Denver, CO
Smarty Paws Canine College LLC
Cara, the owner of Smarty Paws Canine College LLC, has been involved in the animal rescue and veterinary clinic profession for nearly 25 years, working in rescue organizations and large and small vet clinics as a veterinary nurse. She holds a CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed), KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy-Canine Training Partner). She has always been drawn to animals, starting at 5 years old when she would convince people to let her sit on horses and wander her neighborhood to find dogs. In 2016, she launched her dog care and training business to share her knowledge and expertise with dogs and their guardians.
Training Philosophy
Cara doesn't view herself as a "trainer", but sees her job as a facilitator and coach to both pet and pet parent: To clarify expectations, strengthen their bonds of trust and understanding to create harmony in and outside the home.
Services
Smarty Paws Canine College LLC offers a variety of training programs, both in-person and online, for dogs of all ages and breeds. Their services include:
- In-Person Behavior Training:
- Terror to Terrific Teens™ (T³): An 8-week program for teenage dogs who are struggling with behavioral issues.
- Perfectly Imperfect Pups: An 8-week program for dogs who are exhibiting anxiety, barking, lunging, or snapping at strangers or dogs.
- From Shy to Hi: An 8-week program for dogs who are afraid of everything, including new people, storms, or even their owners.
- Stay and Learn™: A 20-day program where dogs stay with a certified trainer from Monday to Friday, receiving daily, consistent training. Owners receive support on weekends to maintain and reinforce training at home.
- DIY Online Training:
- Smart Start™: A self-paced mini-course for newly adopted dogs, covering common challenges during the first four weeks of bringing a new dog home.
- Jump Start your Pup Smart™: An online program for puppies 8 weeks to 8 months old, addressing common puppy problems.
- Terror to Terrific Teens™: An online program for dogs 8 months to 2 years old, helping owners navigate the teenage years and turn their dog's energy into a positive connection.
All in-person training programs include:
- 8 private sessions over 8 weeks
- Coach in your Pocket: Access to a personal canine coach between sessions
- Smarty Paws Video Vault: 24/7 access to quick tips and training guidance
- Weekly session updates via voice memo and/or video
- Membership in the Smarty Paws Canine College™ Private Facebook Group
- Membership in the Tails & Trails™(T&T) Private Facebook Group (for in-person clients only)
- Farm Stays (for in-person clients only)
All online training programs include:
- Smarty Paws Video Vault: 24/7 access to quick tips and training guidance
- Membership in the Smarty Paws Canine Community™ Facebook Group
- Discounted rate on in-person training programs
Certifications
Cara holds a CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed), KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy-Canine Training Partner).
Specializations
Smarty Paws Canine College LLC specializes in positive reinforcement dog training, focusing on helping dogs with fear, anxiety, reactivity, and general obedience. They also offer programs for puppies and teenage dogs.
Training Methods
Smarty Paws Canine College LLC uses force-free and positive reinforcement-based training methods to build a relationship of clear communication between dogs and their owners.
Customer Reviews
Melissa C.: Maggie, our two year old labradoodle, came to us six months ago with extreme fears about men and being out in public. Through working with Cara, she has improved significantly!
Mike I.: Cara at Smarty Paws is absolutely the best ever to help with our dogs. Not only is she patient with the dogs, but she is also patient with the owners. We have learned a lot from her. Our dog is becoming more confident and well behaved through her expert advice and training.
Ieshia L.: I've seen what they are capable of. Over the past 5 years of utilizing their services, I couldn't imagine trusting anyone else. I swear they speak dog! My dog is so much better since Cara helped me socialize him.
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.
