7375 HIGHWAY 157, CULLMAN, AL 35057
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256-727-6520
Training
Unlock your dog’s true potential with Happy Tails’ balanced training approach.
Grounded in dog psychology and a deep understanding of natural canine instincts, our training programs are designed to create real, lasting change by meeting your dog’s mental, physical, and emotional needs. We believe a happy dog is a fulfilled dog—and that fulfillment comes from structure, purpose, and connection.
Led by experienced trainers, our programs focus on more than just obedience. We help owners step into calm, confident leadership roles their dogs can trust, using positive reinforcement, daily exercise routines, healthy socialization, and clear boundaries to create balance at home and beyond. Whether you're working with a puppy, a rescue, or an older dog, we tailor each program to guide both dog and owner toward a more peaceful, respectful, and fulfilling relationship.
Services & Packages
Stay and Train Program
We understand that building a well-balanced, well-behaved dog takes time, consistency, and guidance—and that’s exactly what our Stay & Train program is here to provide. Designed to create lasting results, this immersive program allows your dog to learn and grow in a structured, fulfillment-based environment while we equip you, the owner, with the tools and support you need to continue that success at home.
Each program is customized to fit your dog’s unique needs and lasts between three to six weeks. Your dog will receive multiple daily training sessions focused on structure, leadership, healthy socialization, boundaries, and routines—all grounded in dog psychology and a deep understanding of canine behavior. For dogs completing the full six-week program, we also include real-world training field trips and an in-home session to help bridge the transition back into your daily life.
As part of our commitment to lasting success, graduates receive lifetime access to our trainers for follow-up support, guidance, and questions—because we’re here for you and your dog every step of the way.
Private Lessons
For those who prefer a more hands-on approach to dog training, our Private Lessons are the ideal solution. Designed for owners who are ready to be actively involved in their dog’s development, these sessions go far beyond basic obedience. Rooted in dog psychology and behavior, our program teaches you how to meet your dog’s mental and physical needs through structure, calm leadership, and meaningful engagement.
Conducted weekly at our facility by our professional trainers, each session builds on the last—offering a clear path from foundational commands to more advanced skills. But more importantly, we’ll guide you in becoming the confident, consistent leader your dog needs to thrive. You’ll learn how to create routines, set boundaries, and build a strong relationship based on trust and respect.
To reinforce your progress, you’ll receive practical “homework” after each lesson to practice at home. These lessons aren’t just about training your dog—they’re about learning how to truly fulfill them and create a more balanced life together.
Packages: Match Your Dog with the Perfect Training Program
Stay and Train Courses: 3-Week, 4-Week, and 6-Week Options
Transform your dog parenting journey with our comprehensive Stay and Train courses, designed for puppies and dogs aged 4 months and older. Whether your furry friend is new to training or needs a refresher, our programs are grounded in dog psychology and natural canine instincts—helping create well-balanced, fulfilled dogs through structure, leadership, and daily enrichment.
3-Week Course – $1500
Our 3-week package is ideal for owners looking to establish a solid foundation in essential cues that simplify daily interactions. Rooted in the principles of dog behavior and positive leadership, this immersive course teaches you how to communicate more clearly with your dog and meet their physical and mental needs in a way that builds calm, confident behavior.
Included:
- Leashwork – Perfecting the walk
- Sit
- Down
- Stay
You’ll also receive weekly video updates of your dog’s progress and a personalized one-on-one session at the end of week 3 to help transfer what they’ve learned into your home routine.
4-Week Course – $2000
Expanding on the 3-week foundation, the 4-week course offers deeper engagement for dogs with no prior training or those needing a skills refresh. By taking your dog’s instincts, behavior, and need for structure into account, this program helps create a more balanced, fulfilled pet ready to respond in the real world.
Included:
- Leashwork – Perfecting the walk
- Sit
- Down
- Stay
- Place
Your dog will practice these behaviors around distractions and begin to perform them reliably without treats. You’ll also receive a weekly video update, one real-world field trip, and a one-on-one session at the end of week 4 to reinforce your role as a confident leader at home.
6-Week Course – Complete Stay & Train – $3000
Our most comprehensive option, the 6-week Complete Stay & Train is designed for families who want lasting, real-life results. Based in dog psychology and focused on instinctual fulfillment, this program teaches not just obedience but balance—through routine, enrichment, structure, and calm leadership.
Included:
- Leashwork – Perfecting the walk
- Sit
- Down
- Stay
- Place
- Recall (off leash)
This program includes three real-world field trips, allowing your dog to practice skills in distracting environments. Training also takes place in our “real-life” home settings, working on guest protocol, mealtime manners, counter-surfing prevention, and calm in-home behavior.
You’ll receive weekly video updates and a final one-on-one session to support the transition back home. Plus, all graduates of the Complete program receive
lifetime access to our trainers for support, questions, or continued guidance—because training is a journey, and we’re with you for the long haul.
Join us on this enriching path of obedience, bonding, and behavior mastery—and discover how training grounded in natural instinct and positive leadership creates a more connected, fulfilled life with your dog.
*A non-refundable deposit of $300.00 is required to hold your spot in our stay and train program. Payment plans are available, but full balance must be paid by the drop off day of your pet’s stay. Please call to inquire about our training programs.
*We also offer 10% off military discounts as well as 10% off discounts for dogs adopted from a shelter or rescue organization (paperwork required).
Individual Private Lesson – $125
Unlock your dog’s potential with a one-on-one session at our facility, designed to address specific behavior challenges or support your dog through a new transition—like joining a new family or starting life as a puppy. Whether you’re dealing with barking, separation anxiety, reactivity, or simply laying a foundation in basic obedience (sit, down, stay, come, place), our certified trainers tailor each session to meet your dog’s unique needs.
Rooted in dog psychology and behavior, our training focuses on more than just commands—we teach you how to meet your dog’s physical and mental needs through structured routines, healthy socialization, and calm, confident leadership. You’ll leave with clear strategies and practical tools to strengthen your bond and help your dog feel fulfilled and balanced at home.
6-Week Private Lesson Program – $750
Whether you're raising a new puppy, welcoming a rescue into your home, or simply looking to build better behavior and communication, our 6-week private lesson program is the perfect path forward. Designed for dog owners who want to be actively involved, this program offers weekly one-hour sessions focused on obedience, confidence, and leadership.
Each lesson builds on the last, covering core skills such as leash walking, sit, stay, come, heel, and place, while also giving you the tools to fulfill your dog’s instinctual needs through daily exercise, enrichment, structure, and socialization. You’ll learn how to navigate real-world distractions, establish consistent routines, and use calm energy and body language to lead with clarity and confidence.
Sessions can take place at our facility, in the park, or even in your own neighborhood to help your dog succeed in the environments you frequent most. This program isn’t just about training—it’s about helping you and your dog thrive together.
*Private lesson sessions require a $100 non refundable deposit to reserve. If you opt to have any eligible lessons outside of our facility there may be additional travel fees for any trips outside the city limits of Cullman.
*Please feel free to call or email if you have any further questions. We also offer 10% off military discounts as well as 10% off discounts for dogs adopted from a shelter or rescue organization (paperwork required).
Our Training Philosophy
At Happy Tails, our training is grounded in dog psychology and a deep respect for each dog’s natural instincts, drives, and emotional needs. We believe in meeting dogs where they are, understanding their energy, body language, and behavior, so we can guide them toward balance, fulfillment, and lasting change.
Our approach blends modern and traditional techniques in a way that aligns with nature, not against it. We’re not a “positive-only” facility—we believe real leadership means providing clear communication, healthy boundaries, and calm, confident direction. While we celebrate and reward desirable behaviors, we also address unsafe or antisocial behaviors with fair, non-harmful corrections designed to guide and redirect.
By creating structure, offering daily mental and physical enrichment, and helping owners step into the leadership role their dog needs, we build well-rounded dogs and peaceful, trusting relationships. It’s not just about obedience—it’s about creating a life where dogs feel understood, fulfilled, and connected to the humans they love.
Train Smart, Not Hard
At Happy Tails, we don’t just teach you how to train your dog—we teach you how to understand them. By learning the “why” behind the behavior and the psychology driving it, you’ll be empowered to lead with clarity, confidence, and compassion. It’s not about memorizing commands—it’s about building communication and trust rooted in instinct, structure, and energy.
We believe in giving dog owners the tools and knowledge to become proactive problem-solvers. Like learning the art of cooking instead of just following a recipe, our approach helps you adapt to real-life situations and strengthen your bond with your dog along the way.
Our goal is for training to feel natural, enjoyable, and fulfilling—for both you and your dog—so you can move through life together with ease, balance, and connection.
Our Approach: “Train the dog in front of you”
Every dog is unique, and so is our approach to training each one. We pride ourselves on offering quality, effective, and lasting services. Successful training hinges not just on the dog’s actions but significantly on the owner’s commitment to implement our guidance consistently. Remember, training is not an event but a lifestyle—every interaction with your dog matters.
Will This Approach Work for Me and My Dog?
While we tailor our strategies to each dog's needs, the efficacy of our training also depends on continuous owner involvement and adaptation. We monitor each dog's progress closely and provide ongoing support throughout the training program. However, the ultimate success lies in your hands as the owner. If you're willing to invest the time, effort, and emotional commitment, we're here to support you every step of the way in achieving lasting results.
Standards of Excellence
At Happy Tails, our trainers excel due to their unique blend of training methods. They are certified canine behaviorists and graduates of Joanna Stanford’s Lead Academy, where they learned from one of Cesar Milan's head trainers. Additionally, they are proud graduates of the prestigious Highland Canine School for Dog Trainers, known for basic obedience training across the U.S. This combination of advanced behavioral insights and accredited obedience training equips our trainers with the exceptional skills to bring out the best in your pet.
