Happy Tails Dog Training Center

Happy Tails offers structured group classes in 4–6 week sessions: Puppy Preschool (under 4 months), Adolescent Puppy (4–12 months), Basic Manners (5 weeks), Advanced Manners (4 weeks), Beyond the Basics (4 weeks), Beginner Agility (2 parts), and Intro to Nose Work. Sport and specialty classes include Brain Games and Sit & Be Fit. Therapy Dog preparation requires completion of Basic Manners Levels 1 & 2 and Canine Good Citizen. Private coaching is available for behavior modification and foundational skills, with follow-up sessions recommended for progress. All classes are held at their 5,000 sq ft indoor facility.

Pricing Summary

Group classes range from $115 to $135 for 4–5 week sessions. Private initial coaching sessions are $160 for 1.5 hours. Initial reactivity/aggression consultations are $300 for 2 hours. Follow-up private sessions are $75/hour for basic skills and $90/hour for reactivity/aggression. All prices include sales tax. Private in-home training is available through Kathy Sjomeling, CPDT-KA, at separate rates.

Policies

Clients must print and sign a waiver before attending the first class. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated in the content.

Happy Tails Dog Training Center is an indoor training facility in Rapid City, SD, offering science-based, positive reinforcement training for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs. They specialize in sport dog classes such as agility and scent work, and also provide foundational training in basic and advanced manners. Their approach avoids force or coercion, using tools like clickers and food rewards to build trust and cooperation between dogs and owners. They offer limited private training sessions for new puppies, basic manners, and behavior challenges including reactivity and aggression. The facility features a 5,000-square-foot training space and provides specialized programs like Therapy Dog Training, Brain Games, and Sit & Be Fit. They also offer swim and dock diving lessons. Their team includes certified instructors such as Brenda Belmonte (Certified Nose Work Instructor with NACSW) and Kathy Sjomeling (CPDT-KA), who also provides in-home private training through Dogzausted LLC.

They emphasize education for both dogs and owners, with classes structured in 4- to 6-week sessions. Their mission focuses on empowering dogs and humans through modern, evidence-based methods that prioritize understanding and positive relationships. They provide printed handouts, clear instructions, and homework to support learning at home.

Happy Tails does not offer service dog training but helps clients prepare for therapy dog certification through Basic Manners, Canine Good Citizen, and a final test. They also educate owners on the differences between therapy dogs, service dogs, and emotional support dogs.

Accomplishments

Brenda Belmonte is a Certified Nose Work Instructor with the NACSW. Kathy Sjomeling is a CPDT-KA certified trainer through Dogzausted LLC. The facility is recognized for helping dogs with severe reactivity and aggression achieve significant behavioral improvement, including cases where euthanasia was previously considered.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can browse upcoming classes on the Book a Class page and register online. For private training, an initial consultation or coaching session is required to assess the dog’s needs and develop a tailored plan. For reactivity or aggression, a 2-hour initial evaluation is recommended.