I did my fair research of dog training programs in the East Bay/Pleasanton/San Ramon area, and I chose SMS for a variety of reasons.

1. Their response time after my inquiry was next to nothing. I didn’t hear back from other training programs until at least 2 weeks later.

2. You get to talk with an SMS rep on the phone to get a more in-depth explanation and conversation of their program options for your pup. Trust me, I wouldn’t skip this step and just try to look up their options on their site. The rep calls to ask you about your lifestyle, your dog’s current behaviors, and what you’re looking for in terms of results. In this phone call method, they are able to really recommend a program suitable for YOU as a dog-parent, and your pup.

3. GOOD QUALITY dog training will never run cheap. But I remember my highest quote being upwards of $8,000. SMS does run way less than that depending on the program you choose…I found SMS specifically worth it because the “Board and Train” included a lifetime membership access to training at NO ADDITIONAL cost. So, you invest a good amount at first, but to have access to more classes moving forward for nothing more in my opinion… is an amazing investment.

4. With my Board and Train, the process was so easy! They had pick-up and drop-off super close to our home, and the teach-back lesson at the end of the program is included! The staff is amazing at what they do! I had CAITY for a majority of my communications and training with my pup during her board, and I received plenty of updates, videos, and pictures. 10/10 would recommend her for her outgoing and welcoming personality, professionalism, and patience with me and my Kenai! A HUGE shoutout also to the trainers MARCOS and FATIMA for assisting in training my pup as well!!! Shoutout to CRAIG for being my phone rep and getting me set up with my invoices and program, NANCY, and SIERRA for all their assistance in this program too! We appreciate each of you!

Kenai (GSD Mix) is our first pup whom we adopted at a shelter when she was just 4 months old. She was rescued from the streets of Central Valley and truly was the most anxious and shy dog. Prior to SMS, she really struggled with basic commands and opening up to the world around her! Since getting her back, we’ve definitely seen SUCH an improvement, and she seems like such a new pup. She’s such a baby still, but with this start – she’s on track to be such a smart fur baby.

Overall, my biggest advice with SMS is going into this understanding that dog training – especially for pups requires tons of time and patience! DO NOT expect a complete robotic change in your dog after getting them back from a Board and Train, and DO NOT expect the change to be day and night! It is an improvement that took time, patience, and consistency!!! As a dog mom, I definitely have tons of homework to do after receiving my pup back from training, and it’s up to us as their paw-rents to maintain what they learned and stay consistent with SMS’s training methods every day. We are so excited for our lifetime classes moving forward, and to meet other families in the SMS community. Thank you guys so much!