The Best Dog Trainers in Milwaukee, WI of 2023

Welcome to the Milwaukee, WI Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Milwaukee based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This list is a subset of the broader Top Trainers in Wisconsin list. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.

Dog training is one of the most important activities someone can do with their dog. Many come to dog training through a specific issue they want addressed, anything from barking to separation anxiety. Some have adopted dogs from animal shelters with an abusive experience and some just have happy puppies looking for everyday life skills. Trainers can help with all kinds of specific skills and issues, from leash manners to territorial aggression to anxiety around skateboards to common puppy challenges. However, what many discover is that working with a trainer is actually a way for a pet owner to deepen their relationship with their dog. The enhanced communication skills that result can increase quality of life, be a rewarding experience, be a social experience and lead to more harmonious relationships. Knowing that one’s dog is having a happier life can dramatically improve peace of mind. As the saying goes: happy dog, happy life. And it extends further than just the dog, to the pet owners. Owner empowerment can actually improve the relationship between owners. And finding the right trainer can make all the difference in the experience.

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, which is the largest network of private dog parks for rent in the world. Each of the thousands of Sniffspot dog parks are hosted by locals on private land with all private bookings to maximize safety for guests and their dogs. Sniffspot offers various types of dog parks, including fenced, water parks, indoor dog parks, dog beaches and more. Sniffspot has worked closely with dog trainers to create safe spaces for dogs and our top trainer lists are a natural extension of that relationship. You can browse Sniffspot's local dog parks here.

The Best Milwaukee, WI Dog Trainers in 2023

Brittany Rose

Brittany has always had a strong love of animals, which she fostered from an early age with her participation in horseback riding, as well as her volunteer work at the humane society.

After graduating high school, Brittany went to UW Madison to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine. Dog training wasn’t a popular career option at the time, so veterinary medicine was the career recommended if you wanted to work with animals. After a few years at UW Madison, Brittany realized veterinary medicine wasn’t her passion.

She moved back home to help her parents open their horse farm. While working on the horse farm, she was hired at Petsmart to work as a dog trainer. It was there that she realized her passion was in the learning aspect of animals versus the medical.

She enrolled in Carroll University and graduated in 2017 with her bachelor’s degree in Animal Behavior. She became a certified dog trainer in April 2017 through the Certification of Professional Dog Trainers, and she earned her behavior consultant certification in August 2017 through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. In 2020 she became a member of Force Free Trainers of Wisconsin.

In her spare time, Brittany travels across the United States attending seminars and lectures hosted by experts in the field in order to further her knowledge and skills in animal behavior.

When she is not attending seminars or working, she is usually hiking with her four dogs (Clay, Arya, Ginny, Pink). She also trains and competes in Agility and Disc with Arya, Ginny, and Pink.

Certifications:  CPDT-KA, ACDBC, Force Free Trainers of Wisconsin

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Deaf dog training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Obedience Classes, Reactive Dog Classes, Puppy Socials, Day Training, Training Walks, Private Lessons, Behavior Consults

Behavioral issue focus: Leash Reactivity, Inter-Household Aggression, Dog Aggression, Human Aggression, Resource Guarding

Training methods:

Day Training includes videos and emails after each session
Training Walks include emails after each session
Behavior Consults include comprehensive email after session as well as follow-up session
Clients are allowed to record me explaining exercises and giving demonstrations in private lessons and group classes

Why I became a dog trainer: I became a dog trainer so I could teach clients how to effectively communicate with their dog as well as listen to what their dog has to say. Better communication means a stronger bond! It's not just about the dog or the person, but the teamwork between the two.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: My favorite part of being a dog trainer is seeing the bond owners form with their dog through training. There is nothing better than seeing the dog and human genuinely enjoy being around each other.

My #1 dog training tip: Don't forget to let your dog be a dog!

Service areas: Milwaukee County, Waukesha County, Washington County, Ozaukee County

Website: https://allpawsindogtraining.com/

Jennifer Pratt

Jennifer Pratt, CTC, CSAT, SA Pro, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is the founder of Wag the Dog and Company. She is a graduate of Jean Donaldson's prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers where she earned her certificate in training and counseling (CTC) and honored to be on their speaker roster for conferences and seminars.

Jennifer is also a graduate of two renowned trainers and authors widely-recognized as the authorities in effective science based treatment protocols for separation anxiety and isolation distress, Malena DeMartini's Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer program (CSAT) and Julie Naismith's Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer program (SA Pro).

Additionally, she is certified through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (CDBC), the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA), is a Fear Free certified professional, and is a presenter for Stop the 77 programs aimed at educating families on how to prevent dog bites.

As a formally educated, multi-credentialed professional, Jennifer is trusted and referred to by veterinarians and training colleagues alike. Jennifer is dedicated to helping guardians live the life they want to lead with their beloved companions by sharing her knowledge of how dogs learn and what really gets them motivated in life in a way that is not only effective but fun for both ends of the leash!

Certifications:  CTC, CDBC, CSAT, SA PRO, CPDT-KA

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: We specialize in supporting families and their companions with fear, aggression, and phobias including separation anxiety to experience less stress and more joy worldwide.

Behavioral issue focus: Our focused area of specialization fears, phobias, anxiety, and aggression enables us to provide you with personalized doable, easy-to-follow step-by-step management and training plans.

Training methods: All new clients start with a live one-on-one online behavior consultation. After the initial online behavior consultation, we may continue with private sessions online, in-person at one of our partner veterinary clinics, or in-home. Location is determined by the companion's needs and our driving range.

Why I became a dog trainer: I was inspired to learn all I could about dogs when I adopted my first dog. She needed support that went far beyond a group class and I was in over my head! I realized quite quickly that there was so much conflicting information available about dogs that I needed to find a qualified mentor to learn the science behind how I could truly work with my girl to teach her the world is safe. Through my alma mater The Academy for Dog Trainers, I not only learned how to help my companion but also how to work with other guardians to help them to experience less stress and more joy with their fearful companions.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Helping guardians learn how to observe and respond to their dog's communication to assist them both in providing for their needs and improving their lives.

My #1 dog training tip: Learn how to observe, listen and respond to your dog's communication system. Learn to speak dog!

Service areas: We are based in the Milwaukee, WI metro area, and work remotely with clients worldwide.

Website: https://www.wagthedogandcompany.com/

Pam Catalano

I have been training people to train their dogs for 9 years at Best Paw Forward. I am a certified dog trainer through APDT and just recently received my certification in behavior. Prior to do dog training, I was a Registered Nurse for 25 years. I have 3 dogs at home, 2 Keeshonds and a Great Pyrenees/Hound mix.

Certifications:  CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA

Services include:

• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Private in home sessions and Group classes to include: Basic Manners, Level 2 Manners, Puppy Kindergarten, Rocket Recall, Focus and Control, Rally Obedience, Everyday Essentials, Canine Good Citizen

Behavioral issue focus: Reactivity, fearful and shy dogs, resource guarding, common issues such as jumping, Barking, puppy mouthing/nipping, and overarousal and Impulse Control

Training methods: Positive reinforcement based training, behavior consults with written training plans

Why I became a dog trainer: I started training with my rescue Pyrenees mix, who was intensely overstimulated by her new environment. I saw how effective positive based training was and I went all in. I wanted to share with others, everything that I knew so that they could help their dogs lie their best lives.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Getting to help people understand their dogs better, so they can have fun with them and live their best lives together.

My #1 dog training tip: There is always a kind way to teach/guide your dog. Have fun and enjoy the journey.

Service areas: Waukesha County

Website: https://bestpawforward.net

Rachel Evers

Rachel began her professional life as a dancer and K-12 educator, and has been teaching workshops for children and adults since 1995. She made the leap to dog training in 2006, and found a natural fit for her experience in dance, education, and psychology. Helping students to develop an awareness of themselves and their canine teammates through movement and clear communication is an integral part of her coaching style, and Rachel credits the success of her own dogs in Agility to the strong sense of teamwork she has developed with them through this approach.

Certifications: 

Services include:

• Agility training

More info about service provided: Agility training and preparation for competition.

Behavioral issue focus:

Training methods: Group Classes and Private Lessons Available

Why I became a dog trainer: I became a dog trainer as an extension of my own work and enjoyment of doing agility with my own dogs.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: My favorite part of being a dog trainer is helping people and their dogs develop a meaningful connection and enhanced training skills though the sport of Dog Agility.

My #1 dog training tip: Be patient with the process: Our dogs want to understand what we are asking of them, and it's up to us as their teammate and trainer to make sure we take our time as they are learning and go at the pace that allows them to be successful.

Service areas: Southeastern Wisconsin

Website: https://www.dreamacresagility.square.site

Roxy Bull

Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed

Certifications:  CPDT-KA

Service areas: Southeastern Wisconsin

Sara Caron

Sara Caron is a School For The Dogs Certified Professional Trainer.

Sara completed SFTD’s rigorous, 6 month long apprenticeship program focusing on the fundamentals of animal behavior and learning and practical dog training skills in 2021.

She shares a home with a husky mix, Bun Chan, terrier puppy, Chilli, and cats Little Oatie and Goo.

She holds a BFA in Integrated Studio Arts and uses the observational skills and creative approach she gained from that training to help dog guardians communicate compassionately with their dogs and to develop playful, curious, and collaborative relationships with them.

Certifications:  School for the Dog Certified Professional Trainer

Services include:

• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: One on one in home and virtual training to teach basic skills, manners, enrichment, and address behavior and management issues

Behavioral issue focus: Setting new puppies and dogs and their families up for success, mild leash reactivity, basic household manners

Training methods: Training sessions focus on educating clients on positive reinforcement, behavior science, and canine enrichment. Sessions begin with a conversation about the dog's history and the clients goals, an intro to marker training techniques. I discuss management strategies and demonstrate useful behaviors then coach the client through teaching the behavior (with sensitivity to their learning preferences). Follow up includes a brief email or phone call and written training plan and can include video examples of behaviors practiced in session.

Why I became a dog trainer: I'm passionate about the transformative power of positive reinforcement for all human and non human learners.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: I love to educate clients about canine enrichment and behavior, to introduce simple fixes to improve the human/canine bond.

My #1 dog training tip: Always set your dog up for success, consider the environment and management first, not everything needs to be trained!

Service areas: Milwaukee, WI and the greater Milwaukee area

Website: https://www.beingcompanions.com/

Sniffspot Milwaukee Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions

How are Milwaukee dog trainers selected for this list?

These are the top dog trainers in Milwaukee as selected by broad voting from the Sniffspot community and the general public. These trainers are expert dog trainers, who received votes from their delighted customers, due to their excellent dedication to customer service, excellent results and general care they exhibit for their clients. Many have worked with thousands of dogs and are highly experienced trainers.

How can I get in touch with dog trainers?

Each of the trainer profiles contains a link to their website. You can click through to their website where you can find more contact information.

Are these Milwaukee dog trainers certified professionals?

Dog training is not regulated at the federal or state level, so there is no standard dog training certification and professional trainers are not required to be certified. However, certifications are important to show that a professional dog trainer has a standard of expertise to help train your dog. Each trainer’s certifications are listed on their profile.

What are the top certifications for Dog Trainers in Milwaukee?

Some of the top certifications in the dog training industry are CPDT- KA, IAABC, Karen Pryor Academy - KPA certification, Jean Donaldson's Academy - CTC certification and Fear Free Certification. You can review the dog trainer certifications for each specific dog trainer on their profile on this page.

What methods are used in the dog training sessions?

There are many methods for teaching dogs and a lot of disagreement about the correct training approach. All of the Milwaukee trainers included on this list use positive reinforcement training only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This includes not using any specifically aversive approach to training or training aid, such as a prong or electronic dog training collar (also called remote dog training collar or shock collars). As for specific training programs and specialties, such as day training / doggie daycare or obedience training, you can see more information in each trainer’s profile.

Are dog training lessons in a training facility or are virtual options available?

Some dog trainers operate exclusively from a training facility, some do house calls and some offer video calls or other virtual options. There are pros and cons to each option and the most efficient behavioral training option depends on specific circumstances, for instance, what hours work best for you. A training center or training ranch can be a good option if your training plan requires facilities, training equipment or dedicated space. We recommend reaching out to the specific trainer you are interested in or browsing their website for more information.

Are dog training lessons private or in a group setting?

Every different circumstance of dog and owners may require a different setting, whether it’s housebreaking issues, anxiety issues, lack of proper socialization, food aggression or just bad habits. Each trainer has different offerings as far as whether they can offer clients a private training session or a group class. Trainers provide information about their private class and group class offerings in their profiles and you can browse their website for more information as well. It may make sense for your specific circumstance to reach out to the trainer to ask if they recommend group or private dog training classes. Some trainers also have a team of specialists that can provide even higher levels of service, or provide specialized sessions, such as pack walks.

How much does dog training in Milwaukee cost?

Milwaukee dog trainers have a wide range of costs for different services and phases of training. For instance behavioral modification that involves boarding is often more expensive than day training, and private lessons are generally more expensive than group lessons. Prices can also vary depending on specific behavioral issues. Lastly, some trainers have more overhead than others, We recommend first picking a trainer that provides the services that you are looking for, then reaching out to them to get up to date pricing.

Is training a dog good for the dog?

Yes! Training has many benefits for dogs. Whether with basic training skills or complex training techniques, going through behavior training with your dog can improve the bond that you share with them. Also, training can do a lot to improve the level of confidence enabling of a dog (and it can also help with building customer confidence!). Rather than being about exerting maximum control over them, it gives them more certainty that they understand how the world around them works. For instance, crate training can help a dog feel safe and at home in a crate vs fearful and uncertain. Dog training can teach important skills, such as leash control, potty training or a general level of obedience skills. And lastly, it’s just fun for the dog to learn life skills and for their family. Training can be very stimulating and enriching for a dog and serve them throughout their entire healthy life!

Can an aggressive dog be trained?

Yes! Any dog behavior can be worked on through training and coaching. Aggression in dogs is a serious issue, but it is also a term that is used very broadly. Many dogs that are thought to be aggressive are actually reactive, which is a different behavior altogether. A trainer can help you interpret signs of aggression, such as excessive barking, fear aggression and leash aggression, and type of aggression. If you believe you have a dog with aggressive behaviors, we recommend reaching out to one of your local top trainers to get their diagnosis and advice.

I am a Milwaukee dog trainer. How can I get listed here?

As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in Milwaukee you can be considered for this list. We update this list once per year, normally starting in January. Make sure to keep an eye on our social media and sign up for email updates with Sniffspot in order to be in the loop on the next round of nominations.

How much do dog trainers make in Milwaukee?

Dog trainer earnings vary widely depending on many factors, such as whether a dog trainer is an employee or owns their own full-service professional dog training business. According to ZipRecruiter, the average dog trainer salary in Wisconsin was $29,733 per year and $14.29 per hour. It is impossible to say how much a dog trainer can earn with a full-service professional dog training company, because the size and profitability of companies can vary widely.

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See The Best Dog Trainers In Other Wisconsin Cities

Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list

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See The Best Dog Trainers In Other States Near Wisconsin

Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list

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