About The Dog Den

Day care and a full training program under one roof

The Dog Den runs two Madison locations – Fitchburg at 1019 Jonathon Dr and East at 410 Atlas Ave – and describes itself as "locally and woman-owned," saying "we've been part of the Madison community for over 20 years." The premise on the home page: "At The Dog Den, we believe dogs learn best when they're having fun and feeling safe. That's why our award-winning daycare and training programs are built around enrichment, positive reinforcement, and relationship-centered care – all in a fear-free, supportive environment."

Training

The site's own training section splits into "About Our Dog Training," "Group Dog Training Classes," a "Fit Dog Canine Fitness Program," and "Private Lessons and Behavior Consults." The home page confirms the private track: "In addition to our daycare and group training classes, we offer private training & behavior consults in our facility or in your home!" One-on-One Training and Special Activities are also offered inside day care.

Credentials, and why they say they matter

The team page makes an argument before it makes a claim: "Dog Training (and dog care in general) is a highly unregulated field … Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, behavior consultant or pet care specialist without meeting any requirements … At The Dog Den & The Puppy Den, our trainers and behavior consultants are independently certified with years of education and experience. Most importantly, they are dedicated to minimizing fear, confusion, and pain." The certifications listed include CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, Fear Free Certified Professionals, Family Dog Mediators, PST-CI, Certified Trick Dog Instructor and CPACM/CPACP. The owner is listed on the team page only as Laura, with the letters "B.S., LFDM, PST-CI, CPACO, CPACM, CPACP, Fear Free Certified"; other named staff include a behavior consultant and private-lesson coordinator holding CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, PST-CI and CVT.

Day care and puppies

Adult Dog Daycare, Puppy Daycare, an Enrichment Program, Special Activities and Special Events make up the care side, with rates, hours, policies and an enrollment path published under "Getting Started." Puppies have their own site within the site – see The Puppy Den, a separate location at 3124 Syene Rd for puppies under six months.

Recognition

The home page reports that "The Dog Den has placed in both Madison Magazine's Best of Madison and the Madison.com People's Choice Awards," noting the category "included daycare, boarding, dog walking, waste pick-up, grooming, and more."