Professional Dog Training in Verona, WI

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We'll Transform Your Dog

The dog training services we provide at Sit Means Sit, Wisconsin, are designed to bring the best out of your dog. Whatever you’re looking for, whether that’s a puppy training program or help with practical skills, we’re here to meet the needs of both you and your dog.

We choose to dial in on obedience training because that’s what really transforms a dog into the furry companion of a lifetime. Our training facility and team of professional trainers are all equipped to make your dog’s training experience a positive one that will result in a dog who listens, is trustworthy, and who loves without restraint.

 

Should I Work with a Professional Dog Trainer?

It is always a smart idea to work with a professional dog trainer for all your training needs. Every member of our staff is highly trained and caring about your pup as an individual. These professionals know what it takes to get your dog to behave in any setting, and they know how to make the training endure. It could be that your struggle is how your dog behaves when you have company at the house; maybe it’s leash or potty training, or maybe it’s something more serious like biting or aggression. Whatever it is, we’re here to take the burden off your shoulders and help your dog find the best version of themself.

At Sit Means Sit, we’ve done our best to ensure that we have options that work for everybody. No matter your life situation, one of our programs is sure to fit into your schedule, so pick what’s right for you and your dog. Contact us today so that we can set up a consultation to answer all your questions. We are ready to help you find the right fit!

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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 Obedience Classes We Offer

Any Dog Any Age Any Problem

We offer several different courses so that everybody can find the perfect fit for their training journey. Some dogs need just a little help with basic skills, while some need an intensive training retreat. Here are more details on what we offer:

Private Lessons

This is the best option for those owners who want to be very involved with their dog’s training. We are here to help with your individual needs in any setting you think is necessary. As a couple of examples, we could go out in public and work on barking or pulling on the leash, or we could stay in and work on manners.

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Day & Train

This program works for almost everyone. It’s designed to be accessible and efficient. It works around work and school schedules by allowing for morning dropoff and evening pickup. We teach leash manners, behaviors for public settings, obedience (of course), and much more. Your dog will have the chance to meet other dogs and build a foundation of socialization.

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Group Classes

Group classes are for dogs who need a little reinforcement, some new skills to work on, or for dogs or owners who want a little socialization. This is a great way to meet other dog owners in your stage of life and find support in a safe environment.

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Bite Prevention/Lunch and Learn

This is a program we offer for those interested in learning how to reduce the risk of getting bit and how to work with canines in general. We also teach what to do after a dog does bite.

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Puppy Training

Puppies are a joy for everyone, but they also need some instruction in order to thrive. Get your pup started off on the right paw by signing them up for our AKC star puppy class, which meets once a week for six weeks. We work on barking, taking walks, potty training, manners, and much more. All the essential skills are covered in this class, which means your puppy will leave as a well-adjusted individual who’s ready to take on the world.

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Transformation University

Transformation University is for dogs who need a fully immersive training experience. This is a two-week board and train program that will ensure your dog has all the skills they need while you’re out of town.

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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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