Happy Tails Learning Center for Dogs

If you have a dog, we highly recommend you check out Happy Tails and Fit Dog for your specific dog needs. Below is what we have taken advantage of although there are more services available. We started five years ago with Happy Tails. We got Gus from our son and daughter-in-law who had gotten him as a rescue dog – he was 3 years old. With a new baby in their house, they couldn’t handle Gus with all his anxiety (before he was rescued, he was shot 3 times and still has a bullet in his leg). We decided some training would be good and that’s when our relationship with Happy Tails began. We opted for private lessons with Chris so we would also learn along with Gus. Chris is an expert in training dogs and is positive in his teaching. He taught us how to work with Gus which included how to identify triggers and correct bad behaviors (like chasing a squirrel) before they happen. The training was specific to Gus and what he needed. We also attended some of the Saturday sessions with other dogs for socialization and learning. Kate (Happy Tails owner) taught us that we need to be Gus’ advocate. This is probably the biggest lesson we learned. We need to be aware of situations that may trigger Gus’ anxiety and handle them before he reacts. We need to make sure Gus feels safe which also means others will be safe. Not long after our lessons with Chris ended, Fit Dog opened. We started by doing one-hour sessions with Lindsey. It is amazing how she got Gus to go in the water treadmill (he hates water) and do the treadmill and agility training. We were made aware of the Fit Dog / Day Care program and that is what we are doing to this day. We thought Gus needed to get out of the house and have time to socialize with others. He needed to know there are other safe and enjoyable places to be. Once a week, Gus spends the entire day at Fit Dog. Everyone who deals with Gus is amazing. We are pleasantly greeted first thing in the morning by Katie and Katy. Gus goes right up to them for a pet and lick. The first time we saw this we were astounded because Gus does not normally like other people. Katie and Katy are also very helpful in scheduling and generally handle pick up including letting us know how Gus did. While in the daycare, Gus participates in 5 activities. He typically does the water treadmill, the regular treadmill, and agility training with either Lindsey or Kelsey. Both do an outstanding job with him giving him a good workout. Lindsey often sends pictures and videos of Gus during the day. There was one day when Gus was not himself and Lindsey contacted us about it as soon as she noticed it. Gus also lays on the PEMF Muscle Recovery therapy bed to relax. Finally, he loves (and I think looks forward to) his outside walks with Randi. I think Randi enjoys the walks with him too. You can also see updates during the day on Instagram. We love how the staff works together as a team. For example, on the last visit when we went for pick-up, the lobby area was full of people. When Claire saw us, she went to get Gus so we wouldn’t have to wait. On this visit, there was another dog in the lobby and Gus just ignored him (this is unheard of for Gus). We are just thrilled that Gus loves everyone there and we think every staff member Gus deals with loves him too. The socialization for Gus is priceless. The entire staff is so caring which is obvious by Gus’ behavior. Happy Tails and Fit Dog is an amazing place which has so many services to offer our dog family members. And, they continue to explore other services that would benefit our dogs. We look forward to trying their new nutrition services with Kelsey. We highly recommend Happy Tails and Fit Dog.

Amy trained both of my dogs, one of them 2 years ago and my puppy this past month. We did the 3-week residency for each and I could not recommend it enough! Amy was in regular contact with me throughout the process and beyond helpful with any feedback needed once they returned home. Both dogs are spot on with their commands and it has completely changed our home! It also makes it easy that everyone at Happy Tails is so welcoming and loving towards the dogs!

If I could rate 100+ stars, I would. I brought my puppy there for classes about 6 months ago and did the entire residency program soon after. I was given detailed take home instructions which I followed religiously! My dog is so well behaved and polite; it’s scary! Kate, Claire, and Lindsey are all so sweet and pleasant to work with. They take care of my dog so much and my dog has a blast during his boarding stays and Fit Dog sessions. I would recommend Happy Tails for everyone. The training was worth every penny!!