10 Years in Business
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Founded in 2015, SMP PAWS started as a small dog walking business called: Pawsability For Dogs. We had established a small beach bungalow in the heart of downtown Santa Monica, where we began providing room & board for dogs & cats. Over the years, we have expanded our services and now offer a wide range of pet-related services.
Every dog is different, which is why SMP PAWS offers tailored training programs designed to meet the specific needs of your pet. Whether it's basic obedience or advanced skills, we have a program that will fit your dog's personality.
At SMP PAWS, your pet’s safety is our highest priority. We follow rigorous safety protocols to protect both our customers and staff. From routine maintenance inspections to thorough safety training, we take every measure to ensure your pet remains safe and secure in your home during drop-in visits. We also guarantee a smooth, enjoyable ride in our pet taxi and a cozy, comfortable stay during overnight boarding.
With a decade of experience training puppies in Los Angeles, I focus on teaching Science-Based Crate Training Methods to new puppy owners. My background knowledge is rooted in my studies of Animal Husbandry, Ethology, Canine Behavior, and Conditioning through positive reinforcement training techniques. I earned my Dog Training Certification from Animal Behavior College in 2015. Currently I am teaching AKC Canine Good Citizen group classes and offer private training sessions to individuals who live in the Beach Cities of Southern California.
My mission is to foster positive, lasting relationships between dogs and their owners through compassionate, effective training. I strive to empower dogs with the skills they need to thrive, while guiding owners to develop confidence, consistency, and understanding. Through customized training plans and a focus on positive reinforcement and Science Based Training Methods, I aim to create well-behaved, happy dogs and harmonious households.
Reserve your training appointment in advance, saving you time.
Take the stress out of traveling, while feeling comfortably assured your puppy is in good hands, getting the right training needed to succeed.
Looking for adventure? I offer training at a variety of destinations, from the comfort of your home to Los Angeles's bustling city, to scenic seaside ocean views. Your dog will explore new places every day, and make lasting memories.
I am dedicated to your success! By Training with me, you’ll be able to get information on all of your puppy-raising questions including housetraining, chewing, and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called.
Now if you enroll in a Puppy Class before April 1st, I'm offering $20 OFF New Customers only!
Have questions or need help with your booking? I am here to assist you every step of the way. Contact me 24/7 for assistance.
Let me help you get started on the right foot with your new puppy!
Puppies can begin very simple training, starting as soon as they come home, typically around 8 weeks old.
Puppies as young as 8 weeks old may qualify for my Board & Train Program. Come find out!
By meeting with me and my professional colleague for a Training Evaluation with your Puppy, we can assess if the Board & Train route would be the best decision for you.
Training is key to building your dog's confidence and comfort, whether for socialization or dog sports.
Dog training is an important part of responsible ownership, though getting started can be confusing.
The good news is I'm here to guide you every step of the way!
Advanced dog training, particularly off-leash obedience, indeed demands a great deal of discipline, time, and consistency.
It involves building a strong foundation in basic commands and gradually transitioning your dog into more challenging situations where they can perform commands without the constraint of a leash.
Ask me about Advanced Training Programs, and how you and your dog can benefit from them!
I'm passionate about puppy training and the role it plays in your pet's life. I offer a wide range of daycare and pet sitting options that will suit your needs.
Most puppies are eligible for entry into my unique Community Daycare Program when they have successfully completed a minimum of 4 weeks of Training Courses with me.
Ask me about the various types of PETCARE I provide:
Exclusively for Adult dogs (1 year and up)
Pick up or Drop off
Pick up and Drop off
This end-of-day update gives you an up-close and personal look at what your pet did throughout the day.
Active Participation: for Dogs (4 months and up)
Individual and Group Dynamics
Cognitive Challenges: Sports or Nose Work Games
Cognitive Challenges: Impulse Control Exercises
"Tricks & Tips" refers to our helpful training advice, strategies, or shortcuts designed to make a task easier or more efficient for you.
"Tricks & Tips" videos will give you practical guidance to get better results or to overcome common challenges more easily.
Daycare Hours: M-F (10am-2pm) or (11am-3pm) *exclusions apply*
Daytime Hours: 9am-6pm
Breed restrictions apply. Walks, Feeding, Medication Administration, Pet Taxi Rides to the Vet or to pick up Pet Supplies (upon request), sold separately
Breed restrictions apply. Walks, Feeding, Medication Administration, Pet Taxi Rides to the Vet or to pick up Pet Supplies (upon request), sold separately
Breed restrictions apply. Walks, Feeding, Medication Administration, Pet Taxi Rides to the Vet or to pick up Pet Supplies (upon request), sold separately
Drop In Visits: anytime
30 minute visit: feeding & cleanup included.
60 minute visit: feeding, cleanup, and playtime included
60 minute visit: feeding, cleanup, and playtime included
*Extra service fees, including increased rates during holidays, may apply.*
"Sniffari's" offer your dog a relaxing, stress-free experience! Choose the duration that works best for you and enhance your dog’s day with a refreshing walk.
30 minute walk: $18
45 minute walk: $25
60 minute walk: $36
Don't worry about rushing home to feed your pet—I've got it covered! Just leave the instructions on the kitchen counter, and I'll take care of feeding your dog.
$10 per visit
I have experience administering oral medications. If your pet requires injections, I'm open to learning from you how to properly administer the necessary dosage.
$10 per day
Nightly fee includes: playtime, feeding, cleaning, trash disposal, and watering plants (upon request)
administering medicine & grooming will incur additional fees
administering medicine & grooming will incur additional fees
administering medicine & grooming will incur additional fees
*Extended Care (8+ hours): Nightly rates are based on a 24 hour time period from drop-off to pick-up. *See Extended Care Policy below.
Dogs up to 25lbs.
26-45lb.
46-100lbs.
The following extended care rates may apply for each pet on the booking if the end time on the final day of the stay is more than 2 hours later than the start time on the first day of the stay. This ensures that your pet sitter is compensated for their additional time.
Example: Large breed (90lb. dog) for an additional 2 hours add 50% of $100 = $50
Example: Large breed (90lb. dog) for an additional 8 hours add 100% of $100 = $100
You'll be happy to know that your dog will receive round-the-clock supervision and will never be left alone! (unless requested by pet owner).
Extended Care (8+ hours): Nightly rates are based on a 24 hour time period from drop-off to pick-up. *See Extended Care Policy below.* NOTE: additional fees apply: holidays, medication administration, pet taxi rides
Dogs up to 25lbs.
26-45lb.
46-100lbs.
The following extended care rates may apply for each pet on the booking if the end time on the final day of the stay is more than 2 hours later than the start time on the first day of the stay. This ensures that your pet sitter is compensated for their additional time.
Example: Large breed (90lb. dog) for an additional 2 hours add 50% of $100 = $50
Example: Large breed (90lb. dog) for an additional 8 hours add 100% of $100 = $100
You'll be happy to know that your dog will receive round-the-clock supervision and will never be left alone! (unless requested by pet owner).
When enrolling your puppy in my Board & Train program, you may have many questions regarding the process, outcomes, and overall experience.
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers. Please reach out to: info@smppaws.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
A Board & Train program is a training service where your puppy stays with a professional dog trainer for a specified period (usually 2-4 weeks) to learn potty training skills, essential obedience skills, manners, or address behavioral issues. During this time, your trainer works on your puppy's training in a controlled environment, and your puppy receives 24/7 care.
The Training I provide includes: potty training (as needed), basic obedience commands (manners on leash) like sit, wait, stay, no, come, heel, leave it, off, and lay down. Off Leash Skills may be incorporated as long as you request this during the initial Board & Train Evaluation Process.
I also cover essential skills which include leash walking, crate training, impulse control, socialization to society (with lots of triggers), and behavior modification for issues such as chewing, barking, or separation anxiety.
If you qualify, you may get offered specialized training, such as off-leash control or aggression management (as needed).
Depending on the age and requested goals you have, a customizable training plan will be designed (per dog) that suits the needs of their life stage and each pet parent's expectations. In other words, it will vary from one dog to another. After I assess your dog's needs, a recommended amount of time will be given at your Board & Train Evaluation.
Puppies as young as 13 weeks old can begin this program, as long as they have had at least 3 rounds of vaccinations. Please check with your veterinarian for more information on your pet's vaccines.
The duration of a Board & Train program typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your goals, your puppy's temperament, and the program itself. You may get offered an extended training program with more sessions if your puppy presents with more complex issues during the Board & Train Evaluation.
Your puppy will learn essential commands, manners, and behaviors, including impulse control, socialization with the world, including environmental triggers, other dogs and people.
Your dog may also learn more advanced skills like walking on a loose leash, leaving dangerous debris on the ground, or staying and waiting in one spot. It depends on the program’s focus and your puppy’s needs.
Yes! While your dog is in my Board & Train program, you'll receive updates, progress reports, and sometimes video sessions to see how they’re doing. Once the program is complete, you will also be given follow-up sessions to ensure you know how to maintain the training and continue reinforcing the lessons at home.
The cost of my Board & Train program varies widely depending on the length of the program I've developed for your dog, my training experience, and location. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. It's important to note that I will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs before enrolling your dog.
Yes! My program includes socialization as part of the training. Puppies will have opportunities to interact with other dogs in various controlled environments. However, it’s essential to discuss your specific concerns or needs with me at your Board & Train Evaluation, to ensure socialization is incorporated into the training plan as you would expect.
It's essential to check each trainer’s credentials, experience, and reviews. It's not necessary for Dog Trainers to be Certified, since the industry is not regulated, and has not undergone Licensure as of yet. However, you may want to look for/ask me about certifications from reputable organizations such as the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), Association for Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), American Kennel Club (AKC), Accredited Schools such as Animal Behavior College, or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Also, I encourage you to ask me for references from past clients and inquire about the methods I use to ensure they align with your values and expectations.
After completing my Board & Train program, your puppy will be returned to you with a detailed progress report, and you will be given follow-up sessions (1 for every week completed; included in the fee). The follow-up sessions help ensure that you understand how to continue reinforcing the training at home. Consistency on your part is crucial for maintaining the behaviors your puppy has learned.
Sometimes, despite training, a dog may not progress as expected. As a reputable trainer, it is crucial for me to be upfront with you about the challenges I've met, yet alternative solutions will be offered. This might include additional training or I may need to modify the training approach based on your dog's temperament. There are no guarantees that your dog will be 100% trained. Although additional training will most likely be needed if your dog doesn't show sufficient progress within a reasonable amount of time.
You will find a clean, safe, peaceful, and well-maintained cozy home environment for your dog, with an experienced and certified trainer. My home has ample space for exercise, play, and training. Myself and all pet handlers that your dog will be exposed to, are attentive and professional. Make sure to visit my home environment in person before enrolling to ensure it's a good fit for your dog.
Puppies as young as (8-12 weeks) typically are not ready for long stays in a Board & Train program. However, puppies (8-12 weeks) should begin basic training (privately 1:1 with me) in their own home. Most puppies who are approximately 13-14 weeks old are eligible for enrolling in my Board & Train Program. You'll have a better idea after completing a Board & Train Evaluation with me. Older puppies or dogs (up to 1-2 years) can benefit from my training as well. However, for older dogs, training may be more challenging if they have developed undesirable habits.
Before enrolling, make sure your puppy is in good health and up-to-date on vaccinations. It’s also helpful to start introducing them to basic commands (privately in your home environment) and socialize them with many triggers including: loud noises, various sights, unusual smells, dogs, and people. This helps the transition to a new environment be smoother.
My Board & Train program can accommodate puppies and adult dogs with special needs or behavioral issues, such as anxiety, fearfulness, or aggression. However, it’s essential to communicate with me about your dogs' specific challenges ahead of time (during your Board & Train Evaluation), in order for my training approaches to be tailored accordingly.
Brief visits are allowed. However, to set your dog up for success, the influence of distractions, can be counterproductive to their learning process. Therefore, video calls are preferred, to check on your puppy. You may prefer to refrain from visiting at all, to help your puppy fully adjust to my training environment. Be sure to clarify your visitation requests with me beforehand at your Board & Train Evaluation.
There are three types of training programs of which I offer. They differ mainly in where your dog stays during the training and the structure of the training process.
Here’s a breakdown:
1. Daytime Board & Train (at your home)
2. Reverse Board and Train (Trainer Stays in the Pet
Parent's Home)
3. Traditional Board & Train: (Dog stays at Trainer’s Home)
Key Differences:
Each of these programs has its benefits depending on your goals for your dog and yourself. The best fit would depend on your dog’s needs, your desired level of involvement, and the environment that would be most conducive to learning.
To book a Board & Train Evaluation with me, start by clicking on this link: https://smppets.club/product/initial-training-evaluation-for-puppies/.
It will take you to our Services page for Initial Training Evaluations.
Look for:
Evaluations
Choose an option
Board & Train (click on the drop down menu to select)
Use Promo Code SMP2025 to earn a $20 Credit towards your first booking with me!
I love my customers, so feel free to connect with me during normal business hours.
8000 W. Manchester Ave., Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |
Major Holiday Rates vary. Ask me about pricing.
Get 10% off your first purchase when you become a Monthly Subscriber!
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.