About Tails for Life Inc

What it is

Tails for Life Inc. publishes its address as "W7074 Penny Ln Fond du Lac, WI 54937" and its office line as 920-906-9188. The masthead states its purpose – "Empowering individuals to increase their independence and enhance their quality of life" – and that "Tails for Life is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization!" The site also carries a Service Dogs section; ask what that program involves.

The Academy programs

Training is sold as a school. The "Academy Puppy Course" is "$1400.00 for 7 Weeks (2 Days a Week)" and is "geared towards teaching your puppy basic commands and proper socialization to things they will encounter in everyday life," described as most effective "for puppies 10 weeks of age and up." The "Junior College Program (Adult Dogs)" is "$1600.00 for 7 Weeks (2 Days a Week)," aimed at "teaching your adult dog basic commands or to curtail any negative behaviors you may be dealing with," and pitched at "newly adopted dogs, dogs struggling with obedience skills or with little to no socialization skills." The "Bachelor's Program" is "$1400.00 for 7 Weeks" for a dog "advancing their education," for "clients seeking Canine Good Citizen and advanced training."

Longer packages and daycare

Two combined options sit above the courses: the "Master's Program" at "$3,800.00 (45 Days)," described as "a combination of all the programs listed above," and the "Ultimate Package (PHD Program)" at "$18,000.00 Unlimited Training for the life of your pet!" A second-dog discount of 15% is published for Academy programs. Separately, "Tails for Life Day Care (Play Only)" is sold in packages – "10 Day Package: $290.00" and "20 Day Package: $540.00" – with a 10% second-dog discount, small and large dogs kept in separate play groups.

Conditions of entry

Both the Academy and daycare carry the same health requirement: participants "must have received bordetalla vaccine (intranasal), leptospirosis, distemper, parvo, rabies, heartworm prevention, flea/tick prevention and a recent clean fecal sample" before taking part. The site also warns that program lengths are guidance rather than guarantee: "Every dog and behavior case is different……it may require more time than stated in the above programs."

Before you book

Ask who will train your dog, and whether in-home visits, evening group classes or aggression work are available.