Kasten’s Dog Training Inc

Kasten’s Dog Training offers structured programs for puppies and adult dogs. Puppy programs include Puppy Preschool and All-Star Program, focusing on socialization, potty training, and foundational commands. Adult dog programs include Manners Matter (basic on-leash obedience), Optimal Obedience (advanced commands and distraction training), Peak Performance (high-level skills), and Behavior Modification (for fear, aggression, reactivity). Programs are delivered in private or group settings, with options for intensive board-and-train sessions lasting 1–2 weeks. All programs include owner education to ensure consistency at home.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed; clients are encouraged to schedule a 1-hour phone evaluation to receive personalized program recommendations and associated costs.

Policies

Boarding and training services require adherence to vaccination policies and a completed owner information form. Cancellation and rescheduling policies are not explicitly stated on the website, but clients are directed to review Terms and Conditions on the Before You Arrive page.

Kasten’s Dog Training is a family-run business based in Bristol, Indiana, that provides professional dog training and boarding services to dog owners in Michiana. Founded by Steve Kasten over 15 years ago, the company specializes in helping dogs and their owners build trust and obedience through positive, motivation-based methods that emphasize leadership and communication. They offer a range of training programs for puppies, adult dogs, and dogs with behavioral challenges such as fearfulness, aggression, reactivity, barking, jumping, and leash pulling. Their programs include Manners Matter, Optimal Obedience, Peak Performance, and Behavior Modification, with specialized puppy preschool and all-star puppy programs. They also provide dog daycare, boarding, and board-and-train services in their dedicated facility. Their team includes certified trainers with hands-on experience in behavior modification and puppy socialization, and they focus on empowering owners with the tools to maintain progress at home.

They serve clients in Elkhart, St. Joseph, Marshall, Kosciusko, Lagrange, and Cass counties, and their facility is located just south of Bristol, Indiana. Training is conducted on-site at their controlled environment, and they offer both private and group lessons. They use praise, motivation, and play as primary training tools, avoiding harsh corrections. Their staff includes experienced trainers like Kylee, Trystan, and Logan, who specialize in working with fearful, shy, or reactive dogs. They also offer a 1-hour phone evaluation to help owners choose the right program.

In addition to training, they provide boarding services with vaccination requirements, kennel care, and daily enrichment activities. Their facility includes supervised dog daycare, and they emphasize safety, consistency, and personalized attention for each dog. They also offer refresher training for boarders and ongoing support for graduates.

Accomplishments

Steve Kasten, the founder, has over 15 years of experience in dog training and founded the business after being certified in obedience training and behavior modification at a renowned dog training school. The team includes certified trainers with specialized roles in puppy training, behavior modification, and kennel care. The business has grown from a home-based operation to a dedicated 2016 training center, serving hundreds of dogs and families.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin with a 1-hour phone evaluation with a professional trainer to discuss goals, assess the dog’s behavior, and receive personalized program recommendations.