About Us

With a sense of fun and attention, we provide exceptional canine care that benefits all dogs that come in to our facility. Every member of the Dog Den team, regardless of their position, touches and impacts the dogs that come in to our care for daycare or training. Quality Dog Care and training are the most important messages of all.

Laura Schorrak – Dog Den Manager
Laura has been with the Dog Den since we opened our doggie doors in 2004 - and she wears more hats that we can count! A scientist, graduating from the UW Madison in her "former life", Laura brings with her years of experience working with all different breeds and personalities of dogs. You have probably seen her smiling face in the morning, greeting your pup as you walk in the door.

Laura is owned by two Chocolate Labradors, Kelly & Kutter. Her love for the dogs comes out with every one that comes in contact with her. She not only keeps the day-to-day activities running smoothly, she keeps the dogs happy and well-loved!

Ryan Blum – Assistant Daycare Manager, Assistant Trainer
Ryan has been with us since September 2006 - You have probably seen him playing with your dog! A love for dogs is not something Ryan lacks - If you bring your dog to our daycare I'm sure he's experienced the love and laughter Ryan shows the dogs each day!

Chelsea Mentink – Canine Contentment Coordinator, Assistant Trainer
We are so lucky to have Chelsea taking care of our dogs! She knows the dogs better than anyone - Even some of our dog owners! She can tell if there is something wrong or different with your dog in an instant. She is just a natural at handling the playgroups of dogs... Chelsea has been with us since April of 2007 and we are so lucky to have her!

Jennifer Peterson – Trainer, Playgroup Leader
Jeni has been playing with dogs at the Dog Den since August 2008. She really excels in dog training and has recently become one of our trainers! You can't beat the enthusiam and energy that Jeni brings to her classes or playgroups!

Nate Turner – Playgroup Leader, Assistant Trainer
Nate has been with us since July 2008. You may not always see Nate because he usually preoccupied with the dog that he is playing with! Not only is Nate wonderful with the dogs, he is the hardest worker ever! Nate is multi-talented - You've probably seen his work in the photos he's taken of our dogs!

He is a fantastic photographer... Here, see for yourself!
Nate Turner Photography

AJ Sappey – Playgroup Leader, Assistant Trainer
Dogs and people alike all love AJ! We were lucky enough to have AJ start with us in July 2008. She is fantastic! All of our dogs adore AJ! She has such great energy all of the dogs get so excited to see her when she walks in the door. She treats them all like her little furry children!

Ashley Wendel – Playgroup Leader, Trainer
Majoring in Conservation at the UW Madison, Ashley started with us in November 2008. She has learned and grown so much since she's been with us! Not only has she has become an important part of our daycare, she has also developed into a wonderful training assistant! We are really lucky to have Ashley and can't wait to see what she teaches us next!

Judy Henke – Trainer
Judy brings 20+ years of dog training knowledge to our Dog Den Classes - And we couldn't be more thrilled! She started with us when we opened in 2004 and we are lucky to have her with us still!
Even though she has been teaching class for years she treats every class and every student with enthusiasm and new ideas.

Amy Arzamendi – Trainer
Amy has been working with us since we opened in 2004. She has 3 large dogs and 2 small children so she pretty much knows how to handle it all! Amy has been training dogs for over 10 years, and we couldn't be more greatful that she brings her knowledge to help the students in our classes! In addition to being a busy Mom and dog trainer,

Amy is also the publisher of two great Madison references:
Madison Area Pet Owners Guide and Madison Area Parents Guide

Gail Cartter – Trainer
Gail started with us when we opened in 2004. She brings 20 years of dog training experience. She has worked with 100's of different breeds from puppy classes to Tracking and Rally! We love having Gail as a reference, she always has an experience to relate to!

Kourtney Frank – Trainer, Behavior Consultant
Kourtney started with us in October, 2008 and quickly impressed us with her natural training ability with dogs! She works during the week at a the UW Vet School and then brings her big smile and happy personality to the students in our classes and Saturday playgroups. We are very lucky our paths crossed and we get to have Kourtney teaching our classes!

Clare Grinnan - Playgroup Leader, Assistant Trainer in Training
Clare started with us in June of 2010, where she brings experience from working at a dog daycare in St. Paul, MN.  She has a beagle/lab mix named Clodagh or "Clobear."  They are inseparable.  Her love for dogs has been unavoidable and she has volunteered for the humane society in the past.  Dogs have always been a part of her life and she loves learning their different personalities.  Dogs are people too!  She hopes to attend MATC and is looking forward to spending more time with your dogs.

Jen Virnig - Assistant Trainer, Behavior Consultant
Meet Jen Virnig! Jen started working with us in July 2010. Jen has been a foster Mom for WAAGR (Wisconsin Adopt A Golden Retriever) since 2007. Before joining our team Jen had taken just about every class we have to offer at The Dog Den! She brings her valuable experience working with rescue dogs, especially the shy ones which blossom in her care. Her true passion is working with dogs and helping them to be the best family dogs they can be. We are lucky to have such a positive, dedicated person working with our dogs!