Meet Matthew Smolich of Pawsitive Experts

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Smolich.

Hi Matthew, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I love being an entrepreneur, especially when it allows me to break off from the “normal” work setting. I grew up in Phoenix, AZ, with my parents and sister. My whole family has always been supportive of the out-of-the-box ideas. My father has always encouraged me to be who I want, my mother always wishes me well, and my sister has unlimited support and understanding. Life hasn’t always been easy, but their support has given me hope, comfort, and drive. I have always had a dog in my life, and it would be the weirdest thing ever not to. I am 32 years old, and still, to this day, I find them one of the most exciting animals on this planet. I prefer their company to other people. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, happy or sad; a dog will love you till the day they pass. I always wondered about communicating with them as a child, and as I grew up, the realization of their intelligence, compassion, and understanding of the human world amazed me.

I started working with dogs as an apprentice at a Dog Training Company in 2011 in Winter Park, Florida. I did this on the side because I was attending school at Full Sail University, trying to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Show Production and Touring Technologies. That was what I wanted to do for a very long time. I was going through many personal identity issues, amongst other things, and had no heading to who I was or what I wanted to do in life. I remember having the most challenging week and feeling so depressed and lost. I have never told anyone this, but in this mentality, I was honestly ready to end it all. I remember going outside and sitting on a curb at a park near my apartment complex, feeling the lowest I had ever felt, and out of nowhere, this black German Shepard-looking dog came right up to me. I was scared and unsure of what its intentions were.

This dog that just came out of nowhere and just sat next to me looking puzzled and curious about what I was doing, honestly almost asking with his eyes, “How can I help you? What do you need me to do?” so I did what any normal person would do and started a conversation with him. Through that one conversation with this dog, I decided to drop out of school, move back home where I was supported, and dive into finding who I was and wanted to be. It was this amazing epiphany, and I have always felt that random black dog was truly trying to figure out why I was so sad and how he could help.

When I moved back home, I was still going through many troubles and issues, but it was a defining moment of clarity in my life; I wanted to become a Dog Trainer. I started working for a few small companies here and there in Arizona for about 4 years and finally landed a job at Petco in Avondale, AZ. The GM Jeremiah and Store Manager Sabrina were super supportive of me, and I have always appreciated them to this day! I quickly became the District Mentor of the Petco Dog Training Program. I trained other apprentices to conduct group classes and work with all the methodologies available to help good dogs become great dogs. During the 5 years I spent with Petco, I dedicated effort to more education and application for dogs with aggression and extreme anxieties. I became an AKC Certified Trainer and Evaluator in 2018, a behavioral specialist in 2020, and finally launched my own company, Pawsitive Experts Dog Training, in 2021.

I did not believe the business would be as successful as today. I love every moment of helping dogs and their pet parents enjoy life together and helping unruly or aggressive dogs find a better understanding of the human world. Today, Pawsitive Experts has helped hundreds of dog families in the Arizona West Valley. I have also become an entrepreneur, owning another 2 businesses and becoming an investing partner in other people’s businesses. I love it when someone calls me with a business idea; hearing their passion brings back mine, and working with them to make their dream happen makes me feel great! Today, I am working towards building the Pawsitive Experts name across the West Valley here in Arizona, helping dogs and their families reach a newfound respect and understanding with each other. Pawsitive Experts now caters to Peoria, Surprise, Wadell, Litchfield Park, Glendale, Avondale, Tolleson, Buckeye, Goodyear, and many other West Valley cities. I have also been called into other states, such as California and Colorado, to do private training and seminars. Pawsitive Experts offers In-Home Dog Training, Board and train Programs, Group Classes, Dog Boarding, and other Dog-related services. I truly believe I have found my calling, and to all the dogs I’ve helped, know you have all helped me.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Just like in any business that has passion and love behind it, there are always ups and downs. Being a business owner and entrepreneur, sometimes you’re doing great, and other times you have yet to learn if you can pay the bills. This is the “Silent Depression,” and I call it that cause no one is talking about the overwhelming facts that 2023 has worse stats than the 1930s Great Depression when you run the numbers. It is currently limiting the intake of clients coming in and raising the prices of every service and product on the market, especially business resources. I prefer not to think in the negative and only focus on those things for a maximum of 20 minutes a day; the next 20 minutes are dedicated to figuring out solutions to those issues, and the rest of the day, I dedicate myself to executing those solutions. Yes, there are a lot of challenges and obstacles to overcome; nonetheless, I have a vision, and I will see it through one way or another!

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Who We Are: Pawsitive Experts is a team of passionate and professional dog enthusiasts committed to enhancing the bond between humans and their furry companions. Born from a profound love for canines and a dedication to their well-being, we have evolved into a hub of knowledge, expertise, and community.

Specialization: While we excel in various realms of pet care, we are most renowned for our successful modern dog training techniques, which prioritize mutual respect and understanding. Our tailored approaches cater to every pet’s needs and consider the unique dynamic between each dog and its human.

Our Distinction: What sets us apart is our holistic approach. At Pawsitive Experts, we believe that effective training isn’t just about commands and treats. It’s about understanding our pets’ psychology, reading their emotions, and responding with empathy. Our methods ensure that every interaction strengthens trust and deepens the bond.

Brand Pride: What fills our hearts with immense pride is the community we’ve nurtured. We don’t just offer services; we cultivate relationships. The testimonials of transformed behaviors, the gleam of confidence in a pet parent’s eyes, and the wagging tails of content pups are the badges of honor we wear.

For Our Readers: Pawsitive Experts is more than a brand; it’s a movement towards a more empathetic, effective, and enriched interaction with our pets. Beyond our acclaimed training modules, we offer many services, from expert-driven webinars to insightful video playlists and personalized consultations. We are here to support, guide, and journey with you as you navigate pet parenthood’s beautiful challenges and joys. When you choose Pawsitive Experts, you’re not just getting a service – you’re joining a family that celebrates every bark, every jump, and every moment of pure canine joy.

So, if you believe, as we do, that every dog has the potential to be their best, let’s embark on this pawsitive journey together! 🐕🌟

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising about me that few people know is that I am a huge lover of Banksy Graffiti Art and love listening to Violinists such as Vivaldi, Paganini, and Hilary Hahn. While spilling the beans, I like good Broadway performances such as Phantom of the Opera, Evita, and Les Miserables.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pawsitiveexperts.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawsitiveexperts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pawsitiveexperts/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0L93DEcPY3rBq8FvRbXPsQ
• Other: https://smolichenterprises.com/

Image Credits
Pawsitive Experts