About Our Founder
and Our Methods
Tyler Muto’s career as a professional dog trainer began during his apprenticeship under master trainer Melissa Cocola of Positive K9 where he learned how to handle and modify the behavior of even the most severely aggressive dogs. Following this experience Tyler went on to enroll in the Animal Behavior College and earn his formal certification as a dog trainer. In 2008, Tyler went to the Sit Means Sit professional dog trainer school and became certified as a remote collar specialist, the first in New York State. Along with these two certifications, he is also a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and serves as the President for the International Association of Canine Professionals, one of the largest dog-professional organizations in the world. Tyler sold K9 Connection in 2022 and remains associated with the business offering his expertise as a training and behavioral consultant.
Just as there are many different ways in which people learn, there is no single training method that works best for all dogs. Different dogs require different training approaches. This is why at K9 Connection each and every training program is tailored to your individual needs. These programs integrate the most modern techniques from the schools of behaviorism, applied ethology, and dog psychology to create the optimum environment to facilitate learning and rehabilitation for any dog. However, regardless of methodology, all of our programs use praise and positive motivation as the cornerstone for success to ensure that training is enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Our Philosophy
K9 Connection was founded on the belief that the most important thing in dog training, whether it be obedience or behavior modification, is a healthy relationship between dog and owner. Many training difficulties and behavioral problems stem from an imbalance in this relationship. Consequently, our programs are structured around this aspect first- building better behavioral wellness for the human and canine relationship.
We recognize the dog as an individual and do not advocate any single training method or tool. Each dog must be evaluated individually before the most effective method can be determined. Our trainers are versed in varying styles of dog training, which makes our team capable of offering the most well-rounded and versatile programs in Buffalo. The effectiveness of communication between you and your dog, supersedes which type of collar or flavor of treat that you use. For this reason, our team helps dog owners to improve their body language, posture and vocal intonation to show them how to make their language match their intention.
We also understand that each person in the human/ canine relationship comes to us with a unique set of skills, perspectives and experiences. We strive to create a collaborative model of learning between the human client, the trainer and the dog.
“My methods are simple, logical, and they work. The idea is that once the relationship is balanced, and the communication is effective, the dog will become naturally obedient. Once you have achieved this state with your dog, the rest will come with far greater ease.”
– Tyler Muto
Experience
Our programs are the most comprehensive dog training and behavior programs in the Buffalo, NY area. We specialize in real world training and behavior modification, for those who want a well-mannered dog who listens every time, any place, with any distraction.
Our staff have made it their personal responsibility to become familiar with all the varying styles of dog training, which makes them capable of offering the most well-rounded and versatile programs in Buffalo.
Having a true love for learning also means that our staff continuously strives to better their techniques by furthering their education in animal behavior and the most current training protocols. This is why we regularly attend seminars, conference and enroll in online courses to endue that you are getting the most up to date training in the industry.