Dog Willing, DogSmith of Northeast Orlando

Ranked #1 in Oviedo and #24 in Florida

5 Stars,29 Reviews
1470 Swanson Dr, Oviedo, FL 32765

Service area: The DogSmith of Northeast Orlando, also known as The DogSmith of The Villages, serves Lake and Sumter County, The Villages, and is conveniently located 40 minutes from Clermont and Orlando.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Family Dog
  • Competition / Agility
  • Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Basic Obedience
  • Puppy Training
  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Biting / Nipping
  • Potty Training
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Lessons
  • Group Classes
  • In-Home
  • Private Facility
  • Board and Train
  • Day Training
  • Video Calls

Program Formats

  • One-Time Consultation
  • Sessions Package
  • Ongoing Weekly
  • Intensive Program

Types of Dogs

  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)
  • Senior (8+ years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Positive Reinforcement Only

Equipment: 

  • Food Rewards
  • Harnesses
  • Head Halters
  • Flat Collars
  • Martingale Collars
  • Obstacle Courses

The DogSmith offers a comprehensive choice of training programs designed to grow with your dog, available both in-person and virtually. Private training provides individualized focus and attention, allowing clients to sharpen specific skills at their own pace, either in their home or at the DogSmith facility. Options include hourly sessions or package programs, as well as ‘Latch-Key’ or ‘Training Retreat’ services where the DogSmith handles the training.

Group classes emphasize socialization and skill development in an affordable, fun environment, with open enrollment and progress tracking. Aggressive dogs are not permitted in group classes, and specific equipment like choke, prong, or shock collars are prohibited.

Behavior consultations are available for a wide range of challenging canine behaviors, with experts evaluating, managing, and modifying issues. Virtual training offers a flexible, cost-effective, and convenient web-based solution.

Puppy training programs are designed for puppies aged 7 weeks to 6 months, covering essential skills like house-training, crate training, bite inhibition, and basic manners (Sit, Down, Stand, Come, Walk nicely, Leave It, Name Recognition, Stay). These programs establish a strong foundation for the puppy’s life and can be customized to fit client schedules, including day training support for house-training.

For enrichment and activity, DogVenture provides a scientifically based system to promote and maintain a pet’s physical and mental well-being. Dog Sports, including Scent Training and Just For Fun Agility, are offered through private lessons or open groups, with support available for problematic behaviors that may arise during competitive endeavors.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Payment in full is due at the time of reservation, and reservations are not held until payment is received. A $35.00 service charge applies to returned checks, and a holiday surcharge is applied to services on specific dates including Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day.

For cancellations, a full refund is provided if cancellation is received at least 8 days prior to scheduled service. A 20% cancellation fee applies for cancellations within 2-7 days, and a 100% cancellation fee applies within 48 hours of a scheduled service or within 7 days of a national holiday. No refunds are provided for clients returning home early from services.

Payments for private and group lessons are non-refundable, but credit may be given towards other lessons or courses at the discretion of the local DogSmith. Discounted packages for dog daycare are available if paid in advance but are non-refundable. Late pick-up fees may apply for daycare, and cancellations not made by 6:30 PM one business day prior to scheduled daycare will be charged full fees. Additional charges may apply for flea baths if fleas are found on a pet.

Policies

The DogSmith has a general pet care policy requiring full payment at the time of reservation, with a $35 service charge for returned checks and holiday surcharges on specific dates. Cancellations made at least 8 days prior to service receive a full refund; 2-7 days prior incur a 20% fee; and within 48 hours or 7 days of a national holiday, a 100% fee applies. No refunds are given for early returns.

For private and group training, payments are non-refundable, but credit may be offered for other courses at the discretion of the local DogSmith. Group classes postponed due to weather will be made up. For Board and Train programs, clients removing their dog early are still required to pay for the reserved period.

Dog Day Care requires all dogs to be spayed/neutered (unless under 6 months), up-to-date on vaccinations (DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella), and in good health, passing a proprietary behavioral assessment. Pre-paid daycare packages are non-refundable, and cancellations not made by 6:30 PM one business day prior will be charged full fees.

All dogs must be current on DHLPP, Rabies, Bordetella, and heartworm treatment, with written vaccination records required. Dogs must wear nylon collars with rabies tags and a leash. Flea, tick, and heartworm preventative is required, and a flea bath will be given at the owner’s expense if fleas are found. The DogSmith does not administer sedatives (unless part of a behavior change program with vet prescription for Board & Train) or diagnose medical conditions, referring all veterinary concerns to a veterinarian. Aggressive dogs are prohibited from group classes, boutique boarding, and dog walking services.

Testimonials

“It works! Our relationship with our dog has changed so much. Isla (our lab mix) is genially happy, she listens and wants to be around us. We communicate a lot better with her and she has a great understand of what is right and wrong. Isla has excellent leash manners, no more pulling and running amuck. We are very happy with the results and would recommend this to any new dog owner. Rebekah is awesome and really listens to what you want out of training.”
– Jamie

“I had been looking into obedience training all along, and in May, I finally found a class that worked for my schedule. I am thankful that I happened to find the right trainer. Niki Tudge is knowledgeable, personable, accessible, and a very generous resource for all dog-related questions.”
– Becky Strawbridge

“Niki”s pet dog obedience classes are good fun for dogs and owners. Harry loved school so much that I regularly had to carry him out because he”s wasn”t ready to leave. Once, he sat in his kennel in the back of my car for over an hour after we got home – hoping I guess that we”d go back.”
– R. Devoe

About the Trainer

Dog Willing, DogSmith of Northeast Orlando, also known as The DogSmith of The Villages, offers comprehensive pet dog training and behavior services. They specialize in basic obedience, puppy training, behavior modification, and specialized programs like Dog Sports and Scent Training.

The business is operated by Niki Tudge, who is also the founder of The Pet Professional Guild and DogNostics Career College. They are committed to force-free, science-based training methods, prioritizing the dog’s welfare and using minimally invasive techniques.

Their facility is located on 5 beautiful acres in Fruitland Park, just outside The Villages and conveniently accessible from Clermont and Orlando. They offer residential training and unique “Slumber Parties” for small dogs under 30 pounds.

Beyond training, they provide a range of pet care services including in-home pet sitting, dog walking, dog daycare, and pet boarding. They also offer pet doula services and spa services like bathing and nail trimming.

Accomplishments

Niki Tudge, the founder of The DogSmith, holds an MBA and is accredited as a Professional Canine Trainer (PCT-A) and Professional Canine Behavior Consultant (PCBC-A) by The Pet Professional Accreditation Board. She is also a Canine Scent Instructor from the College of Scent Dogs and holds diplomas in Animal Behavior Technology and Dog Behavior Consulting from the Companion Animal Science Institute.

Her extensive credentials include certifications as a People Trainer, Project Manager, and Transformation Specialist from the International Training Board (HCITB), along with health and wellness certifications from ISSA. Niki is the founder and president of DogSmith Services Inc., The Pet Professional Guild, and DogNostics Career Center, and serves as President for Doggone Safe, a non-profit advocating for dog bite safety.

She is a prolific author, having written multiple books on pet training, behavior consulting, and business coaching, and has published numerous articles in industry trade magazines and newspapers. Her work has been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times. Niki also brings substantial corporate experience in executive management, leadership, and customer service, including roles as a Regional Training Director and Director of Six-Sigma for Fortune 500 companies.

How to Get Started!

To begin, clients can schedule a complimentary 10-minute telephone consultation to discuss their concerns and goals with a DogSmith professional. For private training, clients are asked to first complete an intake form online, and then schedule their training session. Appointments can be scheduled directly through their booking links. Clients can also inquire about services by filling out a contact form on the website or by emailing Niki Tudge directly.

Dog Willing, DogSmith of Northeast Orlando featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 26 Years Experience

  • Insured

  • Free Consultation

Certifications

  • PCT-A
  • Credentialed
  • PCBC-A

Associations

  • PPG
  • Accredited

Languages

  • English
  • wheelchair accessible entrance
  • wheelchair accessible parking

Other Services Offered

  • Dog day care center
  • Dog walker
  • Pet boarding service
  • Pet groomer
  • Pet sitter

Location

1470 Swanson Dr, Oviedo, FL 32765