MEET OUR TEAM
Scroll Down
Brenda Belmonte, CPDT-KA, CNWI
OWNER
Brenda Belmonte has been a lifelong dog fanatic. Her first experience with dog training was training her dog to participate in her high school theatre performance of “Pippen.” It was then she knew dog training was always going to be a part of her life.
Fast forward four decades, Brenda is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI), that has taught a variety of disciplines, from puppies to adults. Her passion is working with adolescent dogs, dog reactivity, and aggression. She is a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers International , a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, a professional member of the Pet Professional Guild, and a mentor trainer for both the Animal Behavior College and the CATCH Academy. Brenda is also a judge for North America Diving Dogs (NADD).
Brenda has titled dogs in conformation, obedience, rally, barn hunt, dock diving, trick dog, agility, scent work, and more. Her current dog, Kanan, is competing in a variety of dog sports!
Brenda is also the owner of Two Paws Up Dog Training, LLC in Lead, SD, and is thrilled to be the new owner of Happy Tails Dog Training Center.
Terry Besler
FOUNDER
Terry started Happy Tails Dog Training in 1980 and taught classes for over 40 years. She has competed in obedience, conformation, herding, agility, and scent work. Terry raised English and Irish Setters, Border Collies, and enjoyed breeding, training, and trialing with her Papillons. Terry is an accomplished handler, with her dogs acquiring trophies, championships, and titles in a variety of dog sports.
Terry's legacy at Happy Tails Dog Training Center continues as our goal is teaching the relationship between dogs and their owners.
Terry retired from teaching and sold Happy Tails in September of 2024. Terry is enjoying her retirement, as she can now train and compete with her own dogs in agility and scent work!
Heather Jenner, RVT
Puppy Pre-School Instructor
I have been an animal lover since birth! Dog and horse crazy. I became interested in dog training while in High School, attending the local Kennel Club’s annual dog show and obedience trial. It wasn’t until one summer break in college that I took our family Labrador cross, Hudson, through an obedience training class. I was hooked! I continued taking classes at Happy Tails and training Hudson to eventually show her in obedience, agility and rally obedience. During that time, I fell in love with another breed – the Spinone Italiano. I’ve had the privilege of owning 6 of them and in addition to obedience, we’ve ventured into the conformation ring and bird field.
I started assisting a good friend and fantastic trainer with Puppy Kindergarten classes at Happy Tails over 18 years ago. When she moved away, I took over and other than a couple breaks to have my kids, I’ve been teaching the puppy classes since then. I always say, puppy class is the best of both worlds – I get to play with puppies every week, but I don’t have to potty train them!
In addition to my husband and our 2 boys that keep me busy, I have 3 Spinoni, 2 barn cats and a few chickens. I am a Registered Veterinary Technician at a local vet clinic and have additional training in Canine Massage.
Heather Schuller
CGC, Rally and Advanced Obedience Instructor
I have been an avid animal lover since I was a little girl. I have a degree in Veterinary Technology and have been a groomer/owner of a local dog grooming salon since 2008.
I got into dog training with my first Weimaraner in 2000 and I became hooked on the competition side of training. My dog "Luke" (my first weim) and I were the first team to get a rally title when it became a titling sport and the event was held at Happy Tails Dog Training Center! I have dabbled in many other performance venues but my heart will always lean towards Rally Obedience and Obedience. I also became an AKC Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog Evaluater!
I love to see teams train and see that they can be a "good citizen" and show the community that dogs are part of one's family.
Wendy Freier
Canine Scent Work Instructor
I have had dogs all my life. They have been mix breeds, basset and beagles. I have trained at many different clubs, including the Deep Peninsula DTC, Santa Clara DTC, Town and Country Dog Training Club, Monterey DTC, Oakland DTC and Mt, Diablo DTC. I have been a member of Associated Obedience Clubs of
Northern California, Deep Peninsula DTC and Black Hills DTC.
I have been a trainer at both Deep Peninsula DTC and Santa Clara DTC. I was president of Deep Peninsula DTC and Black Hills DTC. I was also trial secretary for Deep Peninsula DTC for 9 years.
The classes I have done are: beginning dog training, AKC Puppy Star program, tracking and Scent Work. I have been a AKC
Canine Evaluator for 20 years.
I am a current member and secretary of the Rocky Mountain Beagle Club. I am also a member of National Beagle Club.
I have a variety of titles on my dogs, including: CH, CD, CDX, RN, RA, RE, TD, BCAT, DCAT, TKI, CGC, SIN, RI,
RATN, RATO, SIN, SEN, SINE, SBN, SCN, CGCA, FDC, TKN, FDC, SWN
I feel that all dogs need some type of training. The more they have the better they will be with people and other animals.
Shelli Brandli, CPDT-KA
Agility, Fitness, & Manners Instructor
Shelli has been passionate about animals her entire life, growing up on a small hobby farm surrounded by a variety of creatures. Her love for animals naturally led her to pursue dog training. starting in her early teens when she trainer her first dog, Jojo. This dedication earned her Reserve Champion at the the 4-H Obedience Regionals. Ore recently, Shelli and her Rat Terrier, Opal, have competed in the AKC Rally National Championship in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Shelli is deeply fascinated by canine behavior and psychology, which has inspired her to study dog training extensively. She completed numerous courses through the Karen Pryor Academy and holds certifications as an AKC CGC evaluator, AKC Fit Dog Instructor and has her Canine and Feline CPR and First Aid Certificate. Shelli is a strong advocate for positive reinforcement and Fear Free training, believing it fosters a cooperative and trusting relationship between owner and dog. Shelli earned her Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed designation in 2025! Through her training methods, Shelli focuses on creating a well-rounded, healthy partnership between dogs and their owners.
As the owner of Positive K9, LLC in Rapid City, Shelli trains and competes in Agility, Rally Obedience and most recently Nose Work. Outside of training and competition, Shelli and Opal enjoy outdoor adventures together, including hiking, horseback riding, and more.
Jen Gaskins, CPDT-KA
Adolescent, Fitness, Enrichment, and Manners Instructor
Jen has been a part of the Happy Tails training team for many years. Jen is passionate about her favorite breed, Australian Cattle Dogs, and shares her home with several deaf companions.
Jen's training expertise and love is helping owners of adolescent dog navigate this difficult life stage.
In 2025, Jen earned the Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed designation, which underscores her commitment to learning and education!
Kathy Sjomeling,
CPDT-KA
Puppy Preschool, Tricks, and Treiball Instructor
I am the proud owner of Dogzausted LLC and a professional dog trainer and walker with a passion for helping dogs and their humans thrive together. I am happy to be teaching classes at Happy Tails Dog Training Center, where I can help dogs and their owners achieve their goals through structured, positive training programs. I'm proud to announce that I earned my Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed designation in 2025!
Since 2010, I have been training and competing in a variety of dog sports, including obedience, rally, agility, canine freestyle, and canine frisbee leagues. These experiences have not only deepened my love for canine sports but also reinforced the importance of a strong foundation in obedience training. After all, every advanced skill begins with the basics!
For six years, I had the privilege of volunteering with my therapy dog throughout Rapid City and the surrounding areas. Together, we brought comfort and joy to countless individuals until her well-earned retirement.
Now, through Dogzausted LLC and my work at Happy Tails Dog Training Center, I am dedicated to helping dogs and their humans achieve their goals—whether that’s mastering everyday manners, tackling advanced training, or simply building a stronger bond.
When I am not working with clients, I enjoy the great outdoors. Camping, hiking, and walking with my own dogs and family are some of my favorite ways to unwind and reconnect.
I look forward to working with you and your furry friend on your journey toward a happier, more fulfilling relationship!
Trainer - Nose Work
Tiana Ude is a dedicated dog trainer and experienced dog handler with years of and certification programs to her name. With countless hours of instruction and gained from dog training seminars across the country, she passionately shares her expertise in the classes she teaches. Currently, Tiana works with the Rapid City K-9 Unit and serves as the Assistant Team Leader of Administration and the sole dog handler for the Pennington County Search and Rescue team. Recently recognized for two successful finds with her certified Search & Rescue K9, Tango, she also volunteers as a club leader for the Pennington County 4-H Dog Project, helping youth of all ages develop essential skills in Basic Obedience, Rally, Showmanship, and Agility. Her commitment to fostering a love for dogs and training shines through in every session.
Denise Maher
Trainer - Basic Manners, Relationship & Focus
Denise Maher possesses more than 25 years of experience in working with both horses and dogs. She applies many of the same principles in both equine and canine training, which have proven to be highly effective. Denise emphasizes the significance of shaping behavior through positive, clear, and consistent communication that fosters confidence and trust, while also redirecting undesirable behaviors with suitable corrective feedback. Dogs are more likely to willingly engage in training sessions, when they can learn without fear of repercussions. This trust and willingness to participate facilitates quicker and more effective learning. The relationship between the dog and its owner evolves into a harmonious and cooperative bond, grounded in mutual trust and respect.
Over the years, Denise has participated in numerous training seminars and courses led by notable figures such as Susan Garrett -world-renowned trainer, Carol Beuchat PhD, Dr. Pieter Oliehoek - The Institute of Canine Biology, Steffi Trott - Spirit Dog Training, numerous seminars with the International Association of Canine Professionals, Amanda Nelson, Susan Anderson, Rachelle Jensen, Paula Goss - Elite NADAC handlers.
Denise has trained and competed with her dogs, earning various titles in Agility, Barn Hunt, Polite Herding Dog, Versatility Levels I, II, and III, Trick Training, Herding Fundamentals, CGC, and Urban CGC. She has also volunteered to instruct youth in 4-H Dog programs in South Dakota and Wyoming and has served as a judge at several county dog shows. As the President of the Scottish Collie Preservation Society, Denise has authored multiple articles on canine health, genetics, behavior, and effective training methodologies. She is an active member of the International Association of Canine Professionals.
While Denise has owned and worked with various breeds over the years, including rescues, her current focus is on breeding and training Scottish Collies. Her dogs have achieved accolades such as Best of Breed, Best of Show, and Breeders Showcase at ASDR & IABCA.
Grace Kane
Admin
With over 20 years of experience in the world of dogs, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the dedication and passion it takes to support both handlers and their canine companions. My journey began with my first dog, a border collie, sparking a lifelong love for high-energy breeds, particularly herding dogs. Since then, I’ve enjoyed working alongside owners of various dynamic and spirited breeds, including Weimaraners, Siberian huskies, Australian shepherds, German shepherds, terriers, and collies.
In my role as Admin, I’m committed to helping others navigate their own journeys with their dogs. Whether it’s providing resources, coordinating events, or fostering a welcoming community, I’m passionate about supporting dog owners as they strengthen their bond with their pets. I believe in the transformative power of engagement and enrichment, ensuring every dog and owner can thrive together.
From herding to agility and beyond, my goal is to empower dog lovers with the tools and encouragement they need to lead happy, fulfilling lives with their four-legged friends.
