Smart Dogs Training Academy

Rest in peace Dunkin. 08/27/2026 Please don’t fall for the lack of 1 star reviews he deleted over 300 claiming they were fraudulent Killed my dog out of sheer stupidity and negligence in their care. Doesn't really get worse than that. Should be shut down. The best part is the owner is so unprofessional I'm sure this will be met with some petty reply about how it's someone else's fault. Avoid at all costs.

Hello, to all who may read this. I was introduced to Jeff through my veterinary office (Best Friends Pets, Monrovia) as a reputable dog handler/trainer. When I first called Jeff, I originally had a 9-year-old German Shepard and Jeff was honest with me about the age of my dog and how my financial resources would be better suited in other areas. This prompted my attention, as he could have said “yes, let’s start next week”, took my money and left me wondering why my dog would not pick up the training properly ----after multiple conversations, he informed me that it would be more suitable for my situation to wait until I got a much younger dog. Jeff was never pushy with sales, he provided enough information for me to make a well-informed decision about dog training and the investment of time, resources, and finances. Well, I did not believe this would happen anytime soon, but due to the Eaton Fires, the stress alone from moving several times and not being home for months, my dog succumbed to his stress. We took a few months off and were gifted an 8-week-old German Shepard. After the proper shots, we called Jeff back and set up a date to begin training. To my surprise, the training was the most challenging thing I have put myself through. I say this, because every other challenge involved things I could maneuver around myself, now put an animal who is just learning life in new environments, it was challenging. During the training, I was listening to Jeff, learning new things I never knew (leash handling, ‘proper’ corrections, and being very, very, very, consistent in how I handle my dog). These dogs are incredibly smart and will take a mile for every inch you give them. At times, I was frustrated, not with the training, but the mere fact that I understand the concept but could not properly put it into practice. My last dog, we never trained, never took around ppl, etc., this dog we wanted to do more with her and it was tough. I liked that Jeff and Jalen, were calm, cool, and collective. They would tell me, “Well this is what we recommend, but this is your dog and you are going to do what you want with her”. The first three paragraphs were written within a week of completion of the original training. Now, a few months later, I am reaping the benefits of being consistent, constantly training, and my dog is becoming the dog that I want. Jeff welcomes check-ins, follow up questions, and I would highly recommend Jeff and his team, I look forward to my next training block.

We had an amazing experience with Jeff and Jalen at Smart Dogs Training! They boarded and trained our Goldendoodle, Zion, and we couldn't be happier with the results. Zion came home well behaved, listens much better, and it's clear they spent a lot of time and care working with him. Jeff and Jalen were professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about Zion throughout the process. We highly recommend Smart Dogs Training to anyone looking for real dog trainers!

Jeff and Jalen have truly changed our lives. My dog is very energetic 8 years old Labrador retriever and I thought his habits were already set for good. He used to pull very hard on walks, jump on guests, and could not stay in place for more than a few minutes. After their 4-week board-and-train program, the transformation has been incredible. He now walks calmly by my side, sits on command, and stays in place while we eat. It honestly feels like he has been reborn. Seeing this kind of change in an older dog is something I never thought possible, and it means so much to me. But what impressed me even more was how much Jeff and Jalen cared about making the results last. They did several training sessions with me as well, making sure I knew exactly how to continue the training at home and reinforce everything consistently. They did not just hand my dog back to me and walk away, they made sure we were both set up for success. Their patience, dedication, knowledge, and genuine care are extraordinary. You can tell they love what they do, and they are truly gifted at it. I am beyond thankful for everything they have done for us, and I highly recommend them with all my heart.