{"id":3988,"date":"2023-03-16T10:48:54","date_gmt":"2023-03-16T15:48:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dogtopia.com\/middleton-madison-west\/?page_id=3988"},"modified":"2026-02-18T12:07:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T18:07:18","slug":"training","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dogtopia.com\/middleton-madison-west\/training\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog Training"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dog training PROGRAMS \u2013 Madison, WI<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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. We offer your first training consultation<\/a> completely free!<\/p>\n

Our Training Team is managed by a CPDT-KSA Dog Trainer and CBCC Behavior Consultant. Each member of the team is either certified themselves or eligible and waiting to sit for the certification exam. We employ methods and principles of dog training that adhere to the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA)<\/strong><\/span> 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 teams’ 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Group Classes<\/h3>\n

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. Some classes are more offered more than once a year and some are seasonal. Check out our current offerings by clicking the button below!<\/p>\n

Example Topics:<\/strong><\/span> Happy Handling, Find Your Brave, Big Feelings, AKC Canine Good Citizen Prep, K9 Fitness, Outdoor, Decompression Walks, Functional Tricks, Nosework<\/p>\n

Book Now!<\/a><\/p>\n

AKC Canine Good CItizen<\/h3>\n

The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

book now!<\/a><\/p>\n

Play & Train<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Add on a dog training lesson to any daycare play or boarding stay! No minimum lesson count required but receive a 9% savings 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.<\/p>\n

Example Topics:<\/strong> <\/span>puppy, basics, tricks, focus skills, happy grooms, leash walking, advanced skills, worried when you’re away (separation anxiety), lose the treat bag, & custom<\/p>\n

Includes:<\/p>\n