Are you a fan of my training style, but can’t travel to Kentucky to see me in person? No worries! I offer an awesome online dog training course, which includes access to an array of exclusive videos and content, personalized coaching, journaling, and in-depth mentoring and evaluation by yours truly! If you just need some an advice or have a couple questions you need answered, I also offer professional consulting by the hour. Both of these great services can be found here: www.KentuckyCanine.com Thank you all for your remarkable support over the years! I cannot express enough how grateful I am for your appreciation and patronage of this channel, my training style, and my kennel. Always remember, it’s a great day for a puppy-sized adventure!

It’s tricky living in the age of feelings over facts. It helps to have people like Uncle Stonnie preaching the truth.

Thoroughbred race horse trainer here. I have the absolute top of the line professional respect for Stonnie - up one side and down the other. I understand what he does, I understand where he does it, I have an understanding of both his client base and his detractors. dare say we may very well share an understanding about why we both do what we do, in a parallel industry. In my world it's to prevent harm - by well-meaning people, to well-meaning people. I have parallel experience as a professional trainer, licensed in five states, working in the field 24/7 with a client base that can't possibly understand the day today skill sets one needs to possess to produce an acceptable product. I do this without getting hurt or killed in the process - and also while keeping my owners safe, my help safe, my other animals safe, and any visitor to the farm safe. I just sold my farm, in Paris, Kentucky. I raised, raced, trained, and rehabbed Thoroughbreds for clients for well over 30 years.These clients had varying goals, expectations and understandings about thoroughbreds - because they are not trainers. Stonnie Dennis is the kind of trainer I would want - because my own training methods are much the same - granted I train a prey species rather than a predator species, and a 1200 pound animal rather than a 90 lb animal. Regardless it's the same language. The methods and mindset are so similar, with the same amount of attention to discipline, consistent expectation of outcome, compassion, respect, and - yes - love. Anybody who watches Stonnie with his labs knows how much they tickle him. The best thing you can do for a dog, or a horse, is to train them to be good citizens in any situation. I think Stonnie is one of the best I've ever seen. Any of these tick tock trainers who use treats, endless distraction, inappropriate praise, water guns, and other nonsense, are at best well intentioned; at worst, spreading dangerous and ineffective technique. Dogs and horses respond to hierarchy - the second the power dynamic shifts out of your favor, your animal no longer pays attention to you - and the consequences can range from not instantly recalling and then getting hit by a car, to being under socialized, and then responding to an incoming child by biting it in the face. These are the behaviors that Stonnie Dennis works on everyday, to prevent, when he takes dogs into his program. Get off his back. He's the best I've ever seen.

KZfaq is full of know-nothing, never-doers who think they know more than you. My GSD became leash reactive to other dogs when we went out after not getting out at the beginning of Covid. I used your advice on exercising her before we went out. We were able to get closer and closer over time. Now we can walk right past another dog on the sidewalk. She looks hard but doesn’t react. That one piece of advice was huge.

The demeanor of that dog is totally different. The idea of having mentor dogs is brilliant. I'm impressed.

The relationship of exercise to anxiety and how either one takes place of the other is 100% true!! I have a beautiful black lab that is 17 months old. We got him at 10 months old who was very timid and would cower due to his extreme anxiety. The worst I've ever seen. Spent a month with us, socializing and he got better. The following months he went to two separate trainers who spent 2 months each with him and sent him back to us saying he has no hope and will never retrieve. Well, I spent a month with him, mostly laying on the ground just to get him comfortable with me. Literally laying still until he was laying with me. The l progressed to sitting on my butt, to kneeling, then standing. I did this everyday. This is what it took to get this pup to trust me enough to start obedience and retriever training. 3 months later, he is retrieving doubles and triples, blind marks, you name it! Everyday was a trip to different hardware stores and pet friendly places, nature walks, dog parks. Every. Single. Day. Exercised daily and saw his anxiety drop little by little. Now, he walks confidently and proud with his tail straight like the lab he was supposed to be walking up to strangers with zero issues. He's definitely going to make a great retriever for us. Certainly one of the best labs I've had. It wasn't his fault he was locked up in a small backyard with zero exposure to anything but food for the first 10 months of his life. I 100% agree with you Stonnie!!

When I fostered puppies, I watched your videos over and over, then I practiced your methods with the puppies at LEAST three hours a day. When they went to a rescue in Wisconsin for adoption, they said the puppies were the best trained pups they’d ever seen. One was sought after by a therapy dog organization. That’s thanks to you Stonnie.

You're spot on as usual. So many 'protection dog' owners put their dogs in a crate, then sit watching bite videos when they could be outside having adventures.

Good video Stonnie 👍. Ignore the haters.

Surprised uncle stonnie feels the need to explain himself to these trolls. We appreciate and support you stonnie.

I have owned three GSD and this is the most profound comment I have seen about GSD and other working dogs. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and knowledge.

Very well explained-- "If there is no fear there is no protection" in these farm protecting bred dogs.

Stoney people sitting on their Couch with unsocialized Dogs are the ones leaving the negative comments. Haters hate on successful trainers like you. If you weren't successful you wouldn't have a negative comment. Keep up the good work and great content. I love your Channel. Shannon ftom Hunterville NC.

I’ve recently started as a dog trainer at a residential facility and I always look forward to your videos! I look up to you and always recommend your videos because you just make SENSE! Thank you 😊

Preach, Uncle Stonnie! Preach! Thank you for ALL you do! I've learned so much from you and there is no telling how many dogs have benefited because you do what you do!

Good Man Stonnie. You’re a man of principle that sticks by those principles and backs it up with logic, experience and evidence. If more people were like that the world wouldn’t be in such a crappy place. Keep up the good work.

My son brought home an adult White GS 7 years ago. Your videos have helped explain her proclivities. I have no training expertise. I just walk her everyday and she gets exposed to all the dogs and people in the area and she became perfectly behaved. I figure I've walked her about twice across the US. I learn something new every time I watch your videos. Thanks.

You took a German Shepard, after training you’ll give her back a pointy eared Labrador lol!

I agree with everything you said!!…..anybody that really watches your channel knows you are one of the best at what you do.

I have a Mal. I think you are right on. These breeds are bread to be hyper vigilant and become dangerous if they don’t get what they need. I’ve made mistakes but have come a long way. Cant wait to see your methods for stranger danger in an urban environment with that young shepherd. Super grateful for the content.

God Bless you man! Telling the truth! I’m taking care of a deployed serviceman’s dog, which was purchased in Covid. He is right in this same lane, and I was so surprised at how “aggressive” I thought he was. We have taken all of this to heart and this dog clearly has moved when we started addressing the correct issue, he’s not really “aggressive”until he’s afraid, and he’s afraid when he isn’t confident. This little guy was afraid of birds in the sky! The exercise is a big part, Chase the ball until we can’t throw it anymore, then 4-6 miles a day in the woods. In just two weeks He’s coming around Stonnie! I loved the ending “ you have a problem with common sense and I don’t want you watching my channel anyway” bravo!

I love how you train. I have used materials we had laying around to build a small challenge course. My Red Fox lab is 14 wks. She loves her course. We added a log yesterday because a tree fell in the front yard. She is not a fan, but it is day 1. She will get it. Someone gave us some agility challenges, so I added those too. Roxy loves it. I would have had no idea about the small challenge if not for your channel. I have seen nothing like it. I love the exercise and anxiety part. I wish I could remember to hit the exercise hard before I have to put her in the Yukon. We play ball or tug before we walk the course, but not before she has to ride. Thank you. I wish I was closer so I could learn in person. You do an amazing job. Just remember to breath and let the haters go. Not even worth your time to read them. Stay strong.

“Everyone has a dog who minds well sitting in the kitchen while you’re reaching for the treat jar” that is very much the truth!

I had to laugh when you said German shepard across a tile floor. Mine has freaked out every time he crosses the kitchen floor, even dry. I thought it was just him. It's been 18 months since we adopted him at age 3 and he is still scared to go across.. Very eye opening video. It's part of his breed... now I know. Thank you

Stonnie I been in the field for a few years now, and I gotta tell you I love your work, I mimic your style and I am completely envious of your kennel. I love that you are able to break it down for your clients reliably and clearly. Thank you for updating this series its wonderful seeing the progress made in just two days!

I love when Stonnie goes on a rant! Listen to me people. Stonnie KNOWS of what he speaks. You don't work with dogs AND owners for as long as he has and not have a THROUGH understanding of the craft, this man is a MASTER of his craft. I don't say this because I like his videos, I say thing because I have a Mal/DDR shepherd mix. He is spot on. listen to this man and learn, you and your dog will be better for it.

Stonnie, the fact that you are so articulate in explaining what you're doing and why, along with your dog training style, is why I named you #1 in my Top Dog Trainers On KZfaq video! I am also a dog trainer, and I totally agree with what you're saying in both this video and the previous one! I thought the video you posted on Saturday was wonderful and should have been eye-opening to the Average Joe, as you're the first person I've seen that has explained that the behavior, dogs like Bella, are displaying is a lack of confidence, not protection. I just love that you showed and explained that! So important to make sure one studies their breed of choice to find out what purpose the dog breed was originally bred to do. Thanks for your videos, you're great!

I had a feeling the Karens would come out for that one. Love your back property btw. Can't wait to get out of here and find a place like that.

“When all is said and done, more is said than done”. Don’t listen to those that only talk and never DO! Keep doing your thing Stonnie. Well done!

Uncle that was the best freakin rant I have seen from you eva....common sense is dead!!! love your channel and philosophy. Super content no BS thanks for all you do

Grew up on a farm with a dog who was German Shepherd Timber Wolf x Japanese Akita. Great farm and family dog. Killed rats and raccoons but nurtured and cuddled and kept warm orphaned lambs. Farm animals were family, everything else, cougars, bears, raccoons were run off the property. He got good food and a lot of exercise and lived 16 years. Love your videos. Agree with your approach. High exercise, low anxiety for people and animals.

I thought it was so refreshing to hear someone actually saying how guard dog breeds are protective because of fear/anxiety. You hit the nail on the head there. GSDs actually also have their puppy "fear period" come on earlier than other breeds like King Charles cavalier spaniels

Spot on Stonnie !! I have a neighbor, who is really a cat person. She got a Sheltie pup - it’s now a year old and Totally Unsocialized. Its a frightened little pooch who has never been off leash ! It is a crime !! Living in Chicago I took my Shepard Everywhere - I tired him out everyday and he was the best behaved dog in our training class. Did it for almost 4 years. He lived it. I loved it and my friends never felt threatened. He was a well behave sweetheart !

Get em Uncle Stonnie!! You are amazing!

That's an amazing transformation happening after three days' time. If she's not careful, she's gonna end up with drooping ears, and thicker build, and a desire to chase dummies into the water. This series is gonna be a good one. Stonnie, a hater's gonna hate. They lose for having that dwelling inside them continually. Yer a good man Charlie Brown, do what you do and let your results do your most effective battling. Those of us WITH some common sense, understand what you're puttin' down and are picking it up.

My dog started walking every morning and evening when he was a puppy and we gradually built up the time, speed and distance. Now he is 9 months old and walks for 90 minutes in the morning and 45 minutes in the evening and he is a calm, quiet and relaxed puppy. We use a long line so that he is able to sniff and explore his environment. He still gets playful and over exuberant at times as puppies might do, but he is a calm and non reactive dog on the leash. Exercise and discipline has been the key. Thanks Stonnie for your channel.

Stonnie, I love when you said you dont want to have to Micro Manage your dog, that you want to be able to trust them to be good around other dogs and not run off etc, that's it in a nutshell!! If people just put the work into their dogs in the beginning they will have a great easy to manage dog for life. I find some people are plain lazy, its all about what they want and very little about what the dog needs.Keep giving the dogs what they need Stonnie, that what makes you the best at what you do.👍

My dog is exactly like this dog. She is now 2yrs old and we “bum” around with her, and have been working hard with her desensitising her, and still working. She is heaps better but still very sceptical. She was always a sceptical dog, then she was attacked at about 9mths and that set her way back. Every good experience helps her and we work hard to set up good experiences. Love your information and knowledge. Wish you lived in Australia. 😃🐕

Lots of venting here. Glad you added more information about the dogs being "scared". Nice to see this pup running around with the retrievers.

Bella's made incredible progress! Good work with good people and good dogs. 👍 I might say "Ignore the haters." Then again, I get a kick out of your reaction... Your channel, your call. 😂

A tired Uncle Stonnie is a happy uncle Stonnie! We learn so much from you every time you take the time to post and help us all do the next right ting!! Let's get back to the fun!

I'm a dog walker and pet sitter and you are my favorite dog training channel - you rock!

BOOM! You tell em! Agree 100% Thank you. Respect! And listening and learning… Thank you.

I’m w you, Uncle Stonnie! We have 10 acres and a 7 yr old golden doodle and 5month old Great Dane. My Hubby mowes all kinds of twisty turny paths combined with straight runs through our property for me to walk on w our dogs. Our paths look a lot like yours. I told him recently after I had gotten back from taking the dogs for a run/romp on our property, that I am thoroughly convinced there is no better training ground than those paths. Our older dog is such a help for showing the puppy what the paths are all about. It didn’t take long before I felt confident having them both off leash during our adventures. Right before I let the puppy off leash completely, I had just put a long line on him so that he was free, but I could grab him if I needed to, and it gave me a chance to observe how he would respond to not being on a regular 6 ft leash. The puppy is often better behaved on our walks now than his 7 yr old brother , lol.

Excellent! What u say is truth brother. I see it everyday! Experience it every day! Thank you Stonnie

Stonie is the man I’ve been able to improve my dogs live thanks to his free advice on KZfaq

My family and I adopted a 10 month old german shepard mix (50% GS according to the dna test) back in April, high energy. I was walking her and we were taking her out in the car, we encountered dogs and she was fine, playful actually, but I she needed more exercise. One day she decided to jump our fence to go play with a dog she had previously encountered and played with, and the dog didn't like her approach, they snarled and bit. Since then she snaps at all dogs. I've been walking her and running with her, trying to work my way back to socializing her again. There's only 3 dogs the she's friendly with. I hope that's a good indicator that if I keep exercising her and socializing her, we can be around other dogs without an incident. This is a great video!

Common sense, directly explained. Respect. Love the videos.I do not have the lifestyle that would allow me to give a dog what they need, but when I retire, I am certainly going to follow your approach.

Even before I heard Stonnie’s comments, I immediately saw GSD’s exceptional progress with other dogs. That’s all you need to know, folks. He knows what he’s talking about.

Thanks Stonnie! You preach what I have believed about dog training all my life.

Stonnie: my dog is 3 now, and he’s been hearing your voice since I found you when he was 10 weeks old. I followed your advice to the letter (using my voice, environmental obstacles, socialization strategies, obedience strategies, etc as you teach in your videos) and he is the best dog Ive ever known-he has good manners, and I can take him anywhere. People comment all the time about how well-behaved he is, and I always tell them that your guidance was the game changer. Had I not found you amongst all the BS, indoor, ad-motivated dog trainers on KZfaq, I would have a completely different dog. I thank God for you, because my pup is the coolest dog in town. I can take him anywhere. So, all this to say: when I hear you’re getting trolled, I want to send you a message telling you what a positive and profound effect your advice can have on people’s lives and homes and hearts … and for years. If people could just listen-really listen-to what you are saying and have the discipline to implement your advice, dogs would be allowed everywhere!

I’ve been watching your videos for 5 years now and out of all the dog trainers I watch on the KZfaq I always coming back to yours. Stay awesome and keep doing a good work

I was frustrated with my dog until I seen your videos I’m now enjoying my dog more ! Thanks homie!!

You are the only dog trainer I ever watched be bluntly honest, offer so many tips and tricks, and not bullshit people. You way is common sense thinking and I am hoping after watching all your videos training my female chocolate lab next month when she comes home at 8weeks will be a breeze. I cant stress how much I appreciate you.

Stonnie THANK YOU! Im one of those women alike your client here who bought a working line shepherd based off of the hype propagated by breeders and those who love the breed. I now have a 8 month year old who is showing signs of dog aggression as she is insecure and according to trainers has anxiety. You explained the issues with such clarity and on point. I feel now through watching your no nonsense approach to training this dog that actually we need to slowly and sensitively expand her in group, as she is under socialised and increase her daily exercise to help bring down the levels of anxiety. I dont regret getting her as we do adore her but I wish the trainers and breeders we interacted with had a no nonsense approach and gave us more guidance on in group out group, socialisation and decreasing anxiety. Please keep up the videos of you working through these issues with belle

Goddam Stonnie I’m back here getting a working bedlington whippet after you helped me 5 years ago train my Norfolk Terrier and you’re still the best. Don’t listen to the haters, keep doing what you doing

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!! From a former Real world” K-9 handler (15 years handling & training GSD’s, Czech Shepherds, Mallinois, Dutch Shepherds, etc.). I love the channel, and will someday stop by your kennel to shake your hand.

Great progress in a very short time. Exercise+socialization+training=success as seen in this video. Great work Stonnie.

spot on Stonnie with message. looks like little anxious one's calmed down a bit. looks happy.

Wow! Bella is Lucky you are training her to be friendly. My Chilldhood German Shepherd spent school hours in my Parent's gas station. She walked around off leash and never caused any trouble. She was completely socialized from the tine she was a Puppy. When we were Kids our dogs came with us to play and hang out. We rode our bikes and the dogs just folowed us.

Stonnie you crush it! Keep up the good work. The negative voices drown out the positive but they are not the majority. Animals are instinctual. Just the way it is. So it takes the ability to shape that instinct since reason isn’t possible.

Man I really love you Stonnie. You’ve been a great help to me and my Doberman, I’ve learned so much.

Wow! Just wow, amazing video as always.

I have come to believe exactly what you are saying by observing these breeds myself. Well said Stonnie !

Always love how you keep it real. Keep up the great teaching videos.

Stonnie, I love the way you work with the dogs! You make dog training so interesting. I love all your videos! Fantastic information and motivation for more adventures!!!

First time commenting on KZfaq. Watched videos on here for years… absolutely amazing content, delivered articulately and with passion. I really appreciate you and your work and wish you the best future possible.

Your content is the most helpful that is out there. Thank you so much for what you do. Thank you for teaching right, not necessarily what's popular. I've been able to make amazing progress with my Mal because of what I've learned on your channel. Thank you!

Here here. Your one of my favorite trainers to watch. Don't sweat the haters, they aren't worth it. Real dog lovers now your value.

I love your channel and the care, time and work you put in daily with your dogs is amazing. We wished we lived closer to let our dog come stay with you. 💖

I love your channel Stonnie. My border collie has recently become afraid of other dogs after two years of being a great dog in public. I look up to your training style and we are workin the problem. Post covid lockdown is the perfect time to address these problems as Im sure other people are finding the lack of socialization has caused some issues. So, Thank you. Keep em comin and I got ur back!

Stonnie, thanks for keeping it REAL. You produce quality content and your knowledge and passion for dogs shows in your videos. Keep up the great work, brother!

I'm so impressed with that dog's progress. Thanks for the videos!

Exercise vs anxiety in a GSD, absolutely!! I viewed several videos with Bella and it clearly shows why I have owned 3 consecutive GSD's. As you walk through your hiking area, notice Bella repeatedly goes out only so far and then return to checkin with you before heading out again. None of the other dogs have that behavior. Try doing THAT with a beagle! Thank you for your channel, I learn something new every time.

Stonie you are on a whole other level of dog training. Real life common sense. I’m a 45 year dog man and I have nothing but the utmost respect for your talent and God given gift with dogs.

Thank you for this. I have 2 GSD’s who had very little socialization when they were young. One is super confident and doesn’t care if other dogs are around. One is scared, like the one you’re working with. When she’s around other dogs she just barks and runs up on the other dogs in a very threatening manor. She won’t bite, but sometimes she’ll nip at their back legs. I’m correcting her, exercising the heck out of her before trying to get her better. I know she’ll get better with time and work. Thanks for giving me pointers.

I haven't seen the first video, but you nailed it in this one!!! Thank you!

Stonnie, you make dog training so interesting for me. I really enjoy the challenge of shaping a dog--identifying behaviors that can be improved and devising strategies that lead to improvements . Not everything works but patience, repetitions, and continuous upgrading the challenges really pays off in the end. Your strategy with 3, then 5, then 10, then 20 mentor dogs is a great example of something that works.

Sadly I have a dog that is afraid of everything and everyone, but listening to Mr. Dennis, I started going out on adventures (3 times a day about 20 minutes each). Three days in and he is changing to a calmer dog and his obedience is getting so much better. You are amazing with your advice Thank you so much

love the inverse relationship. This is something I learned as a youngster although I didn't ever articulate it as well as you. . ..The dog must go running/walking every day...2x... I love your videos and what a gorgeous piece of property. Dog heaven! Your great Stonnie and there will always be those who want to take you down as I'm sure you are well aware....everybody is a dog expert but you are the real deal...

Thanks for your candor. You're awesome. You're doing great. I can see the tremendous progress in the GSD. She's looks so relaxed and happy compared to the 1st video.

You have some awesome montor dogs Stonnie, I just love to watch these happy black-laps running around enjoying themselfs, makes my day! And the impact they have on the environment and the other dogs around them is amazing!

Thank you! I think I'm pretty good at getting out there and working with, exploring with, and fulfilling my dog's needs, but you always inspire me to do a little more. :)

Absolutely love your style of dog training and everything you say makes perfect sense. I’m currently working with a female GSD pup the same age as this one with exactly the same demeanour! Your advice is invaluable and you’re a true inspiration to me!

Absolutely spot on as usual!!! Thank you Uncle Stonnie for keeping it simple and speaking the truth. Perfect!!!

So love this and the way you train. I watch often. I had Labs for over 30 years, our last two, who were litter mates passed last September at 14. We had "the boys", plus 2 GSDs, and a lab/pitti mix. We have only the 2 sheps now, and this series is so helpful!! We are careful with our dogs always, even our gregarious Labs, but people have such a different perspective with sheps, etc. We appreciate watching and learning from your videos.

🔥🔥🔥 love all the fantastic information and motivation for more adventures!!! Also get pumped when uncle stonnie snaps on the haters! Lol 😂 nerds!!!

I learn so much from watching this channel. And it works because it is so simple. Much of it commen sens. Keep up the Great work Stonnie . Max (Sweden)

As always excellent. Thank you

Very informative rant! Thanks. I love dogs and like to gain an understanding of different dogs mindsets. You’re terrific with that for us novices. It’s just flat out interesting.

Impressive Stonnie. I never had a doubt! Keep up the good work.

Stonnie, I have had a Malinois. They are great dogs. What you said about the importance of environmentally socializing the shepherd breed is spot on and recognizes the behaviors that come with that breed. I’m doing so, you honor the dog and meet the dog with who the good Lord made him.

And that is why I like your videos and the way you train, because it’s all about engaging with the dogs, a tired dog is a well behave dog, and that is what any dog owner wants after all.

"Dawgs". Never heard it actually sound like that coming through in speech, but there you have it. Great videos Stonnie, I've been learning a lot. Good communication and content over all. Keep up the good work.

This video seriously makes me so happy. I love it when Uncle Stonnie doesn’t mince words and preaches truth! 🙌

A very well communicated, objective view of working dogs. Thanks for the insights Stonnie, as a family living with our second set of GSD's I couldn't agree more with the points you make. Spot on! We take our dogs everywhere :)

Thank you Uncle Stonnie :)

It took me watching 50 of your videos too fully understand most of what you are trying to accomplish. You've helped me make a huge decision on getting my future dog. I appreciate you and your family and every ounce of hard work you do. Sadly alot of people prefer couch dogs and have no idea what a halfway well trained dog is. Thank God for this channel ❤

You’re the man Stonnie! All the best from Aus my friend.

All dogs want to be Labs and all humans with dogs want to be Stonnie!