Happy Tails Dog Training Center

Happy Tails Dog Training Center offers a range of classes tailored to different dog ages and needs. For puppies under 12 months, Puppy Preschool (under 4 months) and Adolescent Puppy class (4-12 months) focus on socialization, confidence, impulse control, manners, and focus skills. Both meet once weekly for 5 weeks.

Adult dogs can start with Basic Manners Level One (5 weeks) and Level Two (4 weeks) for foundational obedience skills like polite walking, recalls, and heeling. Beyond the Basics is also available for continuing education. Specialized topic classes are offered for specific skills like loose leash walking or greeting people.

Sport classes include Agility (starting with Beginner Agility One and Two), Scent Work (starting with Intro to Scent Work), Brain Games, and Sit & Be Fit. These classes meet once weekly for 4 to 6 weeks. For reactive dogs, a specialized program includes a required questionnaire and potential in-person assessment, with classes like Reactive Rovers Basics and Intro to K9 Nose Work, where dogs work one at a time.

They also provide guidance for Therapy Dog Training, requiring completion of Basic Manners Levels 1 & 2, Canine Good Citizen, and a Therapy Dog Class and Test. While they do not offer Service Dog Training, they can help owners understand Emotional Support Dogs, recommending Basic Manners Levels 1 and 2 for ESDs.

Pricing Summary

Puppy Preschool and Adolescent Puppy classes are $138.06 for 5 weeks. Basic Manners Level One is $138.06 for 5 weeks. Basic Manners Level Two and Beyond the Basics classes are $30 for 4 weeks. Sport and specialty classes range from $30 to $165, with sessions lasting 4 to 6 weeks.

Private training initial consultation is $150.00 plus sales tax for 1.5 hours. An initial consultation for reactivity/aggression is $300.00 plus sales tax for 2 hours. Follow-up private lessons are $60.00 per hour plus tax for basic skills, manners, and sport training, and $90.00 per hour plus tax for reactivity and aggression. Reactive Rovers Basics class is $300.00 for 4 weeks, 1.5 hours each week. Intro to K9 Nose Work is $165.00 for 6 weeks, one hour in length.

Policies

Not all dogs are suited for group classes; dogs with a history of reactivity or aggression to humans or other dogs may not be ready for a group class. An initial questionnaire is required before signing up for reactive dog classes, and an in-person assessment may be required before enrollment is confirmed. Dogs with bite histories to humans or dogs may not be suitable for classes. A signed waiver must be brought to the first class.

Happy Tails Dog Training Center is a dog training business that focuses on empowering dogs and their humans through modern, science-based training. Their philosophy centers on teaching the dog rather than correcting them for unlearned behaviors, utilizing positive reinforcement methods, often with a clicker and food rewards. They aim to help owners develop a great relationship with their dogs, whether for better behavior at home or for competition in various dog sports.

The business offers a variety of services including group classes for puppies and adult dogs, sport classes, and private training. They specialize in addressing behavior challenges, particularly reactivity and aggression, and also provide guidance for therapy dog work. Their mission is to foster a bond built on respect and cooperation, without force or coercion.

Happy Tails Dog Training Center operates out of a 5000 sq ft facility with a 60’x50′ fully matted, handicap accessible, and temperature-controlled training area. They emphasize that a good instructor teaches the owner how to train their dog, encouraging consistent practice outside of class. The team includes certified professional dog trainers and instructors with extensive experience in various disciplines and dog sports.

Accomplishments

Brenda Belmonte, the owner, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and an Associate Nose Work Instructor (ANWI). She is a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers International, a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and a professional member of the Pet Professional Guild. Brenda has titled dogs in conformation, obedience, rally, barn hunt, dock diving, trick dog, agility, and scent work. She is also a mentor trainer for Animal Behavior College and CATCH Academy.

Terry Besler, the founder, taught classes for over 40 years and competed in obedience, conformation, herding, agility, and scent work, acquiring numerous trophies, championships, and titles. Heather Jenner is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and has additional training in Canine Massage. Heather Schuller is an AKC Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog Evaluator. Wendy Freier is an AKC Canine Evaluator for 20 years and has numerous titles on her dogs including CH, CD, CDX, RN, RA, RE, TD, BCAT, DCAT, TKI, CGC, SIN, RI, RATN, RATO, SIN, SEN, SINE, SBN, SCN, CGCA, FDC, TKN, FDC, SWN. Shelli Brandli has completed courses through the Karen Pryor Academy (Dog Trainer Foundations, Dog Trainer Comprehensive, Concept Training: Let’s Get Started, and Concept Training: Modifier Cues) and competed at the 2023 AKC RNC. Kathy Sjomeling is a professional dog trainer and walker, owner of Dogzausted LLC, and has been training and competing in various dog sports since 2010, also volunteering with her therapy dog for six years.

How to Get Started!

To get started, dog owners can choose a class based on their dog’s age and needs, such as Puppy Preschool for young pups or Basic Manners for adult dogs. For specific behavior challenges like reactivity or aggression, private training or specialized Reactive Rovers classes are recommended, which may require an initial consultation or assessment. Owners can book a class online or join a waitlist to be notified of upcoming classes. A waiver must be printed and signed to be brought to the first class.