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SMILING DOG’S OWNER, BILL MILLER
Growing up in the rural Midwest, Bill always had a dog or two around and quickly developed a special rapport with his canine counterparts. In 1985, Bill trained under Neal Leas, one of the top obedience trial trainers in the country. Using what he learned from Leas, Bill quickly transformed his formerly out-of- control Golden Retriever, Skeeter, into the envy of central Iowa. Skeeter excelled in both on and off-leash obedience under Bill’s training. He also became an amazing hunting companion. Skeeter participated in numerous pheasant hunting trials at Iowa’s famous Doc’s Hunting Club, further showcasing her fine training. Spurred by the success with Skeeter, Bill worked closely with other golden retriever and labrador retriever owners to enhance their dog’s obedience and retrieval skills. Bill has loved helping dogs and owners ever since!
MEETING THE NEED FOR TRAINED PUPPIES
After moving to the east coast in 1991, Bill graduated from the U.S. Canine Academy’s training program and became qualified for obedience, guard and protection training. Bill initially provided board and train programs out of Liberty Kennels in Wilton, CT. As the demand for private in-home training developed, his private training clientele grew as well. While the private training was effective, Bill was consistently asked by clients if he could take their puppy for a set period of time to instill all of the critical obedience. Puppy owners were looking for a way to free up their time and improve their experience. This is how the trained puppy business was born. Bill discovered an affinity for helping new puppy owners establish a foundation that directly impacted their enjoyment of owning a dog.
MEETING THE NEED FOR TRAINED PUPPIES
After moving to the east coast in 1991, Bill graduated from the U.S. Canine Academy’s training program and became qualified for obedience, guard and protection training. Bill initially provided board and train programs out of Liberty Kennels in Wilton, CT. As the demand for private in-home training developed, his private training clientele grew as well. While the private training was effective, Bill was consistently asked by clients if he could take their puppy for a set period of time to instill all of the critical obedience. Puppy owners were looking for a way to free up their time and improve their experience. This is how the trained puppy business was born. Bill discovered an affinity for helping new puppy owners establish a foundation that directly impacted their enjoyment of owning a dog.
TRAINING TO TRANSFORM
In addition to a variety of owners, Bill has worked with a variety of dogs of all ages and breeds. His personal dog, a Kuvasz named Shadow, has earned her Canine Good Citizen designation and she is a Delta Certified Therapy Dog having earned their highest Complex designation. Over the years, Bill (and Shadow) have had the opportunity to visit hospitals, nursing homes and special needs children all across Connecticut. It was through these experiences; Bill recognized the need for a calmer, better-behaved puppy. Out of this need came Smiling Dog Trained Puppies and the Puppy PhD Program. “Nothing rounds out a family more than a dog. I have seen children and families transformed by the addition of a new puppy,” said Bill Miller. “If you’re considering adding a new puppy to your home but are afraid you can’t do it, call us. We’ll show you how.” Happy puppies. Happy people. That’s what Smiling Dog is all about.
