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Smart Paws Private Training is a dog training business in San Jose, California offering Private Lessons, with published programs from $135.
San Jose • CA • 5.0 ★ (9 Google reviews)
Last verified: Sep 6, 2026
77 / 100
Moderately transparent
How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.
What they say about themselves
Amelia, the owner and sole trainer at Smart Paws Private Training, has worked with dogs for over 18 years and offers only private one-on-one sessions—no group classes. She's a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, which means she can both prepare dogs for and administer the CGC test, a credential sometimes required for therapy work or advanced training programs.
Sessions take place in the client's home or in public spaces around San Jose rather than at a training facility. According to their site, this approach focuses on reward-based methods tailored to each dog and owner, with an emphasis on improving communication between the two. Testimonials mention work on separation anxiety, leash walking, potty training, and curbing common puppy behaviors like jumping and mouthing.
One notable limitation: Smart Paws does not accept dogs with aggression issues toward other dogs or people, and Amelia does not travel to certain outlying areas. The business works with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages, from puppies through seniors.
Consultations and evaluations before you commit to a program.
A certification evaluation showing the dog demonstrates good manners, obedience, and social skills, administered by the trainer as an AKC-certified evaluator.
Best for: Dogs that have reached a level of obedience and social skill suitable for evaluation.
Focus: Advanced obedience, Socialization
Private one-on-one lessons are the sole format here, covering basic obedience and leash training. Smart Paws Private Training offers single sessions or prepaid packages of 5 or 10 lessons. They do not take dogs with aggression cases.
Single sessions run $135 each. A 5-session package costs $625 (about $125 per session), while the 10-session package drops to $1,150 (around $115 per session).
One-on-one dog training sessions held in the client's home or in public near San Jose, tailored to the dog's specific needs and behaviors.
The trainer works one-on-one with the owner and dog for a 1-hour session, without other clients present.
Best for: Dogs and owners of all breeds, sizes, and ages, except dogs with aggression toward dogs or humans.
Focus: Basic obedience, Leash training
Duration: 1 sessions
A prepaid bundle of five one-hour private training sessions, delivered one-on-one in the client's home or in public.
The trainer conducts five separate 1-hour sessions with the dog and owner over time.
Best for: Owners who want to commit to multiple sessions of private training at once.
Focus: Basic obedience, Leash training
Duration: 1 sessions; 5-session package $625
A larger prepaid bundle of ten one-hour private training sessions, delivered one-on-one in the client's home or in public.
The trainer conducts ten separate 1-hour sessions with the dog and owner over time.
Best for: Owners seeking a more extended private training commitment.
Focus: Basic obedience, Leash training
Duration: 1 sessions; 10-session package $1,150
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Private One-on-One Lessons — Pay As You Go | $135 per session | 1 sessions |
| Prepaid Package Deal — 5 Session Package | $135 per session | 1 sessions |
| Prepaid Package Deal — 10 Session Package | $135 per session | 1 sessions |
The site uses vague language about training approach without naming specific techniques or tools. Prospective clients would need to ask directly about methodology during a consultation.
Method: Method unclear
Their website describes their approach in general terms without specifying which methods or tools they use.
Certifications: AKC CGC Evaluator
Verification still pending or not yet requested. See our methodology for what verification does and does not mean.
Operating for 18 years, the trainer holds AKC CGC Evaluator certification and mentions carrying insurance. A waitlist is noted, suggesting steady demand. Guarantee terms aren't published.
Facility: not specified on their website.
Owner visits: not specified on their website.
Video updates: not specified on their website.
Overnight staffing: not specified on their website.
Insurance: Yes
Guarantee: not specified on their website.
Waitlist: Yes
Dogs per trainer: not specified on their website.
Booking: Contact form
Price: Smart Paws Private Training does not publish board & train pricing. Across San Jose, 37 programs publish prices from about $84 to $3,580.
Reviews: Smart Paws Private Training shows 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews among 11 published San Jose programs.
Transparency: This listing scores 77 out of 100 (price 100%, program clarity 85%). 3 of 11 San Jose listings show certifications; this business lists AKC CGC Evaluator.
Sessions take place at 2747 Westfield Ave in San Jose. The site doesn't specify whether training happens at a dedicated facility, in-home, or at another type of location.
2747 Westfield Ave, San Jose, CA
Friday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Sunday: 11AM-8PM
Tuesday: 11AM-8PM
Saturday: 11AM-8PM
Thursday: 11AM-8PM
Wednesday: 11AM-8PM
Reach out directly or send a quote request through Smart Paws Private Training.
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