Sergey Astafyev, the owner and trainer behind Lone Star Dog Training and Care, came to dog training through an unusual path. According to his site, he started a kennel in 2010 breeding Caucasian Shepherds, a notoriously challenging breed, and competed with his dogs in shows and agility. He describes his dogs earning national champion and Best of Breed titles, and notes that over 100 puppies from his kennel passed a canine temperament test he considers uncommon for the breed. He identifies himself as a cynologist and claims experience working with more than 200 different breeds.
The business operates out of Round Rock with a home-based approach. Boarding and training dogs stay in Astafyev's home in what he describes as a cage-free environment, with enrollment limited to five dogs at a time. Private lessons take place at local parks, Old Settlers Park and Rattan Creek Park, rather than an indoor facility.
Their site states the training philosophy centers on positive reinforcement through praise and treats, with no use of e-collars or prong collars. Programs cover standard obedience commands paired with hand signals, along with behavior work addressing aggression, anxiety, reactivity, and leash issues. Astafyev also mentions experience rehabilitating shelter dogs with trust problems and working with breeds he describes as stubborn, including French Bulldogs. Each program is described as tailored to the individual dog's temperament.
