Julie Fudge Smith
, CPDT-KA, is the owner of A Positive Connection Dog Training. She has been training dogs professionally since 2003 and started her business in 2007. Before starting A Positive Connection, she worked for All About Dogs in Woodbridge, Virginia.
Training Philosophy
Julie Fudge Smith is a positive reinforcement trainer who believes in humane, dog-friendly training techniques. She uses reward-based methods, primarily food, to make a behavior more likely to reoccur.
Services
Julie Fudge Smith offers a variety of dog training services, including:
- Beginning through advanced obedience classes
- Family dog training
- Behavior modification
- Zoom call consults
Certifications
Julie Fudge Smith is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and an AKC Canine Good Citizen® evaluator. She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, The Pet Professional Guild, American Kennel Club, and the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association.
Specializations
Julie Fudge Smith specializes in family dog training as well as behavior modification.
Training Methods
Julie Fudge Smith uses reward-based methods, primarily food, to make a behavior more likely to reoccur. She also teaches owners how to use their dog’s food, reduce the amount of food as training progresses, and add in other rewards for desired behaviors.
Customer Reviews
Here are some customer reviews and testimonials:
- “We really appreciate everything you taught us and thank you for your continued support.” – Rebecca Gassman
- “You are fantastic! Your training style is easy to follow. Your enthusiasm is unsurpassed!” – Quincy’s family – The Cramers
- “Julie had lots of information and really cared about my puppy. She was very helpful with all of my questions. The animalcentric cards she sent were really cute!” – Lennon’s mom – C. Sheward
- “You were accessible and seemed to genuinely care about helping us, and our dogs. We appreciated the ability to speak with you by phone or email.” – Molly, Ollie, Oscar, Penelope, Lilly and CiCi’s family – The Idlemans
- “…not only the home visit for FIVE dogs but your help at my pet grooming shop. I use your techniques during grooming sessions. YOU ROCK!!!” – S. Bennett
- “…a great experience for a busy family, you accommodated all of us well!” – Sophie’s family – The Thompsons
- “All of the progress that our dog has made has been possible due to the work we all did together early on. That work laid a foundation that made future learning possible.” – Elaine B, Bob’s mom.
- “Thank you Julie! By far hiring you was one of the best decisions I made! I am seeing progress with Olive all the time. Although she and we are a work in progress I believe we will get to a place we can all enjoy.” – Beth Fenton
Media Appearances
Julie Fudge Smith has written for several publications, including The Chronicle of the Dog, and Professional Pet Sitter. She is a regular columnist for a local newsletter, and she blogs on a variety of canine topics. She also co-hosts the Your Family Dog podcast with Tina Spring.
