​Who is Down Home Dog Training?

Certified Canine Behaviorist and Trainer Lindsay Smithson specializes in relationships between humans and their dogs. Lindsay holds the esteemed title of CBCC-KA through the internationally accredited Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). This certification is awarded after an extensive application process including a minimum of 500 logged hours of behavioral intervention experience, approval and recommendations from Veterinarians and other canine professionals, and is followed by a very difficult exam with a pass rate of only 56%.  The exam tests knowledge of science-based applications of Applied Behavior Analysis, Biology and Anatomy, Ethology, Body Language & Observational Skills, Health, Development, Life Stages, Consulting Skills & Best Practices and Scientific Method. As of November 2013, there were only 74 CBCC-KAs worldwide.  

Lindsay Smithson, B.A., CBCC-KA started her career 8 years ago with exotic animal care and research at the University of Tennessee and the Knoxville Zoo. She earned her B.A. degree with a core focus on animal behavior leading to a publication on Lowland Gorilla Behavior in the Hellbender Press: Environmental Journal. Upon graduating she accepted a position with Joel Slaven’s Professional Animals to train and perform in SeaWorld’s domestic animal show, Pets Ahoy! The show used operant conditioning to train a variety of animals including dogs, cats, skunks, birds, and pigs. Ultimately feeling a pull to get more engaged in training pets and focusing on behavioral modification, Lindsay left the show to accept a position with PetSmart as Area Trainer. The role was to hire, train, and manage Pet Trainers throughout Central Florida and educate students on the correct use of positive reinforcement training methodology. During her time as AT, Lindsay concurrently took on the role of Enrichment Specialist at a wildlife sanctuary to develop a novel program geared to foster an enriching environment for all resident exotic and native wildlife. In 2011 Lindsay became a CGC Evaluator for the American Kennel Club and began training Therapy Dogs in alliance with Therapy Dogs International. After completing years of corporate dog training and management, the ultimate and final step was to start a company that fully mirrored Lindsay’s preferred method of training and wholly reflected her goals for her clients and their beloved dogs.

Lindsay, along with her husband Joel, and her two dogs Remington (German Shepherd) and Cubbie (Rottweiler) are the owners and operators of Down Home Dog Training. Down Home Dog Training is not just a company, but a community, that encourages an enriched lifestyle for dogs and their families. Courses include Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Obedience, Tricks, Therapy Dog Training, Service Dog Training, and our newest addition Dog Agility. We also offer Behavioral Modification through our Boot Camp programs or private in-home sessions. Whether you are experiencing unwanted behavior or are just looking to have some fun with your furry friend, we want to be there to help strengthen this important relationship.