A Lifelong Passion For Dogs
Smart Dog Training was founded by Scott McKay, a man whose lifelong connection with dogs has shaped everything the organisation stands for — patience, purpose, and progression.
From an early age, dogs were at the centre of Scott’s world. He spent years studying their behaviour, learning to communicate with clarity and consistency, and building an instinctive understanding of how dogs think and learn. What began as a personal passion soon developed into a professional craft. Over time, he trained countless companion dogs, worked with challenging cases, and competed in dog sport (IGP), deepening his respect for the structure and discipline that high-level training demands.
Alongside his dedication to dogs, Scott built an exceptional career in the fitness industry. A natural coach and motivator, he founded a business that grew rapidly, serving high-profile clients across the UK and internationally. His work led to appearances on Sky TV’s Obese: A Year to Save My Life and established him as a leader in both elite personal training and digital marketing.
Rock Bottom to Rebuild
However, a decision made years earlier would later bring unforeseen consequences. In 2015, Scott had registered a company that included the word “British” in its name, unaware that it was a protected term requiring government approval. When this came to light several years later, in 2019, it triggered a charge of fraudulent trading. Although the issue stemmed from the naming of a previous business, the outcome affected everything he had built since.
By that point, Scott’s fitness company was turning over several million pounds a year and employing a large team. The legal case meant stepping away from everything he had created, watching a thriving enterprise collapse almost overnight. He pleaded guilty, accepted full responsibility, and served his sentence — an experience that brought both chaos and clarity.
Even in those circumstances, Scott’s resilience and leadership stood out. When dogs were brought onto the prison wing, officers noticed his calm authority and skill. In open conditions, he was trusted to walk, handle, and help train the prison dogs — offering guidance and advice to officers. It became a daily reminder that progress and purpose can exist even in the most challenging environments.
Rebuilding With Purpose
Upon release, Scott made a clear decision: to rebuild his life and career around what had always been his true passion — dogs. Already an experienced handler, he committed himself fully to becoming the best trainer he could be. He travelled across Europe to work with respected professionals, studied modern behaviour systems, attended international seminars, and trained alongside some of the world’s leading competitors.
Those experiences became the foundation for Smart Dog Training — a company built on structure, integrity, and education. Scott recognised that while many loved dogs, few understood how to turn that passion into a professional pathway. He wanted to change that.
Through Smart, he created a complete training and education system — one that develops not just well-behaved dogs, but professional trainers with the skills, ethics, and business acumen to succeed. His background in digital marketing and brand growth now helps hundreds of trainers launch sustainable, reputable businesses under the Smart brand.
