Milford, NJ
Cheryl Smagala
Cheryl Smagala has been training dogs for over 30 years. She started her journey in the early 1970s with a St. Bernard puppy in Syracuse, NY. After moving to Newton, NJ, she adopted a mixed breed puppy with behavioral issues. This led her to attend an agility seminar by Suzanne Clothier, a nationally known trainer and author. Cheryl was impressed by Clothier's positive/reward style of training and began taking classes with her in Frenchtown, NJ. She later became an instructor at Clothier's Dog Camps and assisted her with agility seminars. In 1994, Suzanne sold the school to Cheryl when she moved to Upstate New York. The school recently moved to its new location in Milford, NJ in October 2015.
Training Philosophy
Cheryl's training philosophy is based on treating dogs with respect and kindness. She uses treats, games, and praise to make learning enjoyable and enhance the relationship between dog and owner. She believes that training should be a positive experience for both the owner and the dog.
Services
Cheryl offers a variety of group classes, including:
- Puppy Kindergarten
- Level I Obedience
- Level II Obedience
- Rally Obedience
- Nose Work/Scent Work
- Trick Dog
- AKC CGC
- Therapy Dog Prep Class
- Therapy Tests
She also provides private lessons.
Certifications
Cheryl is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and a former member of Therapy Dogs International (TDI).
Specializations
Cheryl specializes in obedience training, rally obedience, agility, flyball, tracking, and problem solving pet problems. She has a special interest in helping people achieve a better relationship with their pets.
Training Methods
Cheryl uses motivational methods, treats, games, and praise to train dogs. She is known for her patience and ability to work with both dogs and their owners.
Media Appearances
Cheryl has been interviewed for CBS This Morning, Sports Illustrated, Long Island Horseman, Dog News, and Dog World Magazine.
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
