Smarty Paws Dog Training

Smarty Paws offers three core programs: Puppy Preschool (for puppies under 6 months) focuses on house manners, potty training, chewing, and basic obedience in-home; Paw Camps (day training) provides structured sessions Tuesday–Thursday at home with field trips to build real-world manners; and Life Skills 101 (for dogs 8 months+) teaches foundational obedience like sit, stay, recall, and leash walking for adult dogs with no prior training. All programs include hands-on owner coaching and remote support options. Custom programs are available for complex behavior issues.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed; clients are encouraged to schedule a free phone consultation to receive a customized quote based on their dog’s needs and chosen program (e.g., Puppy Preschool, Paw Camps, Life Skills 101). No cookie-cutter pricing—packages are tailored to individual families.

Policies

No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated on the website.

Smarty Paws Dog Training, based in Sugar Land, TX, is a family-focused dog training business led by Valerie Bissett, a certified professional with over 18 years of hands-on experience. Valerie specializes in in-home training for puppies and adult dogs, helping owners build strong, lasting relationships with their pets through science-based, positive methods. She offers customized programs including Puppy Preschool, Paw Camps (day training), and Life Skills 101 for adult dogs, all designed to address common issues like leash pulling, jumping, barking, potty training, and reactivity. Training occurs in the dog’s home environment to ensure real-life application, and Valerie also provides remote training options for those who cannot meet in person. She is a member of the IAABC and APDT, an AKC CGC Certified Instructor, and a graduate of Texas A&M University ’90. Valerie’s approach emphasizes owner education so families can maintain progress long after training ends.

In addition to training, Valerie offers dog walking services and supports clients with personalized guidance for rescue dogs, fearful dogs, and multi-dog households. Her programs are tailored to each dog’s age, breed, and lifestyle, with a strong focus on impulse control, socialization, and house manners. Clients consistently praise her patience, professionalism, and ability to transform challenging behaviors into calm, obedient companionship.

Accomplishments

Valerie Bissett is a graduate of Texas A&M University (1990), an AKC Canine Good Citizen Certified Instructor and Evaluator, and a professional member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). She has over 18 years of experience training dogs and has helped hundreds of families transform their pets into well-mannered companions.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin with a free phone consultation to discuss their dog’s needs, lifestyle, and goals. After the call, Valerie recommends the most suitable program (e.g., Puppy Preschool, Paw Camps, or Life Skills 101) and schedules in-home or remote sessions based on availability and location.