Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Dog Training Solutions
Since 1991, Tails U Win has been a leader in positive reinforcement-based dog training, serving Tolland and Hartford County residents and gaining international recognition for our innovative programs. Our team of certified professionals conducts over 85 weekly classes, offering comprehensive training solutions for dogs of all ages and skill levels. We specialize in creating customized training experiences through group classes, day programs, and private lessons tailored to individual needs. Our facility in Manchester, Connecticut, provides a safe environment for dogs to develop essential skills while building confidence and strengthening the human-animal bond. With decades of combined experience, our trainers employ science-backed methods to address behavioral challenges and prepare dogs for competitive events.We maintain rigorous standards of excellence through continuous staff development and adherence to the latest training methodologies. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our extensive program offerings, including AKC-certified courses, scent work, and specialized reactive dog training. We prioritize client education through detailed progress reports and instructional resources to ensure consistent training at home. Our facility features dedicated spaces for agility training, obedience work, and socialization activities. By combining technical expertise with compassionate care, we help dogs and their owners achieve lasting behavioral improvements and foster stronger relationships.
Services
Agility Classes
Obedience Training
Day School Programs
Private Lessons
Reactive Dog Training
AKC Certification
Scent Work Classes
Puppy Kindergarten
Canine Conditioning
Freestyle Training
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of experience in positive reinforcement dog training
- Our staff conducts 85+ weekly classes covering all training disciplines
- We provide customized day training programs with detailed progress reports
- Our trainers hold certifications from recognized canine training organizations
- We maintain an international reputation for innovative dog training methods
What people say
Effective training methods
Knowledgeable instructors
Positive reinforcement approach
Detailed progress reports
Successful behavior modification
Services
Agility Classes
Our agility classes develop dogs' physical coordination and handler communication through obstacle courses. Trainers certified by the AKC guide dogs of all skill levels through jumps, weave poles, and contact equipment. Classes emphasize positive reinforcement while building confidence and precision in competitive agility skills.
Day School Programs
Intensive day training programs provide structured skill development for dogs aged 8 weeks and older. Customized curricula include basic obedience, socialization, and behavior modification with detailed daily progress reports. Programs range from 5-day packages to 12-day intensive academies with follow-up private lessons included.
Reactive Dog Training
Specialized online and in-person programs address leash reactivity and overexcitement in dogs. Certified trainers use science-based desensitization techniques to build calm responses to triggers. The program starts in low-stress environments before progressing to real-world applications with step-by-step guidance for owners.
AKC Certification Programs
We prepare dogs for AKC Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog certifications through structured classes and evaluation sessions. Our certified evaluators guide dogs through required skills including obedience, socialization, and trick performance. Programs include preparation for title testing with documentation assistance.
Private Lessons
Customized private instruction addresses specific training needs from basic obedience to advanced skills. Sessions cover house training, leash manners, and specialized training for competitive events. Lessons available in-person or via remote video conferencing with follow-up support materials.
People
Leslie Nelson
Owner/Director of Training
Leslie Nelson has directed Tails-U-Win's training programs since 1991, developing the facility's positive reinforcement methodology. She oversees all training operations and staff development while maintaining hands-on involvement in advanced training programs.
Dana Escobar
Reactive Dog Instructor
Dana Escobar specializes in behavior modification for reactive dogs, holding multiple training certifications. She developed the center's successful online reactive dog program and provides personalized training plans based on canine cognitive science.
Pam O'Day
Agility Instructor
Pam O'Day brings 25+ years of agility competition experience as an AKC judge and certified trainer. She designs obstacle courses that develop dogs' physical abilities and handler communication skills for competitive events.
Sarah Cassis
Office Manager
Sarah Cassis manages daily operations and client services at Tails-U-Win. With extensive knowledge of dog training programs, she assists clients in selecting appropriate classes and coordinates scheduling for the facility's 85+ weekly sessions.
Cindy LaPorte
Assistant Director
Cindy LaPorte oversees training staff and curriculum development as Assistant Director. She evaluates new training methods for effectiveness and ensures consistent application of positive reinforcement techniques across all programs.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We exclusively use positive reinforcement techniques that reward desired behaviors. Our methods focus on building trust and understanding between dogs and owners without force or intimidation.
Do you offer puppy training classes?
Yes, we provide puppy-specific programs including Jumpstart Kindergarten for 8-16 week olds and the Great Expectations Academy for comprehensive early training and socialization.
Can you help with leash reactivity?
Our Reactive Dog program addresses leash reactivity through science-based desensitization. Certified trainers develop customized plans to help dogs remain calm around common triggers during walks.
Are private lessons available?
We offer private training sessions for specialized needs, including in-home visits and remote video consultations. Lessons cover basic obedience, behavior modification, and competition preparation.
What are your class schedules?
We conduct over 85 weekly classes with options for puppies, adult dogs, and specialized training. Day programs run Monday-Friday with flexible scheduling for private lessons and evaluations.
Do you provide AKC certification?
Yes, we prepare dogs for AKC Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog certifications. Our certified evaluators administer tests and provide preparation classes for these official titles.
Reviews (4)
Stacy J.
Feb 25, 2022
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Never did hear back from anyone at this place. I wasn't asking for a refund, just a transfer of service so I could attend classes another time or maybe get something from their shop. I don't live in the area anymore, so now they have just profited off of me.
K. Apl Ft
Jan 17, 2022
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We had the opportunity to meet with the Owner to have our first Consult. Learned quite a bit about our pup and ourselves. Puppy Kindergarten Classes were fun and informative but our instructor was a bit of a stickler about how she wanted things done. When inquiring minds asked it was a repeat of the same with no explanation as to why we did it that way. Not even after class. Then when we moved on to Famuly Dog II we had a different instructor who explained the reasoning why. However, she gave no homework nor followed any "flight plan".
Each class was a surprise. Fun. Entertaining. We learned one's pup must master Family II twice before moving on to other courses. We need some guidance on a few things so we may opt for some personal training for our pup. So far we have been happy with what they have offered.
Each class was a surprise. Fun. Entertaining. We learned one's pup must master Family II twice before moving on to other courses. We need some guidance on a few things so we may opt for some personal training for our pup. So far we have been happy with what they have offered.
Reyna Quinteiro
Sep 23, 2021
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Lily took family dog 1 and 2 with Gina! She's awesome at what she does! I just want to say if you have never took a class here your missing out! This place is amazing at what they do! I have never been disappointed in the services they provide here. They care so much about your pup! They even accommodate for dogs that have a harder time. I honestly can not say a bad thing. I recommend them to everyone! We will definitely be signing up for more classes! They Definitely need to expand!
Karen Case
Jul 13, 2021
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I've always loved Tails-U-Win! Over the many years, some of the dogs I've brought to them included: a puppy mill Golden Retriever who had never stepped foot on grass, an out of control rescue German Shepherd with more intelligence than she knew what to do with, and an extremely high drive working line German Shepherd who decided to be a complete punk at 6 month of age. The trainers took them all in stride and worked to develop them as well as myself.
Right now I have an extremely timid shepherd and needed his confidence raised. He's my dream dog, I wouldn't trust him to just anyone. He is flourishing in puppy kindergarten. Our trainer, Gina is sensitive, stresses compassionate leadership and works with each individual dog at the maturity level of the dog. I've watched her work patiently with new puppy owners as well as with more experienced individuals such as myself who've had quite a few canines over the years. I may think I know a lot, but I'm very rusty. I've been spoiled by my senior dogs. This is a refresher for me and it is doing a world of good for my pup. I see many more classes in our future.
Right now I have an extremely timid shepherd and needed his confidence raised. He's my dream dog, I wouldn't trust him to just anyone. He is flourishing in puppy kindergarten. Our trainer, Gina is sensitive, stresses compassionate leadership and works with each individual dog at the maturity level of the dog. I've watched her work patiently with new puppy owners as well as with more experienced individuals such as myself who've had quite a few canines over the years. I may think I know a lot, but I'm very rusty. I've been spoiled by my senior dogs. This is a refresher for me and it is doing a world of good for my pup. I see many more classes in our future.
