Michelle Marlowe-Director, MIGHTY MUTTS animal rescue organization
"Justin Silver has become an integral part of the animal rescue community as both a trainer and a man of compassion.
He has gone above and beyond to help rehabilitate some of the most difficult dogs suffering from issues ranging from aggression to separation anxiety.
As a man with four of his own animals, he has a keen sense of the relationship and balance that needs to exist.
On the philanthropic front, Justin has formed a relationship of "giving back" to the animal rescue community through his charity "FUNNY FOR FIDO". There are many people in New York who claim to be trainers, but I would highly recommend Justin above the others because he has a proven track record with my organization."
Sarma & Leon
" Im madly in love with my dog and so it's extra sweet to see how much Justin loves my boy too. Im an overprotective Mom but I know with Justin he couldnt be in better care. I was clueless when I impulsively adopted my 7 month-old puppy but Justin made it all okay, from getting me the right leashes and collars to hooking me up with the best pet insurance and local vet. Leon is beyond excited when Justin shows up every day to take him out with his pack, and then comes home and sleeps all afternoon. I have no idea how I'd manage without Justin. Hes the best. And his involvement with rescue organizations through Funny For Fido makes him a hero too."
Marni, Carly & Taxi
"Justin is more then just a "dog trainer/walker". He is a dear friend, nurturer, and loving care-giver to our dear dog, Taxi. Justin is the light of her day, something she really needs
because she is blind.
From the moment we told Justin about her disability, he showed the deepest care and support and taught her how to navigate the busy streets. He treats Taxi as his own, and is always willing to care for her overnight when needed. Animals are Justin's passion and we could not recommend him more strongly."
Jesse & Hailey with Zues and Petunia
Justin Silver is the canine Sigmund Freud. His ability to communicate with our dogs was like watching a magic trick. He was a patient and caring instructor with not just our dogs, but with my wife and I, taking the time to explain to us how we can understand our little monsters and what they needed from us to be well behaved beyond our expectations. Within fifteen minutes of leash walking our unruly puppy Petunia, Justin had her turning and trotting along side him like she was competing in Westminster. He not only helped train our dogs to be the best they can be, but he also trained my wife and I to be better dog owners. We have recommended him to every dog owner we know and will continue to do so to anyone who'll listen. We can't say enough great things about Justin's talent with any dog he meets.
Trish & Scott with Parker
"Justin has a great connection with animals and understands exactly why they sometimes act out. He is patient, kind, and compassionate.
After just two sessions with Justin, we were able to read our dog's behavior, address his needs, and create a better environment for him."
Brad & Stacy with Sara
Justin is a part of our family. When we were considering the adoption of Sarah, a long-term resident of Mighty Mutts, Justin was one of the first on hand to provide a consult of her personality and assessment of her ability to become a beloved member of our household. From that initial meeting, he has been steady in his support of Sarah … and us as her “parents.” He helped us give Sarah her first bath and has coached us all through issues of socialization, food and toy aggression, a fear of big trucks, and even a poke in the eye (darn those sharp branches). Justin has become a brother to us and we trust him implicitly. Whether we’re at work or away on travel, he and his team provide Sarah (his “princess”) the steady stream of love, care, and discipline that keeps her happy, socialized and a well-behaved member of our family.
Nicole & Ray
Ray was uncontrollable, I was zigzagging through the city with him pulling me and lunging and attacking everything in site. I gave up, thinking there was no solution to his behavior. Justin couldn't help but notice that we both needed training so he came over and within minutes, Ray was walking side by side with other dogs something he had never done. Justin pairs his knowledge of dogs with his love for them. He has also been so helpful when it comes having Ray stay overnight when Im away for the weekend. Ray has been a member of Justin's pack for 5 years and now even has a job helping Justin train other troubled dogs. I can't believe how far he has come under Justin's guidance.
Julie, Andrew & Lotte
"Justin and his associates are the best. We've used him as a dog walker and sitter since our puppy Lotte, was 14 weeks old.
He's flexible, professional, but most importantly, Lotte LOVES him. Before taking us on as a client, he felt it critical to come over to meet me and my husband, and wouldn't leave until he felt he had bonded with our puppy.
Justin's love for the dogs he cares for is obvious. He's great a matching sizes and personalities for his walks.
Justin is always our first call when we're planning an out of town trip. His guys stay in our apartment, so we feel at ease knowing Lotte is in her own environment.
We're sure that Justin's influence has helped shape Lotte into the
great dog that she is today"
Kelly, Lee & Petunia
"We met Justin while fostering the single most challenging dog we have had to date. She was incredibly difficult to handle around other dogs, as well having been abused. Justin was not only able to provide us with resources and training advice, but he gave us hope during what felt like an impossible situation. Petunia is thriving & now lives with a family and a pack of other dogs in upstate NY"
Joscelyn, Aaron & Mia, Izzy, Bailey & Sully
I feel very fortunate to have found Justin to care for our dogs.
Prior to him, the dogs were just running around our apartment all day going nuts and making a mess. Justin's daily exercise and training regimen were exactly what our dogs needed. They fell in love with him (and he with them) and we could tell instantaneously that they were happier dogs after just days of spending time with him. It was so nice to have someone that was reliable, and more importantly someone that truly loves animals to care for our dogs.
Jeannie, Sadie & Shadow
"Justin has been my dog trainer/pet sitter for over 4 years. His understanding of animals never ceases to amaze me. I have two beautiful rescues that were, at first very anxious to go outside and timid with other people. After working with Justin they now look forward to their walks and are very socialized with people and other dogs.
Justin is always responsible, trustworthy and most importantly a true animal lover. I don't know what we'd do without him."
Barb & Buster
"I sometimes think Buster loves Justin more then he loves me but what more could you hope for when someone is helping take care of the most important thing in your life. Justin helped me train my rescue pup 5 years ago and helped my turn my adorable yet very high energy dog into a sweet, calm, happy and loving dog. He literally smiles and wags his whole body when Justin walks in the door everyday to take him for walks. From daily walks, maintenance training and overnight stays Justin is truly one of the best things that has come into my life."
Bryana & Monkey
" Justins knowledge and understanding of dogs is impressive. His experience with pit bulls and advocacy for the breed inspired me to rescue one of my own.
When I rescued Monkey last fall, I was overwhelmed but working with Justin gave me the tools and confidence I needed to handle it. We have worked on areas such as prey drive, socialization and basic obedience. He also helped me to introduce her into a home with 2 cats which many rescue agencies I tried to contact would not approve. Thanks to Justin- we are all one happy family!"
Casper
Justin is a godsend! Justin trained my dog, Casper, for a couple of sessions and he is now walking Casper as well. For the first time in a long time, I'm actually not stressed out about walking Casper. He walks next to me like a good little puppy instead of pulling me all over place, and I think we both enjoy our walks so much more. In addition to his wealth of knowledge about dogs, Justin shows genuine love and care for them. I have complete confidence in entrusting Casper to him. Thanks, Justin! -Chris
Lorrie and Becket
"Justin has an uncanny ability to understand and communicate with dogs. As a trainer, he had tremendous patience -- with me, that is. For him, I am sure Beckett was the easy part! Justin always gave me the sense that training my dog was not an impossiblity. He made it simple and easy to understand; and I saw results immediately. Whenever I am told Beckett is a very well behaved dog, I know I owe it to Justin. I highly recommend him and would never ever consider using anyone else."
Michelle & Messi
"Justin told me to stop negotiating with my dog Messi & taught me to become a confident owner which in turn gave Messi the chance to be a happy & confident doggie. This confidence has completely changed my relationship with Messi & I now look forward to walking him & am no longer in a constant state of fear of how Messi will behave. Messi & I am eternally grateful to Justin."
David & Teep
As much as Teep was the best dog while in the house, he was a monster on the leash. I really didnt look forward to walking him and usually came home in a bad mood, because he was so unresponsive. After and hour with Justin, Teep and I became fast friends on the leash. Now I want to walk him everywhere and we are truly inseparable. I was a bit worried however, when Justin said goodbye after our first session, Teep wimpered and cried for about a half hour after. A testament to Justin's ability to communicate with animals.
Thanks Justin.
Oscar
Justin's guidance made a major effect on the dynamic between Oscar and I. He showed me how to be a loving, confident pet owner in a few short sessions and we are so grateful for his help! Oscar used to run the household but Justin showed us how to establish healthy boundaries that in turn made him feel more confident and us feel more in control. Everytime he spent an afternoon with Justin and the pack, we could see how much happier he was. He needed a little masculine energy, rules, and confidence and Justin was just the person for the job. His love for animals is obvious and endearing; I would recommend him to anyone looking for honest help with pets.
Nola & Presley
In our family, there was pretty much life before Justin, and life after. Had we not reached out to him, our Springer and Wheaton would have continued their double-whammy tyranny over our household. Our supposedly domesticated pets used to attack us when we entered our home, jumping and scratching and barking. They lunged at dogs on the streets, practically ripping our arms off. We feared
and resented our pets.
After two short sessions with Justin, and the ongoing relationship he has nurtured by walking them daily (with their posse of friends) we now have pets that respect us and bring us joy. Any little problem we encounter with the girls is corrected with Justin's firm but loving guidance. Of course, we have as much to learn as the dogs, and Justin advises us in the most non-judgmental fashion. He's our dog guru, and I think he genuinely loves them. When we are away, he takes them into his home and treats them as his own. Gotta love that!
Tony and Stella
"Stella was just 4 months old when she joined Justin's 'pack' for daily exercise walks. He has been in her life practically as long as I have, and I am truly grateful for all of the tender loving care and attention he gave her as a puppy -- and continues to give her as she grows up. Stella is a lovely, adorable, friendly and well-behaved companion, thanks in part to Justin's training and the enthusiasm/passion he has for dogs of all sizes and ages. I feel so lucky that we found Justin -- he's truly the BEST!"
Stephen with Rufus
To call what Justin does "dog training" is inaccurate. Justin did not so much train our dog as he trained my fiancé and I how to more effectively communicate with him and correct his problematic behavior. In only two short sessions, he effectively eliminated our boxer's issues with approaching people and other dogs by teaching us how to prepare for such encounters, how to spot a potential problem behavior before it occurred, and how to let Rufus know what behavior was expected of him. Our dog is still the same energetic affable goofball, but he walks on a leash like a gentleman now and we don't have the same anxiety approaching strangers or other dogs.
Stacey with Vinnie & Lucia
Justin is all heart. His compassion, warm personality and intelligent wit create a comfortable, fun and safe environment for the owners to learn 'The Language of Dogs' . I think the biggest and one of the most important things Justin taught me was how my own behavior is such an integral part of the dog's development. Justin is generous with his time, follows up and offers a wealth of information and knowledge. He has a genuine interest in the dog's development.
Mike and Lauren with Sauce
Justin is an amazing trainer with confidence and pizzazz that speaks to the dogs he is working with. Our man Sauce is doing great on walks and making progress in the friends department. We have learned so much ourselves from Justin; helping us to understand our own behavior and thus being able to better understand our dog and his needs better. We are growing together as a family and continuing to progress toward the better. Thank you Justin for all your tips, insight and support, we couldn't have done it without you!