Today we’d like to introduce you to Sergey Astafyev
Hi Sergey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a deep connection with animals, especially dogs. My journey into professional dog training began in 2005 with my first Caucasian Shepherds- Flora, Marcel and Orleanna, which led me into the world of professional dog training/breeding and showing. They inspired me to pursue education through The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), where I became the youngest breeder-cynologist in the organization’s history.
After moving from New York to Austin, Texas, I deepened my knowledge by studying dog psychology at Duke University. In 2020, I founded Lone Star Dog Training and Care LLC, dedicated to positive reinforcement and human based techniques that bring out the best in every dog.
My French Bulldog, Ava, has been central to showcasing the true potential of her breed—proving they are more than just cute, farting companions- they are intelligent, strong, and capable of excelling as service dogs, therapy dogs, and even in agility sports .Thanks to her and the real transformations my clients see, my business has grown through word-of-mouth recommendations and social media, where my reels have gained over 100 million views.
At the heart of it all, my passion remains the same—understanding dogs and helping them reach their full potential.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has had its learning moments, but I have some insights that I believe could significantly simplify the experience for everyone. One key observation is the importance of educating dog owners about humane and effective training methods. Many owners start with the idea that they can train their dogs independently, which can sometimes lead to behavioral complexities down the line.
To address this, I propose a more proactive approach:
Mandatory Basic Training and Education: Encouraging or mandating basic training sessions and knowledge tests for new dog owners can ensure they are equipped with the necessary understanding of their dog’s breed-specific needs, behavioral tendencies, and how to manage them effectively from the start.
Early Intervention: By focusing on education and prevention early on, we can significantly reduce the incidence of behavioral issues. This not only benefits the dogs but also alleviates the stress on owners who might otherwise face a “package of problems.”
Consistency: I emphasize the importance of daily commitment to training. Consistency is key to success, and when owners understand this, both the owners and their dogs can thrive.
In practice, these insights have proven effective. For instance, in one case, introducing early training with a reactive dog not only corrected the behavior but also transformed the owner’s experience from one of frustration to enjoyment. This approach not only makes the path smoother for individual dog-owner pairs but also has the potential to elevate the standard of dog care community-wide.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
What I Do:
I specialize in a comprehensive range of dog training services, including obedience training, behavior correction, leash control, addressing reactivity and anxiety, and promoting socialization across all breeds and ages. My training programs are meticulously designed to foster genuine, long-lasting behavioral changes in dogs, strictly avoiding the use of aversive tools like e-collars or prong collars.
What Sets Me Apart:
My commitment to positive reinforcement and humane based techniques is unwavering. I recognize that every dog has a unique personality, and thus, I tailor my training to fit the individual needs of each dog and owner. Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, my method focuses on building a strong, communicative relationship between dog and owner.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
I take immense pride in my result-driven approach, focusing on proven methods rather than fleeting trends.. I’ve transformed countless dog-owner relationships, witnessing significant progress in both behavior and bond. My dog, Ava, who is just 21 months old, already knows 30 commands and is continuing to learn more, exemplifying the potential of any breed when given the right training. I challenge the misconception that owners of small breeds like Chihuahuas, Frenchies, Corgis, Pugs, Mini Doodles, Pomeranians, Maltese, American Eskimos, and others don’t need to train their dogs – it’s simply wrong. These breeds must be trained just like all others to be engaging, well-behaved companions that exceed expectations.
What I Want Readers to Know:
If you’re seeking a training program rooted in science and compassion, look no further. My services offer real, effective solutions for all your dog’s training needs, from basic obedience to complex behavior modification and structured socialization. I invite you to choose my training program for a personalized plan that will not only help your dog succeed but will also enrich your life together.
Choose my training program, and together, we’ll push the limits – making your dog not just better, but the best version of themselves.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Many people assume I only train French Bulldogs, but I actually work with dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments—from Great Danes to Chihuahuas. This allows me to create a customized approach for each dog’s unique needs. Additionally, I speak English, Russian, and Kazakh, and I’m currently learning Spanish, which helps me connect with a diverse group of clients.
On a more personal note, my first dog, a Caucasian Shepherd named Marcel, was a groundbreaking achievement in my journey as a trainer. He achieved the highest rank in the country for a working test, which is especially significant for a breed known for its guarding and aggressive tendencies. Marcel was the first dog in the breed to earn such a title, proving that with the right approach, even the most misunderstood breeds can excel beyond expectations.”
Another surprising aspect is Ava, my French Bulldog, who has become an ambassador for her breed. She challenges the common stereotype that French Bulldogs are just cute and quirky, proving they can be incredibly versatile and capable of achieving great things in both everyday life and specialized roles. Ava’s success has helped me shift how people see the breed, and it reinforces my belief that every dog, no matter their size or background, can excel with the right guidance.
Pricing:
- 2 weeks Board and Train package $3000
- Private lesson $150
- Online lesson $110
- Home Visit $250
- Socialization training $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lonestardog.club
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dog_training_austin/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dogs.Care.Austin
- Twitter: https://x.com/dogtrainertexas?s=21&t=EOTSkd8mFwwUSYcsoXH0Yg
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dog_training_atx
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dogtrainerusa?_t=ZP-8tysaChgnxm&_r=1
Image Credits
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