K9 Good Manners

Brody was rescued from a shelter in Beaufort, SC (where he was on the euthanization list). Pet Helpers on Folly Beach transfered Brody to their shelter. While at Pet Helpers, Brody had two unsuccessful adoptions due to his aggressive behavior towards other animals. After the second return, K9 Good Manners was hired to take Brody for 6 weeks. After completing his training with John, my husband and I fostered Brody for 6 months, then we adopted him. From the beginning we either took Brody to K9 Good Manners to learn how to work with him or John came to our house (which was a few miles from his). If not for John at K9 Good Manners, we would not have been able to learn how important consistent training was for Brody. His anxiety was off the chart when he saw another animal. I personally think Brody is just happy when he doesn't have to see another animal. However, life isn't that easy. So, we listened to John. We've had Brody for almost five years. He is by far the best dog we've ever had. He still doesn't like other animals, but he listens to us when we use attention training, etc. Learning to distract him by utilizing Johns training techniques before he fired off was key for us. Praising him when he listenined was also key. He will never go to a dog park and that's okay. Because of John's hard work and dedication, Brody has a great home where he has many places to relax, we walk him around our yard (2 acres) and take him on the dock. He barks at deer, cats, rabbits, ducks, geese and dogs (if he sees them). But, Brody is no where near as aggressive as he once was. He's really a gentle giant. Brody is a terrific protector. He came to us at a perfect time in our lives. Thank you John for what you did/do. Lynn and Brian

Hello my name is Shannon and my dog is CJ , I am a paramedic, and i wanted to have a service dog for EMS . My goal is to bring joy in sad times and sleepless nights to thoes that deal with stress and PTSD, and sickness or hosptial stays. A friend of mine that lives in SC knew a friend that trains dogs and service dogs, and LEO dog as well . So I got John's number and we talked and he said he was able to help me . He told me of a week that he was going to be in my area and that he could come by see CJ and take him back with him . So that week came I meet John and Tonya very nice and polite both of them and they didn't just come take the dog and leave they spent several hours with me and my family and made it a little easier letting CJ go off to school . They kepted me up todare on CJ not only through talking but photos and videos as well. When the day came for me to go meet CJ and take him home John and tonya both took there time with explaining everything and meet me in the parking lot . I even got to train several days with John and CJ to make sure I was properly informed about the commands to give CJ. I also got the privilege to work with one of his dogs which was awsome. I highly recommend John Smithhart to anyone that is wanting there dog trained . Even since I have been home with CJ John and Tonya both have been available to me for guidance not just training but dog food advise and beds and treats and toys .

I'm notoriously bad about writing reviews whether good or bad, but I had to in this case. I'd had my white German Shepherd trained by different people several times. Not one of the other trainers offered offered a guarantee, nor have any I searched online other than John. I understand the reason and it makes sense. If your dog is trained by someone and you don't do proper follow up, the dog won't retain the training. That made sense to me and I found out the hard way many times. When I found K9 Good Manners and spoke to John, I was pleasantly surprised. He was very easy to talk to, explained his program thoroughly and I decided to give it another try. I can honestly say, his training made all the difference in the world! He spent lots of time explaining dog behavior to me which helped a lot and made sure I was capable with the training techniques before I took my dog home. He stressed the need to keep her home for at least a month and to train by starting out without distraction and move on as able. She has been doing great for almost 3 months now and John has always been available for consultation. There's never been a time I've called and he hasn't gotten back with me and spent as much time as possible making sure I understood. Trainers often say they're available after you're done, but lots of times its difficult to get a hold of them. I was told that I was welcome to bring her back whenever I needed to and I can't find a thing to complain about. I have a great dog, a great guaranteed resource and I'm thrilled to death. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend John and Tonya to anyone. I would caution people who look through different training programs though. No matter how much you pay, if you're not willing to listen and do the work necessary, nobody can help you. For my money K9 Good Manners is the best!!!