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Milwaukee Dog Obedience Class Trainer - Steve Terwilliger

Milwaukee Certified Dog Trainer with Psychology Degree: A Rare Breed

Milwaukee ABCDT certified Dog Trainer Steve TerwilligerRogue Dog Training’s Steve Terwilliger is an exceptionally rare breed of dog trainer. He is a professional member of APDT and an ABCDT certified trainer, and holds a degree in psychology from Kent State University. His studies in psychology led to a deep understanding of classical and operant behavioral conditioning and its effects on animals.

 

A Unique Background for Better Training

Steve's qualifications provide a deep understanding of dog behavior. This unique background directly benefits you and your dog in several key ways:

  • Degree in Psychology: His foundation in psychology means he understands the why behind animal learning. He applies proven principles of classical and operant conditioning to build lasting behavior changes.
  • ABCDT Certification: As an Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT), he has mastered formal dog training techniques, animal husbandry and learning theory.
  • APDT Professional Member: His membership in the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) requires adherence to a high ethical code and a commitment to ongoing education in the latest training methods.
  • Hands On Kennel Experience: Previous roles as a dog handler and kennel manager provided years of practical experience managing dogs of all breeds, temperaments and behaviors.

 

From Behavioral Psychology to Puppy Training Class

The journey from psychology studies to offering certified dog training classes was easy for Steve. Animals had always been important to him and a large part of his psychology coursework involved studying the ways animals learn. Shortly after graduation, Steve attended Animal Behavior College and became a Certified Dog Trainer. From there, he entered the pet care industry as a dog handler and was quickly promoted to kennel manager. Several years of kennel management let Steve realize his true passion was training dogs – and so Rogue Dog Training was born.

 

Rogue Dog Training offers private, in-home dog obedience lessons to pet owners in the Milwaukee and Waukesha areas. All classes are taught using rewards and praise, guaranteeing a fun experience for dog and human. Basic and advanced obedience classes for dogs of all ages are available to teach and sharpen simple commands like come, sit and stay. Behavior specific lessons are offered to overcome canine shyness, unwanted aggression and overreaction to certain stimuli. If your dog bolts, barks too much or is afraid of everything, Rogue Dog Training is here to help.

 

The Only BAT you should Ever Use to Train your Dog

Many dog training tools are merely gimmicks, and some actually cause harm. Steve uses only the proven technique of advanced dog behavior adjustment training (BAT) to produce long-lasting results in even the most difficult dogs. Using rewards like treats, toys, or praise, the dog learns what behaviors it should and should not engage in. This positive reinforcement has long-lasting impact and teaches the dog to WANT to make good decisions even when the toy or treat reward is removed. BAT training can be used to curb unwanted behavior including: shyness, barking, bolting and aggression. A proper understanding of behavioral psychology, coupled with dog training certifications always produces better results for dog and owner. Rogue Dog Training’s reward based training methods are the best way to teach your dog good behavior.

Serving Southeastern Wisconsin

Rogue Dog Training through ABC Certified Dog Trainer Steve Terwilliger is Southeastern Wisconsin’s leading dog training service. We are proud to provide our services across Southeast Wisconsin including Brookfield, Brown Deer, Cedarburg, Cudahy, Dousman, Franklin, Hartland, Menomonee Falls, Mequon, Milwaukee, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oak Creek, Oconomowoc, Sussex, Slinger, Waukesha, West Allis, Whitefish Bay, and beyond! Contact Rogue Dog Training for a free consultation.

Contact the ABCDT certified dog trainer at Rogue Dog Training for a free consultation about your dog’s behavior.

Milwaukee Dog Training Class Reviews

Sep 12, 2023

From Bad, Bad to Great. I was beside myself with our 3 year old Portuguese Water Dog, Leroy Brown, who was getting progressively worse counter surfing, stealing everything he could reach and not giving it up, lunging and barking at other dogs on walk...

From Bad, Bad to Great. I was beside myself with our 3 year old Portuguese Water Dog, Leroy Brown, who was getting progressively worse counter surfing, stealing everything he could reach and not giving it up, lunging and barking at other dogs on walks, and becoming aggressive with my husband and visitors. Steve truly worked miracles and in short order with his knowledge, patience and humor, Steve provided us the tools and techniques needed to change our dog's behavior. Step by step, Leroy Brown was transformed and I truly believe the bad-bad days are behind us forever. I would highly recommend Steve to anyone.

Jul 14, 2023

Steve is amazing. He is super knowledgeable and his training works. This was the first time I ever used a dog trainer and I was very grateful to work with Steve. You can tell that he tailors each client to their exact needs, takes the time to always ...

Steve is amazing. He is super knowledgeable and his training works. This was the first time I ever used a dog trainer and I was very grateful to work with Steve. You can tell that he tailors each client to their exact needs, takes the time to always answer questions, and is great at following up and making changes to the plan when necessary. My dog is light years ahead of what she was prior to training thanks to his help. I highly recommend Steve and Rogue Dog Training to anyone.

Aug 14, 2024

Steve is great to work with and got our pup the results we needed. Was awesome with our challenging reactive dog. He's very informative and has a bunch of experience. We didn't think we could achieve the results we ended up with.  Super great th...

Steve is great to work with and got our pup the results we needed. Was awesome with our challenging reactive dog. He's very informative and has a bunch of experience. We didn't think we could achieve the results we ended up with.  Super great that he was able to make house calls and work with us in the home and in our neighborhood.

Oct 10, 2023

Steve is the best! We have learned so much and Sadie loves him! Thanks Uncle Steve!!

Steve is the best! We have learned so much and Sadie loves him! Thanks Uncle Steve!!

Sep 18, 2025

Steve was awesome, patient, punctual, honest, and kind in helping train my giant dog reactive dog. Thank you Steve!

Steve was awesome, patient, punctual, honest, and kind in helping train my giant dog reactive dog. Thank you Steve!

Jul 9, 2025

Steve is an amazing trainer. When he says your dogs behavior can change by the end of his sessions, he means it. Steve is personable, truly cares about your dogs progress, and by the end of the training you feel your confidence grow.

Steve is an amazing trainer. When he says your dogs behavior can change by the end of his sessions, he means it. Steve is personable, truly cares about your dogs progress, and by the end of the training you feel your confidence grow.

Sep 23, 2025

Steve was fantastic, I couldn't speak more highly of him and his services. We saw immediate success after just one session, and by the end of our fifth session, he helped us reach all of our training goals. He is an incredibly kind man with a wealth ...

Steve was fantastic, I couldn't speak more highly of him and his services. We saw immediate success after just one session, and by the end of our fifth session, he helped us reach all of our training goals. He is an incredibly kind man with a wealth of knowledge; he was exactly what we needed. If you're in need of a dog trainer, Steve should absolutely be your first call.

Oct 16, 2025

Great program that worked flawlessly. We are finally able to enjoy walks with our pup again. Thanks!!

Great program that worked flawlessly. We are finally able to enjoy walks with our pup again. Thanks!!

Mar 1, 2024

Steve is great, he gave us personalized advice and training for our terrier puppy. We wanted to have him come to our house and he accommodated that. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a caring, competent and professional dog trainer.

Steve is great, he gave us personalized advice and training for our terrier puppy. We wanted to have him come to our house and he accommodated that. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a caring, competent and professional dog trainer.

Jan 1, 2024

We had a tough situation with a rescue Chihuahua that had aggression issues. Steve was able to find some common ground with her and I know she really took to him. She never showed any aggression towards him, although with anyone else she would lunge ...

We had a tough situation with a rescue Chihuahua that had aggression issues. Steve was able to find some common ground with her and I know she really took to him. She never showed any aggression towards him, although with anyone else she would lunge at their feet and hang on. With each session, I know Tia looked forward to seeing him. Steve has a great demeanor and is easy going, and I think a dog can sense that. He communicated well with us, and my wife and I enjoyed seeing how he interacted with Tia. We feel he is a high quality trainer and just a good hearted person with a sincere interest in giving you his best!

Jan 1, 2024

We had recently adopted a one year old pit rescue with anxiety (due to being at a shelter) and didn't know how to go about starting training. We really wanted to get a handle on how to communicate with our dog, crate training, and getting the barking...

We had recently adopted a one year old pit rescue with anxiety (due to being at a shelter) and didn't know how to go about starting training. We really wanted to get a handle on how to communicate with our dog, crate training, and getting the barking under control. Steve was phenomenal to work with for all of what we were seeking. Since we are first time dog owners, we struggled with always trying to do the right thing in correction and establishing routine/boundaries. Steve used a lot of experience, knowledge, and humor to work through basic obedience fairly easily. He was always available for texting through specific situations and working around our dog’s unique issues. Crate training was nearly impossible with the amount of barking/whining our dog was doing before. With the tools and guidance Steve brought, we were able to leave our dog alone in the crate with no problems or concerns in just a few short weeks. Learning the “leave it” command was a huge one for us too. In a few steps and a week of dedicated training, our dog would leave a treat alone right under his nose or take it based on what we commanded. It’s awesome that this training also worked through shifting the visual with and over to auditory learning so you’re not doing movements when trying to get your dogs attention/give command. Steve also guides you through how to be a better dog trainer yourself with tips and suggestions that may help to avoid any unneeded frustrations down the line. Although the 5 session costs seemed pricey at first, I’m so grateful we went through with it because it’s seriously worth the convenience, time, money, and efforts for real, reliable results we needed. Steve’s flexibility, patience, and personable character made the whole training process actually enjoyable instead of a chore. I would 100% recommend Rogue Dog Training to anyone who is serious on creating a path of communication with your dog without giving up in frustration.

Jan 1, 2024

I contacted Rogue Dog Training when I realized that I needed help with my 1 year old Chihuahua, Roman. We had been in group obedience classes for months and he developed a nervous barking that made progressing in the class seem impossible. I worried ...

I contacted Rogue Dog Training when I realized that I needed help with my 1 year old Chihuahua, Roman. We had been in group obedience classes for months and he developed a nervous barking that made progressing in the class seem impossible. I worried about his barking on walks and his ability to socialize with other dogs due to his problem barking. My neighbors had also started to complain. Steve taught us how to use the “leave it” command to stop the barking. Once Roman got it I was amazed at his transformation. He was a calm boy all of a sudden who was looking to me for what to do instead of barking his head off. Steve is not only amazing with dogs but he’s also great with their owners. He gave me both the tools and the encouragement that I needed. I'd absolutely recommend working with him and wouldn't hesitate to hire him again in the future.

May 17, 2021

Steve did a fantastic job with our Pembroke welsh corgi, who despite being short, had a huge alpha personality. He taught us the leave it command, and had our dog trained not to touch treats on the ground in about 30 minutes! Previously our dog was d...

Steve did a fantastic job with our Pembroke welsh corgi, who despite being short, had a huge alpha personality. He taught us the leave it command, and had our dog trained not to touch treats on the ground in about 30 minutes! Previously our dog was definitely resource guarding and even bit me a couple of times when I tried to take things away from him. Steve was friendly and responsive- and worked on training with our kids too (whom he'd been excessively herding). Our corgi went from problem child to to best boy ever in less than 5 sessions.

Apr 17, 2024

Working with Steve was the best decision I could have made regarding my puppy! I can't believe the changes we saw, I'm so grateful- my puppy had showed some unprovoked aggressions towards my other dog and I had some general training I was interested ...

Working with Steve was the best decision I could have made regarding my puppy! I can't believe the changes we saw, I'm so grateful- my puppy had showed some unprovoked aggressions towards my other dog and I had some general training I was interested in and we are in a much better place now. There were always options in what else we could try if one approach didn’t work and I appreciated feeling empowered to be the one getting these new parameters in place.