Two Paws Up Dog Training LLC

Two Paws Up Dog Training LLC Modern, science based dog training focused on client education and a positive relationship. Good behavior begins with you!

Good behavior is the result of understanding your dog, creating predictability, and reinforcement. Serving Lead, Deadwood, Spearfish and the surrounding communities. Virtual training sessions can help dog owners across the country. As a society, our understanding of canine behavior is growing! Unfortunately, many dog trainers still use outdated methods based on force, fear, and intimidation. Our s

tudents obtain results using this simple formula:

1) Management
2) Predictability and Leadership
3) Reinforcement

In an unregulated industry, Two Paws Up Dog Training, LLC is owned by Brenda Belmonte, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, with more than 35 years experience in both the veterinary industry and as a professional dog trainer. Brenda established a successful dog training business in the northern suburbs of Chicago, before retiring and moving to the Black Hills. A reactivity and aggression specialist, Brenda created the trademarked S.A.F.E. Program For Dogs, which helps owners understand this challenging behavior, and establishes predictability for dogs. Through structured exercises and behavior modification, this program helps dogs of all ages. Member Organizations:

Professional Member: Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Canine Training Professional: Pet Professional Guild
Supporting Member: International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed: Certification Counsel for Professional Dog Trainers

The Complete Canine Core Program is also coming to Lead, SD!
12/15/2025

The Complete Canine Core Program is also coming to Lead, SD!

This is absolutely 100% correct!
12/14/2025

This is absolutely 100% correct!

It’s Not Spite, It’s Science: Why Owners Blame Their Pets.
By the time pet owners get to a professional trainer or behavior consultant, they are often already angry, frustrated, and on the verge of giving up on their beloved furry housemate. This is one of the most challenging aspects of being a pet trainer. You aren’t just dealing with a pet’s behavior; you are dealing with a human’s broken expectations.

The reason owners arrive angry, blaming the pet, and thinking the pet is acting out of “spite” or being an “ass,” usually boils down to a psychological concept called the Fundamental Attribution Error, compounded by the Lassie Myth.

Here is the breakdown of why this happens:

https://dognosticseducation.com/its-not-spite-its-science-why-owners-blame-their-pets/

We are very excited to announce that in 2026 we will be teaching classes in Lead, SD!Want to be notified when classes la...
12/12/2025

We are very excited to announce that in 2026 we will be teaching classes in Lead, SD!

Want to be notified when classes launch? Here's the link: https://forms.gle/BStvhHc685pd6RKt5

Here are some great way to exercise and entertain your dog indoors!
12/08/2025

Here are some great way to exercise and entertain your dog indoors!

Energy to burn? 🔥
Time to think outside the box.
Actually, it's time to think about them!

Dig in your cardboard recycling for some dog safe items for you to hide some special little morsels.
The trick with this?
There is a sweet spot.
Not too hard for them so they just "give up".
Not too easy either or we can miss giving them true enrichment.

Many dogs that are just starting with these enrichment activities do need encouragement from us at first, but then we need to grab a coffee, sit down and watch them figure it out.
Let them just go for it.
That's half the fun for them and for you !

That rolled up towel can get boring too!
Do it lengthwise and then add a loose knot. Too easy still? Put that towel in a box, or let them smell around the whole house and find where you have "hidden it".
Do a "double burrito" where a smaller rolled up towel is tied up in a larger one.

Set up an obstacle course with appropriate and safe "jumps" to go over and then think about using a kitchen chair on its side so your dog can safely crawl under the gap too.

Variety is key here and if you have a few dog puzzles, kongs or lick mats lying around, hide them and make them a challenge to even get to.

What have you always wanted to try with them?
Maybe a full circle "roll over"?
Maybe targeting an object or even beginning scent work?

Keep these ideas up your sleeve for those rainy days, well worth remembering.

Do you get stressed out when you are at the start line? Lose focus when things don't go right? We've got the workshop fo...
11/30/2025

Do you get stressed out when you are at the start line? Lose focus when things don't go right? We've got the workshop for you!

Silke Wittig, CPDT-KSA, ACBD, CNWI will be presenting a two day workshop on Mental Management for Nose Work Teams: Become the Handler Your Dog Deserves on Saturday May 16 and Sunday May 17, 2026.

In nose work, success isn't just about the dog's nose - it's about the handler's mindset. By understanding and applying proven mental management techniques, you'll set your self and your dog up for consistent success and more enjoyable searches!

Nose Work opportunities are coming in 2026!We have an Odor Recognition Test, NACSW Elite, NW3, NW2, and NW1 trials all s...
11/28/2025

Nose Work opportunities are coming in 2026!

We have an Odor Recognition Test, NACSW Elite, NW3, NW2, and NW1 trials all scheduled!

We are also bringing back Holly Bushard and new next year, Silke Wittig for workshops!

Check out the dates and topics at https://www.twopawsupdogtrainingllc.com/events

Coming soon!
11/26/2025

Coming soon!

Train Your Dog Month™ 2026 is on the way, and we’re inviting dog lovers, trainers, shelters, and pet professionals everywhere to join us in empowering dogs through education—not punishment.

Our motto?
Don’t blame them. TRAIN them.
Together, we can help dogs and their people thrive.

Stay tuned, spread the word, and get ready to participate all month long during January 2026. 💙🐾

Welcome to the world little ones! Shout out to Animal Care Center Of Spearfish for the wonderful prenatal care!
11/19/2025

Welcome to the world little ones! Shout out to Animal Care Center Of Spearfish for the wonderful prenatal care!

Here’s the reason Brenda’s agility, nose work, and private sessions are paused this week.

Meet “The Breakfast Club” litter - Ally, Vernon, Karl, and Bender. They arrived in true Toller fashion- screaming right after birth.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of the retrievers and is noted for its high pitched “scream.”

Proud papa, Kanan, and amazing first time mother, Scramble, have a combined 38 titles in a variety of dog sports.

ANNOUNCEMENT - If you attended last year's workshop, check your email! Early bird registration information went out toda...
11/17/2025

ANNOUNCEMENT - If you attended last year's workshop, check your email! Early bird registration information went out today!

11/17/2025

ANNOUNCEMENT!

Emails for early bird registration for the Holly Bushard workshop in March have been sent. We will open registration up to everyone on January 16, 2026.

Address

Lead, SD

Telephone

+16055491644

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