Marsha Smith- Biography

Owner & Obedience Trainer

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As a child I used to wish that one day I would have at least one of every kind of dog. This dream came true in 1986 when I started Canine Workout school for dogs in Chadds Ford, Pa. The school started modestly teaching a few beginner dogs from the neighborhood.  The beginner dogs learned, and became advanced obedience dogs. Over the years, many of our students have shown in obedience competitions, worked as therapy dogs, and excelled in other dogs sports, such as rally and agility.

I have enjoyed the sport of obedience since the late 70s.  It is very exciting to introduce this sport to others. Our students have achieved hundreds of obedience titles.  Some of my students have attended AKC invitationals as have I.  I had the privilege of showing at the Westminster dog show in 2017.  My dog Laars, a Chinese crested was in the top 200 obedience dogs in the country that year. Most importantly, the relationship between dog and human partner evolve tremendously thru the training, and even the showing process. Titles and awards are precious, but even more important is the fact that our school makes dogs safer in the world thru training. I have memories of calls from graduates recalling times when their dogs lives were saved thru training.  This is truly Canine Workout’s crowning achievement.

In addition to my training book, Building A Bridge and my children’s book Jody’s Journey, I have written for the publications Front and Finish and Chadds Ford Junction. My books and dogs have been featured in the magazines Dog World and The Hunt. I still show my dogs in obedience, and also take classes in Barn hunt and agility.  It never ceases to be a fun adventure with my dogs. Please come visit our classes at Canine Workout !  There’s always something fun going on!

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