In-Home Dog Training and Behavior Modification
Personalized In-Home Dog Training
Every dog is different, which is why we offer two distinct training paths designed to meet your goals and your dog's individual needs.
Training & Life Skills
Whether you're raising a new puppy, teaching basic manners, strengthening obedience, or preparing for dog sports, our customized training programs help dogs develop the skills they need to succeed at home and in public. Using modern, science-based methods, we build clear communication, confidence, and reliable behaviors that create a well-mannered companion and a stronger partnership.
Behavior Modification
Behavior challenges such as reactivity, aggression, fear, and anxiety require a specialized approach. Our behavior modification programs focus on understanding why these behaviors occur and developing individualized plans to safely and effectively change them. Through positive, science-based training, careful management, and practical coaching, we help you reduce unwanted behaviors, build your dog's confidence, and create a calmer, safer, and more enjoyable life together.
We Can Help!
New Puppy Training
Give your puppy the best possible start with personalized, in-home training designed to build lifelong skills. We'll cover potty training, crate training, puppy biting, socialization, confidence building, leash manners, and basic obedience. Our goal is to help you navigate the challenges of puppyhood while creating a strong, positive relationship with your new companion.
Adolescent Dog Training & Problem Solving
The teenage months can be challenging, but they are also the perfect time to build reliable behaviors. Whether you're dealing with jumping, pulling on leash, poor recall, excessive barking, counter surfing, or other frustrating habits, we'll develop a customized training plan that fits your dog's needs and your lifestyle. Together, we'll turn everyday challenges into lasting success.
Basic Manners for Adult Dogs
It's never too late to teach good manners. Whether you've recently adopted a dog or want to improve everyday behavior, our personalized training focuses on the essential skills every dog needs. We'll work on loose-leash walking, coming when called, polite greetings, settling in the home, impulse control, and reliable cues such as sit, down, stay, and leave it. Training is tailored to your dog's personality and your goals, helping you build a well-mannered companion you can enjoy at home and in public.
Our Mission Statement
“Empowering dogs and their humans through modern, science-based training that prioritizes understanding, trust, and positive relationships. We focus on meeting the unique needs of both the client and their dog, fostering a bond built on respect and cooperation, without force or coercion.”
Our Philosophy
Training your dog can be one of your most satisfying endeavors. Learning how your dog learns, and how to teach him what you want is priceless.
The main focus on all our training is to teach the dog rather than correct the dog for something he hasn't learned yet. We use positive reinforcement training methods, often with both a clicker and food rewards.
Whether you just want a better-behaved, more relaxed furry friend at home, or if you want to learn to compete in agility, conformation, or any of the companion dog events— we would love to help you develop a great relationship with your dog through training!
Less Frustration. More Connection. Better Training.
Looking for classes?
While we are not offering structured classes at this time, we do recommend the following:
Puppy Classes/Puppy Play Groups with Kathy Sjomeling at Dogzausted, LLC
Sport Dog Classes at RyeDoodle Boarding, Training, & K-9 Sport Complex
What People Are Saying About Us.
Kelli F.
from our Facebook Page
Puppy class with Heather and then Basic Manners class with Terry and both experiences were fantastic. It has helped us be better pet parents and we look forward to taking more classes with Happy Tails!!
Dawn M.
Rapid City, SD
Louis and I have been taking Beginning and Intro to Agility classes with Shelli. She is an excellent instructor and extremely knowledgeable. She explains things thoroughly and gives ample time to practice. She is friendly and encouraging. My goal with Louis was for him to enjoy an activity and to gain confidence and by going through two of Shelli’s classes I’m seeing that happen. Shelli has made it fun without stress. We will continue. Great instructor-Great facility,a win win.
Stormy L.
from our Facebook Page
We have been taking our dogs to Happy Tails for 5 1/2 years! We love it. It's become our home away from home. Terry has a true gift with dogs. Zoe and Maverick are better dogs because of Happy Tails!
J.R.
Google Review
We are fortunate to have Happy Tails Dog Training Center in our community. Our dog’s behavior had become worse after another training business misrepresented their abilities.
Brenda never fails to impress! She’s not only training our dog, she is training me as well. (I’m the slower learner!). Her instructions are clear and she sends me home with print outs so I can continue the lessons at home.
Our dog has shown awesome improvement! We once feared we may have to put him down due to aggressive behavior, but that is no longer a thought.
Katie P.
from our Email 2/25
Jen’s Saturday Adolescent Puppy class was wonderful. Jen shared a wealth of helpful information and had so much advice and encouragement to give. I hope I remember everything she said! She was a coach as much as an instructor, and I really appreciated that.
I’m looking forward to enrolling Jemy in another class soon. I’ll watch the Happy Tails website for updates on the next Basic Manners 1 class especially.
DeeAnn M.
Rapid City, SD
The class was FANTASTIC! Kathy is great at explaining and breaking things down into steps that an inexperienced person can understand so that neither me nor my dog ever felt frustrated. She also sees when a handling team might be able to take the next step too and she works with and watches each team to give them a little more, keeping the dog and handler engaged, or re explains if something is going too quickly or if she sees a team getting frustrated.
I always leave her classes feeling good about my dog, myself, and confident to try the things we learned and able to work on the homework.
Jill D.
from our Facebook Page
Attended Puppy Class with Heather! Worth every minute of our 2-hour drive one way to attend class. We will be the first to sign up for the next class! Positive, practical training for every level.
Laura C.
Rapid City, SD
Yay! Awesome!
Beyond the Basics class is an asset to building upon the skills you have learned through basic manners and enhances the relationship with your 4 legged family member.
CONTACT US
Please send us a message or give us a call.
We can't wait to help you and your dog.
Phone: 605 877-1692
HappyTailsDogTrainingRapidCity@gmail.com
