Paws-itive Training For Your Best Friend.
Summer Camp Training, Not Boot Camp Training.

At Smart Paws, we believe in the power of positive, gentle, praise-based training.
Our training approach focuses on encouraging good behavior through rewards and praise, which strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
We understand that every dog is unique, and our training programs are not one-size-fits all but tailored to meet the specific needs and personalities of each dog (and you).
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The foundation of everything we do is always firmly built on compassion, education, and collaboration.
Benefits of our Paws-itive Training Approach
Creates A Stronger Bond Between You and Your Dog.
Positive reinforcement builds trust and strengthens the bond between you and your dog, fostering a loving and cooperative relationship.
Improved Behavior Leads To Improved Quality of Life.
Whether addressing specific issues or enhancing overall obedience, our training programs lead to noticeable improvements in your dog’s behavior, making everyday interactions more enjoyable for both of you.
Better Communication Between You and Your Dog.
Our training helps you understand your dog’s needs and behaviors better, improving communication and making it easier to address any issues that arise.
Leads To Happier Dogs.
Dogs thrive in an environment where they feel safe and appreciated. Our praise-based training reduces stress and anxiety, leading to happier, more confident dogs.
Effective and Lasting Results.
Positive training methods are proven to be effective and sustainable. We're confident that your dog will retain what they learn and continue to exhibit good behavior long after our training sessions end.
Our Paws-itive Training Programs
2 Weeks Off The Leash! (16 Day Board and Train).
Our Board and Train program is an intensive training option where your dog stays at our facility for total immersion training. This 16-day program combines training and real-world experiences, providing maximum results for behavior modification and obedience.
Private Lessons
Our One-on-One advanced obedience lessons are designed to teach you how to train your dog. This method is perfect for owners who want to be actively involved in their dog’s training process, ensuring a hands-on learning and bonding experience.
Advanced Private Lessons
These lessons cover all basic obedience training and extend to real-world situations. We meet in public settings to train your dog, ensuring they can apply their skills in various environments.
Puppy Classes
Our Puppy Classes are as fun as they are educational. We'll teach your puppy to socialize, understand doggy hygiene, and get accustomed to everyday objects and sounds that might otherwise be scary. We also cover basic puppy health and manners to set a solid foundation for your puppy’s future.



Meet The Trainer
About Tom Tenkman
Tom attended National K-9 Leaning Center of Columbus for Master Trainer education. He has trained dogs for over 10 years in homes and at other dog training locations, prior to starting Smart Paws.
Tom has 20 years of retail management experience for a national grocery chain, mastering people development and training skills he uses to connect with your dog and you.


Meet The Trainer
About Heather Tenkman
Heather turned her lifelong passion for dogs into over 10 years of experience working in both large and small training schools, mastering several different styles of training. Needing to feed her artistic side, she was led to an interest in grooming, and opening Smart Paws with her Dad has allowed her to turn her love of both into a rewarding career.
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Developing a training program that is positive, fair, and gentle, Heather’s top priority is helping create confident, obedient dogs which leads to an improved quality of life for dogs and their families.