Name: The Dog Savant
Address: 14320 Ventura Blvd Ste 746, Sherman Oaks, CA, 91423
Telephone: (310) 227-1424
Price range: $$
Rating: 5

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I don't often write reviews but every once in a rare while I encounter a person, product, or service so exceptional I feel I owe it to the world to get the word out. Brett is just such a find.... Read MoreI don't often write reviews but every once in a rare while I encounter a person, product, or service so exceptional I feel I owe it to the world to get the word out. Brett is just such a find. He has an astonishingly profound understanding of what makes dogs tick and how to fix problems that no other trainers will touch. We have a rescue dog with big aggression issues and Brett got right to the core of the problem, explained everything to us in comprehensible, accessible terms and gave us exercises to use to break bad habits and teach new positive behaviors. If you have a dog, you owe it to them and yourself to seek out Brett and finally understand what real dog training is all about. Highly, unequivocally, and unreservedly recommended! Read Less				
Jon Hoffman

We have used about 5 trainers to address our pit bull mix's aggressive behavior towards other dogs. We were unable to sustain a change with their methods over the last 2 years. He is a powerful dog and I was... Read MoreWe have used about 5 trainers to address our pit bull mix's aggressive behavior towards other dogs. We were unable to sustain a change with their methods over the last 2 years. He is a powerful dog and I was very concerned that we would never be able to be in public with him. After 2 sessions with Brett, we attended a class with 25 dogs!! I'm serious. It was incredible. Our dog was completely calm and walked safely in the pack with other dogs large and small. Our previous training encouraged mostly avoidance (which may work for some)  but Brett taught us how to intentionally and safely expose him and retrain his responses. Thank you Brett! We have learned a lot and highly recommend your training program. Read Less				
H S.

We’ve been very happy with the services Brett has provided! We have a 130lb Berner under a year old! Before coming to Brett, I tried several methods to train my dog, from things I read online to spending hundreds of... Read MoreWe’ve been very happy with the services Brett has provided! We have a 130lb Berner under a year old! Before coming to Brett, I tried several methods to train my dog, from things I read online to spending hundreds of dollars on trainers using the clicker-treat method, and 2 different harnesses per their recommendations. None of these methods were successful. My dog was more interested in playing than the treats, and no one promoting this bribery method, was willing to look at other options. I have a degree in brain behavior and cognitive science, I fully understand the theory behind the reward based training, and I agree it works for some dogs. But for us it simply wasn’t successful; our dog’s progress was very slow and inconsistent. While this seems like a minor problem, a 130lb dog bounding at people and other small dogs is alarming and frightening to people who don’t know he’s friendly! And sooner or later a 130lb cart pulling dog was going to pull me right into a face-plant. I was so relieved when we found Brett. Finally! Someone who focused on what motivates our dog, and was willing to implement some structure instead of trying to bribe him with treats he didn’t even want. We were able to focus on building respect and boundaries by being firm leaders/owners. Yes, Brett is passionate about what he does, and I personally appreciate that. He cares about our dog and wants to see us succeed, and sometimes that requires telling us when we’re doing something that doesn’t facilitate/promote positive behavior. I can’t tell you how many compliments we get on how well behaved my dog is for still being a puppy; something I NEVER heard before while we used treat-reward training. We’re very pleased with Brett’s services. He’s always flexible with our schedules, he offers free group training weekly, and he makes himself available if we have questions/concerns. Read Less				
Aimee E.

Brett trained me and my boxer mix puppy. What we learned has been invaluable. She is still young and full of energy but our experience with Brett has definitely made walks and socialization better. He taught me that consistency is... Read MoreBrett trained me and my boxer mix puppy. What we learned has been invaluable. She is still young and full of energy but our experience with Brett has definitely made walks and socialization better. He taught me that consistency is key. We did our sessions at home, workplace, parks, outside of a coffee shop and around heavy pedestrian traffic, the hardware store, and at group training at the park. Many of the training and corrections were needed on my part, the human! I highly recommend him. Read Less				
Ang T.

I started seeing improvements in my dog's behavior after just one private session with Brett.  The main issue I was having with my dog was his overexcitement, which translated to pulling on the leash, jumping up on people, being... Read MoreI started seeing improvements in my dog's behavior after just one private session with Brett.  The main issue I was having with my dog was his overexcitement, which translated to pulling on the leash, jumping up on people, being unable to relax when I was interacting with other people (i.e. getting coffee with a friend), etc.  Brett taught me several techniques that quickly corrected many of these problems and also taught me to better understand my dog and his needs.  It is clear that Brett is passionate about dog training and understands dogs well.  He is also extremely professional and was always on time to our sessions, if not a few minutes early.  I would highly recommend hiring him as a trainer. Read Less				
Carolyn Small

I can't say enough great things about Brett and his training methods! I'm so glad I found him. My dog, Nigel, had severe separation anxiety and was very reactive on the leash. The methods that once worked with a previous... Read MoreI can't say enough great things about Brett and his training methods! I'm so glad I found him. My dog, Nigel, had severe separation anxiety and was very reactive on the leash. The methods that once worked with a previous trainer who utilized positive reinforcement only, just weren't working anymore. Brett has taught me so much so I stay in control of situations. Nigel is now fully crate trained and is relaxed when I leave the house. We're still working on his reactivity, but he's improved so much! Brett has been so great at teaching me what to look for in my dog before he ever gives "typical" reactive signals so I can correct his behavior before he reacts. When I've had a question outside of a training session, Brett is so quick to text me back and coach me through. One of my favorite things is the weekend meet-ups/group training sessions for current and past clients and the network of other dog owners I've met through it. Would definitely recommend Brett and his training methods to any dog owners! Read Less				
Stephanie K.

I went through 3 trainers before finding Brett. Brett is the real deal, his methods give structure to a dog's life and there's no gimmicks. If you don't want to put in the work yourself, don't call Brett. He needs... Read MoreI went through 3 trainers before finding Brett. Brett is the real deal, his methods give structure to a dog's life and there's no gimmicks. If you don't want to put in the work yourself, don't call Brett. He needs to train you just as much as you need to train your dog. But if you actually want to correct your dogs behavior or anxiety or socialize your dog properly into the world then you need to stick to what Brett says, put the work in for a few months and then you'll have a true companion for life.

Brett loves dogs, you can tell he genuinely cares about them. He's great with communication, reliable, always answers you and genuinely wants your dog to be the best version of dog he can be. If you start working with Brett, just trust him. He's seen it all, trained every type of dog. He knows exactly what your dog needs to succeed. 

The best part about Brett is he's practical he understands your lifestyle he understands you're busy or that your living arrangement is X or Y and your dog needs to be built up for that type of setting.

We tried other trainers who literally had us make bark sounds at the dog, use the pet corrector spray can, stuff his face with treats, we even had a trainer tell us "it's just the type of breed, he's going to bark". Brett solved that by giving our dog structure so now he's content and calm but it takes a lot of work to get there. Thanks again Brett. I wish I had known about you sooner! Read Less				
Joel A.

I started working with Brett as I have a sassy dachshund / beagle mix and a pit mix who has problems with leash aggression.  I had worked with other trainers in the past for the leash aggression specifically and... Read MoreI started working with Brett as I have a sassy dachshund / beagle mix and a pit mix who has problems with leash aggression.  I had worked with other trainers in the past for the leash aggression specifically and found that none of the methods proved to be effective.  I was introduced to Brett through a few friends who were also clients of his.  

After our first initial meeting, I was completely sold as he was exceptionally knowledgeable on pups and their various problems.  We worked together for months and each session the pups and I would work on new skills.  There's no doubt I needed to put work in with the pups in between sessions, but it truly paid off in every sense of the word.  Not only is he great at training your dogs, he trains you as well!

Because of Brett, we are able to do hikes and long walks knowing that I can control any situation presented.  I am so beyond grateful for our one- on-one classes, but I also love that he sets up group sessions for all clients free of charge.  The best part is, we are all able to work with dogs of various breeds in a social setting and there is no judgement should a pup have a slip up.  He has created a really nice community of people!  I could not recommend working with him enough!! Read Less				
Rachel R.

Brett is the BEST dog trainer I have ever met! If you have a more difficult/challenging pup, or you want to train your dog the “right” way…Brett is your man!!!” I can’t say enough great things about him. Worth every... Read MoreBrett is the BEST dog trainer I have ever met! If you have a more difficult/challenging pup, or you want to train your dog the “right” way…Brett is your man!!!” I can’t say enough great things about him. Worth every penny spent and then some! P.S. the weekly group classes are priceless. Thank you Brett…our little Lati girl thanks you too. Read Less				
Joy B.

Check out our reviews on Yelp!

I had to move out of my home unexpectedly.  Sean was available at a moment’s notice and his team was professional and efficient.  They made a horrible task possible.  Their rates were the best and it was... Read MoreI had to move out of my home unexpectedly.  Sean was available at a moment’s notice and his team was professional and efficient.  They made a horrible task possible.  Their rates were the best and it was worth every cent. Thanks guys. Read Less				
Laura Colvin

Brett came to our house for a ninety 90 minute session to help us with our two year old Shaffordshire Terrier/Dalmatian mutt mix.  Scout had started getting aggressive with delivery people and other visitors to the house, as well... Read MoreBrett came to our house for a ninety 90 minute session to help us with our two year old Shaffordshire Terrier/Dalmatian mutt mix.  Scout had started getting aggressive with delivery people and other visitors to the house, as well as too aggressive on walks.  In 90 minutes, Brett gave us easily to understand and remember and use guidelines and instruction that made an immediate difference.  His methods training us owners were straightforward, easy to understand and easy to follow.  he also gave us an email with links to the equipment he recommended, making it so easy to purchase.  Brett was a game changer for us and for our little man!!! Read Less				
mike vollman

Brett has changed our dog world and is the best trainer for us and our very smart puppy Dobby! Give him a call so you can find that joy in a great companion dog!				
Margot W.

We’ve been very happy with the services Brett has provided! We have a 130lb Berner under a year old! Before coming to Brett, I tried several methods to train my dog, from things I read online to spending hundreds of... Read MoreWe’ve been very happy with the services Brett has provided! We have a 130lb Berner under a year old! Before coming to Brett, I tried several methods to train my dog, from things I read online to spending hundreds of dollars on trainers using the clicker-treat method, and 2 different harnesses per their recommendations. None of these methods were successful. My dog was more interested in playing than the treats, and no one promoting this bribery method, was willing to look at other options. I have a degree in brain behavior and cognitive science, I fully understand the theory behind the reward based training, and I agree it works for some dogs. But for us it simply wasn’t successful; our dog’s progress was very slow and inconsistent. While this seems like a minor problem, a 130lb dog bounding at people and other small dogs is alarming and frightening to people who don’t know he’s friendly! And sooner or later a 130lb cart pulling dog was going to pull me right into a face-plant. I was so relieved when we found Brett. Finally! Someone who focused on what motivates our dog, and was willing to implement some structure instead of trying to bribe him with treats he didn’t even want. We were able to focus on building respect and boundaries by being firm leaders/owners. Yes, Brett is passionate about what he does, and I personally appreciate that. He cares about our dog and wants to see us succeed, and sometimes that requires telling us when we’re doing something that doesn’t facilitate/promote positive behavior. I can’t tell you how many compliments we get on how well behaved my dog is for still being a puppy; something I NEVER heard before while we used treat-reward training. We’re very pleased with Brett’s services. He’s always flexible with our schedules, he offers free group training weekly, and he makes himself available if we have questions/concerns. Read Less				
Aimee E.

When our Jack Russell Terrier was still a puppy, we began to walk her on a leash outside. She would stop and yank, refusing to move, and no matter what we did she acted like she didn’t want to walk... Read MoreWhen our Jack Russell Terrier was still a puppy, we began to walk her on a leash outside. She would stop and yank, refusing to move, and no matter what we did she acted like she didn’t want to walk with us. This was disheartening because the big reason we got a dog was to have a walking or jogging buddy! We took her to Brett for a consultation. He told us that our puppy didn’t trust us, so she was freezing up on walks. We needed to earn her trust. We went through a 6-session training program with Brett and solved the problem! Not only did Brett show us the way to earn our dog’s trust by demonstrating our leadership, but he showed us how to get her to sit, stay, and come on call. Our dog is very stubborn, but Brett’s methods worked the first time and ever since. She is not the hyper, anxious dog she may have been if we didn’t establish our leadership and inspire her calmness. She is such a good dog. People are AMAZED at how calm, happy and content our JRT is! Read Less				
Margeret E.

I took my “troubled” dog to Brett after thoroughly researching dog trainers in the area. I have been very happy with the results! Not only has my dog been learning, but I have as well. I have a better understanding... Read MoreI took my “troubled” dog to Brett after thoroughly researching dog trainers in the area. I have been very happy with the results! Not only has my dog been learning, but I have as well. I have a better understanding of the dog world and my dog better understands what I want from him. I have tried many trainers over the last few years, my family loves our dogs, and Brett gets results that I have not seen equaled. I appreciate his years of study, his dedication and his straight talk. Read Less				
Vicki P.

Brett is the BEST dog trainer I have ever met! If you have a more difficult/challenging pup, or you want to train your dog the “right” way…Brett is your man!!!” I can’t say enough great things about him. Worth every... Read MoreBrett is the BEST dog trainer I have ever met! If you have a more difficult/challenging pup, or you want to train your dog the “right” way…Brett is your man!!!” I can’t say enough great things about him. Worth every penny spent and then some! P.S. the weekly group classes are priceless. Thank you Brett…our little Lati girl thanks you too. Read Less				
Joy B.

We have made huge strides working with our dog Boomer (big strong Mutt mix!) thanks to Brett and his training regime. Before Brett we had trouble controlling Boomers reactions when encountering other dogs on leash (or when he saw rabbits,... Read MoreWe have made huge strides working with our dog Boomer (big strong Mutt mix!) thanks to Brett and his training regime. Before Brett we had trouble controlling Boomers reactions when encountering other dogs on leash (or when he saw rabbits, squirrels, etc…)." "We have seen significant improvements thanks to Brett who has really helped US better understand what the dogs are thinking and to counteract the dogs reaction by anticipating what they are thinking. GREAT TRAINING METHODS, YOU WON’T FIND A BETTER TRAINER THAT IS DOWN TO EARTH. He’s funny too. Read Less				
Kristin, Barrett, & Boomer from Colorado

I can't say enough great things about Brett and his training methods! I'm so glad I found him. My dog, Nigel, had severe separation anxiety and was very reactive on the leash. The methods that once worked with a previous... Read MoreI can't say enough great things about Brett and his training methods! I'm so glad I found him. My dog, Nigel, had severe separation anxiety and was very reactive on the leash. The methods that once worked with a previous trainer who utilized positive reinforcement only, just weren't working anymore. Brett has taught me so much so I stay in control of situations. Nigel is now fully crate trained and is relaxed when I leave the house. We're still working on his reactivity, but he's improved so much! Brett has been so great at teaching me what to look for in my dog before he ever gives "typical" reactive signals so I can correct his behavior before he reacts. When I've had a question outside of a training session, Brett is so quick to text me back and coach me through. One of my favorite things is the weekend meet-ups/group training sessions for current and past clients and the network of other dog owners I've met through it. Would definitely recommend Brett and his training methods to any dog owners! Read Less				
Stephanie K.

This review is going to be so bubbly that you might think it is fake, but I assure you it's not.  

Brett took a massive problem our dog was having with leash reactivity and turned it around overnight. ... Read MoreThis review is going to be so bubbly that you might think it is fake, but I assure you it's not.  

Brett took a massive problem our dog was having with leash reactivity and turned it around overnight.  I cannot tell you how grateful we are for the simple tools he gave us to create this positive change in our dog.  It's like a having a different dog.  

Furthermore (unlike many dog trainers in LA), he is not JUST training with treats. He is giving you the skills to solve the issue with or without treats.  This is massive as you won't have to walk around with a bag of treats for the rest of your life and you won't have to stress when you dog is too anxious to pay attention to the treats anyway.

There is always more work to do, but he got us (almost instantly) 95% of the way there.  Absolutely worth every single dollar.  

Hire him. He is legit. Read Less				
Jeff G.

We got a small dog with some serious barking issues and aggression toward other dogs. Group classes didn't help as he was not behaved enough to join. Brett was awesome and worked with us to get our little guy Max... Read MoreWe got a small dog with some serious barking issues and aggression toward other dogs. Group classes didn't help as he was not behaved enough to join. Brett was awesome and worked with us to get our little guy Max into a better calmer state of mind. He pushed us to do the work we needed to do. We now know how to handle him on walks and with other dogs, and he is so much better. I don't have to have that dread anymore on walks when we come across another dog. Thank you so much, Brett! Read Less				
Tracy L.

I went through 3 trainers before finding Brett. Brett is the real deal, his methods give structure to a dog's life and there's no gimmicks. If you don't want to put in the work yourself, don't call Brett. He needs... Read MoreI went through 3 trainers before finding Brett. Brett is the real deal, his methods give structure to a dog's life and there's no gimmicks. If you don't want to put in the work yourself, don't call Brett. He needs to train you just as much as you need to train your dog. But if you actually want to correct your dogs behavior or anxiety or socialize your dog properly into the world then you need to stick to what Brett says, put the work in for a few months and then you'll have a true companion for life.

Brett loves dogs, you can tell he genuinely cares about them. He's great with communication, reliable, always answers you and genuinely wants your dog to be the best version of dog he can be. If you start working with Brett, just trust him. He's seen it all, trained every type of dog. He knows exactly what your dog needs to succeed. 

The best part about Brett is he's practical he understands your lifestyle he understands you're busy or that your living arrangement is X or Y and your dog needs to be built up for that type of setting.

We tried other trainers who literally had us make bark sounds at the dog, use the pet corrector spray can, stuff his face with treats, we even had a trainer tell us "it's just the type of breed, he's going to bark". Brett solved that by giving our dog structure so now he's content and calm but it takes a lot of work to get there. Thanks again Brett. I wish I had known about you sooner! Read Less				
Joel A.

This review is long overdue and I really don't know why I haven't posted sooner. I also want to say I could never have posted and I'm sure in reality it wouldn't make a huge difference, but the fact is... Read MoreThis review is long overdue and I really don't know why I haven't posted sooner. I also want to say I could never have posted and I'm sure in reality it wouldn't make a huge difference, but the fact is this training is still positively impacting my family, so I thought about this once again and had to post. I was a client years back with an adopted pit bull from the shelter and a shih tzu. My pit bull was a young full grown dog and mouthing really bad, even snapping. Today my children feed my dog, he does not mouth at all, walks straight into his kennel, has order and coexists beautiful in our family. We had small children and training was important to us. To this day we are still using what Brett instilled in us, the pet owners. It really has a lot to do with our own behaviors. Thank you Brett! Your training is still appreciated years later. Read Less				
Krystal N.

My husband and I adopted a 2 1/2 year old Jackapoo, Val, at the beginning of covid. She came with some pretty bad leash reactivity. We tried 2 other trainers before Brett and saw little to no improvement. We have... Read MoreMy husband and I adopted a 2 1/2 year old Jackapoo, Val, at the beginning of covid. She came with some pretty bad leash reactivity. We tried 2 other trainers before Brett and saw little to no improvement. We have now been working with Brett for 2 weeks and it is night and day. We can now take her to the park and even out to eat and she is a calm dog. I can not thank Brett enough for literally changing our lives! Read Less				
Isabelle S.

We have used about 5 trainers to address our pit bull mix's aggressive behavior towards other dogs. We were unable to sustain a change with their methods over the last 2 years. He is a powerful dog and I was... Read MoreWe have used about 5 trainers to address our pit bull mix's aggressive behavior towards other dogs. We were unable to sustain a change with their methods over the last 2 years. He is a powerful dog and I was very concerned that we would never be able to be in public with him. After 2 sessions with Brett, we attended a class with 25 dogs!! I'm serious. It was incredible. Our dog was completely calm and walked safely in the pack with other dogs large and small. Our previous training encouraged mostly avoidance (which may work for some)  but Brett taught us how to intentionally and safely expose him and retrain his responses. Thank you Brett! We have learned a lot and highly recommend your training program. Read Less				
H S.

I highly recommend Brett and am happy to share our experience working with him.

We found Brett online about 5 years ago when we were looking for a trainer to help with our dog who had growing separation anxiety. After an... Read MoreI highly recommend Brett and am happy to share our experience working with him.

We found Brett online about 5 years ago when we were looking for a trainer to help with our dog who had growing separation anxiety. After an initial consultation, we hired Brett for 6 sessions, and were able to include our puppy for no additional charge. Brett is intuitive, knowledgeable, and a really good teacher. Brett "warned" us that he was going to spend as much time training us as our dogs. I saw pretty quickly that I hadn't been telling and showing our dogs what I expect of them, which left them to make their own decisions and made them really anxious. We've since hired Brett to train two other dogs, and have recommended him to friends. Brett also has free Saturday group training sessions for his current and former clients. Read Less				
Lisa C.

Brett trained me and my boxer mix puppy. What we learned has been invaluable. She is still young and full of energy but our experience with Brett has definitely made walks and socialization better. He taught me that consistency is... Read MoreBrett trained me and my boxer mix puppy. What we learned has been invaluable. She is still young and full of energy but our experience with Brett has definitely made walks and socialization better. He taught me that consistency is key. We did our sessions at home, workplace, parks, outside of a coffee shop and around heavy pedestrian traffic, the hardware store, and at group training at the park. Many of the training and corrections were needed on my part, the human! I highly recommend him. Read Less				
Ang T.

I started working with Brett as I have a sassy dachshund / beagle mix and a pit mix who has problems with leash aggression.  I had worked with other trainers in the past for the leash aggression specifically and... Read MoreI started working with Brett as I have a sassy dachshund / beagle mix and a pit mix who has problems with leash aggression.  I had worked with other trainers in the past for the leash aggression specifically and found that none of the methods proved to be effective.  I was introduced to Brett through a few friends who were also clients of his.  

After our first initial meeting, I was completely sold as he was exceptionally knowledgeable on pups and their various problems.  We worked together for months and each session the pups and I would work on new skills.  There's no doubt I needed to put work in with the pups in between sessions, but it truly paid off in every sense of the word.  Not only is he great at training your dogs, he trains you as well!

Because of Brett, we are able to do hikes and long walks knowing that I can control any situation presented.  I am so beyond grateful for our one- on-one classes, but I also love that he sets up group sessions for all clients free of charge.  The best part is, we are all able to work with dogs of various breeds in a social setting and there is no judgement should a pup have a slip up.  He has created a really nice community of people!  I could not recommend working with him enough!! Read Less				
Rachel R.

Brett is one cool dude! Whenever I get a new dog, he is my go to guy for any dog training and animal behavior advice.				
Eric Roberts, Actor

We've tried several trainers and have found Brett's balanced training the most effective for our dogs. Our new dog was integrated into our home with our older dog and cat within a few weeks thanks to his place training.

I love... Read MoreWe've tried several trainers and have found Brett's balanced training the most effective for our dogs. Our new dog was integrated into our home with our older dog and cat within a few weeks thanks to his place training.

I love the bi-weekly group classes and pack walks that he offers to his clients. Read Less				
Daryl S.

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