The DogSmith, Dog Training & Pet care
Ranked #3 in Palm Beach Gardens and #221 in Florida
Service area: Palm Beach County, Fruitland Park, FL, including areas convenient to I-95 and Turnpike access, Abacoa, Roger Dean Stadium, Scripps Research Institute, and the Gardens Mall. Also serves Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Potty Training
- Resource Guarding
- Fearfulness
- Biting / Nipping
- 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
- 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:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Head Halters
- ✓ Flat Collars
- ✓ Martingale Collars
The DogSmith offers training programs designed to enhance the relationship between owners and their pets, using science-based, fun methods without pain or intimidation. They provide private training, group classes, and board & train programs. Private training is customized to individual dog and owner needs, addressing specific behavioral challenges like fear, anxiety, or aggression.
Group classes cover various topics from puppy training to advanced obedience and specialized skills like recall and leash etiquette. Board & Train programs offer intensive training in a home environment. They also offer virtual training via phone or video conference.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
The DogSmith offers personalized pet care and dog training services with a published price list. One-on-one behavioral consultations start at $250.00 for 1.5 hours. In-home pet dog training is $225.00 per hour within a 30-minute drive, with packages available: 3 lessons for $600, 6 lessons for $1200, and 8 lessons for $1600. For locations over a 30-minute drive, the rate is $250 per hour, with no package pricing.
Pet dog selection consultations are $75.00 per hour. Virtual training and behavior consulting sessions are $125 for 30 minutes or $200 for 1 hour, with a 3-session package for $300 (or $150 for 30-minute sessions). Puppy Pack Programs, which are 14-day packages, start at $1550.00. Dog Training Board & Train packages are $200.00 per night, and Latch Key Dog Training is $165.00 per hour or $90 for 30 minutes.
Pet care services include a 30-minute DogSmith Visit (Home Alone) for $35.00, DogSmith Sleepover (7 pm to 7 am) for $200.00, and DogSmith VIP Slumber Party (24-hour period) for $150.00 per night, with a post-boarding charge after 2 pm on pick-up day. Standard Boarding is $89/night. DogSmith Dog DaySchool is $65.00 per day, with a package of 10 days for $600. DogSmith Lunch Break/Dinner Break and Dog Romp (30-minute walk) are $35.00 each, with a 10-walk package for Dog Romp at $300.00. A 30-minute DogSmith Walk & Train Session is $65.00.
Additional VIP services include Extended Playtime for $5.00 per ten minutes, administering medications for $2.00 per visit per medication, and Pet Shuttle services starting at $20.00 per single trip. A Never Worry Key Program is available for $5. Spa services include baths ranging from $45 to $55+ depending on dog size, and extras like tear stain removal, ear cleaning, nail trims, blow dry, and furmination ranging from $20 to $30. Group dog training courses start at $100.00. Payment in full is required at the time of reservation to secure services.
Policies
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 for each returned check. Holiday surcharges are applied to services on specific dates, including Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve/Day, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day.
Cancellation fees are structured as follows: a full refund is provided if cancellation is received at least 8 days prior to scheduled service; a 20% cancellation fee applies if received within 2-7 days; a 100% cancellation fee applies if received within 48 hours of a scheduled service or within 7 days of a national holiday. Refunds are not provided for clients returning home early from reservations. The DogSmith reserves the right to terminate contracts if a pet poses a danger to itself, other pets, people, or the Pet Care Technician, with the owner responsible for any associated costs. Clients waive claims against The DogSmith for negligence, except for claims involving hired independent contractors who are required to carry liability insurance.
Unclaimed pets after 2 days past the scheduled pick-up date may be considered abandoned and re-homed according to local laws. All dogs must be current on DHLPP, Rabies, Bordetella, and heartworm treatment, with written vaccination records required at the time of service. Dogs must wear nylon collars with rabies tags and a leash. Flea/tick preventative is required; flea baths will be given at the owner’s expense if fleas are found. Sedatives are not administered unless part of a veterinarian-prescribed behavior change program agreed upon in writing. DogSmiths do not diagnose or make therapy decisions. Aggressive dogs are prohibited from group classes but can attend one-on-one training. Specific equipment such as choke, prong, shock collars, and flex-leads are prohibited in group classes and for dog walking services.
Testimonials
“Thanks so much for taking the time to visit us at our home today! We truly appreciate all the work you’ve done with Clover and couldn’t be happier with his progress. It was especially nice to see how well behaved he was when interacting with you and we are inspired to learn all the commands you’ve sent over. Also, we will definitely start making an effort to leave him for short periods so he gets used to his alone time as well. As one of us is usually home, we could always arrange for him to come visit every few weeks or have him appear as a guest presenter, haha. But all jokes aside, we are so happy to be around the corner and will be in touch often!”
– Darius, Maeve & Clover
“What followed was sheer perfection. Rachel had an almost magical way with Beacon, encompassing patience, knowledge, understanding and experience in her training sessions. We knew from our time with Beacon that she was learning and digesting her teachings. What was truly great to see was that as we got within about ½ mile of Rachel’s, Beacon became excited to be going to Rachel’s. Upon arrival, Beacon would bound out of the car and go running into the arms of one of the staff or Rachel without looking back. Beacon’s introduction to socializing both with people and dogs proved to be a wonderful gift. Rachel had informed us early on about the need for socialization and it, like the other parts of her philosophy proved to be right. Beacon’s ability to get along with people and other dogs making it a treat to be with our pet. Along with all this, we needed to learn what Rachel was doing, how to do it ourselves and how to continue in other areas of training so that we could carry on her work and enhance it. We were informed that Rachel would come to our home and train us in the process of teaching our dog. She came and was just as patient and clear in her instructions with us as she obviously was with Beacon. So, in summary, we give Rachel the top grade-an A+ in all categories. And we might add her staff our delightful and gentle with the dogs. We cannot recommend Rachel and her facility highly enough.”
– Barbara and Peter Sidel
“I cannot rate Rachel highly enough. Rachel has been working with my puppy, Dilly, since she was 3 1/2 months old. From the moment she entered our home there was a noticeable difference – literally. The slightly manic, over excited (but adorable and loving) puppy that was causing some in home agnst, immediately responded to her very kind but firm insistence on good behavior…AT THE FRONT DOOR. ON THE FIRST VISIT. From there we progressed such that Dilly kindly meets guests, enjoys cuddles from children and adults, comes when called, responds to her name, curtails jumping, walks on a leash, and sits, lies down, and stays on command. Dilly isn’t yet six months, so we are not batting 1000, but she is learning, doing so, so we’ll, and importantly, enjoys the training process. Potty training is a non issue. Dilly so loves when she sees Rachel at the front door. Critically, Rachel has taught me to be a good puppy Mom…she doesn’t just train and go, she engages me in the process so that I can continuously reinforce good behaviors. She leaves print outs outlining simply what we have learned, and how to keep it going. She tells me, kindly, what I’m doing wrong and how to do better – I.e. modifying my tone, body language, treat frequency, etc. Everything is positive…and even a VERY skeptical family member aknowledged how Rachel’s positivitve, reward based training yielded very quick results.”
– Kim L.
About the Trainer
The DogSmith, Dog Training & Pet Care is a business dedicated to enhancing the relationship between pet owners and their dogs through science-based, fun, and intimidation-free training methods. Rachel Williams owns The DogSmith of Palm Beach County, which has a strong reputation for exceptional customer service.
The facility is located on 2 acres in a rural setting in Fruitland Park, FL, offering convenience to major highways and local attractions. It features a large, fully fenced and landscaped grassy training and play field, a separate fenced “VIP” section for older or less athletic pets, and ample air-conditioned indoor space for play, naps, and training. A swimming pool is also available for training, therapy, and supervised water play.
Rachel Williams is a certified Dog Trainer and Dog Behavior Consultant with extensive experience in training and pet care, including pet first aid. She continuously updates her professional expertise through ongoing education in various dog behavior topics. The DogSmith offers a wide range of services including dog training, behavior consulting, pet sitting, dog walking, daycare, boarding, and spa services.
Accomplishments
Rachel Williams is the owner of The DogSmith of Palm Beach County, known for her exceptional customer service. She holds DogSmith Training and Pet Care Certifications, which include rigorous academic and practical training in dog communication, learning theory, and pet first aid.
Rachel continuously enhances her professional expertise through ongoing education in areas such as resource guarding and clicker training. She is a licensed presenter in ‘Fun Scent Games’, Dogs & Storks, Dogs & Baby, and Doggone Safe. Additionally, Rachel is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Her Labrador, Chloe, has achieved a Senior AKC Hunt Test Title.
How to Get Started!
Clients can request a free 5-minute telephone consultation to discuss their options and needs, with a reply expected within one business day. It is recommended to contact The DogSmith immediately to establish a relationship, even if services are not needed right away, as there is no cost to set up.
New clients can register online through their portal. For pet care services, an in-home consultation is provided to ensure the client’s comfort with the caregiver and to allow pets to meet their DogSmith.

Contact Information
Certifications
- Credentialed
Associations
- AKC
- Accredited
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Dog day care center
- Dog walker
- Pet boarding service
- Pet groomer
- Pet sitter