Located in the Heart of the Beautiful Bitterroot Valley, Smakwater and Sprezzatura is the trusted name in sporting dog care. Specializing in obedience for the hunting retriever, and proven by over 15 years of formal experience with over 500 awards and titles combined, John and Laura McCarthy offer personal, professional boarding, training, and conditioning for all medium to large breed dogs.

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About Us Report

Smakwater and Sprezzatura Kennels, owned and operated by John and Laura McCarthy, is located in the Bitterroot Valley near Stevensville Montana, just 3 miles north east of the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. The name Smakwater and Sprezzatura refers to the line of Labrador Retrievers we breed, train, and handle.

Boarding Report

At Smakwater and Sprezzatura your dog receives the best care available and they will enjoy a large Indoor/Outdoor sanitary kennel run with fresh water. All of our guests are fed Purina Pro Plan, the high quality food of Champions. Extra large buddy runs are available for the multi- dog family, and each pet will visit exercise yards twice a day.

Training Report

At Smakwater and Sprezzatura, we specialize in basic obedience training for both the companion dog and sporting dog. In addition, we offer advanced training for those who are interested in more precise and demanding tasks. The objective of our training program is to build attentiveness and reliability so that the response to each command is a concise action performed with eagerness.

Conditioning Report

Whether your dog is recovering from an injury, overweight, or just plain out of shape, Smakwater and Sprezzatura will work with you and your veterinarian in order to improve your dog's health and physical condition by implementing, and monitoring an individually defined program. Note: All fees for conditioning are in addition to boarding costs.

Stephanie B.

Jun 22, 2022

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Laura, is amazing and very attentive. The kennels are large. We really enjoyed the amount of exercise time daily in the fenced 2 acres. Our Labrador had a wonderful time. Completely recommend and will use her again!

Jozelyn Flores

Mar 25, 2022

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Very accommodating, very amazing to work with, very good to your pet. You know your dog gets some one on one love while you are away, you can always call for an update, and I don't feel guilty leaving my dog behind because of how excited she gets when we pull up.

Bill Samsoe

Mar 12, 2022

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Laura and John treat each dog so lovingly. The large gated yard space in the country is wonderful for the dogs to roam. Our 15 year old lab is treated royally there. We are incredibly thankful to have Laura and John. This is the best kennel to which we have ever been.

Nancy Olsen

Dec 13, 2021

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Winston loves going there and is very well taken care of he has lots energy and they have great yards for him to run and play in!

David Raber

Oct 27, 2021

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John and Loria are outstanding folks they been trained bird dogs for many years I have seen their awards I was lucky to have a friend who is definitely dedicated to. So if you need to train your dog John will train your dog to be the best it can be John and Lori are awesome

Cheryl Bauer

Jun 13, 2021

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John & Laura are great folks who take terrific care of our girls with each visit. Highly recommend to everyone!

Mary Ryan

Mar 20, 2018

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We have left our Shiloh Shepherd at Smakwater twice. Being a GSD she is a little anxious about new situations, but does so well here! We were gone for 2 weeks, she came home happy, playful and completely unstressed. That is very impressive! They take great care of the dogs, including play time with other dogs, which our dog loves. Such a relief to find Smakwater! Thanks!

Greg Bensch

May 05, 2016

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We have had our Lab here the last 2 summers for training. It is GREAT! Laura and John truly love the dogs they care for! The training is exemplary and my dog is the envy of my hunting buddies!

Mj Boo

May 29, 2015

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Laura and John are amazing! They trained our lab and she is new and wonderful dog. We have also boarded her with them and they take wonderful care of her and she makes many new friends. I would recommend them to everyone!

Jenette Roberts

Nov 09, 2013

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This was a great find for us and our dogs. I found it via a glowing review November 2012 when my husband and I need a place over the Thanksgiving holiday, and have NOT been disappointed since. Especially since we have recently moved into the Bitterroot Valley. The McCarthy's are great and so accommodating to varied scheduling needs as they come up, most notably when we needed to board them for a month while we put our house on the market in WA. I would recommend Smakwater & Sprezzatura Kennels to anyone needing a boarding facility for their four-legged kids.

Smakwater And Sprezzatura Kennels