You'll learn techniques used by advanced animal trainers worldwide, and we're fully endorsed by both the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers. We make it easy for you with evening and weekend classes. Plus, our San Jose location is near three freeways, making us easy to reach from anywhere in the South Bay Area. You'll be learning powerful tools and techniques, but we'll still make it fun for you and your dog. Dawna Caldwell is founder of Happy Tails to You Dog Training.
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To give you more options for social distancing, you can now elect to attend our classes in-person or online. Ideal for puppies, adolescents, dogs new to your home, and as a refresher course for older dogs. You'll learn how to positively motivate your dog to perform specific behaviors such as sit, stand, down, off, come, stay, and walk politely on leash.
I, Dawna Caldwell, began my professional career with dogs in 1996 and created Happy Tails to You Dog Training. In 2004 I opened Canine Corral Dog Daycare to offer daycare and overnight care services. The two businesses have remained separate until now. Happy Tails to You Dog Training will continue to offer group classes and private, in-home lessons.
Reviews (10)
An A.
Oct 07, 2021
Would not recommend this training program for a few reasons. It was $375 for 6 group classes with more than 20 people/dogs. If you do the math, you would know how little time and attention you get. I completely agree CYNTH V.'s review - I didn't take it as seriously as I should have because CYNTH V. was the only person who pointed this out - these classes are like watching a video.
You sit there and try to get your dog to sit calmly for 1h+ when there are people walking around and talking, all kinds of dogs barking, motorcycles and cars in the background, etc. If you have a child or have raised puppies in the past, you know this is IMPOSSIBLE. No puppy has that kind of attention span. You get about 5 mins in every 1h class where you practice a new skill; the other 55 mins you just sit there and listen to Dawna talk (or watch her demo something with all 20+ dogs in the class, one by one).
Just for comparison, you can get lifetime membership at some of the online dog training programs for less than $200 and PetSmart classes are $129 for 6 classes with AT MOST 4 people. For dog training especially, you can find most content on YouTube; if there is no individual attention, there is no point to the class. Second, these classes are very disorganized and clearly not planned out in advance. Dawna typically teaches 3-4 things per class but usually has only taught 1or 2 by the 1h mark.
She then rushes through the other 2 or 3 things that she needs to teach in 15-20 mins of overtime. Third, I don't think Dawna's a very kind trainer. I felt like I was treated like I was sitting in high school. She's incredibly impatient with questions and tells you to "just do what I said". I know other trainers who are much nicer and understanding. I highly advise you to keep these things in mind when you consider this training program.
You sit there and try to get your dog to sit calmly for 1h+ when there are people walking around and talking, all kinds of dogs barking, motorcycles and cars in the background, etc. If you have a child or have raised puppies in the past, you know this is IMPOSSIBLE. No puppy has that kind of attention span. You get about 5 mins in every 1h class where you practice a new skill; the other 55 mins you just sit there and listen to Dawna talk (or watch her demo something with all 20+ dogs in the class, one by one).
Just for comparison, you can get lifetime membership at some of the online dog training programs for less than $200 and PetSmart classes are $129 for 6 classes with AT MOST 4 people. For dog training especially, you can find most content on YouTube; if there is no individual attention, there is no point to the class. Second, these classes are very disorganized and clearly not planned out in advance. Dawna typically teaches 3-4 things per class but usually has only taught 1or 2 by the 1h mark.
She then rushes through the other 2 or 3 things that she needs to teach in 15-20 mins of overtime. Third, I don't think Dawna's a very kind trainer. I felt like I was treated like I was sitting in high school. She's incredibly impatient with questions and tells you to "just do what I said". I know other trainers who are much nicer and understanding. I highly advise you to keep these things in mind when you consider this training program.
Lilian Le
May 20, 2021
My 12yr old son and I brought in our 11month German shepherd/Husky, Marathon for training just before the covid19 problem. First realize the training is actually for us the owners. Dawna teaches the class with enthusiasm and entertaining energy. She will give you the knowledge and first hand experience to train your dog. Bottom line.if you practice what she teaches you will have well trained dog. David, Campbell
Olivia Guel
May 21, 2020
We love Dawna and her training classes. These classes are affordable compared to others, and super informative. I was really nervous to take my almost 1 year old, 100 lb pitbull anywhere, due to his size, strength and stubborn personality, but it only took 1 and a half classes to settle him. We take King to Canine Corral for boarding, so thought this would be a comfortable. We were right. He knows and loves the staff, and so do we! It's well worth the time and investment, and I highly recommend it. I only wish we took him sooner!
Jenn Treiber
Apr 21, 2020
Dawna and her staff at Happy Tails are wonderful! She and her team make training classes not only informative and fun for both those being trained (ie, the humans!) but also the dogs! I love the way she explains "the why" behind how to train for a certain behavior, but she also gives great examples. She shows the class how to teach the dog the desired behavior, then gives us time to practice that training technique while in class so that she and her team can provide feedback on what we are doing right, or how to make modifications specific for our dog.
I especially love that Dawna and her staff have Kongs already stuffed and Bully Sticks ready to give out for those dogs who have a hard time keeping quiet in the excitement of being in a classroom setting! Such a great touch! I just finished the puppy class and will definitely be continuing with more classes. Highly recommended!
I especially love that Dawna and her staff have Kongs already stuffed and Bully Sticks ready to give out for those dogs who have a hard time keeping quiet in the excitement of being in a classroom setting! Such a great touch! I just finished the puppy class and will definitely be continuing with more classes. Highly recommended!
Jennifer CarreonCruz
Jan 20, 2020
Our energetic 7month golden retriever can be overwhelming at times. Going through the puppy class was quite helpful, and most especially completing the weekly homework. We've learned consistency and patience is the key to getting our puppy to be obedient in all types of settings. Dawna is really helpful, and always has other suggestions when something isn't working.
On to graduate class where we will go more in-depth with the simple commands. Overall, we would definitely suggest Happy Tails to You for someone who wants a more obedient puppy/dog.
On to graduate class where we will go more in-depth with the simple commands. Overall, we would definitely suggest Happy Tails to You for someone who wants a more obedient puppy/dog.
Kelsey Vischer
Dec 03, 2019
Amber Brooks
Apr 30, 2019
I brought my 2.5 year old German Shepherd to the beginners dog training class because I just adopted her from the shelter and wanted to get her in a habit of good behavior and wanted her to socialize with other dogs. This class is in a small group setting and I felt I learned a lot in the 6 weeks. Dawna is very energetic and knowledgeable about dog training.
She knows how to explain the whys behind each command that we are learning so that the whole group understands! The higher the distraction, the higher the reward was the best tip I learned to keep my Lyla motivated to learn more! Would recommend her classes to anyone who is looking training their dog! The staff is also great and patient with all the dogs there!
She knows how to explain the whys behind each command that we are learning so that the whole group understands! The higher the distraction, the higher the reward was the best tip I learned to keep my Lyla motivated to learn more! Would recommend her classes to anyone who is looking training their dog! The staff is also great and patient with all the dogs there!
Mj Klope
Feb 22, 2019
We have an enthusiastic Golden Retriever puppy who is quickly becoming quite the gentleman, thanks to Dawna. She is truly training not only Finn, but even more the two of us. Even with various dog breeds, sizes and personalities, Dawna is competent and effective in guiding behavior, both in the dogs and their parents! She demonstrates every training technique multiple times and gives us opportunity to practice, with coaching.
The weekly homework training sheets are magical! If we do our homework as prescribed, Finn is amazing! We're fully aware that his success completely depends on our follow-through. We've graduated from Puppy Kindergarten and are moving on to the Graduate class with great expectations. We plan to continue classes until Finn is a delight in every setting. We highly recommend Happy Tails to You!
The weekly homework training sheets are magical! If we do our homework as prescribed, Finn is amazing! We're fully aware that his success completely depends on our follow-through. We've graduated from Puppy Kindergarten and are moving on to the Graduate class with great expectations. We plan to continue classes until Finn is a delight in every setting. We highly recommend Happy Tails to You!
Debora Lid
Dec 25, 2018
Melissa Ng
Oct 29, 2018
We recently welcomed a rescue tripod into our home - our first dog! She's anxious and her manners and social skills are limited due to her years as a street dog, so she needs some guidance to learn how to Dog. The Happy Tails beginner class was a terrific way for her to get some exposure to other dogs, as well as for us to learn how to relate to our newest family member. Dawna has a great approach: kind, understanding, and non-intimidating, but firm enough so the dogs understand what we want and aspire to make us happy.
Our girl's comfort levels in class improved dramatically from the first day to the last, and she's got a solid 50 yard off-leash recall now too. We'd recommend Happy Tails to anyone, and have already referred friends with a new shy puppy for classes here as well. Thanks!
Our girl's comfort levels in class improved dramatically from the first day to the last, and she's got a solid 50 yard off-leash recall now too. We'd recommend Happy Tails to anyone, and have already referred friends with a new shy puppy for classes here as well. Thanks!
