Smokey Oaks K9

01/25/2026

For the last 6 years, owning and operating Smokey Oaks K9 has been a dream come true, but sometimes dreams come with stark realizations.

Business ownership just isn’t for me. I despise and dread the “paperwork” side of the business and I miss just training dogs. Owning a business has been a blessing, but it’s also taken a serious toll on my mental health.

Something had to change, so I made the leap and applied for another training company. I’m proud to announce that I have accepted a position with Command Canine.

I’ve battled this decision for over a year now. I thought owning your own training company was the pinnacle of being a dog trainer, and to be honest, I fought with my pride and ego over letting my company go. In the end, I realized that what’s most important is the well being of me and my family, and that I get to continue helping dogs and their owners.

Not owning your own business doesn’t make you less of a trainer. So if you’re a dog trainer struggling right now, it’s okay to look for other options! You have to take care of yourself before you can help others!

I will still be working with my current clients but will not take on any new clients through SOK9. It was a sad moment to send this update to everyone, but I’m so excited about what’s coming in the future.

Here’s to new beginnings in 2026!

(I will still post training videos here but they will be mostly of my own pups!)

12/15/2025

12/15/2025

Our fall trial run of Urban Paws was a huge success — and now we’re opening it up to the public for the New Year!

Urban Paws isn’t your average daycare. Your dog joins us for real-world adventures—walks, outings, socialization, and more!

Availability is limited and based on location.

Text 704-323-8341 for more info or to grab your spot!

12/10/2025

Once again… Zoey is up for adoption. She was recently adopted into a home that I thought was perfect for her… but I was so wrong.

They text me a couple weeks ago saying that they needed to rehome her. They said she was fine, but they were trying to see if their kids were responsible, and apparently they are not.

I’ll give you a moment to let your eyes come forward again from the back of your head, because it gets worse.

Last week, as I was doomscrolling, I came across of a picture of a stray dog that was found that looked oddly like Zoey. After contacting the people who found her, and going to see for myself, it was indeed Zoey.

This was very odd because I had text the owners asking if she was missing and they sent me a picture of her on their couch. The same time that she was at the other persons house.

After a lot of back and forth, they claim that she got loose two days before and they didn’t go look for her. We believe she was actually dumped. Either way she was abandoned.

Legally, the only way to prevent her from going back to them, or to the shelter, was for them to sign her over to me. Which they had zero problem doing.

Zoey is likely a German Shepherd/Husky mix
Around 1-2 years old
Spayed and up to date on vaccines
Completed 3 weeks of a board & train
Needs to be an only dog
Good with kids
Fine with cats
She loves laying on the couch and playing with her stuffed toys. She needs daily exercise but isn’t crazy.

Located in York, SC but can help arrange transport

If you are interested, please TEXT 704-323-8341. There is a rehoming fee and she is not free. We will also be checking references so we can be sure her next home is forever.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

We have lots to be thankful for this year and every year. A very special thanks to all my clients and supporters who keep my little dream alive every day!

Here’s the boarding pups enjoying a little Thanksgiving treat!