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a dog trainer points out a treat in the grass for a small senior dog

OUR BELIEFS

Our Training Philosophy: Science-Based & Positive Methods in Madison, WI

At SMART Puppy Co., we believe that learning doesn’t stop after puppyhood. Whether we’re guiding brand-new puppies through their first experiences or helping adult dogs with big feelings or continued training goals, we treat every dog as an individual with the ability to grow, adapt, and thrive — no matter their age.

SMART reflects the five core values that guide our philosophy across all stages of canine development:

Support – We create a foundation of safety and trust so dogs feel secure enough to explore, connect, and learn. Learning can’t happen without support — we support you so you can support your dog.
Motivate – We do our best to ensure training stays fun, positive, and reinforcing. When dogs are motivated through kindness, play, and praise, they build a lifelong love of learning and engagement.
Adapt – Every dog is unique. We adjust our approach based on age, temperament, experience, and learning style to meet each dog exactly where they are. Through this approach, you also learn to adapt to meet your dog's needs in any environment.
Reinforce – We strengthen good habits through consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. Clear communication builds lasting behaviors and deepens trust.
Thrive – Our ultimate goal is for every dog to thrive — socially, emotionally, and behaviorally — not just in our care, but in their life at home and beyond.

Our Methodology: The Science Behind the Success.

What is Positive Reinforcement Training? Positive reinforcement means rewarding the behaviors you like so they happen more often. Unlike "balanced training" (which uses corrections like prong collars or shocks), our methods are Force-Free and Science-Based.

We follow the Humane Hierarchy: Always starting at the bottom of the hierarchy and work up; it's unethical to use intrusive methods when less intrusive ones work.

We Do Use: Food rewards, toys, praise, clickers (marker training), play and management.
We Do Not Use: Shock collars (e-collars), prong collars, choke chains, or alpha rolls.

Why Certification Matters

Our team is led by a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA) and Karen Pryor Academy Partner (KPA CTP) serving the Madison, WI area. In an unregulated industry, credentials are your guarantee of safety and results. We specialize in puppy growth, development, and socialization as well as solving complex behavioral issues—like anxiety and reactivity—using modern, science-based methods that prioritize your dog's well-being and build a stronger relationship:

CBCC-KA (Certified Dog Behaviorist / Consultant): This is the gold standard for treating aggression, anxiety, and reactivity safely.
KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner): One of the most respected certifications in the industry, earned through extensive education in positive reinforcement training and learning theory.
Fear Free Certified Professional: We minimize fear, stress, and anxiety during all training interactions — because emotional wellness is foundational to learning.
PACCC Member (Professional Animal Care Certification Council): We meet the highest standards for ethics, safety, and professionalism in all aspects of animal care.
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator: We have the ability to offer AKC programs like S.T.A.R. Puppy and CGC to help dogs of all ages build the skills they need to be confident companions in the real world.

Our Training Philosophy: Positive from the Start — and for Life

SMART Puppy Co. is committed to positive reinforcement training. We use evidence-based, force-free methods to teach and modify behavior in a way that is respectful to both dogs and the humans who love them.

If you’ve come to us from shock collar, prong collar, balanced training or "alpha" mentality — you are welcome here. We approach every dog and guardian with empathy, not judgment. Our goal is to help you build a better relationship with your dog by using methods that are kind, clear, and effective.

Positive training is not just about treats — it’s about teaching dogs to make good choices because they want to, not because they’re afraid not to. This approach works for puppies learning life skills, adult dogs needing a reset, and every stage in between.

Why It All Matters

As we mentioned before, the dog training industry is unregulated — which means anyone can call themselves a trainer. But not everyone is educated, certified, or committed to ethical practice. By choosing SMART Puppy Co., you’re choosing a program that’s been vetted, tested, and held to the highest professional standards.

Whether your dog is 10 weeks or 10 years old, we’re here to help them Support, Motivate, Adapt, Reinforce, and Thrive.