Business Details
Expert Dog Training in Santa Rosa, CA
Tails A Waggin has been dedicated to fostering strong relationships between dogs and their owners through science-based, positive reinforcement training methods. Our experienced team specializes in obedience, agility, and behavior modification programs tailored to dogs of all ages and skill levels. With a focus on building confidence and communication, we offer structured classes and private sessions designed to address individual needs while promoting lifelong learning. Our trainers hold certifications through the American Kennel Club and have successfully prepared dogs for competitions and real-world challenges. By emphasizing patience and consistency, we help owners develop well-mannered companions capable of thriving in various environments.The facility has supported countless rescue dogs in overcoming behavioral hurdles through customized training plans. Regular class offerings include puppy socialization, advanced agility courses, and AKC title preparation programs. Our commitment to ongoing education ensures clients receive up-to-date techniques grounded in animal behavior science. With over two decades of combined experience, the team maintains a supportive environment where both dogs and handlers can grow together. Success stories from local competitions and community events demonstrate our training effectiveness. We maintain partnerships with regional animal shelters to provide adoption support through specialized training programs.
Services
Puppy Training
Basic Dog Training
AKC Rally
Agility Training
AKC Trick Dog Training
Canine Good Citizen Review
Private Training Lessons
Highlights and features
- We offer AKC-certified training programs with competition preparation expertise
- Our team specializes in rescue dog rehabilitation through behavior modification
- We provide structured classes for puppies through advanced agility training
- Our trainers maintain 20+ years combined experience in positive reinforcement methods
- We offer flexible scheduling with private sessions and group classes available
Associations and certifications
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
What people say
Experienced trainers
Effective methods
Improved dog behavior
Enjoyable classes
Successful outcomes
Services
Puppy Training
Structured socialization and basic obedience instruction for puppies aged 6 months and younger. Focuses on house manners, leash walking, and foundational commands using gentle, reward-based techniques. Builds essential skills for future training success.
Agility Training
Comprehensive obstacle course training including jumps, tunnels, and contact equipment. Develops physical coordination, mental focus, and handler communication. Suitable for recreational exercise or competitive preparation through progressive skill levels.
AKC Rally
AKC-sanctioned obedience training combining standard commands with fun, pattern-based exercises. Prepares dogs and handlers for competition while improving focus and teamwork through structured, engaging routines.
Canine Good Citizen
AKC-mandated training program preparing dogs for the Canine Good Citizen test. Covers 10 essential skills including public access manners, distraction handling, and supervised separation to develop well-mannered community companions.
Private Training
Customized training plans addressing specific behavioral goals or challenges. Offers personalized instruction for dogs needing individualized attention or owners seeking flexible scheduling options outside group class formats.
People
Lissa
Head Trainer
Certified AKC evaluator with 20+ years experience in positive reinforcement training. Specializes in competition preparation and rescue dog rehabilitation. Developed successful programs for agility, rally, and obedience training.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use science-based positive reinforcement techniques focusing on reward-based learning to build strong communication between dogs and handlers.
Do you offer private training sessions?
Yes, we provide customized private training options for owners seeking one-on-one instruction tailored to specific behavioral goals.
Are your trainers certified?
Our lead trainers hold certifications through the American Kennel Club and maintain current knowledge of modern training practices.
What class sizes do you offer?
Group classes typically have 6-8 dogs with smaller ratios for specialized programs, ensuring individual attention while maintaining socialization benefits.
Do you work with rescue dogs?
Yes, we specialize in helping rescue dogs overcome behavioral challenges through customized training plans focused on building confidence and trust.
Can you prepare dogs for AKC competitions?
Our competition preparation program has successfully trained multiple dogs to earn titles in agility, rally, and obedience events.
Reviews (1)
Maria M.
Aug 08, 2013
Report
I took my lab puppy to Lissa for a beginner class. The class was ok but we rarely went over the same thing twice. I thought we would go over the things learned in previous lessons to ensure we had all learned what we were taught the week before-we just moved on to another command and another, etc. The reason I'm writing is review is I paid for a second set of classes way before the classes were due to start.
Unfortunately my life took a turn for the worse and I was forced to place my lab puppy in another home. I lost everything I owned. I called Lissa and asked for my money back. I left her a voicemail explaining what had happened to me and my family. I never heard back from her. I called three more times and I sent two emails. Not once did I hear back from her and obviously I didn't get my money back.
She kept $125.00 of mine and did nothing to earn it. This is the type of woman you will be dealing with if you take your dog to her for lessons. There are much better people to take lessons from, people who are compassionate and honest.
Unfortunately my life took a turn for the worse and I was forced to place my lab puppy in another home. I lost everything I owned. I called Lissa and asked for my money back. I left her a voicemail explaining what had happened to me and my family. I never heard back from her. I called three more times and I sent two emails. Not once did I hear back from her and obviously I didn't get my money back.
She kept $125.00 of mine and did nothing to earn it. This is the type of woman you will be dealing with if you take your dog to her for lessons. There are much better people to take lessons from, people who are compassionate and honest.
