Training with Kindness

Training with Kindness offers private lessons only, with no group classes currently available. Programs include Puppy Kindergarten (for 10–16 week old puppies), Level I and Level II Obedience, Rally Obedience, Nose Work, Trick Dog, Canine Good Citizen, and Therapy Dog Preparation. All programs emphasize positive reinforcement and real-life skills. Nose Work and Trick Dog are offered as workshops throughout the year. Private lessons can be scheduled at any time to fit the owner’s schedule.

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 Nose Work workshops vary in cost. Canine Good Citizen is $20 per class (3 weeks). Therapy Dog Prep is $65 for 4 weeks.

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 over 30 years of experience training dogs using positive, reward-based methods. The business emphasizes respect, kindness, and building strong owner-dog relationships through treats, games, and praise. Although group classes are no longer offered, private lessons are available at their facility in Milford, NJ. Cheryl specializes in obedience, rally obedience, nose work, trick dog training, and therapy dog preparation. She has trained a wide variety of breeds, including giant breeds like Newfoundlands and St. Bernards, and has helped many dogs overcome behavioral issues such as aggression and fear. The business also sponsors monthly veterinary chiropractic clinics with Dr. Sue Ann Lesser, a respected veterinary chiropractor with over 20 years of experience. Training with Kindness is not a competition-focused school, but many clients go on to earn titles through AKC and APDT programs.

Cheryl is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and has trained dogs in multiple disciplines including agility, flyball, and tracking. She has co-founded a competitive flyball team and has been involved in early agility training videos. Her approach is casual and low-stress, making training enjoyable for both dogs and owners. She also has a special interest in working with rescue dogs and giant breeds.

The business serves Central New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, including Hunterdon County, NJ and Bucks County, PA.

Accomplishments

Cheryl Smagala has over 30 years of dog training experience and was an assistant to world-renowned trainer Suzanne Clothier. She co-founded the flyball team Great Balls of Fire and trained the first mixed-breed dog to earn an APDT Level 3 Rally title. Her dog Kai was ranked #1 Newfoundland in the world in flyball. Cheryl has participated in early agility training videos and assisted in the development of Suzanne Clothier’s “Athletic Dog” video. She has trained dogs to earn multiple AKC and APDT titles in obedience, rally, and nose work. She attended training camps led by Jack and Wendy Volhard and has been involved in therapy dog programs through TDI.

How to Get Started!

Interested clients should contact Cheryl by phone or email to schedule a private lesson. No formal initial evaluation is described, but consultations can be arranged to discuss training needs.