I've only been in one beginner obedience class so far, but I have been to and used many training facilities and trainers over the years. I can tell I am going to be very happy with the class. Due to COVID-19, class sizes are smaller than usual. I can't say I would be as happy with it if they were running a full sized class. The number of dogs and distance we're able to maintain now seems appropriate. More dogs makes me think the experience would be much less positive with only one trainer and the noise that comes with more dogs and people. I expect hearing even without masks in this facility can often be an issue. I would most likely deduct stars under those conditions. I'm excited for the class and to really see how Tails Up functions, as I expect to have my puppy in training for years before he's exactly what I want. read more

After our male Shih Tzu started showing signs of aggression, we took our vet's recommendation and enrolled him in Basic Obedience at Tails Up. We were skeptical (and a little nervous), but we were delighted at the professionalism, the high degree of knowledge transfer, and the nearly immediate results we got. Since then we've enrolled him in Intermediate Obedience/Canine Good Citizen and he's turned out a gentle, well-mannered dog. One reason is that the trainers introduce real-life situations (noises, distractions, etc.) that help the dog learn to obey in these situations. They also teach us as dog owners how to train-- probably the best bit of learning. Since then our female has completed Basic Obedience and she's on her way to being a therapy dog. A service that's definitely worth the modest cost. read more

I was referred to Tails Up Dog Training by a friend and am so happy we chose to make the drive to Burnsville weekly for sessions. My golden retriever puppy has completed their puppy kindergarten class and is halfway through obedience 1. Puppy Kindergarten: You heart will just melt with joy during this class. Puppy kindergarten helps puppies and dog owners socialize and learn the basics in being a dog owner. Its reasonably priced and your dog has opportunities to be around other dogs, and you leave knowing how to sit, down and stay. They also introduce the puppies to a variety of obstacles to help them get used to things in the world. For example, there is an exercise where you bring your dog through a tunnel, tent and next to a wheel chair for basic exposure to different things in our world. They also "hide" the owners behind a fabric wall to help the dogs learn to find you when you call. Very cute! I felt as though taking this class helped me learn to start my training off on the right paw! Obedience 1: We are currently enrolled in obedience 1. This class has improved my dog so much already. Here, we practice sit, down and stay, walking on a leash (heeling), greeting and much more. The instructors use their own dogs to demonstrate a lot which is helpful. There is a lot of movement and practice during this class, which I love because we get direct feedback and help. The instructors are there before and after class to answer questions and they will cater the training sessions to the questions and concerns of members if necessary. Overall, the instructors are very knowledgable, friendly and we have made great progress through Tails Up. I will be keeping my dog in classes here for as long as possible. Don't be discouraged by the class size either (10-12). You get individualized attention! read more

My husband and I have had the worst experience ever! We were so humiliated at Tails Up Dog Training on Thursday, October, 4th 2018 by 8 p.m. by one of the employees/manager. Achilles is our 6 months Cane Corso (Mastiff) puppy who weighs 100 pounds. I've asked them on the phone prior to sign up for Beginning Obedience class if they had experience with this breed, they confirmed the trainers were familiar with all kinds. My dog is big, he got super excited about being around the other dogs when we got there, he couldn't stop barking, trying to reach other dogs and pulling the leash! He loves to play with small dogs. The person noticed he was being loud and asked us to move on the side, then she asked us to wait outside, then asked us to move the dog away from the grass, the she asked us to move to the back of the parking lot, then she followed us further from the facility to talk to us, she barely greeted or touched my dog... Was she scared of him? Yes, he is a huge puppy, who barks and jumps like the other small ones... He graduated at puppy class at other location (also in Burnsville) a few months ago, but I tried Tails Up because they had availability at night. Well, the woman barely talked to us and offered us 100% refund, she didn't want to even try one first class, said my dog would need private training first, she then handle us a card from a private dog trainer. She didn't welcome the dog at all! We went back to our first Dog training facility in Burnsville where my dog did the puppy training a few months ago. They trainer there was so happy to see Achilles again, my big puppy was barking and jumping the same way he did at Tails Up Dog Training, but the trainer there took the time to greet him, calm him down, and said it's ok, we will stop it eventually by 3rd or 4th class, she made us feel comfortable and welcome at all times, explaining to other owner's the type of breed and behavior, that he may look big and loud, but Achilles is also a puppy. We started his classes on Sunday, November 4th at Canine Connection, they have 4 other puppies in class with Achilles. He is doing absolutely great! I think the owner/manager or employee who dealt with us at Tails Up Dog Training really need private classes for herself on how to deal with people and big puppies. They are very unprepared and rude DON'T GO to TAILS UP DOG TRAINING! I can recommend an awesome dog facility and a lovely trainer in Burnsville called "Canine Connection" at County Rd 11 (price is basically the same, with certainly less dogs in your class!) Please check my dog's Instagram account (@achilles.canecorso) and see yourself how "aggressive" Tails Up Dog Training judged he is!.... We absolutely love Canine Connection! Don't spent your money and time at Tails Up Dog Training if you have a big dog. read more

I'm really disappointed with Tails Up. I had been working with our girl on a few commands, successfully, prior to our first class. We were thrilled to receive help with directions we were having a hard time teaching. The first couple of classes were difficult because the trainers claim they're using positive reinforcement but they're just downright mean. Our pup has never had a moment in her young life where she's been afraid of someone or something, but she left that class shaking like a leaf for how the trainer "redirected" her to not jump. While I believe in saying no and redirecting dogs, she jerked my barely 7 month old puppy in a way that made my dog not want to participate in anything else for the remainder of the class. When we left her entire body was trembling, which she never does. It's not to say that some dogs aren't doing well with this type of training, but they really don't have a way to gently handle all types of dogs. In addition to it, the class has approximately 20 dogs, some with multiple family members. It becomes rushed, jumbled and just overly distracting for the multitudes of puppies who are just so excited and want to make their pup-parents happy. Honestly, they can keep the money as long as they never come near my dog again. If my dog doesn't like you, there's a reason. read more

Do not use this training place. It is too noisy to hear the trainer- a large warehouse without any noise control. They want you to use pronged collars and if you elect not to, you do not get any assistance. The trainer I had was aggressive towards my dog. After this experience, my dog became fearful of people. I had to stop going there because of this and they would not refund for the unused sessions. Perhaps some of the trainers are better there, but why would they keep a trainer that is way too aggressive with the dogs? read more

Did puppy kindergarten and very helpful. Class sizes were little large but was worthwhile for what you pay for it.

We love this place. Both of our dogs have been fully trained here. We're lucky to have this so close.

This group recommends prong collars for the majority of dogs and requires a leather leash. Also uses a lot of negative reinforcements that are more aggressive then I feel comfortable using with my dog. They would not provide any refunds after the first class. read more

After adopting our "high-energy" female yellow lab, we signed up for Basic Obedience Class at Tails Up. The staff and their training methods were so effective and fun that we went on to complete Intermediate Obedience and the Canine Good Citizen Title. Learning to effectively communicate with our dog makes it more fun to do things together at home and when we're out. We've trained at other facilities in the twin cities over the years, but our experience at Tails up has been by far most positive of all. Our dog loves "going to school" there and we do too. Tails Up staff encourages questions about individual behavioral challenges and provides great practical advice on overcoming them. They are positive coaches for dog owners and dogs. Next, we will be working on therapy dog training with Tails Up. Our highest recommendations go to them. read more

We just finished an intermediate class. My dog was attacked by other dogs in the class and the instructor, or owner did not care. It's was a horrible and stressful class. We will go elsewhere for advanced obedience. I would give no stars!!! read more

I just had my first class tonight at Tails Up Dog Training. So far I'm wishing that I'd gone back to my local pet supply store where I went for my last obedience class. At the supply store, they limited the class size to 5 dogs so that everyone could have a lot of one on one attention. At Tails Up, there are 14 dogs in my class and only 1 instructor. The attention I got in class was very brief and if you or your dog aren't understanding something, there isn't a lot of time to ask questions with roughly 28 other humans to compete with. Tails Up also has supplies for sale, some of which they require you to buy. Before signing up for a class, I read through their website and their class policies and guidelines; I thought that they were reasonable. When I got to class tonight, I was told that I was required to use a leather leash. The explanation was that it would be more comfortable for me to use and for the instructor to use if they needed to take control of my dog. Nylon leashes were called uncomfortable and banned from class. I also found out that I would need a training collar, either a prong or Martindale. These things would be required in the next class and were "conveniently" for sale right there at Tails Up. I don't think a leather leash is any better than a nylon leash. They both have pros and cons to them and I think it should be left up to personal preference, but I digress. The trainer made sure to tell us that we are welcome to buy these items anywhere, but that they do have them available in house. Why this isn't listed on their class policies list or anywhere else on their website is strange to me. I think that people should know that when they pay for the cost of the class, they aren't finished paying. It makes me wonder what I will be required to buy next week. read more

I just finished an 8 week beginners obedience class with my dog. I found the methods they used extremely aversive and detrimental to the dog and handler. I watched "trainers" pin puppies to floor and listened to "trainers" talk about flipping dogs into down positons. I never actually saw that happen. I also didn't see "trainers" actually teaching owners how to make sure their dogs actually understood the command. When they didn't comply to a command they were jerked around on a prong collar. When we were practicing our stays the trainer was walking around with a very loud sqeaky toy and one of the dogs was backing away because it was nervous of it and the owner was instructed to give the dog a yank with the prong collar. On the last nigt of a beginner class we were instructed to not give treats to our dogs. I also wanted to mention that the owner is not actually a certified dog trainer. Overall the experience was not a good one. read more