Business Details
22 Years
experience
Expert Dog Training Services in Madison, WI
Founded in 2004, Teacher's Pet Training Academy has established itself as a leader in positive reinforcement dog training. Our certified trainers bring decades of combined experience in animal behavior and education, offering science-based solutions tailored to each dog's unique needs. We specialize in small-group classes capped at six dogs, ensuring personalized attention and effective learning environments. With locations across the Greater Madison area and in-home services, we provide accessible training options for puppies and adult dogs at all skill levels. Our commitment to humane methods excludes aversive tools, focusing instead on building trust and communication between pets and owners.As proud members of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and the Pet Professional Guild, we maintain rigorous professional standards. Our team holds advanced certifications in pet first aid and CPR, ensuring safety in all training environments. We offer specialized programs including behavior modification, smart walks, and homeschooling services to address diverse training needs. Through continuous education and adherence to the latest research, we maintain our position at the forefront of modern dog training. Our comprehensive approach combines practical skill development with behavioral science to create lasting, positive relationships between dogs and their families.
Services
Group Classes
Private Training
Smart Walks
Homeschooling
Canine Chaperone
After School Activities
Behavior Modification
Puppy Training
Advanced Training
Pet Socialization
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- Certified trainers with 300+ hours classroom experience
- Small classes capped at six dogs for personalized attention
- Science-based positive reinforcement training methods
- Specialized programs for behavior modification
- Trainers certified in pet first aid & CPR
Associations and certifications
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
- Pet Professional Guild
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers
- Force Free Trainers of Wisconsin
Services
Group Classes
Our small-group training classes provide structured learning environments for dogs at all skill levels. With maximum six participants, these classes focus on positive reinforcement techniques to develop obedience and socialization skills. Certified trainers guide owners through practical exercises that build communication and strengthen the human-dog bond while addressing common behavioral challenges in controlled settings.
Private Training
Customized private training addresses specific behavioral issues through personalized behavior modification plans. Certified consultants work with owners to develop effective strategies for managing reactivity, anxiety, and other complex behaviors. Sessions combine education with hands-on practice to help families implement lasting solutions in their home environment using humane, science-based methods.
Smart Walks
These specialized walks combine physical exercise with mental stimulation under professional guidance. Trainers work one-on-one with dogs to reinforce training concepts, build confidence in shy animals, and provide structured enrichment. The service offers consistent skill maintenance for behavior modification cases while providing owners with professional support for their dog's daily needs.
Homeschooling
Our intensive training program provides focused skill development through multiple weekly sessions with certified trainers. This structured approach establishes foundational behaviors and obedience skills in the dog's home environment. The program includes transfer sessions to teach owners how to maintain and build upon their dog's progress through consistent practice and reinforcement techniques.
Canine Chaperone
Professional chaperone service ensures dogs receive expert care during special events. Certified handlers provide safe transportation, on-site supervision, and behavioral support for weddings, photo shoots, and other occasions. This service includes event coordination, stress management for dogs, and post-event care to ensure a positive experience for both pets and owners.
People
Sarah Miller
Owner & Lead Trainer
CPDT-KA and CBCC-KA certified trainer with 10+ years experience. Holds AKC evaluation certifications and specializes in behavior consulting. B.S. in Psychology from UW-Madison with focus on animal behavior.
Emma Cross
Owner & Lead Trainer
Certified trainer with expertise in predation substitute training. B.S. in Conservation Biology from UW-Madison. Specializes in science-based methods and has worked with rescued dogs. Certified since 2019 with extensive continuing education.
Brianne Statz
Lead Trainer
Veterinary technician and certified dog trainer with 15+ years experience. Specializes in training special needs dogs including deaf and vision-impaired animals. Holds Zoology degree from UW-Madison and maintains active continuing education in training methods.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement techniques based on scientific research. We avoid aversive tools like choke chains and shock collars, focusing instead on reward-based learning that builds trust between dogs and owners.
Are your trainers certified?
All our trainers hold certifications from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Many have additional certifications in behavior consulting and pet first aid/CPR.
What areas do you serve?
We offer group classes in Middleton, Waunakee, Sun Prairie, and Cross Plains. In-home services are available within 20 miles of our Middleton location.
What class sizes do you offer?
Group classes are capped at six dogs to ensure personalized attention. Private training provides one-on-one sessions tailored to specific behavioral needs.
Do you offer behavior modification programs?
Yes, we provide specialized behavior modification plans for issues like reactivity, anxiety, and aggression through private training sessions with our certified behavior consultants.
What puppy training options exist?
We offer Puppy Kindergarten for 8-20 week olds and the Off On The Right Paw package combining private sessions and group classes to establish foundational skills and socialization.
Reviews (4)
Ernst Gottschalk
Dec 12, 2021
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I have taken both my dogs through their classes and it helped not only my dogs but also myself. Classes are small in size, great teachers, and get to know all their attendings. I will be taking any further dogs I have to them.
Amber Sherrill
May 29, 2021
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We love Teacher's Pet Training Academy! We started our eight week old goldendoodle in the Kindergarten class and it gave her a great foundation. Now at ten months old, we just finished Elementary School and have already signed up for the High School class! Every class so far has been high quality and useful. Sarah has been so kind to stay after class and answer any questions we may have. Would definitely recommend!
Keisha Cyliax
Feb 06, 2021
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We adopted our "quarantine puppy" Ziggy at 8 weeks old in April of last year. From the day that we got her, she was very fearful and unsure of new situations and it was extremely challenging to find ways to work on her socialization since everything was basically shut down at the time. The one glimmer of hope - our vet gave us the lead that one training training company in town - Teacher's Pet - was still offering puppy play and learn sessions a few times a week.
Both Sarah and Emma were FANTASTIC at working with Ziggy on growing her confidence, providing helpful tips on what we could work on her with at home and even taking pictures of the sessions! We went on to take puppy kindergarten and recently did a private consult with Sarah is discuss strategies to continue to work with Ziggy. I am very impressed with Sarah's insight and I appreciate that she has taken the time to really get to know Ziggy and our family.
Although we still have a ways to go and we will likely always have some issues with Ziggy's anxiety, I can't image how much worse off we would have been without the early socialization opportunity and training advice we got from Teacher's Pet. Highly recommended!
Both Sarah and Emma were FANTASTIC at working with Ziggy on growing her confidence, providing helpful tips on what we could work on her with at home and even taking pictures of the sessions! We went on to take puppy kindergarten and recently did a private consult with Sarah is discuss strategies to continue to work with Ziggy. I am very impressed with Sarah's insight and I appreciate that she has taken the time to really get to know Ziggy and our family.
Although we still have a ways to go and we will likely always have some issues with Ziggy's anxiety, I can't image how much worse off we would have been without the early socialization opportunity and training advice we got from Teacher's Pet. Highly recommended!
Melissa Behr
Feb 03, 2021
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Teacher's pet has been amazing for my puppy. She has learned so much starting from Sit and Good girl, to facing the world with confidence and love. I will enroll her in First Grade now that she is done with Kindergarten and Play Dates, and I feel certain that she will someday become President of the United States.
