About Rogue Dog Training

The service menu

Rogue Dog Training publishes six named lines in its navigation: "Basic Obedience, Shy/Reactive, Potty Training, Aggression Reduction, Group Obedience Classes, Behavior Modification Training." Two delivery formats sit underneath – group classes and private one-on-one lessons – and the site says trainers "will come to your Milwaukee, Oak Creek or Waukesha area home and give private dog training lessons geared specifically to you and your pet." Private lessons are recommended both for busy schedules and for the harder cases: "The individual attention given to your dog is perfect for correcting unwanted aggression or specific behavioral problems."

The method, argued rather than asserted

Unusually, the site explains the mechanism. "Dogs are social creatures who thrive on love and approval, but you have to TEACH them acceptable behaviors. Rogue Dog Training uses love and rewards to shape dogs and puppies' proper behavior. All commands are accompanied by a lure, like a dog toy or food treat. As the dog begins to learn a specific behavior on cue, the lure is gradually removed. Food rewards become randomized, and a simple pet or show of affection for good obedience is all a well-trained dog needs." The claim it makes for the approach is durability: "Behaviors learned through reward-based techniques do not wear off with continued practice."

Where it draws the line on equipment

A whole section is given to training collars, headed "Prong and Shock Dog Training Collars: Cruel and Ineffective for Basic Obedience." The argument given is both ethical and practical: "Trying to train a dog using electric shocks can break the natural bond between dog and master at the early stages of obedience. Rogue Dog Training never uses shock or prong collars for Basic Obedience. Many dogs 'trained' with such collars are brought to Rogue Dog Training because they refuse to obey commands when the collar is removed."

Credentials it claims

The site describes itself as "Milwaukee's ABCDT Certified Trainer" and makes the certification part of its pitch: "Anybody can claim they know how to work with puppies and adult dogs, but Milwaukee's Rogue Dog Training has the certification to prove it. Having your dog trained by Rogue means you can count on professional training techniques based on scientific fact." It adds that "Rogue's trainer, Steve, holds a degree in psychology and has a deep understanding of the learning processes required to effectively train obedience in dogs, including behavioral conditioning."

Getting started

The consultation is free and is used as triage: "Not sure which class is right for you and your pup? Rogue Dog Training offers free consultations to help you choose the right course to address your specific needs." A phone number and enrollment page sit at the top of every page, and a Service Areas page, FAQs and a tips section round out the site. Ask about prices at the consultation.