MEET THE HEART BEHIND SMART DOG
At Smart Dog, we believe every great training journey starts with connection. Behind every leash, every session, and every wagging tail is a team that genuinely cares about helping dogs and their families thrive.
Our trainers and pet care specialists aren’t just experienced professionals, they’re passionate dog lovers dedicated to building trust, teaching skills, and creating lasting harmony between pets and their people. Every dog has a story, and every family has unique goals. That’s why we approach training with patience, consistency, and heart. Whether it’s obedience, off-leash training, or behavior modification, Smart Dog is here to guide you with expertise and genuine care across Metro Detroit.
MEET LEA DIBELLA
Lea DiBella has had a lifelong love for animals, especially dogs of all temperaments and challenges. In her early twenties, she immersed herself in animal training — first through riding, training, and competing with horses — before transitioning into dog training about a decade later. Since then, she has combined her natural connection with animals and her passion for helping them become calm, confident companions.
In 2013, she created Smart Dog as a place where training is as much about educating owners as it is about guiding dogs. The name Smart Dog reflects Lea’s vision from the start: simple, clear, and rooted in the belief that with the right structure, consistency, and support, every dog can thrive.
Her specialty is behavior modification, where she helps dogs overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Her favorite moments are when families reunite with their dogs after training, seeing the transformation into attentive, relaxed, and confident companions.
As owner and head trainer, Lea is hands-on in every aspect of Smart Dog, from training and behavior work to daily management. She is relatable, understanding, and kind, working closely with each client to uncover the root of their dog’s needs. Above all, she ensures that every dog in her care feels safe, supported, and understood.
Though Lea loves all breeds, the German Shepherd holds a special place in her heart. She shares her life with two shepherds — Toby, Deuce, and now one on the way, named Dolce — along with a spirited Welsh Terrier named Joey. Outside of training, Lea enjoys time in nature, cooking, yoga, boating, and fishing with her husband Doug. Family dinners on Sundays and outdoor adventures keep her grounded in the very purpose behind Smart Dog: helping every dog feel safe, confident, and understood.
FOUNDER & LEAD TRAINER
SMART DOG TEAM VALUES
TRUST & CONNECTION
Every successful training relationship starts with trust. We focus on building a bond between dogs, owners, and trainers so learning feels positive, safe, and lasting.
EDUCATION & GROWTH
We believe training is about more than commands — it’s about teaching skills that empower both dogs and their families to thrive together for years to come.
CARE WITH PURPOSE
From daily interactions to long-term programs, we treat every dog as our own. Our goal is to create an environment where dogs feel supported, engaged, and understood.
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MEET FRANCESCA
TRAINER
Francesca has been part of Smart Dog since 2018, and her passion for training runs so deep it never feels like just a job. Every day she has the opportunity to advocate for dogs, helping them grow into the best versions of themselves — and she says the work has helped her become the best version of herself, too. The most rewarding part of her role is changing the way dogs experience the world. With a focus on behavior modification, Francesca helps dogs struggling with fear or anxiety build trust, & confidence, transformations that change the dogs’ lives but also the lives of their families.
At Smart Dog, Francesca works alongside Lea to train dogs of all ages and needs, while also supporting the team with administrative work and client communication. She is known for being hardworking, approachable, and dedicated, always going above and beyond to make sure each dog feels supported. At home, she shares her life with her “soul dog,” Cheech, a beagle/dachshund mix she adopted as a puppy in 2019. Together they enjoy adventures and scent work, building an unbreakable bond. Outside of Smart Dog, Francesca loves camping, hiking, collecting rocks, running a local car show, and exploring her love for classic cars.
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MEET JAMIE
DOG CARE SPECIALIST
Jamie is committed to helping every dog feel safe, supported, and confident as they grow through training and daily care. Her favorite part of the job is getting to know each dog’s unique personality and forming bonds that make them feel secure. She finds it rewarding to see shy or anxious dogs gradually blossom into relaxed, confident companions, knowing she played a role in their progress. Her approach is patient and thoughtful, and she always treats the dogs in her care with the same love and respect she gives her own.
Jamie has been part of the Smart Dog team both in high school and again since returning in 2025. Jamie supports Smart Dog through kennel care, daily feeding, exercise, enrichment play, and hands-on support with the dogs. She is detail-oriented, dependable, and caring, always ensuring the dogs’ routines are consistent and their needs are fully met. Jamie's passion for animals began early, inspired by her Shih Tzu, who was her best friend for 14 years. Outside of Smart Dog, she enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, and tending to her 20+ houseplants. She also values time with family and friends, finding joy in creating balance between work, animals, and the simple things that make life meaningful.
OUR FACILITIES
DOWNTOWN METAMORA TRAINING CENTER
Our downtown Metamora location is the heart of our structured training program. Here, we host beginner and intermediate obedience programs, Smart Dog graduate events and classes, formal evaluations, as well as day training and consultations. The facility is designed to provide a welcoming, supportive space where dogs and their owners can build a strong foundation in training. With dedicated areas for learning, practicing, and bonding, this location allows us to focus on developing obedience, confidence, and trust. It is a place where both new students and returning graduates can continue to grow in skill and connection.
COUNTRYSIDE BOARD & TRAIN
Our countryside Metamora location provides a safe and immersive setting for our board-and-train enrollees. Dogs live on-site for six weeks with 24-hour monitoring, daily play, frequent interaction, and structured socialization. Each day includes hands-on obedience training, outdoor time, enrichment activities, and individualized care. This facility allows us to offer a higher level of attention and consistency, helping dogs feel safe, confident, and supported while they learn. It is a place where lasting transformations take place, and where every dog receives the care and structure they need to thrive.
Our Partners, Recognitions & the Muscle Behind Smart Dog
SMART DOG FOUNDATIONS
MEET DOUG:
Every strong vision needs someone steady behind it—and for Smart Dog, that person has always been Doug. From the very first days when the idea of Smart Dog was only a dream, he was there helping Lea bring it to life. Whether it was building, fixing, or simply encouraging, Doug has been the quiet constant that helped shape Smart Dog into what it is today.
Now, you’ll often see him around the facility—our trusted handyman, problem solver, and all-around support system. Beyond the behind-the-scenes work, Doug is an animal lover himself, caring for the family’s pack with the same heart he brings to Smart Dog. His role may not always be in the spotlight, but Smart Dog wouldn’t be the same without him.
