Happy Tails Dog Training LLC

Happy Tails offers private training services where certified professional trainers work one-on-one with clients and their dogs. An initial consultation is conducted with at least two members of the training team to determine training needs and develop an individualized program. Sessions are flexible and include demonstrations, in-person coaching, and detailed follow-up emails.

Basic Training focuses on establishing manners such as sit, down, leave it, come, stay, go to mat, and leash walking, while also resolving unwanted puppy and adolescent issues like jumping, stealing from counters, mouthing, and leash pulling. This program includes “field trips” to help transition learned skills into real-life success.

Behavior Modification training addresses reactive behaviors caused by overstimulation, fear, or aggression when triggers are present. Triggers can include other dogs, unfamiliar people, prey animals, or sudden appearances. Specialized programs, such as the SCOM program for dog-dog reactivity, provide a unique opportunity to work with well-trained working dogs to help client dogs learn new emotional responses in a safe and relaxed environment. The SCOM program involves an initial consultation, working sessions with the training team and working dogs, and real-world transition experiences to ensure long-term success.

Pricing Summary

An initial consultation for all private training programs requires a $50 deposit, which is applied to the consultation fee.

For Puppy and Basic Manners, the Initial Consultation is $100.00, a single 30-minute session is $50.00, and a single 60-minute session is $100. For Behavior Modification (Reactivity, Aggression, SCOM), the Initial Consultation is $250.00, a single 30-minute session is $110.00, and a single 60-minute session is $220. All fees and charges for training sessions must be paid in advance and are non-refundable.

Policies

Rabies vaccination (age appropriate) is required for all private sessions and classes, with verification from a vet. A clean fecal test within the last 6 months is also required.

Intact males are permitted, but intact females are not allowed if in heat or within 10 days of their cycle ending due to safety concerns. All handlers must be age 18 for insurance purposes; younger children are welcome but must remain seated and supervised. Pre-payment via credit card or check is required to confirm consultations or group class spots, and all fees are non-refundable. Cancellations by the owner with less than 48-hour notice result in forfeiture of the session. If Happy Tails cancels due to weather, sessions are rescheduled without additional fees, with communication via phone, text, email, and social media.

Happy Tails Dog Training LLC provides quality dog training services, focusing on experienced, professional, and compassionate coaching to help clients achieve their goals with their dogs. They offer both group classes and private training sessions.

A unique advantage of Happy Tails Dog Training is their specialized SCOM program for dog reactivity and aggression. This program utilizes a team of well-trained working dogs to assist in the learning process, providing a safe and relaxed environment for reactive dogs.

Training is primarily conducted at their 5500 square foot behavioral training facility in Grand Rapids. They also offer “field trips” to real-world environments once dogs are ready to apply learned skills.

Accomplishments

Melissa Simpson is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She holds a Masters in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University.

Melissa is a professional affiliate of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She is also an AKC Approved Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Melissa has over 20 years of behavior modification training experience with reactive and aggressive dogs. She has completed numerous seminars from 2018 to 2024 on topics including the role of emotion and arousal in aggressive behavior, neuroscience of frustration, and advanced training topics by Ken Ramirez and Pat Miller.

How to Get Started!

To begin training, clients must complete a Private Training Application online. A $50 deposit is required upon application submission, which is applied towards the initial consultation fee. The initial consultation, lasting 60 to 90 minutes, is conducted at their facility with the training team. During this consultation, the team will discuss the dog’s training needs, implement initial behaviors, and determine the appropriate training program, which may include 30 or 60-minute sessions.