MEET THE TRAINER BEHIND BOOSTEDK9
Lexy Smith
I’m originally from Kearney, Missouri, and my journey into dog training really began after moving to Charleston, SC —where I discovered just how powerful the right training can be for both dogs and their owners.
What started as a passion quickly turned into a profession. I completed a year-long apprenticeship in 2020 and have since worked hands-on with over 350 dogs as a certified trainer. That experience has allowed me to work with a wide range of breeds, temperaments, and behavioral challenges—but the dog who taught me the most wasn’t a client.
It was my own.
My rescue pitbull, Riley, came to me with severe dog reactivity and a bite history with humans. Working through those challenges wasn’t easy—but it showed me firsthand that with the right approach, patience, and trust, real transformation is possible. Riley completely changed the way I understand behavior, communication, and what dogs truly need from us.
I also have a Doberman named Nitro, who has reinforced how important it is to properly fulfill the needs of high-drive, working breeds. Dogs like him require structure, purpose, and mental stimulation—and when those needs are met, they thrive.
My training approach is balanced and built around clear communication. I start every dog with reward-based training to teach and build understanding, and once the dog fully knows what’s expected, I introduce accountability to create reliable, real-world results. This allows dogs to not only learn—but to truly understand and confidently follow through in any environment.
At the end of the day, I’m not just here to train dogs—I’m here to help owners build a better relationship with them. Because when there’s clarity, trust, and structure, everything changes.