Our Founder

Dawna Caldwell, Founder of Happy Tails to You Dog Training

Dawna Caldwell is the founder of Happy Tails to You Dog Training. From the age of eight, Dawna has consistently shown a remarkable interest in the health and well-being of her family’s pets, and this interest has led to her advocacy of pet owner education.

With aspirations of becoming a veterinarian, Dawna attended UC Davis for three years and realized that the study of animal behavior would be her true calling. In 1989 Dawna bought her first Rottweiler, Darby and realized that such a large, independent dog needed training. Thus began the search for a dog training program that used positive reinforcement methods, not harsh corrections.

During her search, Dawna found Noky’s Legacy Dog Training and enrolled into their program. She was amazed with the results she was getting using positive training methods and saw that Darby was not only becoming well-behaved, their relationship was blossoming as well. Dawna fell in love with dog training, and several years later began her apprenticeship with Noky’s and became a valued member of their training staff.

Since then, Dawna has apprenticed with dog behavior expert Lu Shoberg from Baymont Dog Training, has opened her own dog training business, and is on the Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley's trainer referral list. She is a proud member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and attends their yearly conference. She also attends the latest seminars of renowned behaviorists from around the world to keep her training methods up-to-date and her clients well-informed. In her spare time, Dawna volunteers for her local Rottweiler Club to educate the community about this beautiful breed of dog. Dawna now has a male Rottweiler named Lieutenant Worf, Chief of Security, after her favorite character on Star Trek. He serves as her source of inspiration, for he has not only been her best teacher, but her best friend.

Our Mission

Here at Happy Tails to You Dog Training, our mission is to provide you with a positive foundation for establishing a healthy relationship with your dog. Our goals include teaching classes that are comprised of basic obedience, behavior problem solving techniques, household and public good manners, and preventative health care. We will at all times encourage responsible pet ownership and commitment to the natural life span of the dog. The health and well being of the dog and client satisfaction shall remain our highest priority.

Our Philosophy

Although we take our training very seriously, our techniques are geared to be fun and enjoyable for both you and your dog; as all dog training classes should be! While participating in our training programs, you will be learning philosophies and techniques taught by leading animal behaviorists, trainers of dogs, dolphins and tigers alike.

Having a happy, healthy relationship with your dog improves his ability and willingness to learn training exercises. Conversely, using the proper training methods can promote an enjoyable, long-lasting bond. Of utmost importance is to realize that dogs are living, breathing, thinking beings, and as such they will always have the ability to make choices. The day you become a worthy owner and a good trainer is the day you get your dog to offer you a desired behavior because he chooses to do so, not because he is forced. From there your relationship will blossom!

Our Practice

Happy Tails to You Dog Training is on the Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley's trainer referral list and has been affiliated with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers since 1996. All training sessions incorporate the use of reward-based methods for positive, non-punitive training. This includes the use of praise and food treats. Each class session is conducted for one (1) hour, once a week, for six (6) consecutive weeks. Classes are held indoors and are limited to eight (8) dogs per class.

It is recommended that all family members participate in your dog’s training program, either by coming to class or helping with weekly homework. Clients may be as young as twelve (12) years old with adult supervision. All beginning classes (Puppy Kindergarten, Premier Puppy, and Premier Adult) have a one-hour orientation as the first class and include a Home Training Guide. Our class training facility is located at 2045 Woodard Road, near the intersection of Camden and Union in San Jose. Please call our training office for a current class schedule and further details. Classes fill up fast, so sign-up today!

Our Vaccination Requirements

Puppies between the ages of ten (10) weeks and five (5) months must have received two (2) of their required puppy shots. Older dogs must be current with their DHLP-PC and rabies vaccinations. A stool check by your veterinarian is also required. A copy of your current vaccination record will suffice as proof of shots and must be brought to the first class. A Bordetella inoculation is also required.