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| - My sheltie, Ripley, and I love Smarty Paws! We've been going there since October of 2011. We started out in a Canine Freestyle class taught by Donna. This is a class that teaches you to dance with your dog to music and though we haven't come up with a routine (yet), Ripley learned an incredible amount. Donna is very patient and very ingenious when it comes to coming up with solutions to teach a trick (since every dog is different and what works for one doesn't necessary work for another). It is important to do your homework after class (repeat the lessons at home). This is the only place I found that offers this specialized training. Check the youtube videos on Canine Freestyle and you will be amazed!!!
After that we took the intermediate dog agility class with Mary Kay (Ripley has had previous training in LA at the Zoom Room). At first, the large facility was intimidating and Ripley who is naturally shy had to adjust. Mary Kay is incredibly well versed in dog agility, enthusiastic and very inspiring. She even gave each dog a gift bag which included treats and toys on the last day.
Currently, Ripley is taking Novice Dog Agility (in hopes of competing one day in trials). This is the third semester we are taking. Both instructors I've had, Susan and Janice are excellent (although Susan seems to create the most challenging of obstacles). Janice, unfortunately has moved out of state. Ripley sometimes gets an attitude and refuses to jump, and it's up to me to provide the pep talk and energy. Whenever she messes up, it's usually my fault since the handler has to be on top of the ball (and requires as much training as the dog!)
The Smarty Paws space is huge and kept in an industrial like space. All the agility equipment is there and kept in prime condition. My only criticism is that the facility doubles as a doggie day care/boot camp and some of the dogs housed there can be quite noisy and barky (which is distracting for Ripley...since she needs to concentrate). It also gets hot in there occasionally.
Mary Kay also teaches sheepherding on her farm which is not too far away. I took my dog Freckles there and after 2 lessons, even though she is an Australian Shepherd, she showed no aptitude for herding. She also doesn't care much for dog agility...being older and quite sedentary.
I highly recommend Smarty Paws, whether you need obedience, professional training or some fun activity for you and your dog. The staff is friendly and wonderful! Your dog will appreciate the bonding time with you!
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