Madison West Dog Training

Dog training PROGRAMS – Madison, WI

We offer Canine Citizen Good Citizen testing, group classes, private dog training, and play & train experiences that can be added on to any daycare play or boarding stay.

All dogs interested in enrolling in private training or Play & Trains must first complete an Initial Workshop with one of our training team members. During this workshop, we will examine your dog’s health and behavior history, review your dog’s learning goals, and create your dog’s training curriculum. The cost of the workshop ($20) will be credited towards your dog’s training program if enrolled in training within one week of the workshop date.

Our CPDT certified Dog Trainers and supporting team members employ methods and principles of dog training that adhere to the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) training framework. LIMA methods put your dog’s wellness first, using tools and techniques that minimize undue stress, anxiety, and fear for ethical and humane techniques. Positive reinforcement is our Trainers’ first line of teaching and is applied consistently. Positive reinforcement is associated with the lowest incidence of aggression, attention seeking, avoidance, and fear in learners. To read the Association of Professional Dog Trainers position statement on LIMA, please go here.

AKC Canine Good CItizen

The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is the gold standard of dog behavior. The CGC tests for 10 skills related to dog manners and responsible pet parenting including accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, appearance and grooming, walking on a loose lead, walking through a crowd, sitting and down, coming when called, reacting to another dog, reacting to distraction, and supervised separation. Have your pup evaluated by one of our certified AKC CGC Evaluators to receive their Canine Good Citizen title. Testing is generally reserved for the first Saturday of each month.

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Group Classes

Group Classes are offered in 6 and 8 week rotations year round. Single-session classes can be booked as needed, are also offered yearly but are weather permitting. All classes are led by CPDT certified instructors and supporting training team members.

Specialty class topics and times vary but are offered throughout the year as 6-session or 8-session classes throughout the year. Some classes are offered at different skill levels: basic, intermediate, advanced, elite. If there is no label listed, the skill level is basic.

Topics: Happy Handling, Find Your Brave, Big Feelings, Canine Good Citizen Prep, K9 Fitness, Outdoor, Decompression Walks, Functional Tricks, Nosework

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Play & Train

Add on a dog training lesson to any daycare play or boarding stay! No minimum lesson count required but receive a 9% discount when you enroll your dog in sets of 6 lessons. Simply drop off your dog for daycare or boarding and our training team will take care of the rest! Play & Train lessons are a great way to address challenging behavior at home or in the daycare setting or to simply help your dog refresh their basic skills. Play & Train pricing does not include the cost of boarding or daycare. All dogs participating in Play & Train lessons must be eligible for open play including having completed a Meet & Greet and be current on all health requirements.

Programs: puppy, basics, tricks, focus skills, happy grooms, leash walking, advanced skills, worried when you’re away (separation anxiety), lose the treat bag, & custom

Includes:

• 30-minute training lessons with a member of our training team
• a small group, outdoor play lesson with other students*
• Enrichment treat or toy during naptime**
• Report card for every lesson
• Follow up consultation

* As weather allows
** Only provided for dogs who are in attendance over the 12:00-2:00 naptime period

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Private Training

Private training programs are standardized curriculums and are priced based on the topic and the lesson count of the program selected; however, custom training programs can be created. Depending on the program, your presence may be required at one or all of your dog’s sessions. Dogs enrolled in private training are not required to be eligible for open play at Dogtopia; however, they must be current on their rabies, Bordetella, and distemper/Parvo vaccinations.

Skill Building

Programs fall into two categories, 6 or 7 lessons, typically scheduled every other week. Flexible scheduling and weekly payment plans are available.

Topics: Puppy, Happy Grooms, Manners, Therapy Prep, Lose the Treat Bag

Behavior Modification

Each program is 8 lessons, typically scheduled every other week. Flexible scheduling and weekly payment plans are available.

Topics: Big Feelings, Leash Skills, Custom

All private training programs include:

• 60-minute training sessions with a CPDT certified Dog Trainer
• Report card for every session
• Video capturing your dog’s learning
• Shared portal for homework review
• Handouts and resources for continued learning
• Follow up consultation with the Trainer

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