Happy Tails Dog Training Center

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Happy Tails Dog Training Center We believe great training is built on knowledge, compassion, and results you can see in everyday life. I have been teaching classes for almost 40 years.

Modern, Science-Based Methods
Training with compassionate support for both client and dog! 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. 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

Thoughtful Thursday...
10/15/2026

Thoughtful Thursday...

Come see the dogs strut their stuff, dash after a plastic bunny, and show off polished obedience! Friday-Sunday at the C...
10/08/2026

Come see the dogs strut their stuff, dash after a plastic bunny, and show off polished obedience!

Friday-Sunday at the Central States Fairgrounds

10/07/2026

Fall Newsletter

A New Focus: In-Home Private Training Happy Tails Dog Training has transitioned to a focus on private, in-home training—bringing personalized training directly to you and your dog, where you’re most comfortable or where you need it most. Whether you’re building everyday skills, working through...

Did you know? Stress is necessary but too much inhibits learning
10/07/2026

Did you know?

Stress is necessary but too much inhibits learning

We've all been there. When your pup is simply NOT able to focus on the task at hand. Instead of fighting it, reset.

Walk away from the distraction until you two can get back on the same page. It's not always easy, but it's always going to be better than attempting to train a dog who isn't mentally and physically able to learn.

Big or small, we love them all! We have openings for private, in home training! Send us an email or call us!
10/03/2026

Big or small, we love them all!

We have openings for private, in home training!

Send us an email or call us!



Building a trust based relationship is so much more than just being “positive”. When dogs don’t feel safe, trust is diff...
10/01/2026

Building a trust based relationship is so much more than just being “positive”. When dogs don’t feel safe, trust is difficult to achieve. When dogs aren’t allowed to exhibit species specific behaviors, such as running and exploring, their needs are not being met. This creates a welfare issue.

We must look at so many things other than “what” the dog is doing. We must discover the reason(s) influencing behavior.

Just like a pyramid, behaviour is built from the ground up:

✨ Health & welfare form the base.
✨ Safety and environment provide security.
✨ Emotional needs keep learning open.
✨ Operant learning shapes skills.
✨ And at the very top sits trust—the heart of every relationship.

Strong training honours the whole animal and builds a bond that lasts.

The Black Hills Dog Training Club - BHDTC is hosting 3 days of obedience and rally trials at the Central States Fairgrou...
09/23/2026

The Black Hills Dog Training Club - BHDTC is hosting 3 days of obedience and rally trials at the Central States Fairgrounds. We are in DESPERATE need of volunteers!

This is a great way to learn about competition obedience and rally! No experience is necessary as the jobs are quite easy and fun!

Reach out to Brenda at [email protected] for more information.

Address

Rapid City, SD

Telephone

+16058771692

Website

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