Tammy Smith

Growing up Tammy's curiosity with dogs was ever prevalent. Although there were family dogs always present, there wasn't one that was "her" dog. As soon as Tammy went to college, she got her own puppy with the strong desire to train  and bond with a dog of her very own. This was the start of having many dogs to train. That began the research as to how dogs learn. Since dog training is rooted in science, college provided such an understanding by majoring in psychology and  graduating with her B.A. After graduation from Washburn University, Tammy returned to the Kansas City area working at a veterinary hospital for a world-renowned animal behaviorist. This pushed Tammy's passion for understanding and  wanting to help dogs even more. At that  same hospital, she  met two dog trainers who would reignite the training she did with many of her own dogs while in college. They mentored her by providing their seasoned knowledge and continue to do so until this day. She took on many other jobs such as dog walking, dog transportation, and pet sitting while behind the scenes soaking up everything she could learn about dogs. Tammy was also interested in therapy work with dogs. She certified three Pets for Life dogs and went on to do numerous hours of animal assisted therapy volunteering with them.  She also certified a R.E.A.D. dog (Reading Education Assistant dog.) helping children to learn to bond and trust people again. This provided a valuable resource to the community by volunteering at various locations including local schools. After a time at the vet hospital, she went on to study under Dennis Bastian, one of the midwest premier dog trainers. Tammy also spent a week-long intense study with a national trainer, Nicole Skeehan, owner of Philly Unleashed.  Locally, Tammy still consults with Mary Kline, one of the trainers that has been an underlying current for many years since meeting her at the veterinary hospital. In 2015, Tammy started her own training business. Currently, Tammy provides group and private dog training as well as behavior modification to the Overland Park and  Kansas City area.

Tammy resides in Overland Park with her only dog, Cedar Lain. They spend as much time together, (when they aren't training other dogs) doing nosework and continuing education regarding dog training. They enjoy traveling the country to compete in nosework competitions together, becoming a well-rounded dog enthusiast team!