About Happy Tails Dog Training

Happy Tails Dog Training is run in Memphis by Sophie Thomas, who publishes herself as "the owner and head trainer".

What they work on

Two things, stated plainly: obedience, and stopping problem behavior. The site opens on the questions that bring most people to a trainer – walks that are not enjoyable, a dog that will not come when called, a dog that has to be shut away when guests arrive, and behavior "that needs to be stopped NOW" – and answers "No issue is too big and no dog is too old!"

Method

"We use balanced training methods to strengthen the bond between you and your dog, increase your dog's desire to learn, and to create a clear line of communication between you and your dog." Courses are built around the individual pair: "We view you and your dog as a unique duo and we base our training courses off of your individual issues and goals."

The owner's framing

The stated goal is to change the owner's habits as much as the dog's – "We teach you how to break old habits, create new ones and make dog training a new and easy lifestyle. Every moment with your dog is a learning experience and we teach you how to make the best of it." The site describes the trainer as "Certified with years of experience training dogs of all ages and breeds"; ask which body certified the trainer and how many years of experience that covers.