The Art of Dog

Dave was incredible with our rescue Lola! He pinpointed her anxious tendencies right away and helped us calm her to such a state that she answers commands, stays focused, and is now best friends with a cat that she was previously terrified of! I recommend Dave and The Art of Dog to every dog owner I know. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

We were so thrilled by the lessons that Dave taught. Charlie has become such a gentleman and we could not be happier we made the decision to stick with him. Thank you so much again.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Our 2 year old Dutch Shepard/Pit mix just got back after a 3 weeks stay with Dave. And WOW. what a difference! Axle was afraid of everyone and everything which came off as aggressive(even though he’s such a baby). He’s now able to comfortably go on walks, go out in public around other dogs and people without reacting, and even stays in place while there’s a million distractions going on outside that used to trigger him. After seeing such great success, we started private lessons with our other dog whose very hyper. She’s a leash puller, and gets crazy excited when she sees other dogs! now she walks side by side with me and does nothing more then look and maybe whine a bit when walking past other dogs barking. Our family can’t thank him enough for all you’ve done for us and our pups!! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Dave just left after Barney's fourth lesson. Barney is a much better behaved dog and we are much better at keeping him under control! Great job Dave! We truly appreciate your service! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Our 10 month old mini goldendoodle spent two weeks in October with Dave in preparation for his therapy dog test--which he passed with flying colors yesterday! The examiners were very impressed with his ability for his age! After his time with Dave he was much improved on leash and obeys commands without question. Definitely recommend! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

We recently rescued a seven year old German Shepard, Henry. We soon found out he had a habit of nipping/biting strangers. His demeanor was calm, but extremely undisciplined . After the first hour session with Dave, and a couple days of follow up, it was like we had a different dog. I've had dogs all of my life, but never a large breed with the potential to hurt someone. Dave gave us the tools we need to understand and correct all of Henry's bad behaviors. We can now have guests and not have to worry about him biting or misbehaving. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I was a little over my head deciding to adopt a rescue pup as a first time dog owner. Harper had already learned a lot of bad habits, had never been given rules before, and was insecure around both strangers and other dogs. After a few one on one sessions, I decided to send Harper to The Art of Dog’s 2 week board and train program. Not only was Dave able to teach Harper commands I could never do on my own, he instilled confidence in her that has much improved her manners. If you’re feeling overwhelmed as I was or just want your pup to listen a little bit better, I would recommend The Art of Dog to anyone. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Dave helped us with our 11 month old very hyper pittie and couldn't be happier with our results. He was super patient and taught us how to handle Da Vinci's tantrums when we would try to walk him just up to the corner. Now walking him is a breeze and I don't have to worry about him freaking out if he sees another pup he wants to play with. I've even gotten complements on how Vin behaves from people who saw him a few months ago until now. I'll recommend Dave over and over to anyone who asks. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

My boyfriend and I hired Dave to help us with our two dogs, Cooper and Casey. Casey is a wild child with a large heart and Cooper has a scary history of biting and killing small animals. We specifically hired Dave to focus on Cooper's anger towards small animals as the dogs had just gained two cat brothers. My biggest fear was that we would never be able to have all four animals in one room together. After only THREE (intense) lessons we are living as one big happy family with no incidents. Cooper and Casey are truly different dogs. We can not only enjoy living together stress free, but we can go for walks, have people in our house without fear on injury, long leash in the park, or even off leash play! Never in a million years did we think any of those things were possible. Dave went above and beyond with training US on how to train them. He is down to earth, funny, and clearly knows what he is talking about. I can not recommend him enough. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Dave had my dog Enzo in board and train for two weeks- best decision I’ve ever made when it comes to taking care of my dog. Enzo is a pittie boy so he needed intense training for his every level and let me tell you, Dave helped my dog so much. He learned to relax on his bed for long periods of time, learned recall and he’s now a PRO when it comes to walking! Dave was mine and enzos savior. He will be going back for boarding when I go on vacation for touch up training because I TRUST Dave! Thank you so much, Dave! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Dave took really good care of my puppy, Levi, who was 7 months when he did a 4 week board and train. Levi returned home totally reformed. The biggest difference I see after leaving our pup at The Art of Dog is that we have much more control over Levi’s behavior. I know what to do when he starts to get overly excited. Levi still has trouble controlling his excitement around other dogs but when I call him he listens and calms instead of running off. I wish we lived closer to buffalo, I would definitely return to board Levi. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

My husband and I adopted litter mates who started to get into fights as they got older, which we were warned might happen. They also were terrible at walking and pulled all the time. We tried many different harnesses/training strategies, but nothing was working. After just one hour working with Dave, they were walking right next to us without a problem. They haven’t gotten into any fights in a very long time and we now feel more comfortable with having guest come over to our house. We’ve had so many compliments from friends and family about how well behaved they are now! We would highly recommend Dave and have nothing but great things to say about him and his training. Thanks Dave!! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

My girlfriend and I adopted our first pitbull and we could tell right away we needed some help. I reached out to Dave and after 1 lesson with him i noticed a huge difference in my dog. Dave is very knowledgeable and most importantly for me very patient. Not only did my dog become well trained, i became educated. It is now a joy for me and my girlfriend to walk and enjoy our time with our dog Mitch. I would highly recommend Dave to anyone. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

The trainers at Art of Dog are the best in Buffalo. The owners care and that personal connection resonates throughout. I have recommended them to many of my friends and colleagues and all have had amazing results with their dogs. Don’t think twice. Art of Dog is correct choice. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Our 10 month old goldendoodle, Dodger, did a 2 week board and train with Dave. We went into a bit of crisis management when we decided to bring my recently disabled Mom to live with us. Our biggest concern was Dodgers incessant jumping, and the possibility of him knocking my mom out of her wheelchair. At almost 60lbs, he doesn’t realize his own strength or size, which is a recipe for disaster. He also completely tore up our loveseat (no, he literally tore it up. And then pulled it halfway across the living room) in a matter of just a few minutes. We have had him back for a full week now, and even though he’s still a work in progress, he is like a completely new dog! He has mastered the “place” command and stays for extended periods of time, even if we walk out of the room. We’re still working on his jumping (now it’s only when someone walks into the house) and we are working on helping him refocus his energy into something else besides destruction. While Dodger was staying with Dave, I was able to call and/or text Dave whenever I wanted a quick update about my pup, and Dave never made me feel like an imposition for checking in. The day we picked Dodger up, Dave gave us an extensive lesson about all of the new commands and how to properly handle our doodle. I am well aware that the key to long term success with Dodger is going to be consistency. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that by utilizing the tools Dave has given us, we are going to have a much happier pup and we will have significantly lower stress levels. Sending Dodger to Dave was 100% worth every single penny we paid. I’m totally kicking myself for waiting as long as we did. Take a chance and send your pup over to the Art of Dog. Your dog is definitely worth the investment! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

We adopted Danny Gare January 2017. He was found on the side of a road in Kentucky emaciated at six months. When we adopted him from Joyful rescue he was a year old full of energy, no manners, terrible walker and barked at everyone and everything! We took him to a local dog training school for obedience lessons and sadly were kicked out after 20 minutes and told not to come back. After a fantastic referral from friends we found Dave Putman from The Art of Dog. Dave's knowledge and training methods were exactly what Danny needed. Thank you Dave!! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Dave has been an absolute pleasure to work with. He is friendly, knowledgeable, and very effective. He has worked with our two dogs on simple things like obedience, behavior when guests arrive at the house, as well as some aggression between dogs. I would certainly recommend you don't look any further if you are in the market for help with your dog. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I asked a friend for a referral for a Behavioral Specialist because my dog Max started be a jerk to our other dog Bailey and I was beginning to feel nervous about him around other dogs and people. My friend instantly replied with Dave's number and said he was The Best! So I reached out immediately. I quickly explained the issue I was having with Max and he was very flexible in getting to me right away to start working on the issue. Dave made it convenient by coming to our home to assess the situation. He carefully observed my dogs and then thoughtfully explained what he saw was going on, and what needed to be done to correct it. He introduced me to some training tools that I was not familiar with and made sure that I could use them comfortably and confidently. As it turns out, Max wasn't even the issue! It was Bailey. Max was just reacting to Bailey. I would have never known that had I not gotten Dave's help. Now I am happy to say that my dogs (and I) have better structure, are well on their way to being the well mannered dogs I know they can be, and that I have the knowledge and tools to help them get there (and stay there). After 3 short lessons the difference is already night and day. One of the best things about the whole process was that the training happened right in my home which made things easy and convenient too. I highly recommend Dave for all your dog/human training needs!! He is polite, professional, flexible and friendly. What more could you ask for! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Dave has worked with my two Boxers privately a few times. Recently they did a board and train with him for two weeks and we have seen great improvement in their behavior. Dave was very patient and attentive to them and I will recommend Dave and The Art Of Dog over any training facility in the Buffalo area. Truly top of the line! Thanks Dave! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

We could not be happier with the training our pups received from Dave. Our only regret was not finding him sooner!!!

Reviewed on Facebook

I highly recommend The Art of Dog! I wouldn't go anywhere else extremely helpful to the dogs and owners as well.

Reviewed on Facebook

Phenomenal and attentive trainer.Listens to your issues and tailors programs to fit expectations and goals. I would recommend them to anyone

Reviewed on Facebook

Dave aka The Dog Whisperer is your go-to guy for all your dog training needs. Any kind of pup, big or small! He can help with discipline, managing aggression, and of course he can teach your pup a few tricks along the way!

Reviewed on Facebook

In just a few lessons, Dave really made a big impact with my aggressive pit. He really knows what to look for in each dog and also how to explain it to the owner!

Reviewed on Facebook

Dave was amazing! Our needy, nervous 6yr old lab is calm and enjoying life bc of "place" and other great training techniques Dave taught us. Highly recommended!

Reviewed on Facebook

If you take your dog somewhere else you are settling, and will probably end up having to bring it here anyway later on. Start off with the Art of Dog's trainers and you won't have to go anywhere else. Don't settle. Your dog is worth it. Bring it to the best. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Dave is clearly very passionate about training dogs and their owners. He is energetic but also patient and clear in his instruction. I have been training dogs professionally for the past 9 years, but still enjoy taking lessons from others and gaining new perspective and insight. Dave worked with my high drive German Shepherd, as well as my very sensitive labrador and was able to tap into exactly what they both needed. In dog training, one size doesn’t fit all and a trainer needs to be able to adapt their methods and style based on the dogs needs. Dave does exactly that. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

While I knew my pup for over a year before rescuing him & bringing him home, the concerns of transitioning to a new environment and the inevitable stereotypes that follow a Pitbull were there. Dave quickly put my worries to rest. Remy is now a pro on walks down busy streets, parks, events, etc & very rarely reacts to distractions. His biggest "flaw" is learning how to control his excitement and execute his energy in an appropriate manner. He's a big lover but the jumping had to stop. Dave has helped us tremendously in correcting these behaviors. Remy is now learning how to show his love in a gentle way & I am no longer covered in slobber or scratches from his jumping and aggressive kisses. He also had a hard time meeting dogs on leash which caused for concern when my friend and her 8 week old German Shepard moved in. Now just four weeks later, Remy and Logan are best friends! Dave also helped my sister & brother-in-law's Pit/Boxer who was attacked at a young age & became aggressive towards other dogs as a defense. Kobe is a completely different pup now! In short: Dave is a saint. We wanted focused, personalized training for Remy and Kobe and that is exactly what we got. Call Dave, you will not regret it. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

My dog Zoey and I took two group classes from Dave that were held at Canine Academy. Dave is extremely knowledgeable about dog training and was very fun to work with. He was very attentive to both the dog and the handler which helped me make a better team between me and my pup. The trick class helped her learn some awesome things like sit pretty, bow, roll over, ect. The shape up class really challenged me as a dog owner to teach Zoey new behaviours that I never thought she could do. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Thank you Dave for making a house call and giving us not just structures to put in place but also peace of mind. Dave’s knowledge and compassion for dogs is why we turned to him for help with our four legged kids.

Reviewed on Facebook

This review is a long time coming - we left our 5 yr old rescue dog, Madelyn, with David for a board and train back in September and continue to be impressed with the benefits. We have not been very obedient owners and only moderately reinforce the learned behaviors, but even 6 months after her time with David, she not only responds quickly and attentively but can even sit in place quietly with a house full of people (previously thought to be impossible for our frantic/nervous rescue). And I know David is always there and willing to answer our stupid follow-up questions or reminders. We will be using the Art of Dog again, it’s well worth every penny. I have recommended the Art of Dog to others and will continue to do so. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Very patient, nothing but great things to say about them! Great people. 100% would recommend.

Reviewed on Facebook