About Us


Amy Smith, owner and founder of Munch & Gracie's Canine Services, has been working with canines most of her life. Amy became a professional canine instructor in 2002, working for Animal Behavior Trainers Associates; then grandfathering into PETCO in 2004. Amy continued her animal studies through classes at Oregon State University and other educational resources. In 2006 she graduated as a certified small animal massage therapist from the Northwest School of Animal Massage; and again in 2008 in sports massage. In 2009 Animal Behavior College invited Amy to join their mentoring team; to guild new trainers into the field.

The creation of Munch & Gracie's Canine Services was to provide training services for doggie daycares and other canine locations; along with private in home lessons.

Today Amy continues working with pet parents and canine competitors; helping them develop skills and partnerships with their canines. Amy also believes in continual education by participating in seminars and certification courses.

As trainers and pet parents, it is vital we have a complete understanding of what we are asking of our canines. On the same level, it is with equal value, that we allow our canines to build up to that same understanding; by giving them the opportunity to say, "I can do this - I understand." -Amy Smith

Career History:

Amy is an owner (mom) of Belgian Malinois'; together they enjoy participating in: Conformation, Obedience, Rally-Obedience, Herding and Agility.

Referrals

Zoe improved with the Basic's at Mt Hood pet resort. With her anxiety issues we still have a way to go, but plan to do the homework of working all the skills in other places besides home where she is nearly excellent now. So thankful she will now do her business outside when the grass is wet....that was abit scary having a dog in OREGON who wouldn't step on the wet grass. Now a thing of the past with the Basic Training tips we gained! Whew!

Rebecca S.
Sandy, OR

We first started puppy training with someone else, but the lack of organization and professionalism was frustrating. We decided to switch trainers and signed up with Amy. We've made more progress in 6 weeks than we did in 2.5 months somewhere else!

Amy is passionate about training and dedicated to being the best she can for each dog and owner. She comes prepared with "lessons" and gives a homework handout every week. This is a great tool for remembering what we did in class, and gives excellent tips. She also works in a clear progressive order.

Amy teaches you how to help your puppy be successful. If I do something that confuses Bella, Amy notices. If a puppy doesn't get something, she shows that owner another method. She helps you build a stronger bond with your dog while having fun with training. It doesn't have to be a chore!

Chrissy M.
Sandy, OR

What a great experience having Amy Smith help us train our dog. Our whole family has attended her Puppy Educations and Basic Education training classes. Both classes were very informative and fun. Amy is really knowledgeable, kind, dedicated to her dog training. I felt at ease with her style of training. Amy custom fit the training with our lifestyle since we have a 3 year old; it has been hard having our son and a new puppy, but she has helped to make it a good transition. When we would have questions and concerns about our highly active black lab, she always had great tips or would research for more suggestions.

Amy truly loves dogs and it shows in her dedication in training dogs. The classes not only helped in training our lab Indi but she trained us as well. I always enjoyed going to her classes because I always learned something new. I definitely needed the classes to help keep myself consistent. Amy also gave us typed detailed homework assignments, which was perfect for when she was not with us.

Amy always gave each person in the class one-on-one time, which made us feel like we had our own trainer. The classes were never boring and very enlightening. We all will miss going to our weekly class but plan on attending some future classes when Indi grows a bit older. We highly recommend Amy for training any puppy or dog.

Thank you for your help!

Robert, Trisha, Jackson and Indi

My Rat Terrier pup "Maggie" and I just completed Amy's Puppy Pre-School obedience class. Amy did a wonderful job focusing on each pup in the class as an individual. Maggie was a typical Terrier pup at her first class, although she was listening, and completing simple tasks by the end of class #1.

Amy gives out homework to practice at the end of each class, so you are encouraged--reminded to work with your dog during the 6 days between classes.

From week 2 - 6 Maggie did very well. The errors I made in class with her were pointed out by Amy so I knew what not to do. Maggie loved the classes, and was always happy to go to school, because Amy makes it fun.

In most cases The problems others in the class were facing with their pups needed more work, or help then mine, and I admire Amy for spending her time where it was most needed. I have attended classes before that those struggling or having problems with their dogs were looked down on, and not given adequate advice or one on one time. This is certainly not the case with Amy.

I would recommend her for puppies, adults, and problem dogs.

Carol H.
Sandy, OR

One of my favorite reviews written by an 11 year old young man.
Dear Amy, Thank you for helping me train Becka. She would not of turned out like she did if it wasn't for you. So I Aaron am writing this thank you for you and your co-trainers. You are a very fun and experienced trainer, who is the best I have ever seen. I believe that Becka will surpass our other dogs, Hydie and Cooper. A reason that proves you are great is your stories and your awesome humor, so thank you once more.
For your helpers and co-trainers, I think that all of you all will become fantastic trainers, and I thank you all for the fun and information packed time you have given me. You guys are excellent trainers. I hope that I see all of you again. :)
Your friends,
Aaron and Becka