About | taproot

What We're About:

We are proud to abide by nationally recognized training standards: Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA). Taproot was started to help meet the modern & realistic needs of dogs and their humans in the Madison area. These realities include limited resources including time and finances. We believe in PARTNERING with clients & focusing on the strengths they possess and delivering training that is efficient and cost-effective. And, we believe in PARTNERING with other animal & dog-related businesses.

About the Owner:

Laura is a nationally Certified Professional Dog Trainer. A native of Pennsylvania, Laura earned a B.A. in Sociology in Philadelphia &

an M.A. in Student Affairs in Higher Education. After working for 3 years at the University of California Santa Barbara and then the

University of Wisconsin-Madison for 11 years, Laura opened Madison's first dog daycare and boarding business focusing on

smaller dogs and cats. North Paw is the teaching site and home for Taproot Dog Training's classes.

Laura is the pet parent of Timbre (9lb Terrier/Chihuahua mix), Jeta (3lb Yorkie Terrier), and 3 former foster kittens-now

forever cats: Tilly Riser Squirrel, seeing impaired Badu Riser, and Blazer the Destroyer. Laura's personal interests include

animal husbandry and being a foster parent for neonatal kittens through the Dane County Humane Society (received Foster

Parent of the Year Award in 2016) and the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin. Laura has completed the Substance-

Abuse Certificate Program and Servant Leadership Program at UW-Madison and highly values the learning process.

Miranda, Volunteer Junior Trainer

Laura, Tia & Libby, Junior Trainers

Mounds Dog Fest with Tia & Caleb

Miranda, Volunteer Junior Trainer

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Partner Trainers & Volunteers

Taproot collaborates with experienced trainers in the local Madison area. With a focus on building partnerships across resources, some of Taproot's Partner Trainers work with other dog training businesses & organizations, while others are private consultants. Everyone in Taproot's Partner Trainer network is committed to helping clients and their dogs build positive, effective relationships.

Taproot welcomes volunteers to help at events. We value our volunteer network and appreciate when humans want to learn more about training. Parents need to give permission for children to volunteer.