The Art of Dog

The Art of Dog offers comprehensive training programs, primarily focusing on their Board and Train program and Private Lessons.

The Board and Train program involves dogs staying at their facility with professional trainers for an intensive period. This program covers “All Obedience On/Off Leash,” including Recall (Come on Command), Proper Walking Etiquette, Sit, Down, Place Command (Bed Stay), and General Manners (such as no jumping or counter surfing). The program is structured in stages:
1. **Beginning Stages**: Focuses on building a working relationship, trust, and introducing desired behaviors through luring and free shaping with food. It also includes communication through leash work, teaching dogs to respond to gentle leash pressure.
2. **Later Stages**: Introduces the e-collar for off-leash communication and reliability. Dogs learn to “remove” the e-collar stimulation by complying with commands, ensuring they understand it as a communication tool rather than solely a correction.
3. **Final Stages**: Involves “proofing” learned behaviors using the “three D’s”: Distance (practicing commands from afar), Duration (maintaining commands for extended periods), and Distractions (performing commands despite environmental distractions).

The Private Lessons, specifically the “Off Leash Foundation Package,” consist of five one-on-one sessions conducted at their Grand Island facility. These lessons aim to transform dogs into well-mannered companions on and off leash, covering advanced obedience, reliable off-leash recall, sit, down, and place, with an emphasis on maintaining these behaviors long-term. This package includes a prong collar and an E. Collar Technologies ET-300 Remote Collar. The business emphasizes that Board & Train is not a “one-stop, fix-all miracle” and that continued reinforcement by owners at home is crucial for lasting results.

Pricing Summary

The Art of Dog offers several training packages. A 3-Week Board & Train program costs $3,000.00, and a 4-Week Board & Train program is $4,000.00. Both Board & Train options are available with financing through Affirm Payment Plan, starting at $104/mo and $139/mo respectively, with 0% APR.

Their Off Leash Foundation Package, consisting of 5 private lessons, is priced at $1,050.00, also available with Affirm financing starting at $66/mo. Customized training plans have variable pricing based on duration of stay and specific goals. For existing clients, overnight boarding is $50 per night, and a 1-Week Refresher Stay for previous Board & Train clients is $1,000. Payment for private lessons is due in full when the dog is dropped off for their stay.

Policies

The Art of Dog maintains a strict no-refund policy for both private lessons and Board and Train programs. For private lessons, this policy is based on the trust required between the business and clients, expecting clients to continue working with their dogs outside of scheduled lessons. The policy is upheld even if a dog is re-homed or euthanized based on opinions not provided by The Art of Dog or its staff.

For Board and Train programs, deposits and payments are non-refundable. This policy is in place due to the limited availability of training spots, ensuring that clients are fully invested in the training, as reserving a spot prevents another client from utilizing it.

The Art of Dog is a highly-rated dog training business founded by Dave, dedicated to helping dog owners build strong relationships with their dogs. They offer intensive Board and Train programs where dogs reside at their facility, receiving extensive daily training from professional trainers. This approach is designed to achieve faster results and reduce stress for dog owners.

In addition to Board and Train, they provide private lessons. A core philosophy of The Art of Dog is to educate owners, not just dogs, by explaining the “why” behind training methods. After a Board and Train program, clients receive unlimited follow-up support for the lifetime of their dog, which includes phone/text access to trainers, a comprehensive “Go Home” lesson, unlimited follow-up lessons, and access to a private webpage with training videos.

The Art of Dog also offers client-exclusive overnight boarding services and a 1-week refresher stay specifically for previous Board & Train clients. They emphasize that a Board & Train program is not a “fix-all miracle” but rather provides dogs with new rules and expectations that owners must continue to reinforce at home. They aim to equip owners with the tools and knowledge to manage and mitigate behavioral issues effectively.

Accomplishments

The Art of Dog is recognized as “Buffalo’s Highest Rated Dog Training.” The founder, Dave, brings a background in education, having taught in the city of Buffalo for many years. He applies this experience to simplify complex dog behavior problems, making them clear and concise for dog owners.

How to Get Started!

To begin, potential clients are encouraged to contact The Art of Dog for an in-depth conversation. During this discussion, they will talk about the client’s ideal training goals, the dog’s current behavior and obedience level, and how the business can help achieve the best version of the dog within an appropriate timeframe. Clients can initiate this process by using the “Contact Us Now” links provided on the website.