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The Best Puppy Trainers in Madison, WI of 2026

David Adams photo

David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Puppy training in Madison, WI. Based on feedback and votes from our Puppy training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the Madison area.

  • Shannon Skolaski Photo

    Shannon Skolaski

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

    Dane County and surrounding areas

    With DBF since: 1999Areas of expertise: Families with dogs and children, general training, puppies and reactive/ aggressive dogsEducation: Bachelor's degree in zoology and psychology from UW-MadisonI have always had a passion for animals. My grandfather was a large animal veterinarian. As time went on I was going to pursue a degree as a veterinary technician. A local veterinarian directed me to...

  • Jessica Cady-Bartholomew Photo

    Jessica Cady-Bartholomew

    KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Trainer, Predation Substitute Trainer, Family Dog Mediator, Certified Trick Dog Instructor, Pro Dog Trainer

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Madison & Surrounding Communities

    Jessica Cady-Bartholomew believes in training and educating efficiently with kindness and compassion. She uses the latest and best methods in animal learning to ensure that you and your pup are reaching your goals and having a great time doing it.

    A Madison native, with a degrees in sociology & recreation, Jess has made the commitment to help people and their dogs lead their very best ...

  • Chelse Wagner Photo

    Chelse Wagner

    CBCC, CBDT

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

    Madison, WI and surrounding communities/rural areas. Remote, too.

    Certified Behavior ConsultantEducation: UW-Madison B.S. in Psychology and Zoology, Apprenticed with Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., Graduate of Susan Friedman Ph.D.'s Living and Learning with Animal ProgramCertifications: CBCC-KA CPDT-KA Chelse has always been passionate about animals and started her professional career in sheltering in 1994, working for the Dane County Humane Society where she was...

  • Julie Vanderloop Photo

    Julie Vanderloop

    BS, CVT, CPDT

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Madison, Dane County

    I have been in the dog behavior business for over 20 years.

  • Emily Blythe Photo

    Emily Blythe

    Associate Certified Cat Behavior Consultant - IAABC Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant - IAABC Fear Free Certified Professional - Trainer Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer Bachelor of Science in Animal Ecology

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

    In-person services within a 40 mile radius of Wyocena, WI. Virtual training is offered worldwide!

    Homeward Bound Behavior and Training, LLC is owned by Emily Blythe. Emily has over 15 years of experience helping families and pets in need. She got her start in Nebraska, moved to Iowa, and now her journey has brought her to Wisconsin! She has extensive experience working in animal shelters and veterinary clinics. She specializes in feline, canine, and avian behavior and implements behavior m...

  • Nikki Darga Photo

    Nikki Darga

    CPDT-KA

    Puppy training

    Greater Madison, WI area

    Nikki Darga has 6 years of experience training dogs. Nikki started training in competitive obedience with her dog Kona when she was sixteen years old. Nikki and Kona also trained for tracking and retrieving. From then on, Nikki knew that she wanted training animals to be a part of her life.



    Professionally, Nikki has been engaged in various training related endeavors, includi...

Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Puppy training in Madison, WI is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Puppy training, we received 267 total votes, resulting in 6 dog trainers who focus on Puppy training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Puppy training listed first.

Dog trainers for Puppy training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Shannon Skolaski, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Puppy training in Madison, WI. Shannon Skolaski’s favorite part of their job is: I enjoy the diversity of every day. My favorite part is helping families understand their dog and really being able to communicate effectively..

At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Shannon Skolaski, as well as the other dog trainers on this Puppy training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog. Shannon Skolaski encourages owners with this dog training tip: Spend a few minutes every day training and exercising your dog..

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See the Best Puppy Trainers in Other Cities Near Madison

See the Best Dog Trainers by Type in Madison

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Training in Madison

Who are the top-rated Puppy training dog trainers in Madison?

Find out which Puppy training trainers in Madison are recognized for their exceptional skills and services. Trainers like Shannon Skolaski, Jessica Cady-Bartholomew, Chelse Wagner are noted for their outstanding contributions to the Madison dog training community.

What motivates Madison dog trainers to excel in Puppy training?

Explore the inspiration behind the success of top Puppy training trainers in Madison. Shannon Skolaski and their colleagues are driven by their passion for canine training and commitment to helping local dogs , as shared by Shannon Skolaski: I have always had a passion for animals and a love of teaching. Finding Patricia McConnell opened the best of both worlds..

What are the specific Puppy training services available in Madison?

Trainers in Madison, including Shannon Skolaski, provide tailored solutions for various behavioral issues. Their services, such as A, D, R, are designed to address the unique needs of dogs in the area.

What training tips does Shannon Skolaski offer for Madison dog owners?

Shannon Skolaski advises: Spend a few minutes every day training and exercising your dog., which is crucial for successful Puppy training training. Additionally, Jessica Cady-Bartholomew recommends: Have fun! Working and training your dog should feel really good for both of you, even when working on the tough stuff. If you are struggling or want to learn more, find a trainer who both you and your dog have enjoy spending time with. Play is a beautiful way for humans and dogs to learn together. for improving your dog’s behavior in Madison.

How do I select the most suitable Puppy dog trainer in Madison?

Choosing the right Puppy training trainer in Madison involves evaluating their services, such as Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training and Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training, along with their qualifications and certifications like CPDT-KA, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, CPDT, Family Dog Mediator.

Why are certifications important for Puppy dog trainers in Madison?

Certifications such as CPDT-KA are essential for Puppy training trainers in Madison because they ensure that trainers possess the expertise and knowledge required for effective training. These credentials validate their proficiency in Puppy training.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

David Adams photo
David Adams photo

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

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Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

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Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals