Business Details
35 Years
experience
Premier Dog Training in Manchester, CT
Tails U Win has been a trusted leader in positive reinforcement dog training since 1991. Founded in Manchester, Connecticut, our center combines scientific behavioral learning theory with practical, family-oriented instruction to create effective training solutions for dogs of all ages and skill levels. Our team of certified trainers brings decades of collective experience in canine behavior, agility, and obedience, having trained over 85 classes weekly and influenced training methodologies internationally.We prioritize trust-based relationships between dogs and owners, offering structured programs from puppy socialization to advanced competition preparation. Our facility supports both in-person and online learning, ensuring accessibility for local and national clients seeking expert guidance in canine development.
Services
Dog Training Classes
Agility Training
Puppy Kindergarten
Private Lessons
Day School Programs
Scent Work Classes
Competition Obedience
Canine Conditioning
Trick Training
Therapy Dog Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in science-based positive reinforcement training.
- Our staff conducts over 85 weekly classes with certified, specialized instructors.
- Programs cater to all skill levels, from puppy socialization to competition agility.
- We provide tailored day school packages and private lessons for individual needs.
- Our training philosophy emphasizes trust-building and long-term behavioral success.
Services
Dog Training Classes
Our structured group classes teach obedience, socialization, and advanced skills using positive reinforcement. Programs cater to puppies, adult dogs, and competition teams. Each session focuses on building trust, improving communication, and addressing behavioral challenges through science-based techniques.
Agility Training
Agility classes develop physical coordination and handler-dog teamwork through obstacle courses. We offer beginner to advanced levels, emphasizing safe movement patterns, directional cues, and confidence-building. Classes are led by nationally recognized instructors with competitive experience.
Day School Programs
Customized day training packages address obedience, socialization, and specific behavioral goals. Programs include daily progress reports, video libraries for owner reference, and follow-up private lessons to reinforce learning at home with professional guidance.
Private Lessons
Tailored private sessions tackle specific challenges like leash reactivity, advanced tricks, or CGC certification preparation. Available in-person or online, these lessons provide personalized solutions for dogs with unique needs or owners seeking focused instruction.
Puppy Development
Specialized puppy programs focus on critical developmental stages through controlled socialization, basic obedience, and environmental exposure. Curriculum addresses house training, bite inhibition, and foundational skills to prevent future behavioral issues while building confidence.
People
Leslie Nelson
Owner Director of Training
Leslie Nelson founded Tails-U-Win! in 1991, developing its science-based positive reinforcement methodology. She specializes in creating trust-focused training systems that align with canine behavioral psychology through decades of practical and academic experience.
Pam O'Day
Agility Instructor
Pam O'Day brings decades of competitive agility experience to her instruction. She has trained over 1,000 successful handler-dog teams, emphasizing efficient course navigation, injury prevention, and handler-dog communication through structured, progressive training methods.
Bonnie Henderson
Agility Instructor
Bonnie Henderson combines national agility competition success with accessible teaching methods. Her programs focus on building foundational obstacle skills while maintaining positive training environments that develop confident, versatile canine athletes.
Kathy Lesinski
Canine Conditioning Instructor
Kathy Lesinski specializes in canine fitness programs that enhance performance and longevity. Her conditioning classes use specialized equipment to improve strength, balance, and mobility for dogs at all activity levels through safe, progressive exercise routines.
Sarah Cassis
Office Manager
Sarah Cassis oversees daily operations and client coordination at Tails-U-Win!. With extensive knowledge of the training programs, she ensures smooth scheduling, class placements, and administrative support for both clients and training staff.
Questions
What training methods does Tails-U-Win! use?
We exclusively use positive reinforcement techniques based on behavioral learning theory, focusing on reward-based training to build trust and cooperation between dogs and owners.
Do you offer classes for reactive dogs?
We recommend private lessons for reactive dogs before joining group classes. Our trainers specialize in creating customized behavior modification plans to address specific reactivity issues safely.
Can I observe a class before enrolling?
Yes, we welcome visitors to observe any scheduled class. Contact our office at 860-646-5033 to arrange a tour or discuss the best observation opportunities for your needs.
What are your puppy vaccination requirements?
Puppies don't need rabies vaccines for initial enrollment if too young. We require proof of distemper/parvo vaccination for all puppies starting classes at our facility.
Do you provide competition preparation?
Yes, we offer specialized programs for agility, obedience, and rally competitions. Our instructors have extensive competitive experience and provide structured training paths for teams aiming at championship levels.
How do I register for classes?
Register online through our website by selecting your preferred class time and completing payment. Contact our office if you need assistance determining the appropriate class level for your dog.
