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THE TEAM THAT MADE US THE BEST IN MCHENRY COUNTY

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KRISTINA
Head trainer

Obedience, Rally, Nosework

I have been training dogs since 2014 and competing since 2016. I help people learn competition obedience, rally, reactivity/aggression, resource guarding, clicker training, shaping and amongst many other techniques that I have gathered from my many mentors. I'm continuously learning new techniques to help whatever team that is in front of me. I love training and inspiring others to work towards their dreams and encourage people to want to show what their dog can do in any sport. When I am not training I am helping others in the mental health world. I am a social worker by day working as a mental health counselor in private practice. 

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I currently have a German shepherd named Bane. Bane has been a journey, Bane has struggled with human reactivity (bite history), dog reactivity (bite history), medical issues and resource guarding. With all these issues we have learned to manage and recondition we have been able to earn him a CD Companion dog title under 2 years with scores 190+, all first places and he made it to the top 10 of German shepherds in the USA for AKC novice dog titles for high scores. Bane and I obtained CDX companion dog of excellent with all placements and being recognized as the #1 Open A GSD in the US in AKC for 2018. Bane was invited to the National Obedience Championship 2x for Novice and Open. Bane and I went onto the Rally ring Earning RACH, RM2, RAE2 with over 30 High combines and High Triple Q’s multiple placements and awards.


Bane and I have been invited every year since the rally novice title to the Rally National Championship. Bane was recognized as number 7 in GSDs by Front & Finish for the American Kennel Club Rally Master class earning 77 points on our Rally Master title and RACH title journey! Bane was recognized as 2nd GSD out of all, 7th in all herding breeds out of all in AKC Rally presented by Front & Finish! Bane also competed in nosework achieving multiple 1st places and high in trials/class! Bane and I were working towards the UD utility dog title until we saw some more medical issues/behavioral which has put him into retirement to enjoy long walks, swimming and couch time. 

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Bane: RACH Shewana’s Handsome King CGCA, CGCU, TKI, CDX, RM2. RAE2, TDI, RATN, TDI, SNC, SNB, SNE, UKC – Nosework Elite

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Tessa, a conformation Boxer who was born in August 2017. Tessa earned her CD with all HIT (High in Trial) 1st place finishes with one score of 197.5/200. Tessa was recognized as 3rd top boxer for Novice obedience. Tessa achieved her conformation championship title. We are currently training for IGP/Schutzund to earn our BH/IGP1 hopefully!: CH Cloud N Wilk’s Audacious Darling TDI, CGCA, CGCU, CD, RE, TKN 

-Klaus a Czech/west German working line German shepherd. Klaus was born October 2021. 

-Kimber Anilorak BH daughter of IGP 2021 World champ Gero Berounske Basty and Extreme Orex Aykmar. I will be working towards competing with her in IGP/Schutzund. 

-Lord Anilorak (gsd) Son of vice IGP 2023 World champion Chuck Felones

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TIFFANY

obedience, conformation

My name is Tiffany and I have worked at Happy Tails since 2016. I got my first Boxer, Jewel, through Amy, the owner, in 2016. Amy made jewel a conformation champion and Jewel and I have also earned titles in Rally, Obedience and CGC. Jewel had puppies in 2020 and I kept one, a female named Sapphire. Sapphire is working towards her championship with one sibling already finishing his Championship, and the other two on their way. Both Jewel and Sapphire are used as my demo dogs in the classes that I teach. I have always had a love for dogs and it has become a passion to train them. I teach obedience classes and I also help train in conformation. Whether someone wants a show dog or just a well behaved family pet, I will train with those intentions in mind. There is no one way to train. Each dog and person is different in how they learn. I will try all the ways I know to help you and your dog become a team. Training builds a bond that you will have with your dog forever.

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KarIn

Barn Hunt

My name is Karin Magnuson and I am thrilled to be joining the Happy Tail Ranch Family.  I trained my first dog when I was 16 years old. He was a shep / St Bernard mix my brothers and I found in the woods. As a teenager I spent the summer on my Uncle’s Horse farm, he raised Standardbreds for Harness racing trotters and pacers.  My job was to work the foals and years to halter leads and ground reining. I joined the Air Force after high school and spent a year at Lackland Air force base. In boot camp and tech school I volunteered to help with the military working dogs. I served 8 years between active duty and reserve time. 

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Upon returning home, I started working with the local animal shelter, as an adoption consultant/ admin. I did this for almost 3 years.  I left the shelter to become an Animal Control Officer and a Humane Investigator, which I did for 23 years. At the same time, I was working with a local trainer Marge Gibbs at collar and Leash.  Marge referred me to a local park district to teach classes there. I am still teaching classes today for over 25 year. My classes are Puppy, Basic and Advanced Obedience class, Beginner Agility, Intro to Nose work, Rally Classes, triball, Therapy dog, Trick dog, and a new class we call ruff and rally.

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I currently train my 3 Dobermans in conformation, obedience, rally, barn hunt, nosework, and have just started dock diving, and tracking with them.  My dogs have many titles and we enjoy going to trials most weekends.

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I am also a Judge and evaluator, for the Following, S.T.A.R Puppy, CGC, CGCA, CGCU, TRICK DOG, FARM DOG, AKC ATT TEST, and LURE COURSING ABILITY TEST (CAT). I am currently waiting for approval for TDI to be able to certify therapy dogs. 

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Gena

Agility, Conformation, Obedience

I've been training and competing dogs in obedience for over 30 years. I've worked in shelters, dog kennels, animal hospitals and am a registered nurse.

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I started training and competing in AKC agility 13 years ago, titling 5 boxers to excellent and masters levels. It's a sport that I find passionate, rewarding and fun to share with your dog.

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I bred 4 boxer litters and show in conformation. I've taken many group wins as an Owner Handler. I also assist Professional Handler, Amy Bieri in the ring as well as ringside.

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Ch Happy Tail's Moment Of Trust CD BN RN OA OAJ NF ACT1

 

GCH JoKar's N Happy Tail's Blonde Moments DOM CD RE MX MXJ

 

Happy Tail's Blonde Ambition CD AX AXJ

 

Happy Tail's Bold Contender CD (2 CDX legs)

 

AX AXJ Bruin's Blizzard CDX (2 UD legs)

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Dave

obedience

My name is Dave and I am a retired construction worker with ten years of volunteer training experience during my off seasons. Most specifically working with rescue dogs through Happy Tails and various rescue groups. My primary focus has always been to help troubled dogs find a balance with their new owners and have a chance a new life.

 

I have more recently taken on a new role in training dogs with more unique behavior issues, and also assisting owners in learning to communicate better with their dogs for a better bond and a more enjoyable life with their furry family member.  Life is a journey full of activities best shared. 

 

I consider myself a fairly "old school" trainer that started learning the standard methods back in the early 1990s. As every dog is unique, every instructor is a wealth of knowledge. My sights have never been on certifications or awards, but on an animals quality of life. There is no one best way to train. The key is finding what works best for each particular dog. Expose yourself to multiple methods and styles and keep adapting, modifying and adjusting to establish a connection with the subject and build off of that. 

 

I am a firm believer that animals (like us) need exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. The foundation for coexistence starts with training as a team to develop a bond and respect between the handler and animal. Learning should be fun for all involved. 

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Brad

obedience

Hi, I'm Brad, a lifelong dog enthusiast. I have a passion for matching people with their perfect canine companion. With extensive experience living and working with various breeds, I've gained a deep understanding of their unique characteristics and needs. My goal is to help you find the ideal breed for your lifestyle and provide you with guidance on obedience training, socialization and animal care. Whether you are a seasoned dog owner or a newcomer, I'm here to share my experience and help you build a strong, loving relationship with your furry friend!

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Callie

obedience, Service Dog Training

I’m a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist but my passion for training dogs was rooted in me since childhood.


At first it was pure motivation to not be dragged down the street by my childhood hound mix “Sam” who nearly doubled my size - returning with scrapped knees every time—I didn’t care, because I was “successfully walking my dog”.
I quickly grew to love everything about dogs and the psychology behind training them. As a a CTRS, the avenue that always sparked my interest was how animals could be incorporated to better the lives of people who were ill, sick or injured, so I told myself my goal will always be to work with animals & people to improve lives.

I truly believe that if you want a better dog, you need to be a better person- education is power when it comes to dog training! Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.

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I currently have a 4 year old American Great Dane named “Knox” who has taught me more (than any person) about how to train the dog in front of you-not the dog you’re seeking, a skill I will never take for granted.

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I also have a 3.5 year old German Shepherd who is my Service Dog.

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I have been training service dogs for over seven years and it is truly my heart’s passion. I have spoken at local, state and national levels on the education and training of Service, Therapy, Working Dogs. I feel there is no greater purpose than to help someone achieve independence and accessible life through the assistance of a service dog. I can’t wait to help you & your dog live a life of independence!

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Tritan’s Legacy Knox of North CGC, CGCA, CGCU, TKN, VHM

Legends of The Dark North Sergeant CGC, CGCA, CGCU, TKN, VHM, SD

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Courtney

obedience

Hello, I am Courtney I will be teaching star puppy and basic obedience.

I have always had a strong love and connection with animals, when I was 15 I started working with German shepherds and that’s where my passion started. In almost the past 6 years I have Bred and whelped multiple litters of puppies, helping raise them from the start. I am now the kennel manager at happy tails ranch and have been working in the kennel and doing board and trains for the past 2 years. I’ve developed the skill to read dogs body language to understand how they feel and to know which dogs can play together and how to handle certain situations with dogs who don’t particularly like people or other dogs. While being at happy tails I have taken classes with my dog and sat through multiple classes mentoring under all the trainers. I’ve taken a liking to working conformation. I’ve mentored under Amy and Karin and have gone to a couple conformation shows now. While I was working with German shepherds I learned shutzhund and attended the USCA Sieger show. I just recently received my dog training certificate through Animal Behavior College and mentored under a private trainer.

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Steve

obedience

My name is Steven Morris, and I come to Happy Tails and dog training in a roundabout way.  Having been a high school teacher for over 30 years, I am now retired.  This has given me the chance to pursue a passion that has interested me for over 25 years.  I have been training dogs all that time and have found that teaching children and teaching dogs (and their owners) have a lot in common.  Patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency are the keys to teaching anyone.

 

I currently have two rescue dogs that have taught me so much about dog training and the joy that can come from having a well trained family pet. They are trained in obedience, nosework, and barn hunt.  They are graduates of Happy Tails classes and are great examples of what completing the training courses can do.  

 

I have been training dogs for over 25 years and I have shown dogs in obedience and rally.  I learned old-school techniques and expectations which I bring to my classes and all my training experiences. These techniques emphasize consistency, positive reinforcement and appropriate corrections.  My goal is to help people and their dogs learn the skills that will result in a great family member/pet.

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Adria

obedience, agility

Adria started training dogs professionally in 2009. Through the years, she has trained with many different trainers in an effort to learn as many different techniques as possible. She believes that, much like humans, dogs learn differently from one another and she needs to be able to adapt her methods to help the dogs and owners receive the best possible training.

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Adria owns 4 dogs of her own, Loki and Fayte are Belgian Malinois and Tosh and Pryzm are her Border Collie. All her dogs have training in personal protection and sport dog protection. Tosh is the 2nd Border Collie ever to receive his PSA (Protection Sport Association) PDC title. Loki and Tosh also both hold several Agility titles. She hopes to soon have Fayte competing at high levels in the agility ring.

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One of Adria’s favorite accomplishments was having Tosh featured in a Pedigree commercial showcasing many of the tricks he knows.

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In addition to Adria’s training accomplishments, she obtained her veterinary assistant certification in 2010. In 2019, she also earned her Pet CPR and Pet First Aid Certification.

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Adria is excitedly awaiting the opportunity to help you have the dog of your dreams!

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Kate

obedience, Reactivity

Hello, my name is Kate and I am a trainer that specializes in obedience, reactivity, and behavioral issues. Growing up I was always told that, “Huskies can’t be trained” and that, “it’s just a husky thing.” Years later, I learned about different techniques, tools, and methods that can be utilized,  and within a few months my run-away 12yo husky was officially off leash and better behaved than ever. Since then, I have spent a lot of time working with other husky owners as well as the more “challenging breeds” to let them know that it IS possible. 

 

I have also spent the past few years working under various trainers and mentors, as well as continuously expanding my knowledge to help tackle all different types of breeds, behaviors, and issues that may arise in the home. I believe that each dog is different and has their own individual needs and preferences to training, and when utilized, can be used to help better the communication between dog and owner for a better outcome. 

 

I currently own 2 Siberian Huskies, 2yo Akira and 1yo Mochi. 

Akira has taught me a lot about aggression-based reactivity from the owner’s perspective instead of just the trainer side. While Mochi has given me the opportunity to work with a more anxious/fear-based behavior that can come with a rescue dog. Both have come a very long way and do exceptionally well in all situations. We are new to the dog sporting world, and Akira and Mochi are currently training in Agility, with the goal of competing in the future. We also hope to start getting involved in other sports such as Rally, FastCAT, and Trick training.

OFFICE HOURS

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MONDAY-FRIDAY

8:30am-6pm

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​SATURDAY

9am-1pm

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SUNDAY

9am-12pm

 

ADDRESS

 

4319 Roberts Road

Island Lake, IL 60042
T / (847)-487-2419

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