About Happy Tailz

Who runs it

Kelly Colthorpe is the owner and trainer of Happy Tailz, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology, earned in 2011, and the site connects that study to her view that animals learn through muscle memory and leadership roles.

Method and scope

The business describes its purpose as improving the relationships between humans and their pets through positive reinforcement and muscle memory. The site states that over 2,000 dogs, 24 cats and 2 pigs have been trained to date, and that it is never too late to train at any age – with the one restriction that the animal must be at least 8 weeks old.

Format

Training is delivered as private sessions on home visits with one-on-one attention. Sessions run about an hour, with an additional dog adding cost and time.

Published rates

Happy Tailz publishes its prices, which is unusual in this trade: a single session, a four-session package and a six-session package are each listed with a stated saving on the package options, and discounts still apply when training multiple dogs.

Agility

For higher-energy dogs or owners wanting more mental stimulation, the trainer offers agility, bringing the necessary equipment to the client.

Certifications

The site lists AKC CGC Evaluator, AKC STAR Puppy, and dog and cat CPR and first aid, alongside the wildlife biology degree.