Smarty Paws

Afton, one of the trainers here, has been an absolute God send. I've had my fair share of bad trainers and daycares so I was extremely nervous trying out yet another new one. From the minute I met Afton I knew everything would be ok. She took the time to talk to me and ease my mind. Everyday I pick up my dogs she takes time to tell me how they did and give me homework to work on.

I dont have the easiest breeds and she has made a world of difference in their training and behavior. She has gone above and beyond to help me and them. I never have to worry when they are with her. She treats my dogs as if they were her own. We would be lost without her and recommend her 100%. I've seen other reviews on here and disagree with all of them. I'm not sure about the other trainers because I only leave my dogs with Afton but I have never received them covered in urine or dirty.

My dogs are on a special diet and I have proof she feeds them whatever I pack for the day. I also have a Great Dane so it's important to me he has a special bed when laying down. I also know for a fact Afton uses it everyday. If you are looking for a trainer that will care about your dog/s and go above and beyond I would come here and ask for Afton!

If it weren't for the trainers I'd give this place zero stars. The staff is unorganized and uncommunicative. I originally called them to inquire about private agility training. The first person I spoke to said that would be no problem and that someone would call me back to schedule an appointment/consultation. When I spoke to the next person they said they had no availability for private agility training and I should bring my dogs to boot camp.

A few weeks go by, I go to the vet to get their fecal tests and ensure their shots are up to date then I brought my dogs to boot camp. Had a good experience the first day. The second time I brought my dogs to boot camp a staff member asked me if I wanted a punch card to get a discount. She took my dogs in and came back out with a small paper with a signature on it.

Later in the week I checked my checking account and see they charged me for $500 with out telling me. This staff member did not in any way mention that getting a punch card was a $500 charge. I wasn't even given a receipt for such a large purchase. I just assumed I was purchasing another day pass as I wasn't told other wise. I found it very surprising that a staff member would not tell a customer that they were about to charge them $500.

What really did it for me with smarty paws was when I went to drop my dogs off today I was told there was no room and they couldn't take them. There is no appointment system to ensure your dogs have a space. Nor did anyone tell me via email or on the phone when I first called to ask numerous questions about how their system works that they can fill up and turn people away.

I then had to drive my dogs back home and missed an important specialists doctors appointment on the other side of town I had waited 6 months for and had to reschedule for 4 months from now. The trainer I spoke to twice at smarty paws was lovely and I'm sure the trainers there do their jobs well. But the business end of it is unorganized and lacks communication. They're inconsistent and it feels like a gamble when it comes to having a consistent positive experience.

If your little dog has a big attitude, take them here! Unfortunately, I forget the name of my pup's trainer, but she is amazing! She immediately knew what my little guy needed and set out to make it happen. (She explained to me and my dog that "cute doesn't cut it" and she was right! My tiny companion already loves being recognized for the things he does well and he immediately recognized the word from his trainer.) At first I was nervous about the drop off policy, but after only two days, I see a difference in my little one.

He doesn't even mind the corrections! Smarty Paws really does train you and your pet in a kind, gentle and compassionate way. Everyone there knows the pets and their people. Everyone there genuinely cares. I can't recommend them highly enough.

We've been with Smarty Paws for Agility Training for almost a year now and really enjoy it! Madison has been a great teacher and our 2 dogs, my husband and I are learning so much and having a great time too!

This review is only about the daycare and boot camp, and not about the evening and weekend training classes they provide. If you love your dog, don't bring them to this daycare. There is a reason they prefer curbside pick up and drop off, not to mention they are one of the few daycares that don't have live camera feed for you as a owner to watch your dog while in their care, despite having security cameras that the owner uses to monitor their employees daily.

They will charge you $30 a day for daycare, and $50 a day for boot camp which is basically daycare but with some added obedience training and doggie treadmill time. Your dog will be stuck in a tiny crate stacked on top of each other the entire time with maybe a 2 minute walk. They put the louder dogs in the bathroom. Some dogs are forgotten about for the entire day!

Some dogs get no arena play time for the entire day! However the trainers like to bring their own dogs to work and utilize the arena area for most of the day. I've also seen the arena unoccupied for hours while the dogs bark and cry in their crates. If you as an owner leave food and treats for your dog, THEY WILL JUST THROW IT AWAY. This place is a scam.

Most dogs hate coming here and will urinate on themselves the second they see this place. It's heartbreaking. One of the trainers there kicks the dogs and is always yelling at them. One time I went to bring a dog out to their owner to pick up and I noticed the dog had been peed on by one the dogs above her in the stacked crate, and when the trainer saw me taking the time to clean her up, she said stop doing that, the owner will be annoyed of how much time it's taking to get her dog.

Just hurry up and bring her out and don't mention the pee. I don't know about you, but I would be more annoyed of receiving my dog that was covered in urine vs waiting 5 more minutes. I can go on and on about the terrible treatment I witnessed in the 2 weeks that I was employed there. This business should be shut down. I feel so bad for the owners that bring their beloved dogs here, who have no idea what's actually going on inside this building.

I do classes for my dog training school here. I love it! My trainer, Wendy Rowe, is knowledgeable and kind and you can tell she really cares about the work she does. She makes an effort to be available for her clients whenever she is needed.

I enrolled my dog in a 6 week beginning obedience course. The atmosphere is loud because the agility course and the obedience course are in the same room at the same time. The class was an hour long which, in my opinion, is way too long for even a well-trained dog. We wouldn't even start doing tricks until 10 to 20 minutes into the class. There was so much going on at all times that my dog just couldn't focus for more than half the class.

Because of this, it felt like the instructor never really paid attention to my dog. She would spend a long time with other dogs, and she always left my dog for last. It felt like she was setting him up for failure by leaving him last when he was obviously the most restless of the dogs. Once it was eventually my dog's turn, he was bored and didn't want to do any of the tricks anymore.

She didn't give many helpful pointers either- my dog was the "problem dog" and it felt like she didn't care about him. I ended up skipping the "graduation" class because I knew he would be left for last and wouldn't be able to concentrate after sitting still for so long. Not only that, but she recommended negative reinforcement. When my dog started whining, she told me to spray him with the water.

I learned rather quickly that I should reward him for being quiet rather than spraying him with water for whining. Additionally, she recommended I use a prong collar on my dog because he pulled on the leash in class. Rather than encouraging me to get a non-pull harness, she encouraged me to make my already-agitated dog even more agitated by using a prong collar.

With all of this being said, I learned a lot of tricks to teach my dog, and he learned a fair bit of impulse control by being in this class for an hour a week. My dog's daycare said that he has improved a lot since taking this course. However, I feel like he would have improved after taking any obedience course. With this, I would encourage you to look elsewhere if your dog is truly a beginner.

My dog became de-socialized during the COVID-19 pandemic and had become defensive towards other dogs when she was able to start going back to daycare. After doing my research, I decided to take her to Smarty Paws for their "Boot Camp" training to help re-socialize her with other dogs. despite Smarty Paws being a 25-mile drive each way from my home/work.

When I say it was well worth the money they charged and the literal 100 miles a day I drove each day to drop her off in the morning and pick her up in the evening. I mean it. She rediscovered her playful personality, and her normal daycare (one that's at least 75% closer to where I live) said that they noticed a big difference in her. She went from not wanting dogs to get close to her to being much more relaxed and playful, and her daycare says that she has now recently begun helping smaller and younger dogs adapt to the daycare setting.

I didn't know what to expect as far as how much work my dog would need or how much they could help her (or how quickly), but Smarty Paws did an amazing job. The only thing I wish I had done differently (aside from the obvious "take my dog there sooner") is to have bought the "Boot Camp" package. I was hesitant to pre-pay for 10 days (at a "Buy 9, Get the 10th Free" rate) given the distance of the facility for me, so I probably spent a little more than I had to.

Still worth every penny and drop of gas. What I would recommend if you are doing something similar. Take your dog for the first day of Boot Camp and, afterwards, ask if they think it would be worth buying that package of 10 days or if they think it might not be necessary. I had done that, but opted against it because of the distance (and part of me thought "Who would tell me to spend less money at their business?").

I can tell you from my experience and with full confidence: If they say it will be worth it, it will be worth it. I trust their judgement enough to believe them 100% if they say my dog needs "X" number of days, that's what she'd benefit the most from.

Roxee loves her play time with Johna and the othe pooches at Smarty Paws.

Absolutely the best fun learning experience for my Maggie. Maggie is signed up for Boot Camp & I can run all my errands in Vegas. Maggie has experienced dog handlers which are so loving. Maggie can't wait to go again.

Love our Kinderpuppy class and instructor! Also like the small class, social distancing, and mask wearing!

My border collie is very shy and has issues with new places and people. Smarty Paws, specifically Trainer Aften, has worked very hard to win her trust and confidence through weekly Boot Camp Sessions. I am thrilled at her progress and she absolutely LOVES going every week. Thank you and hope 2020 is great for you all.

My puppy hated it there. Harley looked really nervous and hided under the wheel each time he saw that place. He has to be dragged to get out of the car n pee himself each time the last 2 months. They charged an outrageous high fee of $5 per min after 6 pm for late pick up - yes rate of $300 per hour. I work night shift n took him there on my day off the last time.

I overslept and got a call at 6:18 pm and arrived there at 6:31 pm. They charged me $155 late fee and in such a hostile manner almost like I have committed a crime. What a horrible place to take your dog. My puppy goes to Doggie District now and happy when I drop him off and pick him up. Never a fight to get out of the car like I did. You wonder what happened at Smarty Paws. That Afton should be a debt collector and not a dog trainer. This business Smarty Paws and the owner Donna should be reported to BBB for charging those kind of late fees.

From the first phone call, to meeting with the owner, to the obedience classes, I was greeted with a positive attitude, cheery disposition, and kind staff. Everyone was knowledgeable and patient while working with us. I was weary at first as my dog is a pitbull but he was welcomed with nothing but love (and treats ). I recommend this place if you are searching for basic obedience training. They also offer day care and other types of training. Check them out!

I took my dog here after reading some online reviews that were all positive so I gave it a shot. I'm so glad I did. First I called and spoke with Donna the owner she was very helpful and full of information as well as she gave me realistic expectations. My dog Stanley has only been going to doggy boot camp for a month now and he went from being aggressive towards dogs to playing in a pen with 5 or more dogs at a time.

This place is awesome and all of the employees love the animals and it truly shows. I know that no dog will be perfect by any means but to see such a change after a month is absolutely way beyond my expectations. This place really does a great job. Thank you Smarty Paws.

We came to Smarty Paws and worked with Donna because I have a 9-year old french bulldog and my boyfriend has an 8-year old pit-mix and the two dogs had not met before. We wanted a trainer to help us facilitate this introduction in a neutral place. What a great experience it was! The facility at Smarty Paws is spacious and is setup great for this type of introduction and Donna was just wonderful.

She gave great instruction and was very calm and I felt at ease with her. The intro at the facility went better than we could've expected! We're now integrating the dogs at home which is taking cautious attention and will come back to Smarty Paws to help with socialization of our dogs. Highly recommend Donna and Smarty Paws!

I called Smarty Paws for help with our Shiba Inu puppy Sheldon. He was under a year old and wouldn't kennel, sit, let any one touch him but Me or come when called. Dona came out and started working with Sheldon and teaching me how to deal with his issues. Dona was very caring with both of her students. Sheldon is not perfect, he is still a baby and is trying stupid things like moving the throw rug, and jumping.

I now know how to deal with his inappropriate actions and the are are a work in progress. Thanks to proper training from Dona and Smarty Paws Sheldon is being enjoyed and not being screamed at. Thanks Dona and Smarty Paws for all the help and support!

Zero stars. I received a phone call earlier this evening and was advised that my dog was kicked out of the Rattlesnake Avoidance Class that's scheduled in March. This is due to a negative feedback review that I left them a couple of months ago. The problem is that everything that happened at Smarty Paws on that one November day, was 100% true. Yet, it's pretty obvious that they don't care about constructive criticism.

They want you to either praise them, or be quiet. My previous feedback - Fact 1: the afternoon trainer admitted she did not read my note with written instructions so she practiced an incorrect command with my dog. Fact 2: there was no passdown between the morning and afternoon trainers. Fact 3: my dog was crated when I got to Smarty Paws (no problem) but his water dish was empty.

These are just the highlights. I leave positive feedback when it's earned and deserved. And I sign my name under each review because each one is 100% true. That's how Yelp works. Thank you.

This review is for the Russell Rd. location: Love, love, love this place! We rescued our dog Jax an Aussie/border collie mix from NSPCA in Jan. and started him with boot camp in March. I have been impressed with the care and concern the trainers show for my dog and training abilities of the staff from the very beginning! Jax now attends daycare 3-4 times a week. He is always very excited to play and happy to see Marissa and Melissa! Thank you for being awesome!

Smarty Paws has the best trainers that have many years of professional training with certifications. On going education for all trainers.

Very disappointed from the outset staff not very friendly very opinionated made me feel like I did know what I was doing my dogs already been to training before blatantly told me my dog was not very obedient 5 other dogs were in the crates no activities going Took my dog there for socialization not for dog training My opinion is a dog trainers need a little training themselves in people skills would not recommend smarty paws.

This is a review for the kinderpuppy class and overall experience at the rancho location. The first class without my pup was underwhelming with the assistant reading from a script and agility people yelling in the background. This is after I walked in and stood awkwardly around waiting several minutes to be greeted. I went to the office window at one point and the person was on the phone ignoring me as well.

It wasn't until another person walked in that we were checked in. I made it clear that my 15 week German Shepherd was afraid of most things especially other dogs. Yet neither "trainer" spoke of how to handle it or what we would do to make the following class a positive experience. 2nd class-first with my pup started off very much the same. it's blatantly obvious all they care about is your money when there's agility people screaming behind flimsy dividers the whole time your class is going on.

The trainer Yvonne who lacks any enthusiasm or positivity taught sit and watch me and in between basically ignores you while your supposed to be practicing. Again with yelling and clapping coming from the back of the facility. Then outside in a parking lot in the blazing sun with cars driving around to practice walk. I'm sorry but really $175 to walk my dog in a parking lot. Saved the best (sarcasm) for last. remember how I spoke up about my dog being afraid of other dogs.

Well there's was never a word spoken to me about it. My pup was afraid on leash running from others & yelping. Despite that all the dogs plus another two were let off leash. I, trusting there professionalism was trying to just leave her be. Now I regret that and staying any longer because it gets worse. They tell me to let her off leash which I do.

She then tries to hide near a treadmill and other clutter around the space. She ends up in a corner panting, cowering and stressed for the next 15 minutes. The only comments from Yvonne was a brief statement about not wanting my pup to hide the whole time. Still there my pup stayed until the assistant coaxed her out for a brief moment and then again nothing. Don't take your pup here!

After returning home feeling sad & embarrassed with nothing but walk her in the neighborhood which I had already told them I was doing I did a lot of reading. I reached out to other positive trainers. They confirmed that the trainer didn't handle the situation appropriately. Negative experiences with other dogs is the last thing you want with a fearful pup.

They could've told me it'd be better if I took her home earlier or skipped the off leash part. They could've sectioned off the areas and let her meet one dog at a time. I find it really idiotic that I was able to find this info online but supposedly trained professionals just stand there doing nothing. Lastly, I emailed them. Then I get a voicemail from Yvonne talking about taking her son to the library and to call at this time. Shockingly unprofessional!

No reference to me or my dog or the situation. Therefore instead of calling back and wasting anymore energy on a bad situation I decided to warn others in hopes they won't put their pups thru simpler experiences.

Donna, the owner of Smarty Paws, came to my house for a private training to help me with my three little fur babies. I found her to be knowledgeable, delightful and professional. In a few short sessions, she taught me how to train my dogs so that they would get along better - but also helped me understand how they think. She empowered me with her expertise.

Because of Donna's intuitive sense of animals as well as people, I enjoy my little dogs ( two Tibbies and one blind Dachshund) so much more. And if I have a question and call the office, she gets right back to me. Very generous with her time. I highly recommend Smarty Paws. Donna made our pets and us humans a happier family.

So far so good. There was one mis-hap where there was a miscommunication and the instructor did not show up. However, I was called about that and in our most recent class, the guy who was supposed to show and didn't, he apologized to our class. Other than that, me and my furbaby is loving the class and training.

Signed up for service dog training, 6 weeks, $200 to certify our dog as a medical alert dog. The training is scattered training at best. The trainer is very nice but has no focus or control over the class or even her own service animal half the time. Questions were left unanswered, there was no plan for what would be learned each class, and there wasn't a prerequisite for dogs to be obedience trained to take this class.

I barely learned anything after 4 weeks and left due to the last class attended being a pitch about a new curriculum introduced that would cost a lot more money. Do not go here unless you want to waste your money, be up sold, and have your dog confused in an erratic, uncontrolled environment. There are other trainers in Vegas who know what they are doing and will overextend themselves to help you and your dog, ask me if you want to know who they are. Note- prior to this class my dog and I have attended and passed basic and advanced obedience training, passed the CGC, and have already been in pet friendly hotels and restaurants wo any issue whatsoever. So it's def not us, it's them.

My experience at Smarty Paws was horrible. I was so excited to start training and socializing my new pit bull puppy, Jewel. At our first class, Jewel was a bit nervous from all the noise and commotion going on from the Agility Classes at the same time. I was told if I came back, it would only stress her out more. The trainer said she would help me outside of class and she never did.

I tried calling their facility and could never get a person on the phone, and I asked the trainer of the class for a refund which she could not answer to. I paid $150 for 6 classes and only attended 2 classes with no consideration from Smarty Paws, nor the trainer of the class. The only reason I gave Smarty Paws a chance & paid my hard earned money to be there, was to socialize my puppy and conquer her anxiety.

In the end, I'm the one who had to deal with anxiety. If you expect Smarty Paws to work with you and your timid puppy, think again. The overall experience was very much a disappointment.

We had heard about the Smart Paws on Rancho a long time ago and were excited to find out they were opening one on our side of town. It's inside the Diablo Industrial Center. Today was our first time, they've only been open less than 2 weeks so they don't have all of their equipment yet but they are ready to tire out your pup. The facility is nice and big with separate rooms for training, play, resting, etc. Danielle was the trainer on today and she was really informative about my pups behavior throughout the day.

I believe the other girls name working was Izzy, she was super sweet. You can tell they both love dogs. I felt confident leaving my precious dog with them. We chose to do the bootcamp style daycare. He got time on the treadmill to get some energy released, did clicker training with leash walking and got some ball playing in as well. He was happy and tired when I picked him up, they even showed me some of his new tricks before we left. Prices are discounted for August, but I believe it'll be $25 for a full day of daycare and $45 for full day of boot camp.

Their hours right now are 7am to 6pm Monday thru Friday. They hope to add weekends and overnight boarding in the future. I think I'm as excited about this new place as my dog is!