About Canine Connections Dog Training

Private lessons through to board and train, all priced

Canine Connections Dog Training is based in Madison and states its aim as "to help dogs build a better relationship with their humans and the world through play, rewards, and obedience," on the premise that "your bond is your greatest asset to training your dog." The presenting problems it lists are "Reactivity towards dogs and/or people, Nipping and/or jumping, Pulling on the leash, Anxiety, Lack of listening skills, Confidence in the world, Resource Guarding and more!"

The services, with prices

Every service on the services page carries a price. A Private Lesson is $80 per lesson with in-home lessons available, "Subject to a travel fee starting at $20," and the site says "We service areas in Madison, Sun Prairie, Milwaukee, Spring Green, etc." An In-Home Training Assessment is $80 plus travel and is booked only after a free phone or in-person consultation. Day and Train is $300 per day with a three-day minimum: "Drop you dogs off with us in the morning to be trained throughout the day. You will pick up your dog in the evening, which will include a private lesson that runs up to an hour," with two private lessons included afterward. Board and Train is sold in blocks – two weeks at $1660, three at $2445, four at $3220 and six at $4630 – and is described as "personalized, results-driven training to help your dog learn essential commands, socialization skills, and positive behaviors," ending with "a comprehensive follow-up lesson."

Ultimate Puppy Training

The most unusual offering is a live-in puppy program: "Do you want a puppy, but feel like you do not have the time to commit to them in the beginning weeks? No problem, we can help! Leave your puppy with us for boarding to get off to a good start! This program is offered for puppies under the age of 12 weeks, and will range to 4-8 weeks." It covers socialization and exposure to "noises, dogs, people, various other animals, locations," kennel and potty training, general manners including car travel, and early grooming handling. It is listed at $5,600 for eight weeks, with the owner responsible for veterinary bills and food.

Boarding and intake rules

Overnight boarding is $45 per night, or $40 per dog in a multi-dog household, in a temperature-controlled house with supervised access to a fenced yard. The rules are published: "Pets are required to be crate trained," food must be pre-packaged, and "No human aggressive dogs are permitted unless given permission after training."

The trainer

The about page is signed by Sam, who writes: "I founded Canine Connections Dog Training with my huge passion for dog training that started with my own reactive dog, Bailey. With Bailey, I was exposed to many different training styles, and has had the pleasure of learning and working with various trainers." She says she currently "dabbles in multiple sports" with her own mixed breed, Belgian Tervuren and German Shepherd.