Meet the Team
At SMART Puppy Co., our trainers are the heart of everything we do. Each one brings a unique mix of experience, intuition, and deep respect for the human-animal bond. More than just skills or certifications (though we’ve got those too), our trainers bring presence, empathy, and a genuine desire to meet each client—human and dog—right where they are.
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What makes our team special isn’t just how much we know about behavior—it’s how we listen, how we adapt, and how we show up for the little moments that make big change possible.
We draw from a range of professional backgrounds—behavior consulting, early puppy development, group behavior management, and more—bringing those lenses into every session. Whether we’re coaching a first-time dog parent or consulting with a veterinary clinic, our goal is always the same: to support lasting, positive relationships through thoughtful, individualized care.
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At the end of the day, we’re not here to “fix” your dog. We’re here to partner with you—bringing calm, clarity, and connection to the process of growing together. Our work rooted in the SMART philosophy—Support, Manage, Adapt, Reinforce, and Thrive.
Steph Tauscher
she/her/hers
With over 11 years of experience as a trainer, Steph has worked with dogs at every life stage—but her heart has always been with the very new and the big feelers. From tiny, wiggly puppies just beginning to make sense of the world, to dogs navigating big feelings, her approach has always centered around empathy, clarity, and trust.
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Certified through the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP) and holding credentials including Fear Free Certified Trainer, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KSA, and CPACM, Steph brings both a deep well of knowledge and a thoughtful, intuitive presence to every session. If you ask her what really matters most, she’ll tell you—it’s not about the "alphabet soup". It’s about creating moments where dogs feel safe, seen, and understood.
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Her background spans rescue work, daycare, boarding, group classes, private training, and behavior consulting, but what she loves most is helping people and dogs feel like a team. Whether you're navigating puppyhood or supporting a dog who’s overwhelmed by the world, Steph shows up with patience, creativity, and a calming presence. Here to help you understand each other—because that’s where real change begins.
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When she’s not working with clients, Steph is usually outside soaking up nature or hitting the trails with her own crew of four dogs—two Great Danes, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, and a beagle mix—who keep her grounded, laughing, and always learning.