities and educational establishments. It’s no wonder that plenty of people are moving to Madison to start a family — whether that family includes kids, dogs, or both.

Dog parents in Madison will want a dog that can enjoy all the activities the city has to offer while also being prepared to spend more time in the house when the next blizzard rolls through. Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent training options so your dog can be happy and adaptable in a variety of situations.

Whether you’re looking to prepare your pup to be a solid family dog, a watersports enthusiast, or even an agility champion, we’ve got trainers to suit your needs.

A Quick Look at the Best Dog Training in Madison, WI

In this table, you can find a quick run-down of some of the most highly rated trainers in Madison and what they specialize in.

Online Vs. In-Person Training in Madison

The idea of online dog training may be totally new to you, but more online education options are popping up, and not just for people. Online classes that are on-demand as well as virtual consultations are now available from expert dog trainers.

Perks of Online and In-Person Training in Madison

Sometimes it can feel like your own schedule is already packed, so fitting in dog training can seem like an impossible task. This is where online training options can come in handy.

Additionally, for dogs who may have anxiety in unfamiliar places or around new people, being able to train from home can be a huge benefit.

Of course, in-person training gives you both the opportunity to work directly with a professional for instant feedback and can provide necessary socialization for your dog.

There is no right or wrong option, it’s about choosing what suits you and your dog best.

The Best Dog Training in Madison

Now that you may have a better idea of what training format is going to be best for your family, take a deeper look at some of the best dog trainers in the Madison area.

Dog Academy

• Online or In-Person: Online and In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Obedience Classes, Behavioral Issues, Puppy Training, Psychiatric Service Dog Training, Emotional Support Animal Training, Specialty Classes (e.g. Canine Confidence, Separation Anxiety)
• Price Range: $49.99-$349.99
• Link to Website: Dog Academy Basic Obedience Training Program
• Phone Number: 605-223-1971

Dog Academy is one of the most comprehensive options for online dog training available. Their easy-to-use online portal connects you with classes taught by AKC-certified trainers in a wide variety of subjects.

Whether you’re a new pet parent trying to train a puppy or integrate an older dog into your family, or you’re looking for more advanced and specialty training, Dog Academy has options for you. They also have special classes to prepare dogs to fill the role of an emotional support animal or psychiatric service dog.

In addition to their extensive library of online classes, Dog Academy also works with trainers across the country to provide in-person training. They can match you with a great trainer in your area who can provide personal support and feedback.

The Dog Den

• Online or In-Person: Online and In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Beginner and Advance Obedience, Behavior Correction
• Price Range: $65-$180
• Link to Website: https://www.thedogden.com/
• Phone Number: 608-278-7529

With three locations around Madison,  The Dog (and Puppy) Den offer doggy daycare and training for canines of all ages. They offer group training for dogs just getting training and socialization basics and more advanced dogs looking for enrichment activities or ways to sharpen their skills.

One-on-one training is also available to help address specific behavior issues. A trainer will work with you and your dog to address and correct bad habits.

The Dog Den also offers online classes in the form of on-demand video lessons for you to complete with your dog on your schedule as well as live virtual classes. These live classes are with an instructor talking with you directly and giving you feedback as you go. Both online options are great choices for training in the comfort of your own home.

Sit Means Sit

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Bite Prevention, Puppy Training, Socialization
• Price Range: Contact for Pricing
• Link to Website: https://sitmeanssit.com/dog-training-mu/madison-dog-training/
• Address: 3032 Progress Road, Madison, WI 53716
• Phone Number: 608-561-3647

The Madison branch of Sit Means Sit dog training is a highly-rated professional school with a curriculum designed to help your dog be happier and more sociable. They offer private tutoring sessions for dogs who are anxious around unfamiliar people or places or who need to be trained in short, personalized bursts.

Their most popular training program, however, is their doggy daycare training. Your dog gets to spend the whole day with a team of training professionals and other dogs while developing their skills (with plenty of rewards along the way).

The school also offers classes to help train people who work with dogs. Their “Lunch & Learn” program is offered to groomers and vets to help their staff learn how to better handle the variety of animals that come through their door.

Group classes for dogs and dog parents are also available and only dogs that have been through previous training at Sit Means Sit are admitted, helping to mitigate potential issues that can arise from being around so many unfamiliar dogs.

Dog’s Best Friends

• Online or In-Person: Online and In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Nose Work, Agility, Tricks, Obedience
• Price Range: $245+
• Link to Website: https://www.dogsbestfriendtraining.com/
• Phone Number: 608-277-1339

Dog’s Best Friend offers the standard training courses you would expect at any dog school, such as basic obedience and puppy training. What makes them stand out as a unique option in the Madison area is their range of specialty classes that focus on skill building and enrichment.

All the training programs are positive-reinforcement based and work to teach dog owners how to influence their dog’s behavior in a positive way that benefits them. If your dog is highly intelligent or energetic, their courses in agility, nose work, tricks, and winter games will be the perfect way to keep them happy and interested.

If you’re looking to get started with training from home, Dog’s Best Friend has a number of on-demand online classes. The online courses teach basics like training for family dogs, impulse control, and puppy manners, but there are also some more advanced online classes in subjects like nose work and canine parkour.

Blue Dog Training

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Behavior Correction, New Dog ABCs, Obedience
• Price Range: $140-$3600
• Link to Website: https://www.bluedogtraining.com/
• Address: 1830 Helena St, Madison, WI 53704
• Phone Number: 608-213-5304

Dog behavior specialist Sarah Kalnajs focuses mainly on in-home dog training to teach your dog how to behave within the environment where they spend the most time. Her consultations usually range from 60-90 minutes per session.

Ultimately, her courses are designed to empower you as the dog owner to continue training your dog with the tools she gives you. New puppy sessions and behavior modification consultations are her specialties.

Blue Dog also offers board and train and pet sitting services to give your dog more hands-on training even if you’re out of town. Clients are invited to keep in touch with Sarah via phone or email for follow-up suggestions free of charge even after they complete a course of training.

Find the Right Dog Training for You

Dogs can really enrich your life and complete your family, so you want to give them the best possible care. A well-trained dog is a dog that will be happier and better adjusted. No matter what your needs — whether bringing home a brand new puppy or teaching an adult dog new and exciting skills, there is a trainer in Madison, WI that is right for you.

We hope our list has helped you find your perfect dog training match.