About Collaborative Dog Training

Private training in the client's own home

Collaborative Dog Training is based in Sun Prairie and describes itself as "Providing private, in-home dog training to the greater Madison, Wisconsin area," under the line "Better Behavior, Backed by Science." The outcomes it promises are domestic rather than competitive: stress-free walks with "no more pulling or barking," calm evenings "free from restless behavior," communication where "your dog understands your cues, and you easily read their body language," and enough trust to give a dog more freedom.

The core service

Private In-Home Training is named as "Our core training offering," consisting of "One-on-one, hour-long sessions" that "Take place in your home," with "No premade training plan – training is tailored to your dog's unique needs & your specific goals."

Two other offerings

An Enrichment Consultation is a two-hour in-home session for high-energy dogs: "We bring various puzzles, toys, and games, then work to find your dog's favorites. One visit will tire out your dog, boost calmness, and show you how to keep them engaged at home after we leave." A set of Specialized Services is "Designed with reactive dogs in mind, but open to all," covering training-focused walks, potty breaks and check-ins, and enrichment visits, for owners for whom "friends, family, or traditional walkers may not be the right fit." There is a gate on that last one: "A minimum of 3 private training sessions are required before booking. This allows us to build trust with your dog, ensuring safe & effective visits."

Getting started

The intake is published as three steps: a free phone consultation, then a free 30-minute in-person consultation "to Meet you and your dog, Understand your home environment, Gain a clear understanding of your goals and expectations" and finalize the plan, then training with adjustments as needed – "If we encounter any unforeseen challenges or hurdles along the way, we'll make adjustments to ensure we stay on track."

The trainer

The about page names Zach as "the founder and trainer at Collaborative Dog Training" and says he "holds a bachelor's degree in Biology and has hands-on experience as a research assistant in a lab focused on animal behavior. His work has been published in Ethology, an international journal of behavioral science, reflecting his commitment to evidence-based training methods." It adds that "Zach is also engaged in a professional mentorship with Tyler Muto, an accomplished trainer and instructor." The business philosophy is stated as viewing "the relationship between humans and dogs as a mutually beneficial partnership – a true collaboration between two species."