Happy Tails Dog Training Center

04/26/2025

We are growing!

We are looking to add another trainer to our team!

Send us a DM or email us for requirements and information!

04/26/2025

The next session of our Intro to Nose Work class begins on Sunday, May 4th at 11:30 am. Join us for this fun class that exercises your dog's mind and body.

Click the link below for more information or to register.

https://www.happytailsdogtraining.biz/service-page/intro-to-k9-nose-work-5-4-at-11-30-am?referral=service_list_widget

04/25/2025

BEYOND THE BASICS

Looking for a class that will help you navigate the "real world"? Consider a four week session of our Beyond the Basics class. Brenda teaches this class on Thursday mornings at 11:00 am.

The next session begins on May 15th.

Dogs must have completed a Basic Manners or Basic Obedience class to be eligible to enroll. Basic Manners level two attendance is encouraged before taking Beyond the Basics.

https://www.happytailsdogtraining.biz/service-page/beyond-the-basics-5-15-25-11-00-am?referral=service_list_widget

04/24/2025

04/24/2025

ALL SETS SOLD.

3 sets of 6 pvc weave poles that need a new home.

Make me an offer!

04/24/2025

Calling all puppies! We have 3 openings in the next session of Puppy Preschool class that begins on May 1st at 6:30 pm. Puppy Preschool class is for puppies 8 weeks to 16 weeks of age.

Do not wait until your puppy has "had all its shots." Behavior problems in adulthood often stem from improper or lack of socialization before 4 months of age! The current recommendation from the leading veterinary organizations support this!

Visit our website to enroll: https://www.happytailsdogtraining.biz/service-page/puppy-preschool-5-1-at-6-30-pm?referral=service_list_widget

04/23/2025

Whatever Wednesday

Mounting behavior is a normal behavior for dogs and happens for a variety of reasons.

HU***NG HOUNDS
It’s not always about what it looks like.

Some dogs do and some dogs don’t, but if you have a dog that humps at the most inopportune times it can be particularly embarrassing or annoying.

Other dogs, other people, visitors, toys, cushions, furniture, anything that can be mounted and clung to may be fair game.

As people, it’s natural to assume that this behaviour is of a sexual nature, that our dogs must be oversexed, sexually frustrated or the all-too-common incorrect belief that our dogs are just trying to be “dominant” or “the alpha”.

Hu***ng, like many other dog behaviours does not always have a simple reason. It can be a complex behaviour which is usually emotionally or socially based.

When hu***ng is annoying another dog or person or causing frustration, discomfort or harm in any way, then obviously this behaviour needs to be addressed, but sometimes we need to consider if it’s really something we need to stop because as people, we see it as socially unacceptable?

Is it just a harmless way of relieving stress or anxiety or a way to release excess energy. Is a little hump now and then okay if it’s not causing any harm?

One of my boys (I’m referring to my dog - just to prevent any misunderstanding!) humps one of my other dogs every Saturday morning without fail.

This happens when we get back from a long walk in nature. I allow him to do this because I understand it’s his way of releasing excitement and calming himself down.

As long as the other dogs don’t mind, I don’t believe it’s causing any harm as it’s a healthy way of self-regulating.

If we prevent this, correct it, or at worst punish this behaviour are we removing a harmless natural outlet and risking another unwanted behaviour taking its place?

Hu***ng is one of the most misunderstood behaviours.

Very often, behaviour is not about the way it looks, but the way we perceive it from our human perspective.

04/22/2025

The Black Hills Dog Training Club is in desperate need of volunteers for the Scent work trial on Saturday and Sunday in Sturgis.

No experience needed! They will train you! Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you can spend a couple hours!

04/22/2025

Training Tip Tuesday

Why do we focus on training using positive reinforcement? Because we believe in building trust and fostering a cooperative relationship!

Did you know that the "Alpha" description is actually a myth? Read on!

Alpha dog training is based on a misunderstanding of canine social groups. Positive reinforcement training based on respect yields better results.

04/22/2025

Are you struggling with a dog that gets overly excited? Jumps on everyone? Can't handle frustration on leash? We've got a class to help with that!

Our Impulse Control Class helps adolescent puppies and adultdogs learn to control their impulsive behavior and learn frustration tolerance, without the need for constant nagging or corrections from you! This one hour class meets for four weeks.

Join the class and watch your dog's behavior change!

https://www.happytailsdogtraining.biz/service-page/impulse-control-1-00-pm-on-4-26?referral=service_list_widget

04/21/2025

Meme Monday

Show us your excuse in the comments!

04/21/2025

Just a quick reminder that we will be closed Monday-Thursday for spring cleaning and a fresh new look!

04/20/2025

Sending Easter blessings to our Happy Tails Family and friends.

04/17/2025

Volunteers are needed for the Black Hills Dog Training Club AKC Scent Work trials on Friday and Saturday April 26 and 27. The location is the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis.

If you can volunteer please post below and we will forward the contact info.

Volunteering is a great way to learn about how trials work and see dogs on action!

04/16/2025

Wednesday Wisdom from our friends at For Your K9, Inc.

Positive reinforcement training isn’t just about giving your dog a treat every time they do something right—it’s a thoughtful communication system rooted in trust, clarity, and motivation.

While food rewards are common (and super effective), positive reinforcement is much broader than snacks. It can include:

▪ Verbal praise
▪ Playtime or a favorite toy
▪ Permission to sniff or go explore
▪ Access to something your dog wants (like going outside or greeting a friend)

It’s not about bribing your dog—it’s about reinforcing behaviors you want to see more of, in a way that’s meaningful to your individual dog. When done right, this style of training teaches your dog that they have the power to earn good things by making great choices.

And here’s the kicker—positive reinforcement requires just as much structure, consistency, and strategy as any other training method. The difference? Your dog becomes an enthusiastic participant rather than just following orders. You’re building behavior and the relationship.

04/15/2025

Training Tip Tuesday

Most challenging behaviors are not “bad,” they are actually normal for dogs. Most are communicating an unmet need, such as too little appropriate exercise.

Ask yourself if you can change something for your dog to meet that need, rather than try to “fix” your dog.

REDEFINING BAD BEHAVIOUR

“Bad” behaviour needs to be redefined as information and communication.

When we think of a behaviour as bad, naughty or disobedient, our natural human response is to stop it, fix it, punish or suppress it as quickly as we can, so it doesn’t happen again.

When we redefine behaviour and look at it as a form of communication, as an emotional response or expression, it helps to change the way we think about and react to it.

Think about a child that is acting out at school. Maybe throwing tantrums, bullying other children, cheating, fighting or displaying some other type of “bad” behaviour.

A teacher or parent wouldn’t just label that child as “bad” or behaving badly. The reason for the behaviour would be looked into so it could be understood, acknowledged and addressed.

Bad behaviour is very often an expression of a need for help that should not be ignored.

If we do this for children, why not for dogs?
Just like us, dogs are sentient beings with a range of feelings and emotions and their behaviour is a form of communication.

“Bad” behaviour can provide us with important information as to what we need to address.

Looking at “bad behaviour” from a different perspective, helps us to acknowledge that a dog is struggling and provides an opportunity to investigate and address the cause.

Listening, understanding, acknowledging, meeting needs, perhaps managing or making changes to the environment is what “fixes” bad behaviour and promotes wellbeing.

04/14/2025

Monday Morning Brags!

Congratulations to our friends and students that had success over the weekend with their dogs!

Please post your brags below!