Smith Rock K9 Avis 2

I’m a self-proclaimed helicopter dog mom and never thought I could leave my dogs with someone for more than a week — but Joyann’s and Smith Rock K9’s care, attentiveness, and skill gave me complete peace of mind, and if you know me - you’d know that peace of mind and trust does not come easily for me.

I spent five years researching board-and-train programs and other training options. Nothing felt right for me or my dogs. As a highly sensitive soul, I wanted something positive, compassionate, and effective. When I found Joyann, the pressure came off immediately. Within days, I felt a massive sense of relief knowing wholeheartedly that my dog was in the best hands.

My anxious dog Luna completed Joyann’s 5-week board-and-train program, while my 8-month-old golden retriever Ripley and I did a month of 1:1 training. We’re moving to grizzly bear country and wanted perfect recall — and both experiences exceeded my expectations. She didn’t just train my dogs; she gave me joy, confidence, and the sense that my dogs could truly be as well-trained as I’d always hoped.

At first, I was nervous about the time and money investment of any board-and-train program. I also worried my boarded dog might not get enough love or that she’d be kenneled too much. Within days, those worries vanished. She was clearly happy, well loved, and thriving in Joyann’s care. I received near-daily updates with photos and videos and could see how proud Luna was of her “new job.”

Joyann strikes the perfect balance between structure and flexibility. She focuses on what you’re doing right, which makes it easy to stay motivated and consistent. The tasks she gave me were just enough to keep me engaged without overwhelm — now I actually look forward to training time with my dogs each day.

One of my biggest hesitations was the E-collar. For five years, I avoided it because I wanted something compassionate, positive, and effective for my very sensitive, very smart dog. Joyann’s approach was far gentler and more supportive than I imagined, and it worked beautifully for both of my dogs’ learning styles.

This experience has been truly life-changing for me and my dogs — better than therapy. And I’m a therapist.

Smith Rock K9's trainers truly care about your furry friends' specific needs. They have been incredibly helpful with my dog, who is a rescue. Training him had been extremely challenging, and I was at my wits' end before seeking help. Living in a rural area, my dog would often take off, chasing deer and showing aggression toward other dogs. His recall was unreliable, making it frustrating and discouraging.

With SRK9's intervention, my dog quickly transitioned from being difficult to respecting me. He now heels off-leash, even with deer nearby, and meets other dogs with a friendly demeanor. Children love to cuddle him, and he enjoys it too. Taking him places has become a pleasure, and he frequently receives compliments on his good behavior. Just recently, he was around many dogs and children for days, playing nicely and sticking around without a fence or leash. Others appreciated the good example he set for their dogs.

I highly recommend SRK9 if you are struggling or feeling discouraged with your furry companions. It will be worth it and life-changing. You will be amazed at how much more enjoyable your time together can be!

Carla S.