Happy Tails Training Center

06/22/2025

Who is the cutest top dog? Sadie or Oli???

We won't make you choose. But make sure you are following because Obstacle Palooza is coming soon!

06/21/2025

06/20/2025

Trainer Alyssa was at Wags & Whiskers Pet Food / Supplies - La Crosse yesterday and saw these new magical lick pops. These are a great tool for enrichment or leash manners! So excited for the new goodies!

06/19/2025

It's hot outside... Did you know you can make easy popsicles for your dog by simply freezing carrots? Great for health, teeth, and cooling down!

06/18/2025

FEARFUL DOGS It’s June and we are going to look at FEAR … what is fear, why are dogs fearful, how can we recognize it and how can we help our fearful dogs.

Day 17: Greetings

Let’s start with how dogs go about greeting a stranger.

While people march right up to another person, smile and thrust a hand out and avidly hold eye contact while chatting on and on and on … dogs find all of this off-putting, rude and even aggressive. For humans, greetings are about touch, eye contact and vocal communication. For dogs, greetings are all about safety and scent.

WWDD (What Would Dogs Do):
- march right up to another dog? Nope! Dogs circle around one another;
- smile at a strange dog? No. Showing teeth can send the wrong signal - dogs will often lick lips and give other appeasement signals;
- thrust out a paw or nose for contact? What the what? I don’t know you. Don’t touch me, you creepy stranger;
- hold eye contact? No way! Dogs go out of their way to NOT hold eye contact;
- stand around and chat? Uh-uh - dogs greet and move away. They may re-approach and sniff a bit more, but they don’t hang out in another dog’s personal space and “chat”.

For dogs, greetings are all about “Am I safe?” and “What can I learn from sniffing this stranger”.

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at https://www.crimsonhound.com .

06/18/2025

July is heading our way quickly... Sign up for your class now.

06/17/2025

Save the date:
August 2nd we will be hosting our 2nd annual open house. 🥳🐶

06/17/2025

Who wants to see a photo of adorable puppy graduates???
Look at how good they sit! Let's give em a round of applause.

06/16/2025

Thinking about a new dog? Trying to decide breed? Thinking about puppy vs adult dogs?

Step 1) Ask yourself how much time you have to focus on your dog. Honestly ask yourself that question.

Step 2) Remember that any puppy or dog needs time to adjust to their new home and lifestyle. Things may be hard when your new family member comes home. Breathe, you can do this!

Step 3) Always remember your favorite dog trainers and don't hesitate to ask for help.

Happy dog searching. 🐾♥️🐾

06/15/2025

Just a little taste of the Labrador special...

The Brown Dog Gang (3/4 of team in pool) got 1st place in their team run on Saturday with a combined score of 380 out of 400!

Trainer Alyssa and her best girl Lily titled in intermediate rally and won first place in her heat.

More photos and wins to come!

06/13/2025

Happy Friday!

In honor of the Labrador special that Alyssa and Tracy will be at, we are sharing a video of baby Lily aka Lazy M's Blue River Lily experiencing a wobble board for the first time ever during puppy training.

Lily spent her first few weeks with Alyssa learning about new textures in a controlled and fun environment at our training center.

Please enjoy her cuteness!