Professional Dog Trainer & Owner – Ashleah Suzanne

Get to Know Ashleah

Ashleah Suzanne is the owner and head trainer of Smart Dogs Walk in Palm Beach County.

Her journey began with a deep passion for understanding dog behavior and has evolved through years of hands-on experience and mentorship under world-renowned trainers like Cesar Millan.

Today, she’s known for her balanced approach that blends leadership, structure, and owner education, helping dogs and their families live calmer, more confident lives together.

“ My passion for dog psychology began during my college years when I struggled to manage my two dogs. At home, they could follow commands and perform tricks, but once we stepped outside, it felt like they were in their own world. That all changed when I discovered The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. His teachings about leadership, structure, and calm energy completely reshaped how I understood dogs and their behavior.

I began applying those principles in my daily routine and quickly noticed major changes in my dogs and myself. What started as frustration turned into fascination, and that curiosity led me to pursue hands-on experience in the field.

“To gain practical experience, I volunteered at the SPCA in Orlando, where I worked with dogs of all sizes and temperaments. After earning my B.A. in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida, I joined Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, Florida. There, I cared for over one hundred service dogs in training for individuals with disabilities such as blindness and PTSD.

These early experiences taught me patience, consistency, and the importance of structure — lessons that still influence my training methods today.

“My education continued through seminars and mentorships with incredible trainers across the country. I attended the Real World Obedience seminar with Blake Rodriguez of Dream Come True K9 in New York, shadowed Rachel Allen of The Healing Pack in Los Angeles, and learned from Jeff Gellman of Solid K9 Training.

Each trainer offered unique insight into dog behavior, structure, and communication. These experiences shaped my balanced approach, which focuses on structure, accountability, and teaching owners how to maintain calm, confident leadership at home.

“I later joined The Cesar Millan Dog Psychology Center in Fort Lauderdale, assisting Cesar and his top trainers during the Training Cesar’s Way Fundamentals workshop. The experience was both humbling and inspiring.

While I could have continued as part of his organization, I felt called to create something of my own. That decision led me back to my hometown of Lantana, Florida, where I founded Smart Dogs Walk — a dog service built on the principles of leadership, balance, and owner education.

“What began as a small dog-walking service soon evolved into a full-scale training company as owners noticed how calm and responsive their dogs became during walks. This demand inspired me to develop The Smart Dog Program, a structured, college-style in-home training experience with lessons, homework, and graduation for both dogs and owners.

Today, I continue to dedicate my life to helping owners build calmer, more confident relationships with their dogs. My mission is simple: to transform not just dogs, but the way people understand and connect with them.

A Journey in Professional Dog Training

A look back at some of the moments that shaped my journey as a professional dog trainer, from my first dogs in college to meeting world-renowned trainers and officially founding Smart Dogs Walk.

A Balanced Training Approach

Ashleah’s training philosophy is centered around balance, structure, and communication. She believes that lasting results come from teaching owners how to lead with calm confidence and consistency. Every session focuses on understanding the dog’s state of mind, building trust, and creating a clear line of communication between owner and dog.

Her balanced approach combines clear boundaries with positive reinforcement, helping dogs feel secure, understood, and guided. By addressing the root cause of unwanted behaviors rather than just the symptoms, Ashleah helps owners transform frustration into harmony. The result is a calm, well-behaved dog that looks to its owner for leadership and direction.

Ashleah emphasizes that training isn’t just for dogs, it’s a lifestyle for both ends of the leash. Through structure, consistency, and proper guidance, she helps families create lasting change and stronger relationships with their pets.

Programs led by Ashleah

As owner and head trainer, Ashleah personally leads each program at Smart Dogs Walk, providing a hands-on, customized experience for every dog and owner.

In-Home Training

One-on-one sessions tailored to your home environment, focusing on real-world behavior issues such as leash manners, reactivity, obedience, and leadership skills. Each session helps owners learn how to communicate clearly and confidently with their dogs.

Board & Train

A structured, immersive program where dogs live and train under consistent daily routines. This program focuses on calmness, focus, and reliability through structured walks, socialization, and individualized training.

Hybrid 1 and Hybrid 2 Programs

Our hybrid programs blend immersive boarding with hands-on in-home training, giving dogs a strong foundation while teaching owners how to maintain lasting results.

Dog Boarding

Safe, structured, and comfortable boarding for dogs who need a calm environment while their owners are away. Ashleah ensures that every dog maintains good manners and stability during their stay through consistent routines and gentle structure.

Dog Daycare

Daytime care designed for dogs to enjoy socialization, mental stimulation, and balanced activity. The daycare promotes positive behavior and calm energy while reinforcing structure throughout the day.

What Clients Say About Ashleah

Michael Ghidoni

★★★★★

Ashleah is the best. She was able to break down the training to make it very simple for me. Week by week I had homework assignments and it was fun for me and my dog. It also helped us grow closer together thru intensive training.

Cindy O'Neil

★★★★★

We had great success learning how to control our pugs from Ashleah. We wanted to be able to take them out in public, like at an outdoor restaurant or even on the plane. Thanks to her training, we achieved exactly that — confident, calm dogs we can take anywhere!

Chelsea

★★★★★

We hired SDW to train our Bernedoodle puppy who was full of energy and excitement. The relationship we now have with our pup is filled with confidence, trust, and understanding. Ashleah provided us with all the tools we needed and exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend!

Jacquie Senft

★★★★★

I was referred to Ashleah by several people whose dogs graduated from the Smart Dogs program. My Doberman and pitbull both completed it and now follow the training daily! I can take them anywhere without a problem and get constant compliments. This program is truly life-changing for you and your dog!

Schedule a Training Session Today

Build better behavior and a stronger bond with professional dog training trusted by dog owners alike.

Call (561) 859-5651