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Tails U Win Conveniently located in Manchester, CT. We have been serving the residents of Tolland and Hartford County as well as the surrounding towns since 1991. We invite you to visit us any time classes are scheduled so you can see for yourself the dog training program that people from around the country are calling extraordinary.
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Tails-U-Win! is a welcoming place where dogs and owners can learn together, and participate in a variety of canine activities, both in-person at our faciility in Manchester, CT or through our online training offerings. Owner and training director, Leslie Nelson, believes that dogs and people learn best when they are set up for success in an environment free of criticism and correction.
We understand that an online experience can be daunting. The process is easy, we are able to go in depth, and we are also able to truly pinpoint where your struggles are and focus on providing solutions! This class will focus on dogs that are reactive on leash when out and about on walks, in class, and in public situations.
You will register and receive access to the course. At first, only the course outline will be viewable. Each week, you'll receive access to your lessons. You will be able to review lessons in previous weeks at any time once the course is complete.
Our family dog program provides a variety of classes all designed to bring out the very best in your family pet. These classes also are the foundation for our competition programs and for other activities you may want to pursue with your dog. Our classes are taught using the most up to date in positive reinforcement techniques and effective clicker training.
Reviews (18)
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Jessica Barry
May 23, 2022
Tails U Win is positive reinforcement only which drew me to them. I was looking for a place to teach me and my pup (both extremely familiar with clicker training) to learn agility and the woman at the desk placed us in Family Dog 2 to start. I liked our main instructor as she had helpful tips to get us through some road blocks but didn't find the other as personable or knowledgeable.

Many of our interactions were with the latter. What really bothered me was how random each class seemed. We would do new things every week but there was no explanation of how/if these things were building on each other, the end goal, etc. It was "do this" with a little bit of feedback and then, ok see you next week. Fortunately, I mainly wanted the exposure to the new environment and working around brand new dogs so we hung on for a while.

Around class 5 we used shaping to teach our dogs how to get into a box. We did this for an hour straight with no other exercise or instruction except for maybe the last 10 minutes where we finally did a little bit of hind end awareness. My dog figured out what I was shaping her to do within the first 10-15 minutes or so, so I added a cue and that was that.

We were left to ask her to stand in a box repeatedly for 30-40 minutes. Some of the dogs got to experiment with skateboards but there were only 2 and probably 5-6 dogs that needed the medium/large size so. we just never got a skateboard. After that class I was so frustrated and bored with the seemingly random content we stopped going to class and I went back to training on our own until I find a better fit. Maybe it just wasn't the right instructor for us but a little more context and organization would have done wonders.
Stacy J.
Feb 25, 2022
Never did hear back from anyone at this place. I wasn't asking for a refund, just a transfer of service so I could attend classes another time or maybe get something from their shop. I don't live in the area anymore, so now they have just profited off of me.
Raphael Pereira
Feb 10, 2022
I'm sure this place is worth more than 1 Star, but I can only speak on my experience. I signed up for a puppy/family 1 group class and have been extremely disappointed. Most of the issues are due to the size of the class. 8 dogs and mostly 2 owners per dog, there isn't enough attention to go around in an hour. We spoke to our instructor twice over the span of 60 minutes.

For less than 2 minutes each time. Not once did she ask about our dogs progress or prior training or our goals. Any interactions with instructor or assistant yielded only the repetition of their rudimentary and hasty initial demonstrations. The goal of the class seemed to be: 1) show students what the behavior should look like. 2) quote a dog blog for insight. 3) tell you to work on that at home for the rest of the week. 4) move on to next "lesson" and let you figure it out.

Save yourselves the time, money, and frustration. Go watch YouTube videos by a variety of real trainers. You'll actually get in-depth demonstrations and explanations. There are countless online communities where knowledgeable people would be happy to share what they know. TLDR: packed group classes with unengaged staff, and vague and tepid lesson plans.
K. Apl Ft
Jan 17, 2022
We had the opportunity to meet with the Owner to have our first Consult. Learned quite a bit about our pup and ourselves. Puppy Kindergarten Classes were fun and informative but our instructor was a bit of a stickler about how she wanted things done. When inquiring minds asked it was a repeat of the same with no explanation as to why we did it that way.

Not even after class. Then when we moved on to Famuly Dog II we had a different instructor who explained the reasoning why. However, she gave no homework nor followed any "flight plan". Each class was a surprise. Fun. Entertaining. We learned one's pup must master Family II twice before moving on to other courses. We need some guidance on a few things so we may opt for some personal training for our pup. So far we have been happy with what they have offered.
Reyna Quinteiro
Sep 23, 2021
Lily took family dog 1 and 2 with Gina! She's awesome at what she does! I just want to say if you have never took a class here your missing out! This place is amazing at what they do! I have never been disappointed in the services they provide here. They care so much about your pup! They even accommodate for dogs that have a harder time. I honestly can not say a bad thing. I recommend them to everyone! We will definitely be signing up for more classes! They Definitely need to expand!
Karen Case
Jul 13, 2021
I've always loved Tails-U-Win! Over the many years, some of the dogs I've brought to them included: a puppy mill Golden Retriever who had never stepped foot on grass, an out of control rescue German Shepherd with more intelligence than she knew what to do with, and an extremely high drive working line German Shepherd who decided to be a complete punk at 6 month of age.

The trainers took them all in stride and worked to develop them as well as myself. Right now I have an extremely timid shepherd and needed his confidence raised. He's my dream dog, I wouldn't trust him to just anyone. He is flourishing in puppy kindergarten. Our trainer, Gina is sensitive, stresses compassionate leadership and works with each individual dog at the maturity level of the dog.

I've watched her work patiently with new puppy owners as well as with more experienced individuals such as myself who've had quite a few canines over the years. I may think I know a lot, but I'm very rusty. I've been spoiled by my senior dogs. This is a refresher for me and it is doing a world of good for my pup. I see many more classes in our future.
Emma Klimkosky
Jun 15, 2021
I took my puppy to puppy kindergarten here and ended up quitting after the first three weeks. I felt that this class was more geared toward first time dog owners, and as a result, I did not find it helpful. One of the biggest things that bothered me was that the environment was not conducive to learning. Other people's dogs were barking, lunging, and otherwise misbehaving.

At all of the other facilities I have gone to, this behavior is never tolerated and handlers are encouraged to reward their dogs for being quiet and focused on them. The environment at puppy kindergarten was distracting and stressful for my puppy. It made it extremely difficult for her to focus on me. I had spent a lot of time with my puppy before coming to class, but because of that, I felt like the instructor often skipped over us and did not give us feedback.

When I asked how I would keep my puppy focused on me instead of distractors at her dock diving class, the instructor told me that I shouldn't be taking my puppy to other classes before she had finished basic obedience. I was taken aback by this, and it made me feel like I couldn't ask questions about issues that I was having with my puppy. My puppy and I are now training at a different facility, and we are much more successful there. This class might be good for a first-time dog owner, but for an experienced handler, it was not a good fit.
Susan Haspeslagh
Jan 28, 2021
Our fearful little shelter chi what was able to gain confidence and skill due to the patient and knowledgeable trainers at Tails U Win. They provide a safe learning environment, teach positive reinforcement and plan activities to make class work fun and rewarding.
Lily Rainville
Dec 04, 2020
We have had a fabulous experience with tails u win! Everyone there is so kind, not to mention incredibly knowledgeable on everything puppy! I would highly recommend them to anyone. Here is our puppy eating her graduation cake after completing the great expectations academy. We have also done puppy K and family dog II. They have done a great job handling covid, making everyone feel safe, and offering virtual options. Thank you for everything!
Julia L.
Jun 26, 2019
I went to the 1st puppy kindergarten class by myself, and the next one which was the 1st for my puppy. I live in Middletown and the class was at 5:30pm on Tuesdays. The 1st class it took me 40 minutes to get there and I was late. The next week I left earlier and it took me 50 minutes to get there and was late again for class. I told the instructor that I didn't think this was going to work out.

Of course, in traffic you get tense and stressed, and I knew my dog could feel this. She seemed empathetic. When I called to withdraw after my dog's 1st class, I was told there are no refunds- even though I asked for the pro-rated amount, because they could have filled that spot with someone else. I get that. So I asked if I could use the pro-rated amount of $146 to use in the company store.

This way they are making a profit off of the money they already have of mine even thought I'm not attending class. I was told no. Now that's just spiteful. They would not give me store credit for the balance of what I paid. Nevermind that each time I called, I was told I would get a call back, and I would have to call again the next day as I didn't get a call.

The woman always had to call the owner, Leslie, who would make the decision. I couldn't make it there on time and it was disruptful to the class, and stressful for me and my dog. I wonder if Leslie ever tried to make it to an appointment on time and found out she couldn't? Why they wouldn't let me use my money in THEIR store, when they make a profit off what they sell, is beyond me.

But they have no empathy or consideration for people who really try to make it to class, but it ended up not being an appropriate drive. Would never recommend them just based on their company policies and politics.
Laura B.
Jun 12, 2018
If your dog is not food motivated, these classes are not for you. It's been a frustrating experience going to these weekly puppy classes since my dog does not always care about being "treated". This would be fine; however, when I explain my conflict, they simply tell me, "yes, that makes it harder" without giving me an alternative. I also find that the head trainer is phenomenal, but you don't get enough one on time with her. Instead, the helpers, who are condescending and obviously less experienced try to tell you what to do. I've learned a bit of helpful techniques for my puppy, but he needs more one on one help and their fees for that service are ridiculous.
Kate N.
Jun 10, 2018
Barn Hunt with Kara was fantastic! We learned a bunch and had a lot of fun in the process. It was totally worth the drive from NYC. I highly recommend!
Monica Stathers
May 17, 2018
Great place to learn how to train your dog. Anything from pet dog training to competition level agility, obedience, Rally, scent work, barn hunt, cart pulling, and more! Wonderful instructors too!
Allison R.
Aug 06, 2017
Postive/clicker training from puppy kindergarten up. Taught our dog a ton at a very reasonable price. Rolling admission works with our schedules and Sunday evening classes makes it even better.
Susan N.
Mar 06, 2017
Doggy DayCare --- 1 star. Dogs should not be allowed to get this rowdy and out of control. Should be better supervised and more staff. Puppy class -- 2 stars. Instructor was very nice but this class was definitely a Beginner class not a puppy class. Puppies had to WAIT to play until the end of the class. All my other dogs (4 other locations) had the dogs play in the beginning which was better and they were ready to learn after getting out all of their energy. When my dog was barking they would tell us to throw treats down for him to eat. Needless to say we were doing this every minute. Not really a great way to control your dog.
Nicholas S.
Jan 04, 2016
I signed up my new pup for family dog 1 and my dog had an issue with her being very scared. After the second class the trainer suggested we go to a class they just started with less dog same day just different time. I am very happy with not only how helpful the staff is but how accommodating. We have since started family Dog 2 for both our dogs and very pleased with the progress they have made.
Amy C.
Jan 05, 2015
Awesome place! I have been volunteering for a local animal rescue for the past 7 years. We recently enrolled 2 of our adoptable dogs into a training class at Tails-U-Win with money raised through fundraising. Long story short, our 2 dogs have been attending class at Tails-U-Win over a month. I have been one of the volunteers attending class and working on training with these 2 dogs.

The instructor is awesome and the training has been nothing short of phenomenal. What I have liked most is that they only do positive training meaning that the dog is only rewarded for doing the behavior and not punished when they don't do the behavior. Tails-U-Win offers many different classes with various times including weekends. The training space is large and the classes are limited so you and your dog definitely get enough attention.

Our instructor provided us with homework and reading material which I have found very useful. You can't go wrong if you take your dog here for training. You might actually learn a thing or two yourself.
Paul H.
Jun 25, 2013
My wife and I have taken both our dogs to many lessons here. All the teachers we have had have been wonderful. They only do positive training -- no dominance games or aversive training. The classes are small enough that you get lots of personal attention. Only about 8 dogs per class and there are frequently 2 teachers in the room. Prices are reasonable. Great place.