Professional Training, Luxury Daycare, and Expert Pet Sitting for Dogs & Cats
Elite Pet Care for the Discerning Pet Owner. Sniffari Daycare Club • Professional Training • Expert Cat & Dog Sitting
Curated Care for Cats & Dogs: Puppy Training • Pet Sitting • Sniffari Club Daycare Excursions • Art & Wellness Workshops
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 your pet from harm. From routine maintenance inspections to thorough safety checks during outings, we take every measure to ensure your pet remains safe and secure both outdoors and in your home; whether it's during drop-in visits or Overnight Pet Sitting Stays. We also guarantee a smooth, enjoyable ride in our pet taxi and a cozy, comfortable stay during overnight boarding.
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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.
With more than 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.
When enrolling your puppy or adult dog 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.
From the Team at SMP PAWS, LLC. Pet Concierge
An Adult Dog "Behavior Modification" Board & Train is more than just "fixing" a dog; it’s a lifestyle reset. To achieve the best results for your pup, we ask you to keep these four principles in mind during their stay with us:
While your pup is with us, our focus is entirely on their rehabilitation and environment. We will provide scheduled updates, but please remember that we are often "in the trenches" working through behavioral breakthroughs. If you don’t hear from us every hour, it’s because your dog is busy learning!
Dogs are mirrors. If you are anxious about the training, they will be too. By trusting the SMP PAWS methods, you send a signal of confidence to your dog. When you are calm and certain, your dog feels safe enough to change.
During a minimum 3-week stay, we break down old habits and build new foundations. However, the "real" training begins when your pet returns home. You are the leader of their new life. Following the post-training homework is the only way to ensure the progress we make here sticks for a lifetime.
When your pup returns, they will be excited to see you! However, it is vital to immediately implement the new boundaries we’ve taught. It may feel "strict" at first, but clear boundaries are the greatest gift you can give a dog with anxiety or fear-based history.
Our Goal: To return to you a dog that is not just "obedient," but truly joyful, confident, and balanced.
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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: Step #1 start by calling me to inquire: (424) 424-2882. Step #2 Book a Initial Consultation HERE.
Use Promo Code SMP2026 to earn a $20 Credit towards your first booking with me!
I love my customers, so feel free to connect with me during my normal business hours.
8000 W. Manchester Ave., Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
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Major Holiday Rates vary. Ask me about pricing.
Thank you for booking with SMP PAWS, LLC.. We value your satisfaction and aim to provide quality services and excellent customer service to all our customers. Please read our Return and Refund Policy carefully to understand your rights and our obligation.
Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2025
Thank you for shopping with SMP PAWS, LLC.. We are committed to providing high-quality services and excellent customer service. Please review our return and refund policy below to understand your rights and responsibilities when purchasing from us.
We give refunds within 14 days of purchase for most unused packages, including daycare and training packages. For unused services like Pet Sitting, Dog Boarding, and House Sitting, we give full refunds.
To be eligible for a return:
Non-Returnable Items:
If you're unsure of anything, please contact us within 48 hours of your purchase. We may request photos or additional information to process your return.
Once your return is processed with an agent, we will notify you of the status of your refund.
If approved:
Partial Refunds: In certain cases, only partial refunds may be granted (e.g., when you cancel your service within 4 days after purchase).
We only exchange packages of equal or lesser value. If you need to exchange a service for an ala carte item, contact us at support@smpdogtrainer.com with your order details.
To initiate a return, please contact us at:
📧 Email: info@smppaws.com
📞 Phone: (424) 424-2882
📍 Address: 8000 W. Manchester Ave. Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Please include your order number, the item(s) you wish to return, and the reason for the return.
Policy Updates:
We reserve the right to update or modify this policy at any time without prior notice. Changes will be posted on this page and will take effect immediately upon publication. If you have any questions regarding our return and refund policy, feel free to contact us. Your satisfaction and your pet’s happiness are important to us!
SMP Dog Trainer
