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 - Owner
Laura received her Bachelors of Science from UW-Madison in May 2001 where she focused her studies on two forms of biology: Bacteriology and Zoology. While studying Zoology, she concentrated specifically on how animals and humans interact. Laura’s love for research and all things science, led her to begin her career in research. She worked in several different laboratories at UW-Madison doing everything from working with plants, worms, bacteria, mice and even primates. Although she always had dogs, cats, and various other animals growing up, it wasn’t until 2004 that she was able to adopt her very first dog on her own. Kelly, a chocolate lab, came with a variety of problems ranging from little training and manners to several health issues. It was because of Kelly, Laura began to focus on all things dog, learning about more about behavior, training and health.
When The Dog Den daycare opened in December 2004, Laura was there the very first day. She worked to create a unique daycare and training experience for Madison area dogs. Under her management, The Dog Den won Best of Madison two years in a row. When The Dog Den became available to purchase, Laura jumped at the chance to own the business that owned her heart and soul. Because her background is in science and research, Laura is always keeping up with the newest research in animal behavior and training. She reads everything she can and attends seminars to continue her education. She incorporates these things in her daily interactions with all the dogs, both in daycare and in classes. Her previous training in lab work taught her that there are no one-size-fits all when it comes to animals and is always looking for new ways to approach training and behavior. She loves helping people and their dogs create a fun and fulfilling life together.
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!
Kourtney Frank, CPDT-KA --- Training Coordinator, Behavior Consultant, Playgroup Leader
Kourtney started with us in October 2008 and quickly impressed us with her natural training ability with dogs! Kourtney brings with her such a passion for dogs and animals in general. She works so hard to create the best life for all the dogs that come into contact with her through her positive energy and natural compassion for both dogs and their people. Kourtney has recently decided to join us full time and splits her days between daycare, training classes, and private lessons. We all love working with Kourtney as she always makes every day a little more fun!
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!
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!
Michelle Veldman - Playgroup Leader, Instructor
Majoring in Zoology and Environmental Studies at UW-Madison, Michelle has always had a passion for animals. She started working with us in September 2010. She can be seen in daycare, play groups, and more recently, training classes. She understands that dogs often become much more than pets in people's lives and will treat your dog like a part of her own family!
Daniela Vaughan - Lead Trainer, Behavior Consultant, Playgroup Leader, CGC Evaluator
We are so excited to welcome Daniela back to our training team! Daniela brings with her a great love for all things dog. A graduate of UW-Madison, Daniela became interested in pursuing a career in dog behavior after taking a course from Patricia McConnell. After spending two years volunteering with the Canine Behavior Team at DCHS, Daniela worked in DCHS' Admitting Department -- helping with intake of any animal that came through the front doors. While at DCHS, Daniela discovered a great passion for working with pit bulls, and still remains a member of their Pit Bull Committee and an instructor of their Positively Pitties course. She shares her life with her rescued pittie pup, Maxie, who has taught her to think outside the box when training dogs. We are incredibly lucky to have Daniela as part of our team!!
Andrea Olson - Playgroup Leader, Assistant Trainer
Andrea recently joined our team in May 2011. Andrea has been associated with The Dog Den for many years taking classes and with our daycare services. Andrea brings with her knowledge of dogs of all ages and tempermants as she has been a foster parent for local Lab rescues for over 8 years. Andrea has 3 Labs of her own which she enjoys spending all her free time with. You may see Andrea giving your dog lots of attention while having fun at daycare.
Haley Highdale - Playgroup Leader, Instructor
Haley is a recent graduate of UW-Madison and is pursuing veterinary school. She started working with us in January 2011 and is dedicated to learning everything there is to know about dogs to help them live the best lives possible. You will find Haley working in the daycare, at playgroups and teaching classes. We all love having Haley as part of our team!
Anna Sampson - Playgroup Leader, Assistant Trainer
Anna joins us with an array of doggy knowledge. Not only has she worked at dog daycares in the Milwaukee area, she has been a positive reinforcement trainer, both in private lessons and in group classes. She also is deeply committed to working with rescue dogs. Her breed of choice-those loveable Pitties! Anna has been with us since December 2010 and when she is not loving your pup, she is busy finishing up a degree in Social Work and Criminal Justice. We are so happy to have her as part of our pack!
Deb Crawley - Lead Trainer, Playgroup Leader
We are so happy to welcome Deb back to our Training pack. Deb has been going to school for a degree in Veterinary Technology. When she is not busy studying for classes, she will be spending her time teaching classes with us! Deb helped to develop our Control Unleashed classes and is always looking for new ways to teach and challenge our pups. We look forward to her fresh ideas in our upper level classes! Although her focus is going to be our training classes, you might catch a glimpse of her from time to time in our daycare or playgroups. Her love for dogs is so strong, we just can't keep her away! Welcome back Deb! We have missed you!
Alexa Harris - Playgroup Leader, Assistant Trainer
We are so happy to welcome Alexa to our pack! Alexa joined us in June 2011 and has quickly become a member of our family! With her outgoing and friendly personality, her love for dogs can only be topped by her nonstop positive energy. When she is not spending time playing with your pups, she is busy with school, where she is studying to be a high school English teacher.
Caitlin Klabacka - Playgroup Leader, Assistant Trainer
Picture and info coming soon!
Sara Skiba - Playgroup Leader, Assistant Trainer
Sara started with our pack in August 2011. Although she is newer to the group, she strives to learn the personalities of each and every dog in daycare. She plans to use her experiences here to gain better a better understanding of the dog world. Her dedication and love for animals has led her to major in Zoology and Psychology at UW-Madison, which she hopes to use towards animal conservation worldwide. Welcome to the pack Sara!!
Morgan Bradley - Playgroup Leader, Assistant Trainer
More information coming soon!
Kiley Knapp - Playgroup Leader, Assistant Trainer
More information coming soon!
Amber Wanta - Playgroup Leader, Assistant Trainer
Amber has been a long time Dog Denner, first as a client and now as a trainer! Currently a vet school student at UW, she brings with her a vast knowledge of all things dogs from health and well-being to behavior and play. There is not an area of dogs that Amber doesn't know about! Always cheerful, she loves to come up with new ideas for training and owner education. We are lucky to have Amber as part of our pack!
Erin Schommer - Assistant Trainer
Meet Erin Schommer! While Erin is new to us here at the Dog Den, she has spent her entire life living with and loving canines. She has a strong desire to help all dogs reach their full potential as well mannered family members and harbors a special affinity for shy dogs. You may see Erin in our training classes and play groups