Business Details
30 Years
experience
Expert Dog Training & Obedience Classes in San Jose
Founded in 1996 by Dawna Caldwell, Happy Tails to You Dog Training combines decades of expertise in animal behavior with cutting-edge training methodologies. Our programs are endorsed by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers, reflecting our commitment to industry excellence. We specialize in creating customized training solutions for dogs of all ages, focusing on building strong, trust-based relationships between pets and owners. Our team's extensive experience includes working with rescue organizations, rehabilitating dogs with behavioral challenges, and providing education through television appearances and community outreach.With a facility in San Jose, CA, we offer flexible scheduling options, including evening and weekend classes, to accommodate busy pet owners. Our approach integrates positive reinforcement techniques, real-world application, and comprehensive follow-up support to ensure lasting results. We maintain rigorous vaccination and safety protocols while prioritizing transparency in our operations. Through private lessons, group classes, and intensive boarding programs, we empower clients to achieve long-term behavioral improvements in their canine companions.
Services
Private Dog Training
Group Obedience Classes
Board and Train Programs
Behavior Modification
Puppy Socialization
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer proven techniques endorsed by leading dog training organizations.
- Our founder has 25+ years of experience in animal behavior.
- We provide customized training programs for specific behavioral needs.
- We maintain rigorous vaccination and safety protocols.
- We offer flexible scheduling with evening and weekend availability.
Associations and certifications
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers
- Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers
What people say
Fantastic trainer
Knowledgeable staff
Patient with dogs
Positive results
Personalized approach
Services
Private Dog Training
Customized training programs address specific behavioral needs through personalized sessions. Our certified trainers work directly with owners to implement effective techniques for obedience, socialization, and problem-solving. Each session focuses on building communication skills between dogs and owners while addressing individual challenges.
Group Obedience Classes
Structured classes teach basic commands and socialization skills in a controlled environment. Participants learn positive reinforcement techniques while practicing with dogs of varying temperaments. The six-week program covers leash walking, recall commands, and household manners for puppies and adult dogs.
Board and Train Programs
Intensive three-week programs combine boarding with daily training sessions. Dogs receive focused instruction on obedience commands, public manners, and behavior modification while staying at our facility. Includes follow-up sessions to reinforce training with owners after completion.
Behavior Modification
Specialized programs address aggression, anxiety, and severe behavioral issues through structured rehabilitation. Our trainers implement confidence-building exercises and impulse control techniques while providing owner education for maintaining progress at home.
Puppy Socialization
Early socialization classes prevent behavioral problems through controlled exposure to new environments and animals. Focus areas include bite inhibition, basic commands, and positive association building during critical developmental stages for puppies aged 10 weeks to 5 months.
People
Dawna Caldwell
Founder & Head Trainer
Certified dog training expert with 25+ years of experience in animal behavior. UC Davis veterinary science graduate specializing in positive reinforcement techniques. Regular contributor to local TV programs and rescue organization initiatives.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement techniques that focus on rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing unwanted ones.
Do you offer training for aggressive dogs?
Yes, we have specialized behavior modification programs for dogs with aggression or severe anxiety issues.
What are your vaccination requirements?
Puppies need two rounds of shots; adult dogs require current DHLP-PC, rabies, and Bordetella vaccinations.
How long do training results last?
With proper follow-through, results typically last permanently. We provide ongoing support to maintain training effectiveness.
Can I visit during my dog's training?
Yes, we offer scheduled visitation appointments for boarding training programs to monitor progress.
Do you guarantee training success?
While we can't guarantee 100% compliance, our proven methods significantly improve behavior when owners follow training protocols.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Lilian Le
May 20, 2021
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Kelsey Vischer
Dec 03, 2019
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Dawna and her staff are amazing! we have a very skittish and nervous puppy who has totally turned over a new leaf with strangers and other dogs. They are so great our puppy goes to doggy daycare 3 days a week to help with socialization and it has been amazing. Highly recommend for both!
Amber Brooks
Apr 30, 2019
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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!
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!
