Smarty Paws Dog Training

Group classes are 5-week programs meeting once weekly for 45–60 minutes, with no walk-ins—registration required. Classes progress from Puppy Kindergarten (7–15 weeks) to Beyond Basics, with prerequisites for higher levels. Private lessons and behavior modification are available for individualized training. All classes are outdoors when weather permits; canceled if inclement.

Pricing Summary

Group classes range from $30–$35 per class (5-week sessions), with Puppy Kindergarten at $35/class (60 mins) and other levels at $30/class (45 mins). Private lessons are offered but specific pricing not listed. No package discounts or payment plans detailed.

Policies

Group classes are on hiatus during winter and resume in April. No walk-ins allowed; registration required. Classes are canceled due to inclement weather. No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy for private lessons is stated.

Helen DelBove is the owner and trainer of Smarty Paws Dog Training, offering positive reinforcement-based dog training services in Ocean County, NJ, with virtual services available for former Long Island clients. She specializes in group classes and private lessons that focus on building strong human-dog relationships through reward-based methods, avoiding all aversive tools like choke chains, pinch collars, and e-collars. Her training philosophy emphasizes using food, play, toys, and real-life rewards to teach desired behaviors, with a strong focus on socialization, mental stimulation, and making training fun. She offers structured group classes for puppies and dogs of all levels—from Puppy Kindergarten to Beyond Basics—and provides behavior modification for issues like reactivity, leash pulling, and separation anxiety. Helen also offers pet-sitting and dog daycare services in her home, ensuring dogs receive loving care when owners are away.

Helen’s approach is grounded in operant conditioning and learning theory, with a commitment to no-force, no-fear training. She believes there are no bad dogs—only untrained ones—and prioritizes setting dogs up for success through clear communication and consistent reinforcement. Her clients praise her patience, expertise, and genuine passion for dogs and their people.

She is available for virtual sessions for Long Island clients and in-person services in Ocean County, NJ.

Accomplishments

Helen has 25 years of experience training dogs and has helped numerous clients achieve AKC Canine Good Citizen certification with their dogs. She is recognized by clients as a compassionate, expert trainer who emphasizes positive methods and long-term behavioral change.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must register for group classes in advance. For private lessons or behavior modification, contact Helen directly to schedule. Virtual services are available for Long Island clients seeking continuity.