Smith Rock K9

Joyann and Smith Rock K9 are truly amazing! My dog had leash reactivity and resource guarding issues, so we did the board and train and saw such big improvements. Her recall is so much better, her confidence has grown a ton, and her reactivity has improved so much. I feel like I now have the tools I need to continue setting my dog up for success long-term. Joyann really focuses on training the owner through individualized sessions, which made me feel confident continuing my dog’s training. She is so kind, responsive, and always willing to go above and beyond. I’ve also had Joyann watch my dog while I’m out of town, and my dog loves it. She has a blast playing with other dogs and feels really comfortable there. I’m so thankful for Joyann and highly recommend her and Smith Rock K9!

I’m a self-proclaimed helicopter dog mom and never thought I could leave my dogs with someone for more than a week — but Joyann’s and Smith Rock K9’s care, attentiveness, and skill gave me complete peace of mind, and if you know me - you’d know that peace of mind and trust does not come easily for me. I spent five years researching board-and-train programs and other training options. Nothing felt right for me or my dogs. As a highly sensitive soul, I wanted something positive, compassionate, and effective. When I found Joyann, the pressure came off immediately. Within days, I felt a massive sense of relief knowing wholeheartedly that my dog was in the best hands. My anxious dog Luna completed Joyann’s 5-week board-and-train program, while my 8-month-old golden retriever Ripley and I did a month of 1:1 training. We’re moving to grizzly bear country and wanted perfect recall — and both experiences exceeded my expectations. She didn’t just train my dogs; she gave me joy, confidence, and the sense that my dogs could truly be as well-trained as I’d always hoped. At first, I was nervous about the time and money investment of any board-and-train program. I also worried my boarded dog might not get enough love or that she’d be kenneled too much. Within days, those worries vanished. She was clearly happy, well loved, and thriving in Joyann’s care. I received near-daily updates with photos and videos and could see how proud Luna was of her “new job.” Joyann strikes the perfect balance between structure and flexibility. She focuses on what you’re doing right, which makes it easy to stay motivated and consistent. The tasks she gave me were just enough to keep me engaged without overwhelm — now I actually look forward to training time with my dogs each day. One of my biggest hesitations was the E-collar. For five years, I avoided it because I wanted something compassionate, positive, and effective for my very sensitive, very smart dog. Joyann’s approach was far gentler and more supportive than I imagined, and it worked beautifully for both of my dogs’ learning styles. This experience has been truly life-changing for me and my dogs — better than therapy. And I’m a therapist.

Kali worked with our 4-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog on sitting, walking on leash, and staying. Also helped Cocoa to just hang out. Just in one day, Kali made wonderful strides with our Cocoa. Kali is very patient, has a very calm presence which worked really well with my very excitable puppy, and Kali really listened to my struggles with Cocoa. She provided feedback, suggestions, and the most adorable pictures of Cocoa during her training. Kali continues to offer very helpful strategies for other on-going issues I’m having with Cocoa. Kali clearly is an excellent trainer, and awesome human. She goes beyond to help which I will not forget. I highly highly recommend Kali as your best friend’s trainer.