About Wisco Dog Training

Balanced board-and-train, stated up front

Wisco Dog Training operates from McFarland and serves the greater Madison area under the banner "Wisco Dog Training & Rehabilitation." Its philosophy page does not hedge on method: "I believe in balanced training. This approach allows me to work with all kinds of dogs; fearful, reactive, energetic and aggressive. I use different tools to help me communicate with your dog. During your dog's time with us your dog will get plenty of treats and love, but we will also use an e-collar and prong collar. Positive reinforcement is great but it's also okay to say 'NO' to your dog." Owners who want a purely reward-based program will know from that paragraph that this is not it.

The programs, with published prices

Four training programs are listed with prices, e-collar cost separate in each case. The One Week Foundational Board & Train at $1,700 covers heel-position leash walking, sit/stay, down/stay, place, thresholds and waiting for food; the page is blunt about fit – "This is not the program for dogs struggling with any sort of behavioral challenges such as reactivity, anxiety or aggression," and is for dogs over five months with no major issues. The Two Week Board & Train at $2,800 is "our most common service," adding recall and kennel manners and addressing "minor behavioral modification issues such as jumping on people, reactivity on leash, and counter surfing." The 3+ Week Behavior Modification Program at $4,200 is "designed for dogs who need a little more help figuring out how to feel about the world" and can address "Dog Reactivity, Human Reactivity, Fearfulness, State of Mind, Resource Guarding, Minor Separation Anxiety, Dominance," with a midway session and a two-hour go-home lesson. A Hybrid Board & Train at $3,000 runs three weeks Monday to Friday with weekend homework and a Friday pickup lesson each week.

Other services

Overnight boarding is listed at $70 per night, or $110 for two dogs, and is restricted – "AVAILABLE FOR PAST TRAINING CLIENTS ONLY." Virtual owner and trainer coaching is offered as question-and-answer sessions with Sara, the person the intake and coaching copy names.

What owners are told to expect

The philosophy page puts the responsibility on the handler: "Your dog needs a leader to help them navigate our crazy human world; it's your job to be the boss," and "We also can't correct a command they aren't taught first. Teach; then hold them accountable." Every board-and-train ends with a transfer session, and dogs go home with an e-collar, a long line and a prong collar or slip lead depending on the program.