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David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

Shannon Skolaski

Dog trainer in Madison

#51 in United States, #2 in Wisconsin, #1 in Madison

United States

Madison

https://www.dogsbestfriendtraining.com

Service areas:

Dane County and surrounding areas

Support your dog trainer by sharing your story

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 Patricia McConnell. I read a few of her booklets and tried some of her techniques and saw immediate results. I switched from veterinary technician program to a bachelor's degree with the intention of becoming an animal behaviorist.My family and I moved to the country in 2013. We enjoy the fresh air and hard work of country life.I currently share my home with a young active miniature poodle named Rona. My previous dog, Madi, was one of the most loyal wonderful Boxers anyone could have known. In her younger years she was a star in a production at American Players Theater in Spring Green, WI.

Dog training services include

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

More info about Shannon Skolaski's dog training:

We are experts at getting to the bottom of why your dog is behaving the way he or she is – and we help owners discover the positive steps to take to change a dog's behavior.We are one of the few programs in the country to combine ethology and psychology in the development of humane and effective treatment plans for dog training and dog behavior problems.We have evolved over the years and extended our offerings to clients based on their needs. We provide a full range of classes that range from puppy and family dog training to specific behavioral training and dog agility classes.

Behavioral issue focus:

Any issue can be addressed in an appointment, but more common problems include: aggression (toward family members, visitors or unfamiliar people, other dogs or animals) resource guarding anxiety (separation or generalized) sound phobias (thunderstorm, etc.) barking destructiveness fear/shyness housetraining hyperactivity

Dog training methods:

The term positive has at least two meanings in dog training. One is positive, as in dog-friendly. In that sense, Dog's Best Friend Training is all about positive dog training. We train with food reinforcement or clicker training and do not use force, shouting, or other negative forms of coercion to train dogs. The other use of positive in dog training is as a technical Learning Theory term. In that sense, there is positive reinforcement and positive punishment, among other things. In those terms, positive just means you're giving the dog something, in the mathematical sense of addition. You're giving treats or giving pain/annoyance. So in that usage, positive dog trainer doesn't make sense. Positive dog training is the way to go!

Why I became a dog trainer:

I have always had a passion for animals and a love of teaching. Finding Patricia McConnell opened the best of both worlds.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer:

I enjoy the diversity of every day. My favorite part is helping families understand their dog and really being able to communicate effectively.

My #1 dog training tip:

Spend a few minutes every day training and exercising your dog.

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Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

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