Paws Together | Positive dog training in Madison, WI

Relationship-centered,

positive dog training

in Madison, WI

Real support for real-life challenges, tailored for what you need, grounded in science, kindness and empathy.

Life skills and manners

Loose-leash walking
Polite greetings
Coming when called

Behavior challenges

Leash reactivity
Fear-based behaviors
Low-stress vet visits and grooming

Puppies

Potty training
Healthy puppy socialization
Nipping, biting and jumping

Let's start!

"I could not be more thankful for our trainer's positive attitude and non-judgmental approach to training. It helped me look at some of the behaviors we struggled with from a fresh perspective."

—Taylor (Timmy’s mom)
"Elissa is an incredible person to work with. She found ways to help reduce and redirect our dog's overly excited greeting behavior that both we and our dog found fun to practice! Who said an old dog can’t learn new tricks! Could not recommend her enough!"

—Sydney (Monty’s mom)
"Elissa was so helpful and thoughtful in her suggestions and work with our new dog! As a new pet owner, I loved her fear-free approach and saw so much learning and growth in my dog in just a few sessions. I would recommend her to anyone."

—Rachel (Vincent’s mom)
"Elissa clearly knows a lot about dogs and the ways they learn. We came away from each session with at least one or two new skills to practice and perspective about how to practice..."

—Mason (Stella’s dad)

Services

Training & behavior session

I support you and your dog in transforming challenging behaviors into opportunities for deeper connection. My approach begins by building a foundation of clear communication between you and your dog, enabling both of you to understand each other's needs and signals. Whether you're struggling with excessive barking, basic manners, or leash reactivity, I create personalized training plans that work with your dog's personality and your lifestyle.

Reactive to Proactive

Reactive to Proactive: Toolkit for Barky-Lungey Dogs and Their People is offered as both a seminar and a group class, giving you the knowledge and practical skills to navigate challenging moments with more clarity and confidence. Together, we focus on building clear communication, helping you better understand your dog’s responses to triggers, and developing new patterns that support calmer, more thoughtful behavior over time.

Madison Puppy Meet Ups

Puppy play facilitated and guided by professional dog trainers. Our goal is that pet guardians leave feeling confident about dog body language, appropriate play, and when intervention may be warranted, and that puppies leave feeling happy, confident and ready for a good nap.

schedule free introductory call

Serving communities in and around Madison, WI, including:

Madison, Waunakee, Windsor, DeForest, Sun Prairie, Monona, Westport, Fitchburg, Middleton, McFarland, Cottage Grove, Verona, Stoughton, and Oregon.*

Virtual services provided anywhere with internet access.

*Not all services are offered in all towns. Please email, text or call to inquire.

A woman wearing glasses, a blue hat, a red hoodie, and yellow pants sits on a park bench next to a pond. She is smiling at a brown, long-haired dog sitting on the wooden dock, with water lilies and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Relationship based dog training

I don’t just teach commands - I help you and your dog develop a shared language. Through positive reinforcement and clear communication, training becomes natural and enjoyable for both of you.

Behavior solutions for every dog

Whether you're dealing with leash pulling, leash reactivity, excessive barking, anxiety, aggression, or basic manners, my communication-first approach helps address the root cause of behavior issues, not just the symptoms.

A woman with glasses and a blue knit hat lying on her stomach on green grass, smiling, next to a happy brown dog with black ears, also lying on the grass in a park with trees in the background.

Personalized dog training programs

Every dog-human relationship is unique. I create personalized training plans that work with your lifestyle and your dog's personality to achieve lasting behavioral improvements.

Contact me

Ready to Start Understanding Your Dog Better?

Book a free 15 minute call now!

Step 1. Get in touch

Book a time for me to call you (for free);

or send me an email

Step 2. Initial consultation

We will meet at a time and place that we decide together, often at your home or virtually. At this first meeting, we will lay the groundwork for the work we will do together. I will get to learn about you, your animal and their environment, so that I can tailor solutions specific and sustainable for you lifestyle and goals.

After our meeting, I will send you follow up notes with resources, and I’m available for questions and troubleshooting!

Step 3. Book follow up sessions, packages, or supplementary services

We will find a schedule and cadence that works to keep you accountable and making progress towards your goals.

Relationship-centered,

positive dog training

in Madison, WI

Real support for real-life challenges, tailored for what you need, grounded in science, kindness and empathy.

"I could not be more thankful for our trainer's positive attitude and non-judgmental approach to training. It helped me look at some of the behaviors we struggled with from a fresh perspective."

"Elissa is an incredible person to work with. She found ways to help reduce and redirect our dog's overly excited greeting behavior that both we and our dog found fun to practice! Who said an old dog can’t learn new tricks! Could not recommend her enough!"

"Elissa was so helpful and thoughtful in her suggestions and work with our new dog! As a new pet owner, I loved her fear-free approach and saw so much learning and growth in my dog in just a few sessions. I would recommend her to anyone."

"Elissa clearly knows a lot about dogs and the ways they learn. We came away from each session with at least one or two new skills to practice and perspective about how to practice..."