Best Paw Forward Puts the FUN in Dog Training Classes

We offer a variety of positive reinforcement dog training classes for all dogs and handlers. What does positive mean? We reward the behaviors that we like/want. We get those behaviors by using methods that do not use fear, force or intimidation. We reward by using praise, treats, toys, etc. Trust and cooperation are the root of our relationship-based training. The result is a happy, well adjusted dog with great manners and a joy to share in life.

Many of our classes are offered at several skill levels. Whether you intend to go on to shows, trials or just want to have a great dog, we have the right fit of classes for you. Everyone learns in a fun, positive and safe atmosphere!

		Level 2 Manners Class Picks up where Basic Manners left off and concentrates on those hard to train areas. Improved manners and reliability, more emphasis on heeling and automatic sits, preparation for off-leash heeling, more attention exercises to keep your dog focused on you rather than another dog or person, proofing the recall so that it becomes automatic and reliable. All exercises take cues learned in Basic Manners and practice them at greater distances and with more distractions. Go to mat, drop on recall, fronts and finishes are also covered. Level 2 is a great way to prepare for Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog, Rally Obedience. Class size is limited. Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Manners, ability of dog to hold a 15 second stay in the presence of other dogs (not behind any barriers) with mild distractions. The date listed is the start date of the class session.Class size is limited to 6! NEW CLASS BEGINS Wednesday, November 29th at 7:40pm in our Pewaukee location. 1 SPOT LEFT!

		Everyday Essentials Is walking your dog a battle from the minute your dog’s paws hit the pavement? Do you dream of getting your dog to love being handled so nail trims and grooming can be enjoyed by both of you? Pet parents usually tend to focus more on cues like sit, down and stay, and skip teaching their dogs things that will help them to feel comfortable with common life necessities. These things can be REALLY SCARY for our pups if they have not become appropriately acclimated to them and this has not been done in advance of the event occurring. We are going to show you how to take a thoughtful and kind approach using consent and choice to introduce your dogs to different procedures so they can be comfortable going to the vet and the groomer. This class is a great complement to Puppy and Basic class. There are no prerequisites so it can be taken at any time by dogs of any age. Whether you have a puppy or a “new to you” dog, there are modules of the class that will help you navigate everyday life with your dog. We will take a deeper dive into the three biggest areas of everyday life with our dogs; walking nicely on a loose leash, nuisance behaviors such as jumping, nipping, and barking, and grooming/veterinary procedures like brushing, nail trims, ear cleaning, injections and exam. Class size is limited to 6! NEW CLASS BEGINS Wednesday, February 7th at 6:15pm in our Hartland location.

Here is a listing of our classes:
Our Manners Classes include: Puppy Kindergarten • Basic Manners • Level 2 Manners
Our Dog Sport Classes include: Puppy Agility • Agility 1 • Agility Plus • Agility 2
Agility/Rally Combo 1 • Agility/Rally Combo 2 • Rally 1 • Rally 2 • Flyball 1 • Flyball 2
Our Specialty Classes include: Focus and Control • Shy Dog • Canine Good Citizen
Therapy Dog • Everyday Essentials • Building A Rocket Recall

The date listed is the start date of class. You MUST pre-register for all classes.
All classes meet once a week on the same day and time. Prices and dates subject to
change without notice.

We service Southeastern Wisconsin and have two locations to offer you more classes at your convenience. Click here for directions to both our Hartland and our Pewaukee locations in Waukesha County.

Our Training Philosophy

Training is the most important thing you will ever do for your dog. How you approach training will forever affect the relationship between you and your dog.

We believe in positive, motivational training methods, which have been tested to show great results. We use a reward-based training approach that makes the learning experience fun for the dog and will ensure that your dog will put its "best paw forward", listening to and obeying your cues. We keep our classes fun for both dogs and owners while learning in a friendly, positive environment.

Best Paw Forward is in its 20th year in the dog training business. We were recognized as a Neighborhood Favorite on Next Door for 2021, 2022 and 2023, No. 1 for Best Dog Training on the A-List for eight years in a row and received First Place in the Pet Training category in the 2016 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Top Choice Awards - Best of Greater Milwaukee.