Training With Kindness

Training With Kindness offers private lessons only, with no group classes available. Programs include Puppy Kindergarten for 10–16-week-old puppies, Level I and Level II Obedience for dogs 4 months and older, Rally Obedience, Trick Dog, Nose Work, CGC preparation, and Therapy Dog Prep. All programs focus on real-life obedience, confidence building, and positive reinforcement. Private lessons are customizable and scheduled by appointment. Nose Work and Trick Dog programs prepare dogs for AKC and APDT titles.

Pricing Summary

Private lessons are $70/hour. Puppy Kindergarten is $125 for 6 weeks. Level I Obedience is $165 for 7 weeks ($150 for puppy graduates or rescues). Level II Obedience is $105 for 6 weeks. Rally Obedience is $65 for 4 weeks. Trick Dog and Therapy Dog Prep are $65 for 4 weeks. CGC is $20 per class (3 weeks). Nose Work workshops vary in cost.

Policies

Group classes are no longer offered. Private lessons can be scheduled at any time. Clients must call or email to schedule appointments. Chiropractic clinic appointments fill quickly and require early scheduling. No cancellation or rescheduling policy is explicitly stated.

Training With Kindness is a dog training business founded in 1982 by renowned trainer Suzanne Clothier and now owned and operated by Cheryl Smagala, who has been training dogs for over 30 years. The business specializes in positive reinforcement methods using treats, games, and praise to build strong owner-dog relationships. Cheryl offers private lessons only, having discontinued group classes, and provides training in Puppy Kindergarten, Family Pet Obedience, Rally Obedience, Trick Dog, Nose Work, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), and Therapy Dog Preparation. The facility is a heated and air-conditioned building located in Milford, NJ, offering a low-stress, casual environment. Cheryl has extensive experience with large breeds, rescue dogs, and competitive sports like flyball and agility, and she tailors training to individual dog temperaments and breed-specific needs. The business also sponsors monthly veterinary chiropractic clinics with Dr. Sue Ann Lesser, a respected veterinary chiropractor and acupuncturist, to support canine health and performance.

Cheryl is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and a former member of Therapy Dogs International (TDI). She has trained and earned titles on numerous breeds, including Newfoundlands, Collies, and mixed breeds, and has co-founded a nationally recognized flyball team. Her training philosophy emphasizes respect, kindness, and enjoyment for both dog and owner, making her a trusted choice for families, rescue adopters, and competitive handlers alike.

Accomplishments

Cheryl Smagala has over 30 years of training experience, assisted world-renowned trainer Suzanne Clothier in agility seminars, co-founded the flyball team Great Balls of Fire, and trained dogs to earn national titles in Rally Obedience and Flyball. Her dog Kai was ranked #1 Newfoundland in the world in Flyball. She has participated in the development of early agility training videos and has trained dogs to achieve Level 3 Rally titles, including the first mixed-breed and first Labrador to do so. She is a member of APDT and a former TDI member.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should call or email to schedule a private lesson. Cheryl will help determine the appropriate training program based on the dog’s age, breed, and needs. No formal initial consultation is advertised, but she is responsive to inquiries and provides guidance on class selection.