About Smiles Dog Training

Smiles Dog Training is a professional dog and cat training service that emphasizes force-free and science-based humane training techniques. The business specializes in addressing a wide range of behavior issues, particularly for rescue and shelter animals. Their services include puppy training, day training, behavior consultations, private training, and tailored training programs designed to help both dogs and cats. Clients have shared positive experiences with Smiles Dog Training, particularly highlighting the effectiveness of the training methods used. One client noted that after enrolling their three older dogs in a six-month training program, they began to see great results. The client appreciated that the training focused not just on the dogs but also on educating the dog parents, emphasizing the importance of human training in the process. The use of science-based techniques, non-fear tactics, and a combination of online and in-person lessons made the training accessible and effective. The availability of high-quality online materials, paired with weekly coaching calls, allowed for a comprehensive learning experience. Another client praised the trainer's ability to help manage their newly adopted reactive dog. The trainer implemented routines that improved the dog’s demeanor and overall household quality of life. The fear-free training techniques not only addressed immediate behavior needs but also fostered a strong and enjoyable relationship between the dog and its owner. The trainer's knowledge extended beyond behavior management, as they provided insights that led to a crucial health diagnosis for the dog, showcasing their commitment to the well-being of the animals they work with. Clients consistently commend the trainer's warm and fun demeanor, which helps create an inviting training environment for both pets and their owners. The personalized approach taken by the trainer, which considers each client’s lifestyle and specific needs, sets Smiles Dog Training apart from other training services. Overall, Smiles Dog Training is highly recommended for anyone looking to enhance their relationship with their pets while effectively addressing behavioral challenges.

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Reviews for Smiles Dog Training

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Sep 2025
Sara is honestly the best thing to help train me. Yes me, not my dog. I have worked with other trainers to try to get some help for my anxious fearful dog and they were not the right fit. Sara has helped me understand penny more so I can give her what she needs to be more confident in situations and not treat her fear. I was able to introduce a kitten I found on the side of the road to my home with a dog who has a high prey drive and they get along so well. Sara is knowledgeable, kind, fairly priced for what you get and will truly listen and give you her time to help you do better for your pets. Cats as well as dogs. Highly recommend Smiles Dog Training!
Jan 2024
We hired Sara to help with our three older dogs who were having behavioral issues. We're about halfway through our 6-month training program and seeing great results so far! Admittedly, a lot of dog training is human training, so the learning burden is really on the dog parents, but I do believe my pups have gained quite a few skills over the past few months! Sara is patient, kind, talented, and incredibly knowledgable. After searching for top rated trainers in the area and interviewing a couple, we decided to go with Sara at Smiles Dog Training for a few reasons: she offers science-based training, utilizes non-fear tactics, and employs a hybrid online and in-person teaching method that worked well for our schedule. Most other top trainers seem to employ fear-based tactics for training, and shock collars are prominent elsewhere. Sara does not believe in these negative reinforcement strategies, and this is the main reason we chose her! Results are achievable without them, and everyone is happier with positive reinforcement! The online written and video material in the training program is high caliber. It's accessible on a computer or smart phone/tablet, and is paired with weekly zoom coaching calls to review, answer questions, work through emergent scenarios, and practice hands-on skills. The 6-month training program offers a handful of in-person lessons as well, to further broaden and strengthen everyone's skills. Zoom lessons are a great way to get started, but the real-life training is super helpful as well! 5/5 stars for Smiles Dog Training! Very professional, results-driven, high quality training program. I high recommend Sara and her dog training business for anyone looking to strengthen their bond with their dogs and build out skillsets to manage stress, distractions, and better behavior!
Oct 2023
Sara equipped me with the skillset to safely manage my newly adopted reactive dog and helped me implement a routine that allowed my dog to better predict and adjust to her new home environment. All these things caused a dramatic improvement in my dog's demeanor, and subsequently, our household's quality of life. In addition to addressing my dog's immediate behavior needs, Sara's fear-free training techniques helped me facilitate an incredibly strong and fun relationship with my dog. Outside of dog behavior, Sara has been a wealth of knowledge for so many other things.Sara's astute observations helped me obtain a double hip dysplasia diagnosis for my dog that her vet had...read full review