Real transformations from our happy clients

Theresa Arciniega

"HappyGentle is camp for my dogs! Dale and Tracy are the best trainers around."

Tamara Hydock

"What impressed us most was the care and dedication shown throughout the entire process. Madi and Dale not only trained our dogs but also equipped us with the tools needed for long-term success. The detailed folder of instructions they provided has been invaluable in helping us reinforce everything our dogs learned. We are beyond grateful for the love, patience, expertise, and support we received from the entire Happy Gentle Dogs team. The positive difference they have made in our dogs' lives—and ours—is truly remarkable. We wholeheartedly recommend Happy Gentle Dogs to anyone looking for exceptional dog training. If we could give more than five stars, we absolutely would!"

Deb W

"HappyGentle Dogs has trained two of our rescue dogs that were anxious, fearful and making very reactive decisions. It has been a life changing experience for them and us. The HG team uses gentle, positive methods that helped our pups build confidence and make cognitive decisions. Maybe more importantly, they coached us to better understand their behavior and communication, setting us up for success. We are genuinely grateful for the HappyGentle team and for their continued support . We are forever part of the HG family!"

Tonya Collins

"I have 2 frenchies they were able to help me with. What I love the most is the support during and after. They were always available to answer questions and give support after my dogs came home. So grateful to these people!"

TSK inTX

"Stella was a shy dog who had issues with lack of structure, discipline, barking, didn't know how to play and other less than desirable behaviors. Since her training with Happy Gentle Dog, she is more confident, happily lives in a home routine, barks much less, and is starting to act playful. The training also taught us how to interact with her to continue encouraging positive behaviors. Happy Gentle Dog is still supportive of us long after the traing is done."

James Ferguson

"Our experience with Happy Gentle Dogs began with a German Shepherd named Pharoah. My spouse and I had no experience with the breed. We were actually just helping someone out and they changed their mind about taking him. We decided not to return him to the shelter. Pharaoh was reactive, under socialized, and obviously not at all cognitive. He failed his first German Shepherd Dog adoption event. However, at that event, we were referred to Dale Donaldson and his truly amazing team at Happy Gentle Dogs. After speaking with Dale and hearing about his philosophy on training canines with any specific behavioral issues, we decided to give Pharoah a chance at learning new behaviors Our boy just graduated from his second and more advanced program of training, and he is a different dog. In addition, I feel that my spouse and I are different as well in regards to the things we have learned and we are still learning with our boy, Pharoah. We cannot say enough positive things about Dale, his wife Tracy, and his entire team. Dale, Tracy, Danielle, Matthew, Roman, Gabriela and Madi. Madi and Gabriela were amazing trainers. We thank you so much for everything. Our Pharoah thanks you as well."

Brookelyn Vawter

"We rescued Getta, a young female German Shepherd found as stray in East Dallas, and she has been an absolute joy — incredibly loving, amazing with our kids, and well-mannered at home. But we quickly discovered she had some dog reactivity and dog aggression we needed to address. We tried a board and train program initially, but it didn’t quite meet her needs, and honestly, we didn’t fully understand the extent of what she required at the time. Happy Gentle Dogs came highly recommended by a local GSD rescue specifically for the breed and these types of behavioral challenges — and that referral could not have been more spot on. Dale and his team are exceptional. Getta spent several weeks with them, and what made the experience truly stand out was that we worked with her multiple times during her stay. That hands-on involvement gave us a real understanding of their training style and, most importantly, how to carry it forward at home consistently. True to their name, their approach is entirely positive — gentle, reward-based, and rooted in building confidence rather than correction. It’s a method that clearly works, and one that makes both the dog and the owner feel good about the process. The difference in Getta is already light years beyond where we started. We are so confident in Dale and his team that we’ve already booked her summer board and train sessions while we’re on vacation — and plan to continue doing so as she keeps progressing and maturing. We are so excited to watch her grow into the magnificent dog she already is becoming. Whether you have a reactive dog, a working breed with complex needs, aggression, or anything in between, I cannot recommend Happy Gentle Dogs Training enough. They truly get it — the dogs and the owners. 🫶🐾🪄"

Dawn Birch

"We cannot say enough wonderful things about Happy Gentle Dogs and the incredible experience Sophie had during her six weeks there. Dale, Madi, and the entire team were absolutely amazing from start to finish. Their kindness, patience, and genuine care for Sophie made such a difference — not only in her training, but in her confidence and overall happiness. When Sophie first arrived, she tended to react out of fear and uncertainty. Through their calm, thoughtful, and positive approach, they helped her learn how to pause, think, and process situations instead of immediately reacting. Watching her confidence grow has been incredible. What also stood out to us was how much they worked with me throughout the process so I could continue supporting Sophie’s growth at home. They took the time to educate, guide, and encourage me, which made the training feel like a true partnership rather than just a program. It is clear this team truly understands dogs and works with compassion, consistency, and heart. We always felt Sophie was safe, loved, and in the best hands possible. Most importantly, this does not feel like a one-time experience — it feels like the beginning of a lifelong relationship and support system. Knowing we can continue to lean on Dale, Madi, and the Happy Gentle Dogs team whenever needed gives us so much confidence moving forward. We are beyond grateful for everything they have done for Sophie and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a team that genuinely cares and delivers life-changing results."

Christina Joiner

"We LOVE HappyGentle Dogs! Dale and Tracy take the best care of our dog and are so knowledgeable and helping us care for him and keep him on track with his training. We have boarded our current dog (and previous dogs) with them countless times and they absolutely love being there. Our dog was there over winter break while we were out of town and I genuinely think he was sad to go home with us when we arrive for pick up! He enjoys the socialization with other friendly dogs, running around their property, and getting allllllll the love from Dale and Tracy! They have also trained all of our dogs as puppies and then provided refreshers as needed when they reached the teenage years of their doggy life. Dale and Tracy provide a loving, safe, and supportive environment for your dog to learn proper behavior and unlearn unwanted behavior. One of my favorite things about their teaching approach is that it’s not just the dog they are teaching. They spend valuable time with you as the owner showing you how to engage with your pet, how to encourage the correct behaviors, and how to discourage unwanted behaviors. Owning a dog is a partnership between you and the pet and I appreciate that Dale and Tracy truly put time and effort into both owners and pets to ensure long term success for everyone! Our dog is headed back for some boarding this summer and we are able to get away for a bit knowing he’s in the very best and most capable hands! I would give HappyGentle Dogs 10 stars if I could but just know I can’t recommend them enough for training, boarding, or anything in between!!"

Heather Robinson

"I took my dog out to happy gentle dogs met with Dale and he walked me through a lot of things. He seems very knowledgeable and so did all his trainers. I am working with her at home as we speak. Some more is to be determined."

Chrissy

"I have a mastiff mix, and he was having issues with recall. I booked a transformative session with Dale and Gabriela... they are amazing! They are so knowledgeable, and wonderful... they really helped! My Scooby listens to his name being called!! They taught me great training techniques, and knowing they are just a phone call away made my confidence level skyrocket while training my puppers. I would def recommend and I will be back with any new puppers I happen to get!"