My Mission: A Joyful Life with Your Dog

Sandie Calloway, certified positive dog trainer and founder of Smarter Paws Academy, sitting on a couch with her happy rescue dog.

Hi, I’m Sandie Calloway, a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and the founder of Smarter Paws Academy. I’m so glad you’re here.

My journey into the world of positive reinforcement training wasn’t just a career choice; it was born from a deep belief that the relationship we have with our dogs should be built on a foundation of trust, communication, and mutual respect—not fear or intimidation.

Sandie Calloway demonstrating the joyful and positive experience of clicker training with a beagle puppy.

My Philosophy

I believe that training is a conversation, not a command. It’s about understanding why your dog does what they do and then showing them a better, more rewarding way to live happily in our human world.

Forget the outdated and harsh methods of the past. Here at Smarter Paws Academy, we focus exclusively on modern, science-backed techniques that make learning fun for your dog and empowering for you.

What Makes My Approach Different:

  • Positive Reinforcement ONLY: We celebrate and reward the behavior we want to see. We never use pain, force, or fear. This builds a confident, happy dog who wants to work with you.
  • Focus on Foundational Skills: I’ll guide you through the essential skills—from potty training to loose-leash walking—that set you and your dog up for a lifetime of success.
  • Building Your Bond: More than just obedience, my goal is to deepen your connection with your dog. Every training session is an opportunity to strengthen your bond and understand each other better.


A Note on Our Visuals

The expert advice, training philosophy, and personal stories you read on Smarter Paws Academy come directly from my extensive, real-world experience as a CPDDT-KA. To represent the warm and encouraging spirit of our brand online, we use a consistent, high-quality AI-generated image for my visual persona. This allows us to create helpful, relatable visual content while keeping the focus squarely on the quality and authenticity of our positive reinforcement training methods.

Whether you’re a new puppy parent or a seasoned dog owner, I have the resources to help you navigate every stage of your journey. I’m thrilled to be your partner in unlocking your dog’s amazing potential.

Let’s begin this incredible adventure together!