Happy Tails Dog Training Center

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United States
Rapid City, SD
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.
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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

06/24/2024

More results on the VT courses we have set up. Maryl Fisher and Ziva and Ashar qualified on the jumpers runs!!

06/24/2024

I love when students post to me on their awesome advanced titles. I am so proud of them. I just want to make a comment. When students very first start showing, those FIRST time qualifying runs are a really big accomplishment. As I watch the progress of students from classes, I know the problems they have gone through and can really appreciate them overcoming and qualifying!

06/24/2024

A picture is worth a thousand words...image credit International Canine Behaviorists

06/24/2024

Tuesday Advanced Scent Work Class - the next session begins tomorrow 6/25 !

Enroll today to reserve your spot.

https://www.happytailsdogtraining.biz/service-page/advanced-scent-work-tuesdays-6-30-pm-7?referral=service_list_widget

06/22/2024

Congratulations to Diana Henris on attaining her VERY FIRST nadac Q!!!

06/19/2024

*Just a note to Happy Tails students, if you would like to provide a framed pic of dogs and ribbons etc. I would be happy to put on the wall of fame**

06/19/2024

It’s National month! You may have an emergency kit ready for you and your family, but what about your pets? Below are some recommended items to make a kit especially for them. You can find out more at https://bready.sd.gov/.

06/19/2024

Summer is here! Walks can be dangerous for our fur babies. Try to stick to early morning or evening walkies 😎☀️🐾❤

06/19/2024

15 minutes is all it takes for a dog to die. If you spot a dog left in a car and you can't locate owner call the police. Temperatures are going to be very hot, PLEASE leave your dogs at home.
Dogs in hot cars can suffer from potentially fatal heat stroke in as little as 15 minutes. Dogs die in hot cars as they can overheat very quickly and struggle to cool themselves down, even when a window has been left open or water has been left in the car.

06/18/2024

A new Basic Manners Level One Class has been added. New session begins on Wednesday July 10th, at 5:30 pm.

Enrollment is open:

https://www.happytailsdogtraining.biz/service-page/basic-manners-level-1-7-10-at-5-30-pm

06/18/2024

Cover picture is Willow! picture shows her attitude for agility

06/15/2024

here is an entry form for the Sheridan Wyoming Nadac trial:

06/12/2024

By popular demand! Jen has added a second Basic Manners Level One Class!

Next session begins this Saturday at 1:00 pm.

Registration is open!

https://www.happytailsdogtraining.biz/service-page/basic-manners-level-one-6-15-1-00-pm?referral=service_list_widget

06/12/2024

Puppy owners- we had a last minute cancellation for Thursday’s puppy class!

Don’t let this opportunity pass! Your puppy must be under 4 months of age to participate.

https://www.happytailsdogtraining.biz/service-page/puppy-preschool-6-13-24-at-7-00-pm-1?referral=service_list_widget

06/11/2024

This is why mom's shouldn't be outside the ring!

06/11/2024

Some of you new folks are asking how to submit VT runs. Look up Nadac.com and under "train and play" and VT runs. There are complete instructions on how to do it. I couldn't copy the page!

06/10/2024

For tonight's agility classes (6-10) Be sure to bring something to be able to film with (phone etc)

06/02/2024

A couple of local folks who just attended their Breed specific National Specialties!!
Dawn Madge and Devin
Huge congratulations! 2 Firsts in Jww, in a class of 9.

05/31/2024

Did you know that obesity is the #1 health issue in dogs? It impacts mobility, circulatory and respiratory function, and is a factor in other health concerns such as diabetes.

Jen Gaskins, AKC Fit Dog Trainer, can help you and your dog stay healthy and earn an AKC title too! Join her Saturday Fit Dog Class!

https://www.happytailsdogtraining.biz/service-page/akc-fit-dog-level-one-6-8-at-1-00-pm?referral=service_list_widget

05/30/2024

Sweet Ellie graduated from Heather's Puppy Class and we can't wait to have them back for additional classes.

Our next puppy class starts on 6/13 at 7:00 pm. Only a few spots remain!

https://www.happytailsdogtraining.biz/service-page/puppy-preschool-6-13-24-at-7-00-pm-1?referral=service_list_widget

05/29/2024

Want to understand how dogs learn? Want to learn easy strategies to improve your training skills? Humans need education too!

Join Shelli Brandli for a unique, one hour workshop that will dive into marker training, how it is used, and how it can improve your dog's training!

https://www.happytailsdogtraining.biz/service-page/clicker-workshop-6-6-at-6-00-pm?referral=service_list_widget

Join us at Happy Tails Dog Training for our Clicker Workshop on 6/6 at 6:00 pm. This workshop will teach you the fundamentals of clicker training and how to effectively mark your dog's behavior. Please note that this workshop is for humans only, so leave your furry friends at home and come ready to....

05/28/2024

June Scent Work Classes are up on the calendar!

There is still room in both beginner scent work classes! Enroll today and give your dog a fun way to play!

Book one of our training classes. You and your dog will learn lots and come away with a stronger relationship!

05/28/2024

Ongoing Intermediate and Advanced Monday and Tuesday Agility Classes for June have been added to the website.

Don't forget to register!

Book one of our training classes. You and your dog will learn lots and come away with a stronger relationship!

Address

2451 S Plaza Drive
Rapid City, SD
57702

Telephone

+16058771692

Website

http://www.happytailsdogtraining.biz/

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Videos

This is why mom's shouldn't be outside the ring!

Here's a report and video from Shelli and Opal! It was our very first attempt at Gamblers this weekend. It was her last run before she got hurt. Q-20, 78 points Her first Gamblers she got Q-20, 70 points She Q’d 11/12 runs, plus received 3 new titles. Sweet little girl was on a roll. Then got hurt and had to scratch the rest of the weekend. 😔

Here is a fun Video from this weekends trial with Wendy and Tahoe. These are their very first runs in Nadac!

Start Line Stay

Let's talk about the "Stay" cue... Did you know that there are 3 D's to consider before you ask your dog to stay? Distance, Duration, and Distractions all need to be practiced INDEPENDENTLY before you can combine them. Here is our instructor, Brenda, with her dog Kanan at the agility workshop last week. When you practice you get the results you want! Some things to notice: ✔ High rate of reinforcement (lots of tiny rewards given one at a time) as she waits for the seminar presenter ✔ Kanan remains focused and Brenda remains connected to him #agilitytoller #positivereinforcement #agilitydog

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!

What were you and your dog doing this weekend? Terry Besler and Brenda Belmonte attended an agility seminar and competed in agility! The more you learn, the more you can teach!

First day of great greeters class! Working on impulse control and rewarding the dog for the right choice. Here is person approaching = sit. Great job Terry and Joey!

Lena and Aunt Becky's dog Bingo

2 of my youngest agility students! Awesome job! Jacob and Sissy

Rachelle Jensen and her dogs, Tyrion, and Gaemer, had a fantastic champs! On Gaemer's final run his was the fastest time out of 151 dogs in Finals!!!

Shelli and Opal! Tunnelers run this weekend!

We love having Sophie (and her "mom") coming to class, and evidentally she loves it to! Be sure to turn the sound on!

Read and learn about the DASH (Distance And Speed Hoopers). DASH is the ultimate test of timing and communication between dog and handler. No obstacles to slow the dog down or give the handlers extra time to give cues to the dog. DASH is all about distance handling using hoops as a ground level obstacle. DASH is low impact to the dog with minimal risk for injury and very challenging for the handlers who have to be perfect with their handling cues. Dogs must be able to stay at the start line, show some distance skills during the course run and be able to finish the course without extra guidance from the handler. Distance And Speed Hoopers is a challenging and fun class for both dogs and handlers! I am fortunate to be the Dash Representative in South Dakota. The rules etc. will be coming shortly. Happy Tails will be setting up these unique courses at the Training Center! Very excited! Here is an example of a course done by Debbie Vassolo.