Our Founder

Dawna Caldwell, Founder of Happy Tails to You Dog Training

Dawna Caldwell is the founder of Canine Corral Dog Daycare, as well as Happy Tails to You Dog Training. From the age of eight, Dawna has consistently shown a remarkable interest in the health and well-being of her family's pets, and this interest has led to her advocacy of pet owner education.

With aspirations of becoming a veterinarian, Dawna attended UC Davis for three years and realized that the study of animal behavior would be her true calling. In 1989 Dawna bought her first Rottweiler, Darby and realized that such a large, independent dog needed training. Thus began the search for a dog training program that used positive reinforcement methods, not harsh corrections.

During her search, Dawna found Noky's Legacy Dog Training and enrolled into their program. She was amazed with the results she was getting using positive training methods and saw that Darby was not only becoming well-behaved, their relationship was blossoming as well. Dawna fell in love with dog training, and several years later began her apprenticeship with Noky's and became a valued member of their training staff.

Since then, Dawna has apprenticed with dog behavior expert Lu Shoberg from Baymont Dog Training, has opened her own dog training business, and is on the Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley's trainer referral list. She is a proud member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and attends their yearly conference. She also attends the latest seminars of renowned behaviorists from around the world to keep her training methods up-to-date and her clients well-informed. In her spare time, Dawna volunteers for her local Rottweiler Club to educate the community about this beautiful breed of dog. Dawna now has a male Rottweiler named Lieutenant Worf, Chief of Security, after her favorite character on Star Trek. He serves as her source of inspiration, for he has not only been her best teacher, but her best friend.

Our mission at Canine Corral is to keep dog owners happy with their dogs ... and a tired dog is a well-behaved dog!

We also want dogs to be happy. In order to be happy dogs need love, plenty of exercise, socialization and mental stimulation. Canine Corral is a perfect outlet for your canine family members to receive all of these plus good manners, maintenance of obedience skills, and an occasional bath!

Our Facility
Canine Corral is a safe, clean, climate-controlled indoor facility. We do not want your dog?s potty training to regress, so rain or shine, we will make regular potty visits outside.

Making Your Dog Happy
Your dog will have fun playing with other dogs, toys, and our dog-loving staff! Dogs are assessed for play-styles and placed into appropriate play groups. There is a separate area for our more sensitive guests.

To avoid over-stimulation and crankiness, there are periodic quiet times. Your dog relaxes to soothing music and is given special one-on-one time by our staff. Lots of hugs and kisses are given, and prescheduled bathing services are performed at this time.

Safety First
Safety is our number one priority. We have dog behavior experts on staff performing our screening process. Dogs that are willing to be social with people and other dogs will be accepted into the Canine Corral program upon passing the temperament evaluation. Plus, we are trained and equipped to handle emergencies, including the safe evacuation of all animals from the premises if need be.

Daily Report Card
You will receive a daily report card on your dog's progress. We want you to know when your dog does something you can brag about!

Webcam:
Our dog webcam allows you to check on your dog via the internet while at work or from home.