Smith River Pet Care LLC

Abu

Abu is a big part of why I became a dog trainer. He inspired my passion for helping people better understand their dogs—especially rescue dogs—and build the trust, communication, and partnership needed to create a strong bond.

Abu was my own dog. Before finding his way to New Hampshire, he had endured a difficult life on the streets of Puerto Rico. I met him after he arrived at the animal shelter where I worked. At that point, I had already spent four years working in animal welfare and had developed a special love for the dogs who needed a little more time, patience, and understanding than most.

Abu checked every one of those boxes. He was fearful and defensive when handled, highly reactive to other dogs, and struggled with resource guarding. It was clear that he wouldn’t thrive in just any home—but I knew he belonged in mine.

I brought Abu home in January 2019, and I was incredibly fortunate to spend nearly seven years by his side. He lived with me and our growing family of pets until August 2025, when he passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

Life with Abu wasn’t always easy. He challenged me to become a better trainer, a better advocate, and a more patient person. He taught me the importance of management, thoughtful environmental modifications, and meeting a dog where they are rather than expecting them to fit into our world overnight. As we worked together, built trust, and learned to communicate, the behaviors that once felt overwhelming became manageable. More importantly, Abu learned that he was safe and that he could rely on me to help him navigate situations that once terrified him.

Abu taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my career: dog training isn’t just about teaching dogs—it’s about teaching people. Lasting behavior change happens when both ends of the leash learn together. When owners understand why their dogs behave the way they do and are given the tools to communicate clearly and consistently, even significant behavioral challenges can improve.

Not every dog will become a social butterfly, and not every challenge disappears completely. But with patience, understanding, and realistic expectations, dogs and their families can build a relationship based on trust instead of frustration.

That is the philosophy I bring to every training session. My goal isn’t just to teach obedience—it’s to help owners understand their dogs, strengthen their bond, and create a happier, more confident life together.

Thank you, Abu, for changing my life and showing me the trainer I was meant to become.

Zamboni

Zamboni began her training journey with Smith River Pet Care through our Bootcamp program and has made incredible progress! As a young rescue dog who came from a kennel environment, she struggled with excessive jumping, excitement, limited impulse control, and difficulty settling around distractions.

Through consistent, structured Bootcamp sessions, Zamboni has developed into a much calmer, more focused companion. She now enjoys regular training outings several times a week to practice and strengthen her skills in real-world environments. Her improved impulse control, ability to settle, neutrality in public, and strong focus on her handler are a testament to the power of consistent, positive training.