Located in the Heart of the Beautiful Bitterroot Valley, Smakwater and Sprezzatura is the trusted name in sporting dog care. Specializing in obedience for the hunting retriever, and proven by over 15 years of formal experience with over 500 awards and titles combined, John and Laura McCarthy offer personal, professional boarding, training, and conditioning for all medium to large breed dogs.
Services
Smakwater and Sprezzatura Kennels, owned and operated by John and Laura McCarthy, is located in the Bitterroot Valley near Stevensville Montana, just 3 miles north east of the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. The name Smakwater and Sprezzatura refers to the line of Labrador Retrievers we breed, train, and handle.
At Smakwater and Sprezzatura your dog receives the best care available and they will enjoy a large Indoor/Outdoor sanitary kennel run with fresh water. All of our guests are fed Purina Pro Plan, the high quality food of Champions. Extra large buddy runs are available for the multi- dog family, and each pet will visit exercise yards twice a day.
At Smakwater and Sprezzatura, we specialize in basic obedience training for both the companion dog and sporting dog. In addition, we offer advanced training for those who are interested in more precise and demanding tasks. The objective of our training program is to build attentiveness and reliability so that the response to each command is a concise action performed with eagerness.
Whether your dog is recovering from an injury, overweight, or just plain out of shape, Smakwater and Sprezzatura will work with you and your veterinarian in order to improve your dog's health and physical condition by implementing, and monitoring an individually defined program. Note: All fees for conditioning are in addition to boarding costs.
Reviews (10)
Stephanie B.
Jun 22, 2022
Jozelyn Flores
Mar 25, 2022
Bill Samsoe
Mar 12, 2022
Nancy Olsen
Dec 13, 2021
David Raber
Oct 27, 2021
Cheryl Bauer
Jun 13, 2021
Mary Ryan
Mar 20, 2018
We have left our Shiloh Shepherd at Smakwater twice. Being a GSD she is a little anxious about new situations, but does so well here! We were gone for 2 weeks, she came home happy, playful and completely unstressed. That is very impressive! They take great care of the dogs, including play time with other dogs, which our dog loves. Such a relief to find Smakwater! Thanks!
Greg Bensch
May 05, 2016
Mj Boo
May 29, 2015
Jenette Roberts
Nov 09, 2013
This was a great find for us and our dogs. I found it via a glowing review November 2012 when my husband and I need a place over the Thanksgiving holiday, and have NOT been disappointed since. Especially since we have recently moved into the Bitterroot Valley. The McCarthy's are great and so accommodating to varied scheduling needs as they come up, most notably when we needed to board them for a month while we put our house on the market in WA. I would recommend Smakwater & Sprezzatura Kennels to anyone needing a boarding facility for their four-legged kids.
