Best Paw Forward Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

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BEST PAW FORWARD was voted #1 for 8 Years in a Row on the Milwaukee Alist!

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GREAT GIFT IDEA!
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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, who is a joy to share your 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!

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  Class Spotlight

Agility 1 Agility is a sport where the dog/handler team run a timed obstacle course consisting of mostly jumps, tunnels and climbing obstacles. This 8 week course is designed to introduce adult dogs (10 months of age or older) to Agility obstacles. The dogs will learn all the obstacles including the A-Frame and Weave Poles. For the timid or young dog, Agility boosts confidence. For the very confident dog, Agility teaches balances between speed and control. In all dogs, Agility enhances teamwork with the handler. The emphasis is on relationship building and having fun with your dog. Dogs must wear a harness or plain buckle or snap-release collar and must be well socialized with other dogs. It's great fun...come join us! Basic Manners is a prerequisite. Class size is limited to 5 dogs! This is not a class for reactive dogs (barking and lunging on leash). NEW CLASS BEGINS Tuesday, August 12th at 7:40pm in the Hartland location. 1 SPOT LEFT!

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Focus & Control SQUIRREL! BIKE! DOG! JOGGER! Many dogs today are easily and quickly aroused and distracted by the movements of our daily life. Such as when they come across other dogs, people, squirrels, etc. It has been said that a dog with self-control is a free dog. Freedom for dogs has everything to do with impulse control and little to do with whether they can heel or shake their paw. This class will change how your dog thinks about these triggers by using scientifically proven methods that will have your dog looking to you instead! Maybe your dog "blows you off" when you call them, ignores you when you want a simple Sit and Stay or is otherwise "selective" when listening to you. We use all positive techniques (dogs find them FUN) and NO force. This 6-week class is like no other you have taken - we are shaping behavior, NOT teaching manners. You will have your dog working off-leash (in a very safe manner), as they learn that being with you is the GREATEST! Impulse control, being calm and relaxed and working around distractions are all on the menu. This class is designed for dogs that lack impulse control. We work at modifying behavior so they want to make a better choice rather than lunging, barking or growling toward other dogs or people. Class size is kept small, so you get the attention you need. This class is designed to improve focus and impulse control. It is not a reactive dog class. Do NOT bring your dog to the first class (humans only for the first class!) Class size is limited to 5! You must call first to register for this class. NEW CLASS BEGINS Monday, August 18th at 6:15pm in our Pewaukee location. (skip 9/1)

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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; grooming/veterinary procedures like brushing, nail trims, ear cleaning, injections and exams.This class is not for reactive dogs. Dogs must be okay around other dogs. NEW CLASS BEGINS Wednesday, August 20th at 7:40pm in our Hartland location.

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Rocket Recall Having a solid recall can literally save your dog's life! Imagine calling your dog to come and not being frustrated... because they actually came back to you! As with all training, recall is about putting a routine into your daily life in which your dog enjoys taking part. In this class you will work on skills used to build a solid rocket recall. This may only be a 4 week class but it will give you skills that will last your dog’s lifetime, if you continue to practice....and keep it FUN! Basic Manners class started you down the right path; this class will continue to build on what you have learned and give you new insight and techniques..This class is not for reactive dogs. Dogs must be okay around other dogs. NEW CLASS BEGINS Thursday, August 28th at 7:40pm in our Hartland location.

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Here is a listing of our classes:
Our Manners Classes include: Puppy KindergartenBasic Manners • Level 2 Manners
Our Dog Sport Classes include: Puppy AgilityAgility 1Agility PlusAgility 2
Agility/Rally Combo 1Agility/Rally Combo 2Rally 1Rally 2Flyball 1Flyball 2
Our Specialty Classes include: Focus and ControlShy DogCanine Good Citizen
Therapy Dog Everyday EssentialsBuilding A Rocket RecallOutdoor Adventures

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 also offer private one-on-one sessions for working on specific behavioral concerns. Please call for more information.

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.


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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 23rd year in the dog training business. We were recognized as a Neighborhood Favorite on Next Door for 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. 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.