Life Lessons from 99-Year-Old Delmar 

When Delmar Smith talks, he looks straight at you. Not with mere politeness, but with intensity. The 99-year-old has the uncanny ability to size up people or dogs, at a glance. 

Delmar, who was born at the beginning of the Great Depression, has worked with dogs and horses since he was a “pup” on a cattle farm. “When the men left for WWII, we kids and the women ran the farm. I’ve worked with dogs and horses ever since, and I’ll never retire, it’s never felt like a job.” 

Famous Dog Trainer 

People in Edmond will recognize his name from the Delmar Smith Kennels along Memorial Road. It’s the business Delmar took over in 1950 for his late father-in-law. He still remembers the rolling hills where he hunted wild quail. 

Delmar raised his three sons to work with dogs. Sadly, Delmar lost his son Mark in a tragic accident, but his remaining two sons, Tom and Rick, along with his nephew, Ronnie, now manage the business, but Delmar still reports to work at the kennel. 

People around the world know Delmar as the best-selling author of books about training hunting dogs. His techniques have influenced dog owners to set aside harsh methods in favor of gentle coaching. 

“You’ve got to be honest with your animals so they can believe in you,” Delmar said. “It’s the same with people. Humans are the only animals that lie. Animals don’t lie. A dog will tell you before he bites. A cow shakes her head before she charges, and she means it.” 

Friendship Over Fame 

Delmar has trained dogs for presidents and royalty, but he values the joy of training over fame. 

The Delmar Smith Method has taken him to 14 foreign countries. He’s been called a “sage, mentor, icon, pioneer, born teacher and cowboy preacher,” but most often, simply “friend.” 

“I’ve made fantastic friends all over the world because of my hobby. It doesn’t matter who they are, a president or whoever,” Delmar said. “People are just people, and dogs are just dogs.” 

Delmar, his sons, and his dogs have countless awards and honorary statues across the country. He’s a five-time winner of the National Open in hunting dog field trials and U.S. Open Brittany Championships. 

Helping with Horses 

It surprises some people to know that Delmar is equally known in the rodeo world as a horse trainer, champion roper, and chute master. For 43 years, he’s been the gateman at the Lazy E Arena. At 99, he still climbs to a padded seat above the cattle gate to signal when the cowboy and horse are ready for the calf to be released. Delmar then signals for the gate to open. He still finds it thrilling, and it’s another hobby that helps him make friends. 

Thirty years ago at the Lazy E, Delmar rode with children who had terminal cancer. A girl who hadn’t spoken in over a year sat in his lap on his horse, Roanie. After two slow laps, she whispered “Roanie.” Delmar still wears the champion buckle he won that night—every day for 30 years—in her honor. 

Delighting in Each Day 

For Delmar, each day brings the delight of new encounters. “I’ve still got that burning to get up and get going every day— just like a dog with his tail wagging in the air,” Delmar said. “The Lord’s been good to me my whole life, and I depend on Him a lot. I haven’t just lived a good life—I’m still living a good life.”