About
The people behind The Dapper Dog.
A family-run, pup-scale pet care experience built in Harrisburg, South Dakota, proudly serving Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, Tea, Renner, Brandon, Hartford and everyone in between and beyond.
The Pack
Our team is hand-picked for skill, kindness and patience, because the people caring for your pup matter just as much as the place.
Danaise
Owner/Founder, Mastermind of Mutts
Danaise is the heart and soul of The Dapper Dog, steering the ship with a keen eye for detail and a love for all things canine. With a B.S. in Business Administration and Human Resource Management, she expertly handles day-to-day operations and strategizes for success. Though she spends less time grooming these days, her legacy lives on through the apprentices she has trained. When she's not managing the pack, you'll find her out in the community, volunteering in the schools or with the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce.
Heidi
Operations Manager/Trainer, Paw-sitive Problem Solver
Heidi has been with us since May 2023 and is the glue that keeps our shop running smoothly. As the go-to person for employee relations and customer interactions, Heidi ensures everyone leaves with a wagging tail. She oversees the day-to-day of The Dapper Dog Social Club and Training Academy, juggling team coordination and pup care like a pro, proving that multitasking is a walk in the park. With her warm smile and can-do attitude, Heidi is every dog's best friend.
Mallory
Grooming Salon Manager, Grooming Guru and Apprentice Whisperer
Since joining The Dapper Dog in May 2023, Mallory has been the driving force behind our grooming salon and apprentice program. With a teaching degree and a flair for grooming, she oversees salon operations and transforms eager learners into skilled groomers. Her dedication to tracking progress and providing real-time feedback makes her an invaluable mentor. When Mallory isn't shaping the future of grooming, she's busy making dogs look fabulous with her expert touch.
Alysia
Groomer Extraordinaire, The Pawfect Stylist
Alysia has spent over a decade in the dog grooming world and officially began her grooming career in August 2023. A proud dog mom to two lovable labs, she brings her passion for pups to every appointment, treating each furry client with the same care and attention she gives her own. Alysia's favorite part of grooming is seeing a dog's personality shine after a fresh new look, and she's dedicated to making every pup feel their absolute best.
Brooke
Grooming Apprentice, Creative Canine Stylist
Brooke has been a part of our team since her high school days, working her way up to a grooming apprentice. Her love for creative grooming shines through in her vibrant color services and unique styling techniques. A recent STI graduate, she brings fresh ideas and flair to every appointment.
Gavin
Doggy Daycare Attendant, The Dog Whisperer
Gavin is a dedicated Doggy Daycare Attendant who ensures a safe, engaging, and fun environment for dogs of all breeds and sizes. He supervises playgroups, encourages healthy socialization, and keeps a close eye on each dog's well-being. From cleaning to following owner instructions, Gavin brings patience, reliability, and a true love for animals to every shift.
Jerica
Part-Time Assistant, Dog Devotee
Jerica has been part of our team since 2023, but she was a client long before that, joining the Dapper Dog family back in 2015. Her deep love for dogs and our welcoming environment keep her coming back for more. Her friendly demeanor and helpful nature ensure every dog receives the care and attention they deserve.
Sam
Social Club Attendant, Chief Fun Facilitator
Sam has lived in South Dakota for most of his life and has always been surrounded by pets. While cats are their personal favorite, Sam admits that dogs are way more fun when it comes to playtime. As a Social Club Attendant, Sam makes it a top priority to keep tails wagging and ensure every pup has the best day possible.
Grace
Groomer, Heartfelt Handler & Canine Companion
Grace joined The Dapper Dog in 2025. She began working with dogs professionally in 2023, starting as a bather and learning the art and foundation of grooming under the guidance of a skilled groomer. After taking maternity leave to welcome her beautiful baby boy, she returned in 2024 and continued her training, quickly discovering that grooming wasn't just a job, but what she was always meant to do. At home, Grace's own dog and her son are best friends, and she brings that same warmth and care to every pup she works with.
Stephanie
Shop Assist, Right-Paw Assistant
Stephanie first joined The Dapper Dog in 2023 during her senior year of high school as an intern and returned to the team in March 2025. Her love for animals drives her to make sure every pup is treated with the same care and respect she shows her own three dogs, Princess, Marley, and Maple. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family and proudly participates in Special Olympics.
Taryn
Professional Dog Trainer & Puppy Life Coach
Taryn brings over 11 years of professional dog training experience to The Dapper Dog. Her background includes group classes, private lessons, specialized puppy training, and behavior-focused work, giving her a well-rounded and thoughtful approach to helping dogs and their humans succeed together. As a dog mom to four dogs and a mom to two daughters, Taryn understands that no two households, or dogs, are the same.
Our Story
From "Wags" to "Riches"
Founded in 2015, The Dapper Dog has grown from humble beginnings into a premier pet care service provider in Harrisburg. The idea was born out of a simple need for convenience and quality pet grooming. Our founder, Danaise, moved to Harrisburg with her husband Matt and their beloved dogs in 2014, and after struggling to find a local groomer, she decided to take matters into her own hands. With no prior grooming experience but a strong determination, she embarked on a journey that would change her life and the lives of countless pets and their owners.
Founder, Danaise
Founder, Danaise
The Rindsig family
Breaking ground
Danaise reached out to Kathy Bolt, the owner of Paw Spa by Kathy in Dell Rapids, who generously offered her an apprenticeship. For six months Danaise trained under Kathy's expert supervision, mastering the skills needed to provide top-notch grooming services.
In October 2015, with no clients or capital, Danaise started The Dapper Dog in the third stall garage of her home. Despite the unconventional setting, her dedication and high-quality service quickly attracted clients. Within a year, demand grew so much that she had to hire her first employees and move to a commercial location.
In May 2017, The Dapper Dog opened its doors at 108 Willow Street, Suite B. The new location allowed us to expand our services and accommodate more clients. Over the next seven years, The Dapper Dog flourished, becoming a beloved part of the Harrisburg community, providing apprenticeships to six groomers-in-training and internships to four students from Harrisburg High School, contributing to local job creation and skill development.
Our commitment to excellence and community has been the cornerstone of our success. We're thrilled to have moved into a custom-designed facility at 659 W. Willow Street, where we offer even more services, including The Dapper Dog Social Club, training classes, and event hosting.
Throughout our journey, we've maintained a strong focus on quality, luxury, and customer satisfaction. Our story isn't just about grooming, it's about creating a community, building lasting relationships, and making a positive impact on the lives of pets and their owners. At The Dapper Dog, every pet is treated like family, and every client is a valued part of our story.
Today we've grown into a full-service daytime pet care destination offering The Dapper Dog Social Club (daycare), The Dapper Dog Training Academy (group classes & private training) and our long-loved Grooming Salon. Three pillars, one pup-scale standard.
Pet Parent Portal
Manage your pup's stay, anytime.
Book daycare, update vaccinations, and view your pup's report cards, all in one paw-some place.
Book, manage, wag — all in one place.