Best Paw Forward

Classes are structured in multi-week sessions (4–8 weeks) held once weekly at the same day and time. Puppy Kindergarten is a 6-week class for puppies 9–15 weeks old. Basic Manners is an 8-week course for dogs over 16 weeks. Level 2 Manners builds on Basic Manners with advanced cues and distractions. Specialty classes like Rocket Recall and Loose Leash Walking are 4-week focused programs. Dog sport classes include progressive levels of Agility, Rally, and Flyball. All classes require pre-registration and have prerequisites for advancement. Humans attend the first class without dogs. Lesson plans and videos are emailed after each session.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not explicitly listed on the website; classes are offered in multi-week sessions (4–8 weeks) with limited enrollment. Prices subject to change. Private sessions available upon request. Gift certificates available for any class.

Policies

Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. If a class is cancelled due to bad weather, customers are directed to check Waukesha County/Businesses for updates. No refunds or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated, but class sessions run consecutively on the same day and time each week. First class is humans-only; if unable to attend, a YouTube video is provided.

Best Paw Forward is a dog training business based in Southeastern Wisconsin that offers positive reinforcement, reward-based training classes for dogs of all ages and skill levels. They specialize in force-free, fear-free methods that build trust and cooperation between dogs and their owners using praise, treats, toys, and life rewards. Their curriculum includes Puppy Kindergarten for puppies 9–15 weeks old, Basic Manners for dogs over 16 weeks, Level 2 Manners for advanced obedience, and specialty classes like Rocket Recall, Loose Leash Walking, Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog, Agility, Rally, and Flyball. Classes are held in a safe, clean, and fun environment at two locations—Hartland and Pewaukee—with small class sizes and hands-on instructor support. They also offer private one-on-one sessions for specific behavioral concerns. Their training philosophy emphasizes scientific learning theory and making training enjoyable for both dogs and owners.

They are a highly recognized business, voted #1 for Best Dog Training on the Milwaukee A-List for 8 consecutive years and named a Neighborhood Favorite on Next Door for five years in a row. They have also won First Place in the Pet Training category of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Top Choice Awards. All classes require pre-registration, and humans attend the first class without dogs to learn the foundational concepts.

Gift certificates are available for any class, and they provide emailed lesson plans with video demonstrations after each session to support at-home practice.

Accomplishments

Voted #1 for Best Dog Training on the Milwaukee A-List for 8 consecutive years. Named a Neighborhood Favorite on Next Door for 2021–2025. First Place winner in Pet Training category of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Top Choice Awards (2016 and 2025). In business for 23 years.

How to Get Started!

Visit the website to view upcoming class dates and locations. Pre-register online to reserve a spot. Attend the first class without your dog—humans only. After registration, you will receive an email with lesson plans and video demonstrations to support weekly practice.