TRAINING BACKGROUND & APPROACH
Patrick Smith is an expert dog trainer who has recently moved back to Vermont after three years away.
After years of training personal dogs, dog walking, and dog daycares, I moved to Florida to work for Dogs Playing for Life, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving shelter dogs. I trained dogs in basic manners and obedience and on leash reactivity but also worked behavior modification for serious challenges like resource or handler guarding, territorial aggression, or dog to dog aggression.
As the lead trainer at the facility, I worked with a range of dogs and taught a wide range of staff and visiting students.
I learned to approach training with a flexible and open mind. I don't believe in sticking to a single methodology for every dog or person. Instead, I focus on meeting the dog where they are, understanding their motivations, and tailoring the learning process accordingly. I remain open to all humane tools and methods.
When working with you, my aim is to understand your dog, your goals, your lifestyle, and the level of commitment you're able to invest. From there, we'll create a realistic plan together. We can address minor issues like leash pulling and basic obedience, common challenges like reactivity and impulse control, or more complex problems like aggression toward people or other dogs. Fixing problems in any relationship takes work and persistence, and I want to give you and your dog the foundation to build that resolve from.
Central to my approach is the use of play. Through play and the rules of games, dogs and people can strengthen their communication, deepen their bond, and discover the benefits of a little structure and order in their lives together. In the game, dogs can practice impulse control, thinking in a state of arousal, and learn new skills, all while having fun.
Now, as I transition from shelter dogs to private training with owned dogs, my primary goal is to help clients feel happier and less stressed in their relationships with their dogs. In the shelter world, failed adoptions are, unfortunately, accepted, but the more we, as trainers, can help people understand and live harmoniously with their dogs, the more dogs will remain in their homes.
I offer both single one-on-one sessions and multi-session packages. Additionally, I provide a training package where I work solo with your dog, whether in town or out on the trails.
Reach out! I’m happy to chat with you about your dog and what training could look like.