Professional Dog Training in Monona, WI

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We'll Transform Your Dog

If you are a dog owner looking for expert training in Monona, WI, look no further than Sit Means Sit! Our dog training services will transform your naughty puppy or difficult adult dog into a different dog, one that you can trust to always listen and obey. Our goal is to make the training experience fun for the entire family, including your furry companion, by tailoring a focused obedience plan for your dog and their specific training needs. Our dog trainers have the expertise to start puppies on the right towards good manners or help dog owners struggling with certain aggression or reactive behaviors. Your dog will finish their obedience training well-behaved and happy and you will have confidence to take them on any fun adventure!

For more information and to start your training journey, contact us to learn more about our dog training programs!

Should I Work with a Professional Trainer?

A skilled trainer and a good training program are the key to your dog getting the positive experiences they need to be a happy, confident, and obedient dog that you can trust to obey in any situation. Our dog trainers have trained dogs for years and have the expertise to work with your dog to behave in your family home or out in public places. We will customize a dog training program specifically for your dog, whether they jump on people, struggle with potty training or leash manners, or display serious behaviors like biting or aggression.

With a variety of training classes to choose from, joining the Sit Means Sit family will be the best decision you make, no matter your dog’s age or training experience. Our trainers love taking the time to help pet owners develop the skills to handle their dogs at home or walking in public places. Call us today and talk to our team and find the right dog training program for you!

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About Sit Means Sit Dog Training

Dog Owners Reviews

We love customers and their dogs. They love us.

Training that Works

We said YES! .. To keeping the dog. Our family acquired a high energy Australian shepherd into our already crazy home with two toddlers. We felt overwhelmed and defeated with the puppy’s resource guarding and reactivity issues when we brought him home. We were on the verge of rehoming him but sit means sit went…

Mati N.

I can only say wonderful things about Mike and his team at Sit Means Sit. Everyone is so helpful and works as a team together and with their clients. If I ever have a question or problem with my animals they give me lots of advice and tools to resolve an issue. I go twice…

Harless L.

I took my German Shepherd, Roc, to Sit Means Sit for help with decreasing his aggressiveness and some additional clean-up work with obedience. I am extremely satisfied with the support and work that Mike and the rest of the team put in to make our experience a positive and successful one. Roc is a lot…

Paige D.

This place is amazing! I have a 1 1/2 year old shepherd who was reactive to basically everything that moved. I had tried two other training companies in the area without seeing any progress before coming to sit, and it was the best decision I could have made! I did the 2 week immersion program…

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Have a question? Want to schedule an appointment? Fill out the form, give us a call, or shoot us an email and we will be in touch.

Dog Training Classes We Offer

Any Dog Any Age Any Problem

We want to make dog training an enjoyable experience for dog owners and their furry friends, so we offer a variety of different programs! Check out our list of training classes, or call us to determine the best fit for you and your dog:

Private Lessons

Our privates are the perfect option for dog owners who want to be directly involved in the best dog training experience. An expert trainer works side-by-side with you, sharing their dog training knowledge to help your dog be successful in their obedience and socialization. Our professional trainers have trained dogs for years and can help a new local rescue dog that likes counter surfing or even tackle more severe behavior issues like reactivity.

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Day & Train

Unlike your typical dog daycare, our day and train programs offer pet parents a place to drop off their pups for a full day of dog training and even socializing around other dogs! We will customize your dog’s training program based on your training needs, including new puppies learning basic skills, a dog learning leash manners, or a pup that barks. Let us know what obedience skills and positive experiences your dog needs and pick up a happy, well-trained dog after their day and train program.

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Group Classes

In group classes, you will join other dogs and their owners to make sure your dog training stays sharp in any situation or new environments. You will practice your dog’s obedience and impulse control while learning advanced skills with the help of one of our professional trainers. What a fun way for the whole family to perfect their dog’s training skills and give you the confidence to take your dog to your favorite dog-friendly brewery afterward!

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Bite Prevention/Lunch and Learn

Most of the time working with dogs is fun, but owners and employees of local businesses need to be prepared when things go wrong. Taught by our expert trainers, bite prevention class teaches people how to read dog language and to prevent dog bites, or what to do if a situation does get out of control.

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Puppy Training

Bringing home a new puppy is so exciting and fun! However, while puppy loves is the best, remember to start training and reinforcing good behaviors right away. Get started by joining our 6-week AKC Star Puppy training program. Once a week, bring your puppy and begin to build obedience foundations and socialization with other dogs in group classes with professional dog trainers. You and your family can join us for private training classes if you need extra training help. Teach your puppy the right way to do things from the beginning so they grow up to be the best dog!

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Transformation University

Going out of town but do not want your pup to pick up bad habits at a traditional boarding facility? Transformation University is a 14-day board-and-stay training program that offers a complete immersive training experience for your dog while you enjoy your vacation. Let us know what skills your dog needs and our trainers will work full days training!

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Dog Trainers & Staff

Professional trainers. Attentive friendly staff.

Mike Wheeling on Dock With Dogs
Mike WheelerOwner

Meet Mike – A Passionate Dog Trainer Committed to Transforming Lives
Mike and his wife, Paige, are the proud owners of Sit Means Sit. His journey with dogs began long before he entered the professional training world—he’s always shared a special connection with canines and had a natural talent for working with them, even as a child.

Before dedicating his career to dog training, Mike served in the Army for five years. After his service, he discovered his passion for helping friends and family with their dogs, consistently achieving life-changing results. This passion led him to establish Cen-Tex K9 Academy in 2004 in Temple, Texas. From 2005 to 2009, Mike owned and operated the Dog Psychology Center of Central Texas, where he worked alongside countless dogs, helping them become well-mannered, confident, and valued members of their families.

As his expertise grew, he joined the Sit Means Sit franchise to be part of a community committed to advancing canine training techniques. Over the years, he has attended numerous seminars on obedience and police K9 training and has been involved in protection work, dog training, dock diving, detection, barn hunt, and more. He has also contributed to therapy and service dog training, including helping the United States Tennis Association develop a program that allows service dogs to be integrated into the game.

As a certified Pet Tech CPR and First Aid Instructor and a proud member of Go Team Therapy Dogs alongside his loyal companion, Gauge, Mike is committed to the well-being of every dog he trains. His mission is simple: to help dogs and their owners build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.

When he’s not training, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, kayaking, grilling, and traveling—always with a four-legged friend by his side.

Dog trainer in blue shirt with two dogs
Paige WheelerCo-Owner

Meet Paige – A Dedicated Dog Trainer Helping Pets and Their People Thrive
Paige’s love for dogs started early—growing up with canine companions, she quickly developed a deep passion for animals. Her first job as a neighborhood pet sitter and dog walker solidified her desire to help pets and their families.

In 2015, Paige earned her Bachelor’s degree in Finance from UW-La Crosse. Soon after moving back home, she welcomed her first puppy of her own—a ten-week-old Shepherd/Lab/Husky mix named Nitro. As Nitro grew, he developed anxiety and reactivity, leading Paige on a journey to better understand dog behavior. That path eventually brought her to Sit Means Sit, where she met Mike. The two connected through their shared passion for dogs and married in 2019.

Since joining Sit Means Sit, Paige has dedicated herself to helping dogs and their owners build stronger, more connected relationships—just as she did with Nitro. She is a certified Pet Tech CPR and First Aid instructor, a certified trainer through Sit Means Sit, and a proud member of the Go Team Therapy Dog team. Over the years, she has attended numerous training seminars and events, continuously expanding her knowledge. Paige also enjoys competing with her own dogs in sports like dock diving, barn hunt, and PSA.

When she’s not working with dogs, Paige loves traveling, spending time with family and friends, and making memories with her own beloved pets.

A woman standing on the grass with a black dog between her legs smiling for a photo with a tree in the background
Brenna ForrestLead Trainer

Meet Brenna: Turning Unruly Pups into Well-Mannered Companions with Patience, Passion, and Proven Training Methods!

Brenna has been surrounded by dogs her entire life, always sharing her home with at least two furry companions of all shapes and sizes. Growing up with a variety of breeds gave her a deep appreciation for dogs and their unique personalities. She couldn’t imagine life without a four-legged best friend by her side. Before heading off to college, her family adopted Daisy, a Lab/Terrier mix, and when Brenna moved into her first apartment, there was no question—Daisy came with her.

Before stepping into the world of dog training, Brenna worked in the hospitality industry as a Hostess, Server, and Bartender. Her ability to connect with people and her natural patience made the transition to dog training seamless. In 2021, she joined the Sit Means Sit team, quickly proving her dedication and skill. By 2023, she had worked her way up to Manager, and today, she proudly serves as Training Manager.

Brenna’s love for both people and animals shines through in every training session. She has a relaxed, easygoing approach that helps both dogs and their owners feel comfortable and confident. Whether she’s coaching a nervous pet parent or helping a dog master new skills, her goal is always the same—to create stronger, happier relationships between dogs and their humans.

When she’s not training, you can find Brenna exploring the outdoors—kayaking, camping, hiking—or just enjoying a laid-back night in with friends, Netflix, and, of course, Daisy by her side.

A man kneeling on the floor with two dogs smiling for a picture with a house door in the background
Josh FitzgeraldTrainer

Meet Josh From Training People to Training Pups:

Josh Fitzgerald knows a thing or two about training—but before he worked with dogs, he spent years helping people master new skills. An Eagle Scout with a passion for leadership and problem-solving, Josh has always been drawn to teaching and helping others succeed.

In 2018, he and his wife welcomed their first pet together, Kida, followed soon by Zuko. Both went through the Sit Means Sit program as clients, sparking Josh’s passion for dog training. In 2023, he officially joined the team, combining his coaching expertise with his love for dogs to help owners build better relationships with their pups.

When he’s not working with canines, you’ll find Josh experimenting with bold and unusual recipes in the kitchen or immersed in a tabletop gaming adventure.

Service Areas

We proudly serve the following areas in Madison.

Cities

  • Edgerton
  • Fitchburg
  • Middleton
  • Monona
  • Stoughton
  • Sun Prairie
  • Verona
  • Belleville
  • Cross Plains
  • Dane
  • Deerfield
  • DeForest
  • Maple Bluff
  • Marshall
  • Mazomanie
  • McFarland
  • Mount Horeb
  • Oregon
  • Rockdale
  • Shorewood Hills
  • Waunakee

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Sit Means Sit has 157 locations across the US and Canada.

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Dog Training Videos

Check out a few videos to see our dog trainers at work!

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