TRAINING PROGRAMS

At Smart Dog, we believe obedience is the foundation of a well-mannered, confident dog. Just as dogs need proper care, exercise, and stimulation to thrive, they also need clear training and structure to feel secure.

Whether you’re starting with a new puppy, building reliable off-leash obedience, or addressing challenging behaviors, our programs are designed to give both you and your dog the education, tools, and confidence needed for long-term success.

From board-and-train to private lessons, behavior modification, and therapy dog certification, our goal is to create calm, attentive dogs and lasting partnerships that bring a lifetime of enjoyment. Serving families across Southeast Michigan, Smart Dog specializes in balanced training that works in the real world.

JOIN THE PACK

JOIN THE PACK

A black and gray puppy lying on a dirt trail in a wooded area with trees and autumn leaves in the background.
A brown and white dog with blue eyes looking up, standing on a bed of autumn leaves.
A brown dog sitting on a dirt trail in a wooded area with trees and greenery in the background.
A happy Bernese Mountain Dog puppy walking outdoors on a forest trail, with trees and fallen leaves in the background.

BOARD AND TRAIN

Off-Leash Obedience, Lasting Results

Our six-week Board & Train program is our signature service — designed to transform your dog into a calm, confident, and reliable companion while equipping you with the tools to maintain success at home.

During their stay, your dog will live and train with us in the quiet countryside of Metamora, Michigan, fully immersed in a daily routine of professional training sessions, guided socialization, structured exercise, and enrichment. To keep you connected, we provide weekly progress updates and photos so you can follow along as your dog develops new skills.

Minimum age for this program is 24 weeks.

  • Initial Evaluation – A one-on-one meeting with you and your dog to determine if they’re a good fit for our program. This allows us to understand your goals, assess your dog’s needs, and make sure Board & Train is the right path.

    Six weeks of immersive, professional training (covering 16 off-leash obedience commands)

    Two private transfer-of-training appointments with you and your dog

    One follow-up consultation (phone or in-person) one week after your dog returns home

    One year of follow-up group outings to keep skills sharp and maintain progress

    Lifetime phone support for ongoing questions and guidance

  • At the end of the program, your dog will return home relaxed, confident, and attentive — with their natural personality intact. You’ll gain a reliable companion you can trust in real-world situations and the ongoing support you need to continue their success.

  • Requirements – Board & Train Program

    • Vaccinations (Bordetella must be administered at least 2 weeks before start date):
      Rabies, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Bordetella, and Canine Influenza

    • Health: A negative fecal exam within 2 weeks of start date

Start Your Dog’s Transformation
Two dogs posing in front of a store window with a decorative horse silhouette sign. One dog is a small brown and white breed sitting on the curb, and the other is a large tan-colored dog with a black collar standing next to it.
A happy brown dog with a white chest sitting on fallen leaves in a forest.
A happy, curly-haired dog with a black collar sitting on a black platform in front of a rustic wooden wall with framed dog photographs.
A beagle dog sitting on a black floor with a wooden wall and black and white dog portraits in the background.
A cute brown and white puppy with floppy ears sitting on a black grooming table, held on a purple leash, with a textured wooden wall and a black-and-white dog portrait in the background.
A woman in a light blue zip-up jacket standing on a wooden floor with a smiling, tan dog sitting in front of her, holding a red leash, in front of a wall decorated with black-and-white photos of dogs.

PRIVATE TRAINING

Our Private Training program offers one-on-one sessions designed to give you and your dog personalized attention in a calm, distraction-free environment at our training center. Each lesson is customized to your dog’s breed, temperament, and goals, ensuring progress feels clear and achievable.

The program begins with our Beginner Series — four one-hour sessions that build the fundamentals of obedience and good manners. From there, you can advance to the Intermediate Series, which strengthens focus with more complex skills, including distance and distraction work. All sessions are conducted on-leash and focus on building a strong obedience foundation.

Minimum age for this program is 16 weeks.

Golden retriever dog sitting on a grooming table, with a wall of framed black-and-white dog photographs behind it.
A small curly-haired brown dog sitting on a black platform with a wooden wall behind it, and a black and white dog portrait hanging on the wall.

    • 4 private sessions (60–90 minutes each) – scheduled with flexibility to fit your routine

    • Personalized one-on-one training tailored to your dog’s unique needs

    • Puppy behaviors & early foundations to set the right tone from the start

    • Crate training & house training guidance for a smoother, less stressful home life

    • Core obedience commands every well-mannered dog should know

    • Leash manners & polite walking so outings are enjoyable for both of you

    • Advanced skills like distance work, distraction training, and impulse control

    • Confidence-building & reactivity support to help your dog feel secure, calm, and capable

  • Private Training gives you the chance to work directly alongside a professional trainer while receiving customized guidance for your dog. Because every session is one-on-one, we’re able to focus entirely on your dog’s unique needs and your specific goals as an owner.

    This personalized approach ensures your dog learns in a calm, distraction-free setting where good habits can be built and reinforced. You’ll gain not only a well-mannered dog but also the confidence and skills to continue reinforcing training at home, creating long-lasting results and a stronger bond between you and your dog.

    • Vaccinations (Bordetella must be administered at least 2 weeks before start date):
      Rabies, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and Bordetella

    • Health: A negative fecal exam within 2 weeks of start date

Start Your Dog’s Transformation
An elderly woman with gray hair petting a large, light-colored dog while a woman stands nearby watching in a room with multiple people and a bookshelf.

THERAPY DOG CERTIFICATION

At Smart Dog, we believe dogs can do more than bring joy to their families — they can bring comfort to the wider community. Through our Therapy Dog Certification program in Southeast Michigan, we prepare dogs and handlers for therapy work in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings where their presence makes a difference.

Therapy work is volunteer-based, but it is one of the most rewarding ways to give back. We’ll guide you through the evaluation and certification process so you and your dog are ready for this special role.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THERAPY DOGS

Start Your Therapy Dog Journey

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

If your dog is showing behaviors that feel overwhelming or unwanted, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our Behavior Modification program is designed to address issues such as reactivity, aggression, anxiety, and poor manners by providing structure, guidance, and balanced training.

We focus on helping your dog build confidence while giving you the tools to restore trust and balance at home. With professional support, unwanted behaviors can be replaced with positive habits that create a calmer, more enjoyable relationship.

Serving families across Michigan, Smart Dog has become a trusted resource for behavior modification, giving owners hope and dogs the chance to succeed.

BOOK A BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION CONSULTATION

Happy Tails
Real stories from Smart Dog families

  • After trying several other training programs ....

    I cannot say enough good things about Smart Dog!!! After trying several other training programs that were a bust Lea and her team through kindness and knowledge trained my 2 shepherds who are now amazing. She helped them overcome issues that no one else could. Organized, kind, knowledgeable, a love for all dogs and so much more is who The Smart Dog team are. Worth every penny!

  • Smart Dog gave us the tools to better manage him and his alpha behaviors;

    I can't say enough amazing things about Lea and her team! We have a very strong-willed Rottweiler that we weren't really sure what we were going to do with if he continued with the behaviors he was displaying. Smart Dog gave us the tools to better manage him and his alpha behaviors; we can't thank these ladies enough for their time and dedication to our dog. I would recommend them to anyone!

  • I could tell this team genuinely loves what they do.

    I could tell this team genuinely loves what they do. The results speak for themselves, Zelda, my dog, has made incredible progress. If you’re looking for a place that combines expertise, care, and results, this is hands down the best option. I’m sincerely impressed and have watched my dog become more confident as we brought the training back home.

  • They send videos while they are away and keep you updated throughout the program.

    We have sent two dogs to the off leash program at Smart Dog and cannot believe how well behaved and confident our dogs are. They send videos while they are away and keep you updated throughout the program. They truly love each and every dog that comes through their program. I 100 percent recommend smart dog!

  • My dog is always happy to see them

    I can’t say enough good things about the Smart Dog team. I am so happy with the training my GSD received and all the continued support and training that Lea and her team have provided since he graduated. My dog is always happy to see them and you can tell they truly care for each dog they train.

  • Smart Dog has been life-changing for our family.

    Smart Dog has been life-changing for our family. From day one, Murphy’s training felt like magic — now he listens, behaves, and can go anywhere with us. The ongoing support and monthly outings make all the difference, creating not just results but a real sense of community. We’re so grateful for the positive impact Smart Dog has had in our lives!

  • I felt comfortable continuing the training at home.

    Smart Dog is the absolute best! We had our sweet girl Athena trained by Lea and Frankie and she is a star. We did the board and train program. Frankie and Lea are so knowledgeable, patient, and truly care about your dog. They kept me updated throughout the process with photos and progress notes, and made sure I felt comfortable continuing the training at home. You can tell they genuinely love what they do and want the best for each dog they work with. They conduct pack walks every month dedicated to their clients that help you with any questions you may have and for a little refresh!

  • I am so grateful.

    I adopted a two year-old rescue dog who had some major anxiety issues and smart dog Board and train for six weeks really improved her behavior. I am so grateful.

  • Can't recommend Smart Dog and this training enough!

    We have had our last 2 dogs trained with Smart Dog and I would never have a dog that has not been through the off leash program. My full size Bernedoodle is amazing and can go everywhere with us! Can't recommend Smart Dog and this training enough!

  • Smart Dog is the best dog trainer I’ve ever used.

    I just have to say that Smart Dog is the best dog trainer I’ve ever used. We left Louie with them for six weeks and he came back full of energy and enthusiasm they are the best
    Thank you Smart Dog

  • She explodes with happiness whenever she sees Lea and Frankie

    Such an amazing place for your dog to learn confidence, obedience and joy!!! We trained with Lea almost 5 years ago and our golden doodle still knows and follows all of her commands. She explodes with happiness whenever she sees Lea and Frankie at our monthly outdoor refresher walks. We have recommended Smart Dog to so many people and they have all been super happy!!

  • There’s a reason we keep returning with every new dog we adopt.

    My family has been going to Lea and Frankie at Smart Dog for many years, and there’s a reason we keep returning with every new dog we adopt. Their off-leash obedience class was outstanding—our dogs are now well-behaved, more confident, and truly enjoyed the training process. It’s easy to see the special bond they share with Lea and Frankie whenever we go on outings. 10/10 would recommend.

  • Once we engaged the expertise of Smart Dog it was life changing

    Lea and team are AMAZING! My Pembroke Corgi was high energy and had a lot of strong instincts that would kick in making him a difficult train for our family. Once we engaged the expertise of Smart Dog it was life changing and now our guy is living his best off leash life!!! I am so grateful for this group of professionals and HIGHLY RECOMMEND them! Feel to reach out to me for my experience if you have questions.

  • People gathered around a table outdoors at a social event, with a dog sitting on a blanket in the foreground.
  • A Doberman dog with a short brown coat sitting on a gravel path surrounded by green vegetation, wearing a studded collar, and looking to the left.
  • A brown dog with pointed ears giving a high five to a person with a tattoo on their wrist. The dog appears happy with its tongue out, standing on a gravel surface.
  • Two young girls smiling and sitting on grass next to a large beige dog with a black collar, in a field with flowers and trees under a cloudy sky.
  • A group of people standing in a park, with some sitting on benches, observing something. There are two dogs laying on the grass in front of them. Some are wearing sunglasses, and a woman is holding a leash. The scene appears to be outdoors, during daytime.
  • A black and white springer spaniel puppy standing on a gray carpeted floor, looking at the camera, with a red ball and a green and blue dog toy in front of it. Behind the puppy, there is a wire crate and wooden furniture with plants and decorative items.
  • A woman with glasses, dressed in a black hoodie and jeans, standing with two dogs on leashes in a grocery store aisle. The dogs are small, one tan and the other black and tan, sitting on the light-colored tile floor. The store has shelves stocked with pet supplies and other products, with a yellow Tidy Cats display and signs overhead.
  • Three dogs sitting on the floor inside a cozy cafe or lounge with green walls, leather furniture, and large windows letting in natural light.
  • Three small dogs are playing inside a room with a polished concrete floor, a dark wood-paneled wall, and a window. One dog is foreground, running towards the camera, while the other two dogs are in the background, one white and one brown, also running and playing. A wire crate is on the left, and in the background, there are shelves with plastic storage bins and a desk with a lamp.
  • A woman with three dogs in a hardware store aisle. The woman is standing near the cement and cleaning supplies, with one dog lying on the floor and another sitting. The store shelves are stocked with various bottles, boxes, and supplies.
  • A black and white dog looking up, standing near a large colorful ball pit filled with small plastic balls, surrounded by dog toys and a person’s foot wearing a black Croc shoe.
  • Several dogs resting on a concrete patio area, with a woman and a man standing in the background, and trees and a fence surrounding the area.
  • People dining outdoors at a restaurant patio with tables, chairs, umbrellas, and dogs resting on mats, enjoying a sunny day.
  • A woman training three dogs indoors. The space has wooden floors, brick and wood accents, and chandeliers.
  • A man and a woman are standing inside a room with a wooden wall decorated with black-and-white photos of dogs. The woman, on the left, is holding a leash attached to a white, fluffy dog sitting on the floor. Both are dressed in light-colored jackets and dark pants, and they are smiling at the camera.
  • A young girl in a pink shirt and black pants sitting on a small black bench, posing with her hand near her face, next to a large German Shepherd dog sitting on the floor. The background features a wooden wall decorated with black and white photos of various dogs.
  • A happy white dog running outdoors on grass with trees and a wooden fence in the background.
  • A black dog lying on the grass in a wooded area with trees and fencing in the background.
  • A smiling woman in a maroon shirt kneels in a field of wildflowers, holding a small Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The sky is partly cloudy with trees in the background.
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Award banner for the 2022 Best of Detroit Pet Edition, first place winner, dog trainer, presented by Wallside Windows.

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