Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Puppy training in Buffalo, NY. Based on feedback and votes from our Puppy training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the Buffalo area.
Lima Certified, APDT, AKC CGC Evaluator, Pet CPR, BBB
Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Erie, Niagara, Ontario and surrounding Counties
Dawn has been a animal lover all her life. She is pet certified in CPR, a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, LIMA certified & Better Business Bureau. She owes 5 German Shepherd Dogs, and loves teaching them all something new. She enjoys trialing with them in different venues. Over the 25+ years, she has trained thousands of dogs in her c...
CDBC, CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
G.L.O.W Region
Tori is an avid dog lover that originally went to college to study Psychology. After earning a Bachelor's Degree of Science, she adopted a 5-month-old dog from a local shelter. Almost immediately, behavior problems started to show where her new companion, Cooper, was afraid to meet people, barking and lunging whenever someone came near. Tori elicited the help of a behaviorist who's suggested te...
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor
Reactive dog training, Agility training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Western New York, which includes the following counties; Genesee, Erie, Niagara, Wyoming, Monroe, Orleans
I graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior in 2008. Since then I've had the great joy of helping hundreds of families enjoy their dogs more by making sure they actually listen! It's been very rewarding along the way.I love teaching both dogs and people in our programs that help families with things like jumping, pulling on the leash and coming when they're calle...
ABCDT, Canine Behavioral Consultant
Deaf dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Lancaster, Depew, Alden, Elma, West Seneca, Amherst, South Buffalo
I am a ABCDT graduate of 2015
Canine Behavioral Consultant of 2017 and currently working on my BA in Animal Sciences. I'm a firm believer in continuing education and that one can never have too much knowledge.
I am certified and studied in ethology, canine body language and communication, and Pet First Aid & CPR .
As a disabled person myself I find in transparency with my clients th...
CPDT-KA, CPPS, FFCP, CCBC
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Depew, Elma, Lancaster, South Cheektowaga, West Seneca
I graduated in 1999 from Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I became a Certified Professional Pet Sitter through Pet Sitters International in 2018. In 2019, I obtained my certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. In 2020, I obtained Fear Free Animal Trainer certification. In 2021, I obtained Fear Free Pet Sitter Certific...
CPDT, ADT, FDM
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Buffalo & North Towns including Niagara County
My name is Kristen and I am the owner of Dogology WNY. In addition to being a dog trainer and behavior consultant, I am a licensed mental health counselor and have been working in this field for ~15 years. I have a BS in psychology and English from SUNY Geneseo and an MS in mental health counseling from Canisius College. For the past 10+ years I have been an active volunteer in local rescue. Th...
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Mandi has been working with dogs for the past 30 years. Her passion started at a very young age, and has continued to grow, along with her education over the years. She is also a member of the IPDTA (International Positive Dog Training Association). She has gotten multiple awards including the 'Most Humane Dog Trainer' in 2020.Mandi is ALWAYS studying and taking courses because she believes the...
Puppy training, Agility training
Alicia Barry comes to PDS with over 30 years of training experience.Whether working with her dogs or horses, Alicia's training philosophies embrace positive reinforcement, enrichment and family participation.Alicia is a self-declared Dog Behavior Nerd .she loves the science behind what drives the good (and naughty) behaviors in your dog. She works to educate the human part of the team as well, ...
Puppy training, Agility training
Lynn Reece Broderick is a member of The Pet Professional Guild, Supporting Member of the IAABC, and is an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. Lynn began her career in animal behavior in 1999 at the Erie County SPCA here in Buffalo NY, developing and directing the innovative Animal Behavior & Training Department, but left the SPCA May 2005 to start her professional pet training business, Pet Work...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
While Alyssa's love for animals originated from a young age, she truly embraced it after she graduated college when she began working at Pet Supplies Plus in 2015. Despite graduating with an Associate's Degree in Economic Crime Investigation, she knew quickly it wasn't the field for her and dove deeper into the world of animals. In 2017, thanks to her neighbor's beloved Great Danes, she disco...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Lauren and Max are lifelong animal lovers, and have always had a natural way with animals and dogs in particular. Before starting their careers in professional dog training and canine behavior consulting, Lauren was a graphic and web designer helping small businesses and start-ups, and Max was a research biologist and holds both an MS and PhD in ecology and behavior; they also spent over a deca...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
Kimberly began her dog training journey 12+ years ago, helping rescue dogs settle into their forever homes. As Kimberly's journey progressed, she found passion in all things dog behavior. Knowing how unregulated the dog training industry is, she wanted to stand out and give her clients the best there was available.
Kimberly became a member of the International Association of Animal Be...
In home training, Puppy training
Miss Karen GETS dogs. She knows what they're thinking, and she knows what they love and what they need to be their best. Karen has been an animal lover all of her life. She's always willing to spend a little extra time with a nervous kiddo to help them feel comfortable. She's passionate about helping every dog be the best they can be, and you won't catch her reinforcing any bad behaviors! K...
Off leash training, Puppy training
I have worked with animals my whole life, everything from tigers, cougars, skunks, ferrets, raccoons, hawks, owls, falcons, pigeons, parrots and almost any farm animal. But especially with dogs of all kinds, I don't think I had a day in my life that I didn't have one. Those who know me know how great my passion for dogs is, and know how passionate I am about positive and force free methods of d...
Puppy training, Agility training
Harmony Dog Training, (HDT), started in September of 2011 in Newfane, NY, when Karen moved from CT to live near close friends and family. She started her business as an "after 50" career and has been encouraged and proud of the people she as worked with since starting the business. Currently, Harmony Dog Training provides classes for Family Manners Obedience,
Breed Handling, Puppy ...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train
In 2008 I welcomed a Maltese puppy named Mojo into my family (he's the serious looking one on the right). My daughter was struggling with learning issues, and I was struggling to do everything I could to help her. I had hope that a dog would give her comfort, strength, and companionship and maybe gain confidence from training him. Well, I learned far more than anyone. Mojo came from a local pet...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
Stephanie has her Bachelors of Science degree in animal behavior, ecology and conservation with minors in anthrozoology, zoo biology, psychology and business from Canisius College. She has done internships at the buffalo zoo in the marine mammals department, a local dog daycare and the behavior department at the Erie county SPCA. The internship turned into a job in the behavior department, wher...
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Alex grew up always loving animals, living on a farm she quickly learned she wanted to spend her life helping and being around animals. Over the years Alex volunteered with rescues, worked in vet offices, went to veterinary technician school AND dental assisting school. Nothing seemed to click until she got her first dog, Fudge a bulldog who quickly started to excel at training. Alex realized t...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Lauren and Max are lifelong animal lovers, and have always had a natural way with animals and dogs in particular. Before starting their careers in professional dog training and canine behavior consulting, Lauren was a graphic and web designer helping small businesses and start-ups, and Max was a research biologist and holds both an MS and PhD in ecology and behavior; they also spent over a deca...
Puppy training
Crystal's career didn't begin in dog mediation or dog training. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth & Environmental Sciences. She is from western New York, and she traveled around and lived in the western United States for several years. Some of her employment included an Interpretive Park Ranger with the National Park Service, a Museum Technician in a paleontology lab, and running a ...
Puppy training, Agility training
Jeannine has been the owner of Canine Sports Complex, Inc. for the past 15 years. Recently she put together a group of top trainers and behaviorists, under the umbrella of Canine Complex & Friends. She acts as director of the group, as well as the head trainer and Behavior Consultant. Jeannine has a Master's Degree in Anthropology where she studied nonverbal communication. Jeannine's interests ...
In home training, Puppy training
Miss Mallory is the softie! She's the one most likely to sneak you a treat just for being cute, and she always has time for kisses and snuggles. Mallory volunteered at a No-Kill Animal shelter for 2 years before coming to Buffalo to pursue her passion for working with dogs. Now with over 9 years of experience in the animal care field, Mallory has discovered she has a special affinity helping o...
Puppy training, Agility training
As the founder and co-owner/operator of Ruff Relations, Vanessa Lee has nearly 18 years of dog training experience. She is a certified dog trainer, a certified Family Dog Mediator, a CGC/Trick dog evaluator, a certified pet care technician, and is trained in pet first aid & CPR. Vanessa gained most of her experience assisting classes with area dog trainers for nearly 3 years and later teaching ...
Board and train, Off leash training, Puppy training
Jay has a great love and passion for canines and, since age 10, decided that his dream was to work with dogs professionally. In college, he studied Psychology with a focus in the Human-Animal Bond. Jay has done dog training in shelters, with a service/therapy dog program for veterans, with border patrol and police K9s all which taught him a great deal about working with a wide array of breeds ...
In home training, Puppy training
Miss Victoria has been working in the Dog Daycare, Boarding, and Training field for over 13 years. She actually loves people as much as she loves dogs! Our resident extrovert, Victoria prides herself on helping the humans feel as comfortable about their kiddos staying as the dogs themselves are! Victoria loves to teach group training classes because she gets to help humans understand their do...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Dr. Leah Nettle earned her PhD. in Biology from SUNY Binghamton University focusing on animal behavior, ecology, and evolution. She studied the vocal communication of American Crows deciphering the contexts and functions of two crow calls. Before Binghamton University, Dr. Nettle worked as a veterinary assistant in a companion animal veterinary clinic. From 2014 until 2018, she worked with and ...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
Rachel, originally from Central NY, moved to Buffalo after obtaining her Bachelor's degree in Accounting and MBA at St. Bonaventure University. Throughout her life, she has always had a dog so about a year and a half after moving to Buffalo she got her first dog of her own, Quincy. Knowing Quincy, an Australian Shepard, would need a lot of mental and physical exercise she began looking online ...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Since founding Fetch n Catch in 2012 alongside his cousin Mallory, Dan has been dedicated to creating a safe, fun, and enriching environment for the dogs of Western New York. What started as a small operation has grown into Buffalo's largest pet care facility, employing over 50 dedicated staff members and caring for more than 200 dogs each day.Under Dan's leadership, Fetch n Catch has become a ...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Mallory Poirier is a co-founder of Fetch n' Catch and a passionate advocate for both dogs and the people who care for them. Mallory's journey began as a veterinary assistant over 15 years ago. Since then, she has become a driving force within the pet care industry, improving education and standards of care nationwide.At Fetch n Catch, Mallory's dedication to creating a safe and engaging environ...
Puppy training, Agility training
Danielle joined the team as co-owner/operator in June 2012. She obtained most of her dog handling experience assisting off-leash playgroups and helping with obedience classes and private lessons. It was not long before she realized that a career with dogs was in her future. In her free time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her own dogs - Maurice (a chihuahua/pug), Myrtle (basset hound), Bett...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
Chelsea holds a Master's Degree in Counseling & Human Development from St Bonaventure University and works at the University at Buffalo. She grew up with huskies and labradors & in the world of horse showing and training. Animals have always been Chelsea's special interest.
In 2020, Chelsea got "her" first dog, a little Shiba Inu named Hera. Hera had her first training session at 9 wee...
Board and train, Off leash training, Puppy training
Stationed in Afghanistan, Chris was covering the gate guard when a random dog approached. After giving the dog some Cheerios and water, the two became fast friends and were able to hang out together during the duration of his time on that post. After finishing his contract in the Army, he started out on his dog training journey with a dog daycare job where he was able to tap into his love of do...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
Noelle, a southern tier native, officially moved to Buffalo after completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Buffalo State College. While she enjoyed working in the design field for a number of years, something was missing. Her dog training journey began in 2011 with her first fearful rescue dog which led her to fostering and volunteering with a local dog rescue organization. These experien...
Puppy training, Agility training
Gina started her love of working with all kinds of animals as a volunteer at the Buffalo Zoo, and then as a zoo apprentice. She would educate the public about the animals in the zoo and talked about wildlife conservation.
Gina also has a fondness for farm animals, she has worked as a stable hand, owned a horse and loves riding.
Gina started volunteering at the Niagara County...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
Erin has been a dog lover her whole life and grew up with several family dogs. She adopted her dog, Bentley, in November 2019 and quickly became aware of his fearfulness and reactivity. Erin worked with Bentley on building his confidence and comfort in his environment and around other dogs. She became interested in agility classes as a way to continue Bentley's socialization and to build her...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Sami has been passionate about animals her entire life. She graduated from the University at Buffalo, with a BS in Environmental Science concentrating in Animal Behavior. She found her passion for training throughout her career working for and learning from some of the best trainers in the industry. Entering the field as a dog daycare attendant she quickly fell in love with the holistic and com...
Board and train, Off leash training, Puppy training
Tracy's childhood dog was a German Shepherd named Sarge, and as a quiet, shy kid, all of her time was spent with him! This is where her love of dog training began as well as horses, cats, the kitchen sink! Tracy began her professional dog training career as an apprentice at K9 Connection in 2015. In addition to being a AKC Canine Good Citizen Certified Evaluator, has completed the Canine Fitnes...
Puppy training, Agility training
Omar Zahzouhi or Uncle Omar as he's known by customers has over twenty years of experience in the fields of companion pet care and animal wellness services. He worked as both a receptionist and as an assistant at a number of veterinary practices in Los Angeles, Ann Arbor, Long Island, and Buffalo, including most recently at the Blue Cross Small Animal Hospital where he was given the honorary ti...
Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Puppy training in Buffalo, NY is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Puppy training, we received 341 total votes, resulting in 38 dog trainers who focus on Puppy training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Puppy training listed first.
Dog trainers for Puppy training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Dawn Spencer, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Puppy training in Buffalo, NY. Dawn Spencer’s favorite part of their job is: The final result, seeing the difference in behaviors. Training the people to help their dogs become a better citizen. Ensuring they won't become a part of the system of shelter life or rescues.
.
At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Dawn Spencer, as well as the other dog trainers on this Puppy training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog. Dawn Spencer encourages owners with this dog training tip: My number one training tip is to be patient. Each dog learns differently, some catch on quickly, while others take time. Dogs are a creature of habit, so being consistent helps them understand what we are asking.
.
Becoming a trainer was an easy decision, watching the transformation from day one until our session ends is my true reward. The love for Dogs pushed me to be the best I can be. Continuing my personal training along the way helps me help people and their dogs..
My number one training tip is to be patient. Each dog learns differently, some catch on quickly, while others take time. Dogs are a creature of habit, so being consistent helps them understand what we are asking., which is crucial for successful Puppy dog training training. Additionally, Tori Ganino recommends:
Consistency is key! Make sure that you are implementing the training in all situations and not just during formal lessons.for improving your dog’s behavior in Buffalo.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
So: Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (cars, bikes, skateboards, and other fast-moving objects are also common triggers) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling not only feels embarrassing for you — it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.