Business Details
Trusted Dog Daycare & Training Services in Madison, WI
At The Dog Den, we combine learning and fun in a structured, safe environment for dogs of all ages. Our team of independently certified professionals, including CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, and Fear Free Certified trainers, prioritizes positive, science-based methods to build strong human-canine relationships. With over a dozen certified staff members, we emphasize safety through Canine First Aid/CPR training and continuous education in dog behavior and disease management. As award-winning facilities recognized by Best of Madison and Dane County Small Business Awards, we offer daycare, enrichment programs, and training services tailored to puppies and adult dogs.Our commitment to community includes partnerships with local rescues like Czars Promise and adherence to CDC/AMVA guidelines for operational safety. We maintain transparency through daily updates on pet behavior and personalized recommendations, ensuring every dog receives individualized care in temperature-controlled environments with monitored playgroups.
Services
Dog Daycare
Puppy Training
Private Lessons
Enrichment Programs
Group Training Classes
Highlights and features
- Our team includes over a dozen independently certified dog professionals
- We use science-based, fear-free training methods exclusively
- Award-winning facilities with Best of Madison and Dane County Small Business recognition
- Daily monitored playgroups with size/energy-level separation
- Community partnerships with local rescues and non-profits
Associations and certifications
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA)
- Fear Free Certified Professionals
- Family Dog Mediators (FDM)
- Certified Professional Animal Care Manager/Provider (CPACM/CPACP)
Services
Dog Daycare
Structured daycare for adult dogs with monitored playgroups separated by size, energy level, and playstyle. Facilities include temperature-controlled indoor spaces and outdoor areas with multiple rotations daily. Staff provides constant supervision and behavior assessments to ensure safe socialization and positive experiences.
Puppy Training
Specialized programs for puppies under 6 months focusing on socialization, basic obedience, and developmental milestones. Certified trainers use positive reinforcement techniques while teaching essential skills like door waiting and human interaction boundaries in a controlled environment.
Private Lessons
Personalized training sessions addressing specific behavioral issues or skill development. Certified behavior consultants create customized plans using science-based methods that focus on relationship-building rather than obedience alone, available both in-facility and in-home.
Enrichment Programs
Interactive activities designed to challenge dogs mentally and physically during daycare. Includes puzzle toys, scent work, themed treat days, and art projects that promote natural instincts while preventing boredom and destructive behaviors.
Group Training Classes
Scheduled classes covering basic through advanced obedience training using positive reinforcement methods. Instructors focus on communication skills between dogs and owners while addressing common behavioral issues in group settings with certified professionals.
People
Laura
Owner
Certified professional with multiple credentials including CPACO, CPACM, and Fear Free certification. Leads the organization with a focus on ethical pet care and community engagement.
Deb
Behavior Consultant
Certified CBCC-KA and CPDT-KA trainer with veterinary technician credentials. Specializes in behavior modification and serves as East Co-Coordinator and Lead Instructor.
Nick
Puppy Den Coordinator
CPDT-KA certified trainer managing puppy-specific programs. Focuses on early socialization and development with Fear Free and CPACM certifications.
Ang
Group Class Instructor
Certified trainer with expertise in enrichment activities and Fido photography. Holds CPDT-KA and CTDI certifications while leading training sessions.
Chelsea
Senior Playgroup Leader
Fear Free Certified team member specializing in playgroup dynamics and puppy development. Manages daily operations at the Fitchburg location.
Questions
What age puppies do you accept?
We accept puppies starting at 8 weeks old through 6 months of age at The Puppy Den.
Do you offer training for adult dogs?
Yes, we provide daycare and training services for adult dogs at our two Madison locations.
Are your trainers certified?
All trainers hold multiple certifications including CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, and Fear Free credentials.
What safety measures do you follow?
We implement CDC/AMVA guidelines, require staff CPR/first aid training, and maintain monitored playgroups with size/energy separation.
Do you offer enrichment activities?
Yes, we provide enrichment programs with puzzles, scent work, and themed activities during daycare hours.
How do you handle behavioral issues?
Our certified behavior consultants assess each dog and provide personalized plans using positive reinforcement techniques.
Reviews (6)
S. Wy
Aug 26, 2021
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Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, Value Employee behavior is deplorable and completely out of line. After my most recent interaction, where a supposed manager lost her temper on me, I will never trust them with my dog. I am honestly dumbfounded by all the positive reviews, as nearly all my interactions with the dog den were far from satisfactory.
Lauren P.
Jul 14, 2021
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My dog loves it here, I love their social media presence and that they separate dogs by size and play level. The holiday crafts are adorable and creative. Seems silly at first but they're worth the $3 for the keepsake.
Julia M.
Apr 04, 2021
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This place is FANTASTIC! Their scrappers classes with Deb really helped us with managing and reducing our dogs reactivity. We've seen a night and day different and we are so grateful
Tyra Turnmire
Apr 25, 2020
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Deb is an amazing instructor. She is so caring and genuinely wants you and your dog to succeed. She knows your dog by name and gives such good tips and tricks on how to help your dog succeed. I am recommending the dog den and the intructors for the scrappers program to everyone!
Kenna Degner
Mar 03, 2017
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I have nothing but good things to say about the Dog Den. The staff are welcoming, knowledgeable, and very good with all the dogs. My puppy is on the shy side and they have been wonderful in helping her build confidence and proper play habits while at daycare. She wags her tail when we get there in the morning and collapses in her crate when I take her home at the end of the day. The puppy play groups on Saturdays are also wonderful opportunities for pup parents to practice recognizing proper play behaviors and facilitating play breaks. Play groups are also a great time to practice recalls and attention with lots of distractions!
Tuyet Nguy
Mar 17, 2016
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My dog loves everyone here. Every time we pull up, her tail starts wagging a mile a minute. She's taken all the obedience classes, treibball, and agility classes and loves the trainers. We moved closer to another daycare, but I would never consider taking my dog any where else. It is worth the extra 15 minute drive because I know she is well looked after here. She did come home with a scratch on her face once but that was also due to my dog not knowing how to properly greet other dogs (she gets too excited and just wants to say "Hi" to every one even if they don't want to play). The staff took note and made sure to put her in a different play group the next week.
