Onward Bound Incredible Dog Training and Grooming

Onward Bound offers multiple training pathways: group classes for basic obedience and advanced manners (held weekly), private lessons for personalized attention, day training (Canine Academy) where dogs are trained 5 days a week with owner coaching, and immersive board and train programs where dogs live with trainers and learn in real-life environments. Puppy kindergarten focuses on socialization for dogs 8–16 weeks old. All programs include follow-up coaching and access to a custom training app. The day school has a maximum 5:1 dog-to-trainer ratio and includes group classes and private instruction. Graduates may enroll in a graduate program for continued support and boarding.

Pricing Summary

Group classes start at $100 for four weeks (puppy kindergarten) and $140 for basic manners. Private lessons and day training programs are available with pricing provided upon consultation. Board and train programs are customized based on duration and needs. No public pricing listed for board and train or day school; clients are encouraged to book a free phone consult for details.

Onward Bound Incredible Dog Training and Grooming is a full-service dog training and grooming business located in Hartford, Wisconsin, serving Washington County and surrounding areas. They offer a range of training options including private lessons, group classes, day training (dog day school), and board and train programs designed to help dog owners build well-behaved, confident companions. Their training philosophy emphasizes positive reinforcement, fun, and customization, with trainers who focus on helping dogs learn through understanding rather than force. They specialize in addressing challenging behaviors such as leash reactivity, fear, aggression, separation anxiety, and puppy issues. In addition to training, they provide professional dog grooming services and a unique app that delivers personalized training updates and homework to clients. Their team includes certified trainers with over 20 years of combined experience, and they are one of the only fully dedicated dog training schools in the area with a low 5:1 dog-to-trainer ratio in their day school program.

Their day school and board and train programs immerse dogs in a structured, behavior-focused environment where they learn manners and skills before returning home with owner coaching to ensure long-term success. They also offer specialized programs for owner-trained service dogs and puppy socialization during the critical 8–16 week window. The business is veterinarian-endorsed and committed to creating strong bonds between dogs and their families through compassionate, science-based methods.

They also provide grooming services with a focus on fear-free techniques and maintain a family-oriented, low-turnover environment where dogs feel safe and welcomed.

Accomplishments

Owner Ally Murdock has over 20 years of dog training experience and was among the first in Wisconsin to offer positive reinforcement-based board and train programs. She holds certifications from the Animal Behavior College and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants as an Accredited Dog Trainer. Head trainer Courtney Hansen is pursuing third-party credentialing and is a member of the International Association of Behavior Consultants. Groomer Briana Tesch is working toward her Fear Free Groomer certification. The business has received numerous client testimonials for transforming reactive, anxious, and poorly behaved dogs into calm, confident companions.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to book a free 20-minute phone consultation to discuss their dog’s needs and determine the best training program. After the consultation, they can register for group classes, schedule private lessons, or enroll in day school or board and train programs through the online scheduling portal.