If I could give more than 5 stars I would. I owe the relationship I have with my dog Opus to The Dog Den and staff. Their training, enrichment, forward thinking classes and encouragement when I work with Opus-I can't thank them enough. Without them I don't think Opus or I would be living our best life together. read more

Our dogs [Finn & Bear - big Yellow Labs] love the Dog Den. Their approach to training and working with our dogs is top of the line. We first encountered them when we took Finn [6 yo] to a class for Reactive Dogs. We chose this class because our Labs are over the top crazy friendly when meeting people. We met Deb Crawley. Deb applies the Dog Den principles to everything she does - Calm, Non-reactive, rational, and sensible with lots of love. We applied what we learned in class to both dogs and walking them is now so enjoyable. We recently did a one-on-one session with Deb at our home because we wanted to work on some calming behaviors when someone entered our home. We met with Deb in early November and have been applying her methods and advice for the past 6 weeks -- and are seeing great results!! The boys are still crazy Labs but they now 'pause' and consider what we are asking of them when we have someone else in the home. Thank you Deb Crawley. We're going to keep working on this!! Bernadette, John, Finn & Bear read more

The Dog Den - Finn & Bear. Bear is focused on- Finn is trying to locate the Pumpkin Pie we just made. - Pet Boarding Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

My dogs absolutely LOVE The Dog Den! Keira, my Pomsky, has been going there since we got her five years ago, and is still excited to go every day while my husband and I work. All of the employees know all of the dogs by name and sight, and their pick up process is super efficient, even during COVID. My newest dog, Liam, is a rescue from a hoarding situation, and is pretty skittish with new people, so we were nervous about him going to daycare. Dog Den sent us report cards, videos, and photos of him almost EVERY day for his first two weeks to tell us how he was getting along, which we really appreciated. Not only do they often send adorable report cards on our pups, but they also take photos of every dog they have in festive accessories for each holiday, and post them on their Facebook page (I look forward to scrolling through them every holiday and have attached some photos Dog Den took to this review). Dog Den also offers great puppy training classes that we took Keira to and will soon be taking Liam too. They also have had a couple of employees watch Keira when my husband and I were out of town at a reasonable price when we couldn't find a sitter. Even when my husband and I bought a house in 2020 and Dog Den is no longer conveniently on our way to work, we continue to bring our dogs there because they have been so wonderful since we started going there five years ago. I strongly recommend Dog Den over any other doggy daycare in Madison! read more

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I love the Dog Den so far! We enrolled our teenage pup who has been experiencing her fear period in the Positively Focused class. She's been to half of the sessions now and I can already see so much improvement. Deb is an amazing trainer and she really knows about dogs. She'll bring in her dogs to demonstrate and work individually with dogs in the group class. She gives tips that can be applied to all dogs and also gives pointers that are specific to your dog. Lisa is also a great assistant in the class. My dog tends to get very riled up when there's a lot going on. Lisa is great about distracting my dog and redirecting her attention to something positive. I'll finish by saying that I have an 11 month old Scotch Collie - relatively high drive (not as high drive as Border Collies), and very in tune to her surroundings. It was nearly impossible to get her to stop barking at strangers or other dogs on our walks. She would jump so much when she would see another dog she wanted to play with. But, after these classes, she is much calmer. I'm able to get her to refocus her attention to me (though still a work in progress). Deb said she could really see my pup's improvement, and that makes me a proud mom! Thanks to the Dog Den! read more

"ArewetherewherearemyfriendsIcan'twaithurryhurryhurrylet'sgo!!!!!!" - Leo, 5 months, Old English Bulldog True story. Leo loooooves getting to go to the Dog Den for puppy class & puppy play time. I love it too because it tuckers him out for the rest of the day! Cheers to releasing the puppy energy outside our house! We signed up for Level 1 puppy class which is a six week series ($90). The class offered lots of good tips and constructive ways to work with our puppy using positive reinforcement, not punishment. I appreciated the consistency as this training style was right in line with the thinking of our super-duper vet (Dr. Shana) and with my "Perfect Puppy in Seven Days" book (also fantastic). Included in the class are free "puppy play dates" every Saturday morning from 9am-10am. (If you're not enrolled in classes you can also attend, it's only $5). Tooootttalllly worth it. There are tons of puppies there, varying in age and size (and separated accordingly). It's a much more controlled environment than a dog park and there are staff members circulating, helping point out problematic behaviors we want to nip (hahah) in the bud and encouraging play behavior that is healthy. Bonus: Leo has lost about seven baby teeth by getting to chew on other doggies legs and ears. Yippee! All in all the staff we've worked with have been knowledgeable, friendly, and supportive as we've taken steps forward and backward in our training. While the facility itself is nothing too fancy (it's pretty much a concrete warehouse) you quickly look past it to see the genuine, caring nature of the staff which is what's truly the most important thing! read more

Another happy customer at the Dog Den! Last summer when our schedules got busier for the summer, we decided to enroll our dog in day care at a different place. They told us our dog barked too much and had to be alowed to attend on day by day basis. They put us 'on call' and were informed that at any minute we could be called and we'd have to come pick her up. They never called us and even thought she almost never barked at home, we thought we just had a naughty puppy that we would have to deal with for the rest of our lives. Fast forward to this summer and WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Because of a location change we searched for a day care closer to work. We couldn't be happier! The dog den took Birdie in with open arms and renewed our loved for our dog. After the first day we got a report about how she was, and they said "No Problems What So Ever". They said right away she started playing and having fun. She didn't bark at all. On her first day, they posted a picture of her having fun on facebook and introduced her to all of facebook as their new friend. They left comments on her picture telling us they were so glad to have her there. We loved the first day experience so much that immediatly we changed her schedule there from one day a week to two. They do art projects with the dogs, send them home with cute notes that we will cherrish forever, and post pictures of them atleast once a week. They also offer a Friday Night Theme Party once a month where owners can drop their dog off from 6pm-9pm (I think). The idea here is like date night for the doggie parents. During football season they have Badger Saturdays where you can drop your dog off before the game and pick them up after the game. The dogs get a hot dog at half time! Although we haven't used these services yet, we have been so happy with daycare that we have been trying to find something to do friday night where our dog would need care just so she can go! read more

I don't know what I'd do without The Dog Den! My Dobe has been going here about twice per week since he was about 3mo old. Everyone here is great - they knew him by name right away, and they are just wonderful with him (and all the other dogs!). Being around all of the other dogs in such a great environment has been excellent socialization for him (my two other dogs won't play with him!), and he goes nuts as soon as we turn off of Fitch Hatch - his little nub starts wagging a mile-a-minute and he starts "talking" the rest of the way there. He absolutely loves it - and I love how exhausted he is when I pick him up! He usually falls asleep before we've even left the parking lot. The "little things" are such great touches, too - the report cards, the craft projects, snack time, finding out who his new buddies are...you can tell that they really love dogs! And as one of those people who treats her furry kids better than most people treat their pink kids, that's very important to me. :) When I first contacted them, I was only looking for every-once-in-awhile doggie daycare; now that he's a regular, I can't imagine what I'd do without them! :) read more

Recently attend the Shy Dog class with my 3.5 yr-old BC. Very good experience. There were 3 instructors (seemed like one main instructor with 2 "helpers"). The instructor was knowledgeable and and all of the staff were extremely friendly to the dogs and "humans." I saw good progress with my dog each week. I learned some stress signals my BC had been giving that I hadn't picked up on and now I understand what to look for. A few of the tips I had already been doing but it was good confirmation that I was on the right track. And, it's just a good opportunity to work my BC in a different environment with different dogs and people. Good to work her little BC brain! Only thing keeping me from giving 5 stars was the facility. Not the greatest shape...strong odor and it was super cold inside. But, overall, I care more about learning and giving my dog a positive experience and The Dog Den did a good job meeting those expectations. read more

Our pup likes the Dog Den. He gets so excited when we pull up, but honestly, he gets excited wherever we go. I feel confident that they take good care of my dog, and they're friendly. Sometimes it feels like they don't like our dog, which isn't the best feeling to have when leaving your pet with strangers. Yes, he sometimes demand barks, and yes, sometimes he greets you paws first. He's a puppy. Their job is to deal with all dogs, not just ones with perfect manners. Only 3 stars because they are basically booked full for like 2 months out for Tuesday-Thursday, so it makes it hard to get your dog in. read more

We have taken our dogs to both daycare and training classes at the West location. The staff are fantastic and clearly passionate about what they do. Our dogs come home exhausted and always seem excited to be dropped off. Daycare days are a little on the pricey side, but it's totally worth it! read more

I love the dog den! My bambina Roo loves meeting new and old friends every time she goes to day care! From the moment I posted on their Facebook, the staff at the dog den have been nothing but accommodating! I don't mind driving the half hour so roo can get the attention and love from the staff as well as the playtime with all her buddies! The doggy night out events are the best! I would recommend this day care to any one with a four legged friend! ;] read more

Our dog went for over 2 years and we took courses offered by them as well. He was well known to all staff and at pick up we were always told he had a "good day". One day at daycare he got into a fight with another dog. The were short staffed at the time (they're always hiring though so we thought nothing of it) and I was called while at work told that they have a zero tolerance policy on dog fights and he was permanently kicked out with no opportunity for redemption even though it was a first offense and he was defending himself. Two staff members texted me privately and told me they disagreed with the decision but had no control it since they weren't directly involved and apologized. I also found out they frequently kenneled the dogs during the day in the morning and at lunch which was probably why my dog wasn't always tired when I brought him home. I guess I was paying hundreds of dollars for him to be kenneled and not supervised appropriately. I felt like I had made a huge mistake with my dog's safety and felt mislead by management. read more

I adopted a Puggle 2 years ago. I immediately signed him up for training classes at The Dog Den. While not everything that we learned stuck (through no fault of The Dog Den) everyone there was very caring. About a year later I took him back for daycare, and Cooper LOVED it. He attended 2 days a week, and they always worked with me to accommodate my schedule and get him in last minute when needed. Cooper always came home happy and exhausted, it doesn't get any better than that! I have recently moved out of state and can't find a day care as awesome as The Dog Den. read more

I went to The Dog Den today with my sweet foster dog who gets too excited when he sees other dogs on walks. The trainer I worked with, Debbie, was great. She asked the right questions and assessed my needs and the dog's needs. I left feeling more confident and able to help my wonderful foster dog. :-) She obviously had previous experience with my foster's issue and gave me some great, positive, training tips (and even a tip for me on how to stay relaxed when we see another dog on walks)! Thanks, Dog Den! read more

We've been going to the Den for almost a year now. My puppy, ok he's 160 lbs, but still a puppy, loves it there. Everyone there genuinely cares about all the dogs! We've also attended numerous training classes - where I learn as much as my puppy! I've grateful for the peace of mind, knowing my dog is well cared for and having a great time!!!! read more

The Dog Den - Just chillin at The Dog Den! - Pet Boarding Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

The Dog Den staff has been fabulous, and extremely supportive of my shy DCHS foster dog. They explained their process of introducing new dogs, which left me reassured Max would be safe and supervised. The first day we showed up, I watched about 10 dogs and owners arrive for day care. Wow! What an energetic bunch ! Which also told me the Dog Den staff know their stuff, to successfully manage these groups day in and day out. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable regarding canine behavior, body language and training techniques. read more

Outstanding people and services for pooches. I have used the southcentral location for training and daycare over 5 years for my dogs. They are great communicators with me, and the dogs seem very well cared for and are usually soooooo tired for days. The pooches get lots of social experiences and are better dogs for it. Thank you to The Dog Den team! read more

I was very excited by the positive reviews with this daycare, and as I am looking for a place for my very dog loving puppy to go and socialize it seemed perfect! I put in a request and got one response about another step to take, but then emailed several times and called the business inquiring about taking this next step and still have not heard anything back from anyone. It has been over 2 weeks. Very disappointed with the lack of communication and ability to take advantage of this community. read more

This review is for the new Eastside location. Dog Den recently purchased the old Doghaus off Stoughton Road. In the few weeks they have been running it I have seen a definite decrease in the quality of care. They also arbitrarily stopped providing the boarding services and jacked up their prices. My dog was also attacked by another dog there yesterday. As soon as my package (held over from Doghaus days) is complete I will be taking my dog to Spa Woof instead. read more

If it was more convenient, I would definitely take my dog there for day care; however, I was extremely pleased with their training services. I enrolled my dog in a private lesson followed by a group lesson after getting in trouble at my current day care b/c my dog lunged at another dog (no harm was done, just an uncomfortable interaction) I was patronized by the owners as they suggested more training. I knew I couldn't work with them so I called the Dog Haus, where I use to be a regular (B4 I moved), and received the Dog Den's #. I left feeling much more confident about myself and my dog. They are friendly, kind and respectful. I would recommend their training program without hesitation. read more

these guys also offer obedience and leash classes. we're enrolled in the obedience class now, and they've definitely taught us some helpful things. our little (big!) frannie is a total spaz, but they're so patient with her, it's great. it's nice to know that there's a place to take your less-than-perfectly-behaved dog and be treated with kindness, understanding and patience. i wish they did boarding too! read more

We've been taking our boxer to the Dog Den for two years for classes, day care, and play days. He loves this place and the staff. The number of dogs can be a bit chaotic; however, the staff is engaged and does a good job of separating large and small, young and old, etc... by rotating the groups from inside to out and between separate inside zones. We only wished they offered a formal over night program. read more

We have a new puppy and have enrolled in three puppy classes. The first location we attended was ok, but I wasn't thrilled. We decided to try another place that was recommended by some friends. The second location was SO much better than the first that I was content to continue taking classes there. After receiving glowing reviews from family and other friends, we decided to try the Dog Den instead; after all, it couldn't hurt, right? WOW! We stepped into a world where the instructors don't just want to instruct you, but rather want to get to know your dog...and you! They have spent a tremendous amount of their time talking with us both in and out of class about our dog, what we are doing right, answering questions, etc. I feel as though they are working WITH me rather than telling me what to do. It is a wonderful feeling to know your dog is appreciated for the unique, loving little guy he is and that you have a support system to give you encouragement and feedback whenever you need it. Oh! And did I mention they include weekly playtime for FREE when you're enrolled in a class? read more

We had just recently adopted our pup (well, he's 6 but still a puppy to us) from the Humane Society and he needed training pronto. He's super shy but the most loving, non-agressive thing ever. We asked around and researched local dog training classes and landed on the Dog Den based on their use of positive only techniques. We quickly enrolled our pup in two classes (Shy Dog and Rescue U) at the recommendation of their Training Coordinator, Kourtney. The first class is almost over and we have noticed a huge improvement in both his socialization and training skills. The class instructor, Steph, is amazing! She has such great energy and is always enthusiastic -- she takes time to answer questions and email. She knows each dog by name and remembers everything about them. We are forever grateful for the Dog Den and their wonderful staff/faculty for their commitment. We look forward to enrolling in more classes. Thank you, Dog Den! read more