Dennis and Mackinaw

Ask the Trainer! Got a question about training your pet? E-mail Dennis now!

Dennis Bastian - Trainer

Dennis is one of the Midwest’s premier dog/owner trainers. He has been training since 1992 and has taught over 6,000 classes. He uses positive reward based training techniques and teaches pet owners how to train their pets and to integrate these techniques into their daily routine. Strengthening the human animal bond should be the foundation of any good training program. He holds professional membership in the APDT and has been featured in several professional veterinary publications on training and behavior. His Golden Retriever “Mackinaw” has been featured on a Hallmark Card and has been in every class with him since he was 6 weeks old. Dennis and Mackinaw have participated in visitation programs at area hospitals, nursing homes, elementary schools, boy scouts, girl scouts and has made special appearances at other professional organizations in and around Kansas City. Private Consultations are available and Group Classes are always in session.

If you are looking for dog training classes
in the Kansas City area, give us a call.

We can help!

816.537.6626

Puppy Training Classes

Click here for our Puppy Class Photo Gallery!

Puppies need to be 10 weeks old and have their second distemper shot before they are eligible for class.

Classes are 5 weeks long and last one hour per week.

Classes cover topics such as housetraining, behavior shaping, biting, barking, chewing, digging, jumping up, trash raiding, etc., and all the basic obedience commands such as come, sit, down, stay, walking on a loose leash, etc.

Dennis uses all positive reward based training, with an emphasis on owner education. Dennis wants to teach you how to train your pet. You live with your pets and they follow your examples. Classes are fun, informative and puppies get 2 play sessions during each lesson.

The whole family in encouraged to attend. (Children under the age of 7 should be discussed with Dennis before attending).

Classes are held on Sunday afternoons at the clinic so call Dennis for class times and schedules.

Advanced Puppy Classes
These classes are designed for confidence building and getting better at the things learned in Puppy Training.

Only graduates of Dennis’s Puppy Classes are allowed to attend.

The classes are 4 weeks long and last one hour per week.

Topics covered are obstacles (going through a box, high jump, etc.) distance commands (getting you pet to comply to basic commands from a distance), strengthening the stay command, intensive no jumping up exercises, steady, wait at the door, and reaction to distractions. 2-play session will start and end each session.
Prerequisites are, successful completion of Dennis’s Puppy Class. Pets need to know sit, down, stay for 10 seconds, and the off command. They do not have to have mastered these commands but a healthy understanding of them. Questions? Ask Dennis.

Classes are held on Sunday afternoons.

Adult Training Classes
To be announced . . .

Private Consultations
For those who do not have time for classes, Dennis offers private training consultations. We can address a number of issues or target a troublesome problem particular to your situation.

Consultations are by appointment, so call the clinic and we can get you scheduled with Dennis.

816-537-6626