Animal Matters only uses science-based, positive reinforcement training methods. We are a force-free training facility that sets dogs up for successful decision making. We use treats, praise, and toys to reward your dog with a marker-based training style.

We strive to find ways to meet everyone's needs whether it's individualized training in private lessons, building foundation behaviors in group classes, or introducing your puppy to new sights, sounds, people, and training cues in our Puppy Immersion Program. Please set up a 15min Discovery Call to talk with our training team to best match our services to you!

Our training primarily occurs in the Animal Matter's training room attached to Tailwaggers' Doggy Daycare of De Pere. We do utilize the Tailwaggers' front lobby as well as the grassy lawns and front sidewalk just outside of the building for added distraction and exposure opportunities!

Our group classes are generally held on Wednesday or Thursday evenings. Our group class offerings can be found on our Group Classes page as our classes range from puppy & adult basics to advanced CGC levels skills to fun brewery manners. Class descriptions & offerings are listed on the Group Classes page.

For training, your dog will need to be updated on Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella. Prior to training, we will require proof of vaccinations. We do not require your dog to be spayed or neutered for training, however if your dog will be using the attached TailWaggers' services, their rules apply for daycare and boarding.

Training sessions can be done with or without the owner present. If you enjoy the convenience of day training, we'd love to sit down and establish a training plan for you and then jump into training with your dog while they are here for daycare. These sessions must be purchased in conjunction with our training packages, so owners can replicate training exercises at home.

We love working with puppies who are just beginning to explore the world, however there is something special about seeing a more mature dog have "light bulb" moments also. It's never too early or too late to start training! We can discuss management and training plans to help your dog out regardless of age.

No! Although there are convenient options for training for owners whose dogs are already enrolled in daycare, we are happy to work with any dog and human team regardless of enrollment in the attached daycare or boarding services. We recognize that a group play setting is not for every dog, and we are happy to meet your unique needs.

While we standby our training techniques and philosophies, training your dog also expands beyond what we do in our training session. All learning requires practice and consistency to see positive change & results. We set our client teams up for success to meet their goals, and if you feel we haven't achieved them, we are more than happy to help discuss solutions and adjustments. It is important to remember dogs are living beings who are always growing & learning, and they are also capable of making mistakes (just like humans!).

We love to introduce dogs to water and help them get accustomed to swimming. We provide life jackets to help your dog feel more buoyant as well as physical assistance from our pool attendant if needed.

We are not a certified therapeutic pool. If your dog has a physical impairment, talk to your vet about whether swimming is a safe option for your dog.

Rentals are available to any age dog! We do however take special precautions for puppies (8 weeks - 1 year) and senior dogs (8 years plus). Any age of dog can swim and create a positive experience with water and our pool room! We will approach the water with your dog's comfort level in mind whether it is their first time or they are a pro swimmer!

Our pool is treated with dog-safe shock which is safe for most dogs to ingest in small amounts. If your dog has allergies or sensitive skin, please contact your vet to make sure the cleaner is safe for your dog. We do offer use of a removeable shower head in the pool room to rinse off your dog after swim sessions.

Yes! You are able to be in our pool room to throw toys and cheer your dog on. Owners are not allowed in the pool, but our pool attendant will be present and in the pool for swim sessions if requested by the owner.

For pool rentals, your dog will need to be updated on Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella. Prior to swimming, we will require proof of vaccination. We do not require your dog to be spayed or neuter for pool use but caution the use of the pool while females are in heat. If looking to add swim onto your dog's day in daycare, their rules do apply.