About The Academy Director

 Kristen Smith  (She/her) is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) who studied at the University of Guelph, taking Animal Biology with a focus on Animal Nutrition. Kristen first found her love of training dogs during her first Animal Behaviour course. This new found passion was then cultivated during her time working for the company Walk With Zoey, then owned by Stacey Molengraaf. 

A few months into working for Stacey, they both found that many dogs, including Zoey (Stacey’s loveable puppy), struggled with some aspect of well-mannered walking or behaviour. Kristen and Stacey dove into the world of dog training and behavioural analysis, learning all they could to help Zoey and their clients’ dogs. The combination of basic obedience training with their regular walks made lasting changes in the dog’s behaviour and focus. 

Kristen made the business her own September 2019, changing the name to Smith Canine Academy, and continues to build on her education to further improve as a trainer, usually enrolled in one or two courses at a time. Her expansive knowledge both in the learning, development, and the physical well being of dogs allows her to empower pet parents to transform their pet’s lives. As an avid pet owner herself, she understands the importance of a healthy, happy pet who is prepared for everything life throws their way. Her goal is to educate families with the tools, knowledge and resources she’s worked hard to master to help transform her clients’ dogs into confident, happy canines.