FAQs About Dog Training
Do you have questions about dog training with Happy Tails in St. Louis? We want you to feel as informed as possible about our services. Whether you’re a first-time visitor wondering what to expect, or a returning client with questions about a specific training program, we’ve answered our most frequently asked dog training questions below.
If your question isn’t answered here, don’t hesitate to reach out—Happy Tails is open 24 hours a day and our team is always ready to help!
To take advantage of Happy Tails’ complimentary dog training evaluation, please contact us. Someone will reach out to you once we have received your request, or you can talk with a staff member directly by calling (314) 291-3647.
Our trainers are experienced with a wide range of behavior challenges, but the type of behavior challenge will affect the best path for your dog. During your evaluation, discuss any specific concerns so we can recommend the most appropriate approach.
For the day training program, you drop your dog off each morning for training sessions, supervised play, and socialization, and you pick them up at the end of the day. Board & Train is for dogs staying at our facility, who will receive multiple daily training sessions as well as socialization and play during their boarding stay. Private Lessons are one-on-one sessions tailored to your dog’s specific needs and your personal goals with the option for more advanced training types.
For the safety of all dogs at our facility, we require proof of current vaccinations before your dog begins any training program. The vaccinations we require are:
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
- Rabies
We’re open 24/7, use only force-free training methods, and offer a wide range of training plans to fit every dog’s needs and every owner’s lifestyle. Combined with our seasoned professional trainers and comprehensive owner education, we go well beyond a standard training class.
Yes. Positive reinforcement training is especially effective for anxious or fearful dogs because it builds confidence gradually without adding stress. Our trainers will work at a pace that’s comfortable for your dog. There are other things, like dog daycare, that can also help dogs with anxiety. Discuss your concerns with us during your training evaluation so we can make the best training plan possible.
The timeline varies depending on your dog’s starting point, the program you choose, and your goals. Some dogs progress in just a few sessions, while others may take longer to respond. Every dog is different, so please discuss this with our trainers so they can paint a better picture of how quickly your dog may progress.
All of our programs include owner education sessions where you learn to apply and reinforce the commands your dog has mastered. We provide you with detailed instructions, training techniques, and exercises to practice at home. If you would like more in-depth owner education, our trainers will schedule individual one-on-one lessons with you in order to help transition the training into your home and everyday life.
Yes! We provide training options for dogs of all ages. During your training evaluation, you can discuss your dog’s needs with one of our trainers so they can devise the best plan for your dog’s age and capabilities.
During obedience dog training, our trainers can cover everything from sit, down, sit-stay, down-stay, and “climb”, to polite greetings and friendly interactions.
At Happy Tails, we offer advanced obedience training, dog sports (including agility training and IPO), and AKC training.
We use force-free, positive reinforcement methods. This means rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, and play rather than using punishment or corrections. Not only are these methods proven to bring lasting results, but they strengthen the bond between the human and the animal.
Our head trainer is Shannon Durington, a CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer and AKC CGC Evaluator with over 12 years of experience across breeds and training disciplines.
Yes. Our trainers have experience working with dogs of all breeds and backgrounds, from small companion breeds to large working breeds.
All programs include owner education sessions where you’ll learn how to reinforce commands and practice techniques at home. For more in-depth support, individual one-on-one lessons with a trainer can be arranged. Our private lessons require the most commitment from the owner, while our day training program requires the least owner involvement.