FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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We are proud to offer two dedicated facilities in Metamora to best serve our clients.
Downtown Metamora Training Center: Conveniently located in the heart of town, this space is designed for focused private lessons, evaluations, and smaller group sessions. Its central location makes it easy for clients to access regular training.
Countryside Training and Boarding Facility: Just outside of town, our spacious property provides the perfect environment for immersive programs like Board & Train. With large training areas, fields, trails, and a full boarding setup, dogs have the space they need for structured training, exercise, and enrichment during their stay.
Together, these two facilities allow us to offer flexible training options. From one-on-one lessons to immersive programs, in safe, professional, and comfortable environments for both dogs and owners.
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Our training center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Additional appointments outside these hours are available by appointment only.
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20 years of professional dog training experience
Therapy Dog Tester/Observer for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Voted Best of Detroit Dog Trainer, 2022
Backed by years of client success stories — check out our Testimonials to see what our clients have to say
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Training is led by Lea, who brings over 20 years of professional dog training experience. She is supported by Francesca, who works alongside her to implement training plans and reinforce progress. The rest of our team contributes through proper care, structured play, and consistent positive reinforcement of commands, ensuring your dog receives well-rounded support throughout the program. Learn more about us here
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At Smart Dog, we are balanced dog trainers. This means we use a clear, fair, and effective approach that combines positive reinforcement (rewarding good behavior) with appropriate corrections to discourage unwanted behavior. By using this method, we communicate clearly with dogs, reduce confusion, and build strong, respectful relationships between dogs and their owners.
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We work with puppies starting at 16 weeks and older dogs of all breeds. Our programs are tailored to the dog’s age, temperament, and goals.
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Puppies can begin our Private Training program as early as 16 weeks old, where we focus on basic obedience and good manners. For our Board and Train program, dogs must be at least 24 weeks old to ensure they are ready for the immersive six-week training experience.
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Our Board and Train program is our most popular option. Dogs stay with us for six weeks of immersive training, learning 16 core commands with daily structure, care, and socialization. Owners receive follow-up support, transfer lessons, and ongoing resources to maintain success.
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Boarding is available exclusively for Board & Train/Off Leash graduates. This ensures every dog staying with us has a solid training foundation, creating a safe and structured environment.
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You’ll receive weekly updates, along with photos and videos 1–3 times per week to keep you connected to your pup’s progress. If you feel inclined to check in or want an update, feel free to contact Lea.
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Your dog’s safety and well-being are our top priorities. At Smart Dog, your dog’s safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our facility is equipped with 24/7 security cameras and a monitored security system for peace of mind. Lea, our head trainer with over 20 years of experience, lives on-site, ensuring constant supervision and care. Our kennel is fully climate-controlled, keeping dogs comfortable in every season and all types of Michigan weather. The property is also fully fenced, providing a secure environment for training, play, and daily routines.
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At Smart Dog, we offer both evaluations and consultations, but they serve different purposes.
Evaluation – An evaluation is required for our Board and Train program only. During this session, we:
Meet with you and your dog to review how and why the program works
Explain how your dog will spend their time while in training
Walk through all training tools that will be used
Determine whether your dog is a good fit for the program
Answer any questions you may have about Board and Train
Consultation – Consultations are for dog owners who want to discuss their dog’s behavior in depth and begin creating a plan. During this 60–90 minute session, we:
Review your dog’s history, temperament, and behavior
Identify challenges or problem areas
Map out a customized training plan and strategies to modify behavior
Consultations are a great first step for owners considering training or looking for professional guidance on specific issues.
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We don’t offer traditional doggy daycare — instead, we offer Day Train, which is available by invite only for dogs who have completed our Beginner Training Series.
Day Train runs on specified days, allowing us to carefully match the right pack together. Your dog will spend the day in a structured environment with one-on-one training sessions, guided socialization, and downtime — so the skills they’ve learned in class are reinforced in real-life settings.
It’s the perfect next step for dogs who are ready for more practice beyond the basics!
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The first step is to fill out “THIS FORM” our team will contact you via email after reviewing your application to schedule an evaluation where we meet you and your dog, discuss goals, and determine the right program.
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We accept online pay via invoice, cash, and check. You will receive an invoice for services.
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All payments are non-refundable. In extreme circumstances, please contact us directly.
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For the safety of all dogs in our care, we require up-to-date health records.
Board and Train Program Requirements:
Vaccinations: Rabies, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Bordetella (administered at least 2 weeks before start date), and
Canine Influenza ( for boarding only)
Health: Negative fecal exam within 2 weeks of the start date
Private Training Requirements:
Vaccinations: Rabies, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Bordetella (administered at least 2 weeks before start date), and
Health: Negative fecal exam within 2 weeks of the start date
All dogs who continue to train with or board at Smart Dog must remain up to date on these vaccinations for the safety of the entire pack
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Every behavior modification case starts with a consultation. Please inquire. If your dog is showing behaviors you find concerning, we’ll meet with you to assess whether they are a good candidate for our program. In many cases, dogs who need more structure or support can benefit greatly from Board & Train. If we feel another approach is more appropriate, we’ll guide you toward the right path.
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Board & Train graduates receive one year of follow-up group outings and lifetime phone support. Private training clients may continue with additional lessons or follow-ups as needed.