Smart Dogs Training Academy Los Angeles Inc. - Studio City, California

Deke Shipp

SmartDogs saved my dog’s life.

We adopted Sir Charles, 50 lb pit (not our first), in May. After a few weeks, we were on the brink of returning him to the shelter. He ran away. He ate everything. But the realest concern was his 10/10 aggression towards other dogs. Owning a pit requires being responsible for the safety of everyone around the dog at all times and Sir Charles was one leash slip away from making everyone unsafe.

Enter SmartDogs. Jeff made himself available immediately. He listened. He let me know, up front, to not expect a happy go lucky dog waltzing through the tulips - maybe ever. He gave me straight forward, easy to follow lessons and principles. He kept listening. We made adjustments. When a tactic failed, first Jeff corrected my mistakes. Then, if it failed again, we moved on.

Sir Charles is still A LOT. He may never be able to integrate fully with our other dogs - a fact I can handle, in large part, because of the realistic expectations Jeff and his excellent assistant Jalen set out when we began and have managed throughout the process.

I can not recommend SmartDogs enough ❤️

Kateland Brown

I brought Bronte, my 2 year-old, half Dalmatian and half Husky, to Smarty Dogs when I was at my wits’ end. Bronte is the most energetic dog I have ever had. and I didn’t know how to deal with her! She would pull my arm off on walks (so much so that my arm hurt) and she would freak out when seeing another dog on leash. I was about to give her up and revoke her, but then I saw Jeff and Jay working with some dogs at Hazeltine Park m, and the dogs were SO well behaved. I decided to go with the 4 week boarding and training program. It was a bit pricy but worth every penny! She came back so well behaved! The only problem was that Jeff had to then train ME in how to keep it up! It took me a couple of weeks to fully implement the proper training techniques but after that, I got it! Now Bronte and I walk happily. She seems like a completely different dog. Walks so well now and not dog reactive the way she was. I am so grateful for Jeff and Jay for the work they have put into Bronte. The work that we have done has made Bronte happier and strengthened our relationship. I couldn’t be happier and can’t recommend SMART DOGS highly enough!!

Amy Le Reve

Jeff is a master at training smart dogs, who has a passion and love for all dogs! Our dog Dexter, a Belgian Malinois/Dutch Shepherd puppy at 4 months old, boarded and trained with Jeff for a month. Jeff understands what your dog needs and exactly what you need to learn and understand to handle your dog. Jeff is detailed with his explanations of behaviors and expectations of your dog and you. We have had lessons with Jeff since Dexter’s initial training to learn how to handle Dexter with his new skills. Dexter is now 9 months old and thriving each day and we as his parents (handlers) continue to thrive and grow with lessons from Jeff to continue the progress. We highly recommend Jeff to everyone as we have received excellent training from him! We are grateful for Jeff and his amazing team.

Camille W

When I adopted my rescue pup she was timid and would not allow anyone except me to get near her. After working with the highly skilled team at Smart Dogs she is a totally new and happy dog whose personality is shining bright. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for excellent dog training in Los Angeles

Sheryl Kramer

Don’t let this cute baby fool you, he was a terror! Jeff turned our little monster into the sweet, calm and obedient now 85 pound bundle of pure joy. He is THE dog whisperer and we could not be happier! It has been over a year and half since we completed training and we so greatly appreciate how Jeff is available by phone or text on the rare occasions when we have needed advice! Thank you Jeff!!!

Daria Rayko

Jeff can read them!

We adopted our 10-month hyperactive dog in May. We thought to make her obey just based on our previous experience with dogs and on dog training books;) Failure!
We faced some drama-queen unexpected reactions to the most common things, overexcited behavior with other dogs and people, chewing and destroying all the furniture and absolute lack of attention etc.

We left Choonya with Jeff for a 4-week obedience course in July. We got all the updates, replies whenever we contacted him, followed the Instagram page, could see her companions and conditions she lived in as well as her achievements.

4 weeks later we took our trained dog back home, and still get 1- or 2-times a fortnight follow-up lessons with Jeff. That helps us correct her and our behavior and improve the skills we got.

Bottom line: we got a well obeyed dog that can focus on what we want from her, listen to us and be involved in communication despite all the distractions around her; a dog, well trained with basic commands (heel, sit, down, stay etc.).

However the most crucial thing is that Jeff could read her character and interpret all her actions and reactions; and worked out the training plan that suits her best. She's happy!

Jeff is a talented trainer, with extraordinary expertise and intuitive thought. He helped us to communicate with our thinking dog more effectively and revealed her potential.

Joyce Trabulus

Best dog trainers in LA ! Outstanding instruction Works with the dog and the owner for great results especially with comfortable walking We love walking our dog ! She’s two now and so easy and fun to be with thanks to Smart Dogs and Jeff !

Alexander Siquig

Jeff was very professional and a real expert at what he does. Prior to taking our 1 year old Australian shepherd (Bleu) to Jeff. Bleu was very aggressive to dogs and humans. Aside from this, he had separation anxiety (we couldn't leave him by himself at home alone). So me and my girlfriend decided to take him to Jeff to help shape Bleu up for 5 weeks. Bleu stayed with Jeff for 5 weeks. Within that 5 weeks we got to do hands on training with Bleu twice along with Jeff leading and instructing us. By the time Bleu was finished, he was a totally different dog and me and my girlfriend were astonished. Now Bleu doesn't bark at people, other dogs and we can leave him at home alone without any excessive barking/crying. Overall, Jeff is an amazing dog trainer and whoever works with him will not regret it!