TESTMIMONIALS

Dennis:  I wanted to thank you for sending your book.  It is by far, the best book, I've ever read regarding dog training.  Even though I am the daughter of a veterinarian, I certainly found your class (and book) eye-opening and it certainly made me aware that "I" am the student.  I also realize that I must be a bit more consistent with my training.
Thank you again,
Jan Winters

Dear Dennis,
I wanted to take a moment to send you a note of appreciation.  I was at my wits end with our dog Gracie, even considering finding a new home for her.  She was so high strung, I was worried that she was so afraid of people that she would eventually bite someone.  After our first training session when you helped my understand how dogs think, it was apparent all of the mistakes we were making with both of our dogs.  What you told me made so much sense.  Immediately following your first visit, I noticed a huge difference in both Molly and Gracie.  Molly wasn't very happy about being "trained" after 3 years ruling her house, but she has begun to come around.  In such a short time, Gracie has done an about face.  Both dogs are so much more calm around people.  Our house is more peaceful, our dogs are happier and we are happier.  Our training continues and I continue to read and re-read your book.  It is a great resource packed with lots of valuable information.  Thanks for all of your help.  When we have mastered all of the skills we are working on, I look forward to having you back for an advanced training session.
Cindy Wilson
Lenexa, Kansas

Hi Dennis!!
Manny (and I) wanted to let you know that his puppy training class has really helped his behavior!  He's still working on the "stay" command... he can stay for amost a minute but his little Boxer brain won't let him focus much longer than that :)  And thanks to the great structure of the class, Manny get along great with all dogs he meets!  He even goes to a doggie day care once or twice a week to help get his energy out.  The classes were so helpful, and we don't have any issues with any of the things we worked on in class except occassionally the walking on a loose leash, but it's getting better by the walk.  We even practice "steady" while we're in the house.  We are having one issue I'd like to ask you about, just to check and see if it's normal or not... Manny has become quite a grass eating monster.  I've heard that dogs might eat grass if they have an upset stomach, but this doesn't seem to be the case as he eats it all the time (almost every time he goes outside) but he never vomits!!  I bought a citronella collar with a remote and was going to use that when he ate the grass to distract and redirect him, since he's over being bothered by the shake can.  I thought I'd check with you to be sure that would be a good idea before I did it. 

Thanks so much for helping us with Manny!!  He's a pretty wild dog... but that's a Boxer, right?  We really worked on Manny with the biting and not mouthing things and it really worked.  In fact, I've taken Manny to school with me a couple of times and he sits and lets the kids pet him without getting jumpy or cranky... pretty good for a 7 month old Boxer and it's all thanks to you!!  We really appreciate all of your help.  Thanks!!
-Hallie Pierce

I want to thank you for the help you gave us with Lucy. She is a completely different dog!

I can now walk her with no problem due to the Sporn harness, although getting it on her is a little challenge! We are both enjoying our evening walks and the exercise.

Shaking the metal containers filled with coins has worked like a charm with any bad behavior – it has even started to change her wanting to chase our cats.

She wants to please us and pays such close attention when we’re addressing her. It is just so cute. The next thing we’re going to work on with her is obeying us in a busy environment. She is still very easily distracted, but since she will do anything for a treat, I think it will be fairly easy.

I am finally enjoying having a dog. Thanks again!

Dennis,

Wanted to send you a quick note about Bella's progress (our's too!)

We are following the training with AMAZING results! She is following all of the commands with and without food reward. The citronella spray collar is awesome! She is at work with me right now in the kennels and no barking!

I can't thank you enough for our doggy and all the dogs you have helped, I am definitely spreading the word!

Christy U.

I wanted to thank you for teaching me the techniques necessary to get results. Following the one-on-one sessions, Allie has made serious progress. My biggest frustrations are becoming a thing of the past: she’s learning to check herself by sitting instead of jumping (on me and others) and has stopped gnawing on me as her way to play. The 'off' technique has proven worthwhile. The other day she stayed 'off' a treat for several minutes before I gave her the 'ok' command.

Allie is happier with boundaries and me interacting with her as a leader. Our day-to day life together is a joy, and I owe it all to you and your teachings.

Thanks again,
Amy & Allie

I want to give the highest recommendation for Dennis Bastian as a professional dog trainer. As a first time dog owner of an 8 month old Pomeranian I rescued from a shelter, I was the one who needed the training. Completing puppy classes was not only a bonding and trust-building experience for me and my puppy Audrey, but I have the peace of mind now that I have the control over her that I need to have in order to keep her safe in a variety of circumstances. We could not be happier with the results of the class; had I known the type of results I would see, I would gladly have paid twice as much for his training. Dennis is a true professional and his techniques are no-nonsense. Simply put, if you are willing to supply the consistency, Dennis will supply the wisdom you need to have a harmonious relationship with your dog.
Sincerely,
Emily and Audrey

We first learned about Dennis from other dog owner's we met when out with our new puppy. He is like Cher: a one-word name that every owner of well-trained dogs instantly recognizes. Dennis doesn't actually train dogs-he trains their people, and he does it in an enjoyable and understanding way. In just a few sessions he gave us the tools to make Toby the most well trained dog in the world-or at least in our neighborhood. What was important to us is he did this with positive reinforcement. We did not want to train by shouting and punishing our puppy. Dennis helped us to identify the innate positive behaviors that we could reward and channel training almost without Toby even knowing it was "work". We look forward to taking Toby back to Dennis for more advanced training once he is old enough.

MK

Dennis came to my house for 2 hours - within that 2 hours - I already noticed a change in my dog, Chloe. He gave me the tools I needed to eliminate her jumping on people and how to correct other bad behavior but then to reinforce her good behavior. The biggest challenge I had was walking her. She is a major puller. Dennis showed me how to CORRECTLY use the Gentle Leader and now we can take our long walks and actually enjoy them. She is like a different dog on a leash. I know using the tools that Dennis gave me, consistently, Chloe is on her way to be a greater dog than she already is. Thank you so much Dennis!!!!

Dennis is my uncle, and so who does family call when their dogs misbehave or are sick? We pick up the phone and call Uncle D.

Not that I'm writing this with a bias opinion or anything, but I happen to think he was born to be in this line of work. His passion and excitement for not only succeeding with pets but also succeeding with owners is absolutely contagious!

I'm the VERY proud owner of a rescued long haired Chihuahua named "BOO". Since Boo is such a doll and has such a loving demeanor, I found myself giving in to every bat of his big brown eyes. Uncle D. had to toughen me up a bit - he made me decide on a strict feeding schedule and stop giving him treats for every time he just looks cute. I'm tougher on Boo now, but I think he loves me even more for it!

This past year I had an incident where Boo was extremely sick. I almost took him to the emergency vet clinic but I decided to call Uncle D first. Not only is he an excellent trainer, but he also has a broad knowledge base of pet illnesses. At 3 o'clock in the morning, he didn't even hesitate. He asked me all of the symptoms and ended up giving me the EXACT same advice my vet gave me the following day, not to mention just calming me down and letting me know Boo was going to be alright. We are so blessed to have him as a part of our family so go ahead and make him a part of yours ~ he's absolutely fabulous!

I had the privilege of working with Dennis on an almost daily basis for over a year. During that time, I saw him help numerous owners take puppies from hyper and undisciplined to pleasant and well behaved over the course of just a few weeks. I do not hesitate to recommend his classes to my clients, and plan to take his class with my next puppy.

His years of experience really show when Dennis works with pets. He has a gentle logical approach that puts even nervous animals at ease. Dennis is one of the few people I would entrust with the care of my own animals.

Dr. SC

I have had the pleasure both personally and professionally for the past 6 1/2years. His reputation and experience speak for itself, especially after finishing one of his classes. The quality of the classes are successful because of the content and the attention to detail instead of a large number of dogs enrolled in a class he keeps it to a manageable level. Dennis has helped me numerous times with both my puppy and adult dog. People continue to rave about his classes even after they graduate from class. With over 17 years experience, Dennis truly does practice what he teaches, personally and professionally. Simply, he is the best.

Tammy Smith

Dear Dennis:
Thank you so much for your help. We feel very fortunate that Mack and Jack had the opportunity to benefit from your knowledge and skill. They continue to do well with their training and we think these little guys, with quite different temperaments, are on their way to becoming great adults.

Our very best wishes for your future endeavors.

Regards,
Dave and Cathy Anderson
PS. Regards to Mackinaw!

Dennis Bastian is the most professional and the most effective dog obedience trainer we have ever known. We first met seven years ago when our Dogue de Bordeux (Hooch) puppy joined Mr. Bastian's training class. Since our "puppy" grew to 140 pounds, obedience and socialization were critical. His puppy and owner lessons were integral to the maturation and socialization of all our puppies. 

Our dogs know the rules and so do we, making our home a more loving and peaceful place. Dennis has trained all our veterinarian's dogs. He swears Dennis has a bit of magic when it comes to his ability to reach out and train the "puppy brain."

We don't know if it's magic. But, effectively training a puppy and educating their owners to immediately bond, build confidence and trust each other speaks to his experience and maybe a bit of magic.  We are grateful this sort of talent is available to us in our own backyard! Please feel free to call us should you want more information.
Eleanor Marcus Callison

913-206-2748
dennis@confidentk9kc.com