Happy Tails Dog Training Center

Happy Tails Dog Training Center Happy Tails Dog Training is a 5,000 sq. ft indoor facility. Happy Tails Dog Training Center is a 5,000 square foot indoor facility.

We offer Basic Obedience, Canine Good Citizen, Agility, Puppy Kindergarten, Rally Obedience, "brain games", Nosework classes, plus more. APDT, Member #83323
I started Happy Tails Dog Training in 1980

I had English Setters, Irish Setters, Border collies, and now Papillons

I have competed in Obedience, Conformation,
stock dog, agility, Nosework etc. I have been teaching classes for almost 40 years

. My dogs and I have acquired trophies, championships, titles ,and enjoyed the "ride", but the relationship with my dogs is my most valuable accomplishment! 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! If you want to learn to compete and do the best you can, I would love to help you develop that kind of relationship with your dog

The main focus on all my training is to teach the dog, rather than correct the dog for something he hasn't learned yet.

~Terry Besler~

Owner/Operator of Happy Tails

YOU ASKED!WE DELIVERED!Kathy’s next Intro to Treibball class is scheduled!
03/10/2025

YOU ASKED!

WE DELIVERED!

Kathy’s next Intro to Treibball class is scheduled!

Are you interested in learning how scent work trials work? We are looking for a couple more volunteers for NACSW trials...
03/08/2025

Are you interested in learning how scent work trials work?

We are looking for a couple more volunteers for NACSW trials on Sunday March 23rd at the Central States Fairgrounds.

Volunteers receive lunch and a comparative t shirt! Please sign up using the volunteer form - we are especially short in the morning!

https://forms.gle/VEmZm91MuxFSjxmF8

Factual Friday Just because we “can” doesn’t mean we should!
03/07/2025

Factual Friday

Just because we “can” doesn’t mean we should!

E-collar dog training isn't a good training option. Aversive training measures cause stress and pain rather than building a bond with your dog.

03/05/2025

We have another match coming up! Please join us!

Wednesday Wisdom Dogs are not “programmed” to be a human. Their normal behaviors are simply those of a dog. Our job is t...
03/05/2025

Wednesday Wisdom

Dogs are not “programmed” to be a human. Their normal behaviors are simply those of a dog.

Our job is to create a positive association to all the “human” aspects of their lives.

Things your dog was born already programmed to do -

Eat
Sleep
Eliminate
Smell
Vocalize
Chase
Chew
Dig
Play/interact with own species
Self groom

Things your dog is NOT born already programmed to do -

Wear a collar
Walk on a leash
Sleep in a crate
Be confined
Eliminate only outside
Live in a house
Understand human language
Know how to stay
Modify play based on the species
Come when called
Chew only approved objects
Do stairs
Go on car rides
Be restrained
Be groomed
Not chase
Not vocalize at the “wrong” times

I could go on and on. When you sit back and look at this, how many of us have just EXPECTED the stuff on the second list? How many of us have gotten frustrated or disappointed or impatient when our dogs didn’t immediately understand what we wanted?

The human world that we ask our dogs to live in is NOT always what comes most naturally to them, so we need to be patient and teach them about it thoughtfully and respectfully. We also need to then understand that some of their born with traits will need outlets, even if we don’t always understand them. They do it for us, we can definitely make the effort to do it for them.

- Helen St. Pierre

Just a quick reminder. Brenda's Wednesday classes resume tomorrow (3/5). Her Thursday classes resume next week (3/13).
03/05/2025

Just a quick reminder. Brenda's Wednesday classes resume tomorrow (3/5). Her Thursday classes resume next week (3/13).

We have some exciting news! Dogs with “BIG FEELINGS” we now have classes just for you! More specific information on clas...
03/03/2025

We have some exciting news!

Dogs with “BIG FEELINGS” we now have classes just for you!

More specific information on class offerings to follow!

NEW CLASS FOR YOUNG DOGS!Heather has created a new class for pups ages 6-12 months that will introduce some skills that ...
03/01/2025

NEW CLASS FOR YOUNG DOGS!

Heather has created a new class for pups ages 6-12 months that will introduce some skills that work in both life and competition!

Game On! Obedience Skills for Puppies will help teach formal obedience skills including recalls, retrieving skills, heeling and more!
Pups must have attended one of our foundation classes, Puppy Preschool, Adolescent Puppy, or Basic Manners One class to be eligible for this class!

Begins 3/26 at 6:00 pm.

https://www.happytailsdogtraining.biz/service-page/game-on-obedience-skills-for-puppies?referral=service_list_widget

We are launching a new set of classes with a specific focus! Yes, this is a teaser post! Watch for the BIG announcement ...
02/25/2025

We are launching a new set of classes with a specific focus!

Yes, this is a teaser post! Watch for the BIG announcement and we can’t wait to see the reaction!

Our first Open House was a success! We had puppies, raptors, and lots of new dogs and their owners stop by to say hello!...
02/24/2025

Our first Open House was a success!

We had puppies, raptors, and lots of new dogs and their owners stop by to say hello! Thank you to everyone who attended and made our day!

A BIG shout out to the training team who volunteered their time to show off all the different activities we do with our dogs! They are what makes Happy Tails the success that it is.

We would also like to thank our vendors that attended!

Black Hills Dog Training Club - BHDTC
Black Hills Raptor Center
Erica Lane Photography

March Events!
02/24/2025

March Events!

Address

2451 S Plaza Drive
Rapid City, SD
57702

Telephone

+16058771692

Website

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Videos

Agility Demo!

Open House today!

Miles and Treibball
Miles and Treibball

Are you looking for a class that is fun, yet teaches impulse control? Got a dog that needs a "job" over the cold winter months? The our NEW Intro to Treibball Skills class is for you! Join instructor Kathy Sjomeling for the fun and challenging class, beginning in January! https://www.happytailsdogtraining.biz/service-page/introduction-to-treibball-skills?referral=service_list_widget

There’s so much more to dog training than most people realize. RELATIONSHIP is key! Brenda Belmonte entered the trial with this is mind and just wanted Kanan’s first experience to be fun! Toys are just another “cookie” for most dogs! The more you learn, the more you can teach!

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