Meet Brett Endes of The Dog Savant in San Fernando Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brett Endes.

Brett, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up with Asperger’s syndrome, a high functioning form of Autism made social situations difficult for me. I was always more comfortable around animals than people.

As a kid, I brought home every pet I could find! From hamsters (we had over 100) to lizards, I spent hours watching my pets, analyzing what they were thinking and what it would feel like to be them. Out of all the animals though, dogs were the ones with whom I felt the most special connection. Around other people I would feel out of place. But I always knew where I stood with dogs! They were consistent and I could rely on their behavior(s). Because of this, there has rarely been a moment in my life where I have not had a dog by my side!

When I was in my late teens, I started a dog walking and pet sitting company back in the New York. However, I wanted to be able to connect with and help dogs on a deeper level so I apprenticed with a military dog trainer and learned everything I could about the craft of training dogs.

In order to understand the human end of the leash I earned my comparative psychology degree from the State University of New York. I have worked with 15,000+ dogs and their owners and is a canine problem behavior specialist to some of the most noteworthy celebrities and residents of Los Angeles.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Life has not always been easy. I went through childhood and most of early adulthood not understanding why I was different, and tried to force myself to act in ways others expected. I learned early on not to point out every behavior you observe in people or they will not like you. Dogs, on the other hand, thrive when you communicate to them that you recognize their patterns and try to empathize.

Because most “normal” people are afraid of connecting in this way I found myself lonely and struggling with both professional and personal relationships. It was difficult to maintain a traditional job because I tended to isolate myself from the “group mentality” of a traditional work environment.

I decided that if I wanted to be independent as an adult I had to figure out a way to work with dogs. Being resourceful, I made flyers for a dog walking service and went door-to-door handing them out. Despite the calls coming in, I was terrified that I had to interact with people to get hired.

As I had learned in corporate life, this was not my strong suit. Since I was desperate to be financially independent, I fought my doubts and went to visit my first potential client. Surprisingly I was not nervous at all! Having dogs around me and being able to talk about the one subject I’m fascinated with made me more comfortable than a late night talk show host! The dogs were the missing link to my severe work-related social anxieties.

Despite finding my “niche” there were still many challenges related to being the owner of a non-traditional business.

There have been many years of working seven days a week and sacrifice to get where I am. I always tell people, “Nothing makes you appreciative and work hard like having to sleep in your car in the dead of winter!”

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Dog Savant – what should we know?
Over 20 years ago, I founded my company. I specialize in training dogs and their owners to help them resolve their most severe behavioral issues such as aggression and anxiety.

I also offer puppy development programs, private individual training, Borden train programs, and group classes. I am the most proud of being able to help owners connect with their pets. Because animals are becoming increasingly more important as members of our family is in societies I feel it is a great honor and responsibility to be in the position I am! Being on the autism spectrum and having the unique life experiences with dogs allows me to address dog behavioral problems and training needs at the most specific root cause possible which taps into a dog’s natural instincts, level of awareness, and communication style. By teaching dog owners how to do this are able to restore the at times severed human/dog bond.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I give all the credit to the dogs. They have given me the life I live and have taught me lessons about myself, humanity, and the nature of all things.

Contact Info:

• Website: dogtrainingla.com
• Phone: 310-227-1424
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @thedogsavant
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/thedogsavant/
• Twitter: @thedogsavant
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/3haH6eK7aG
• Other: youtube.com/dogtrainingla

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