Here is a small selection from some of our
letters of recommendation:
(All photos on this page are of the dogs being written about.)

1st of 7: (This letter is in full.)

To whom it may concern,

2nd of 7:

It is difficult to think like a dog. The biggest benefit we have gained by working with Eric has been to understand what our dogs need and expect from us, by learning how they think...

Eric not only taught us what we needed to do to train our dogs but he also explained the logic behind the actions with  patience and many hands on demonstrations.

Steven and Monique Brooks

3rd of 7:  (This letter is in full.)                                              

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this recommendation to share with you the positive training experiences I have had with Eric Lundquist and DogStar Training Systems.

My name is Jacqueline and I have a 15-month-old Chocolate Lab named Bailey. Bailey received basic home training of sit, down and stay during the early months of his life and attended two basic obedience courses. Although home life was quiet and pleasant, he was still completely out of control while in contact with dogs or humans. Our active social life instituted many greetings in general and in all honesty, greetings were anticipated and dreaded. He was an out of control puppy with dog strength; dangerous for me, for Bailey and for those who were around us during interactive times.

Bailey and I began training with Eric in mid-September of 2001. By first lesson's end, Eric had addressed the pulling and out of control behavior. My confidence of continuing training and having immediate positive results hit an all time high. Since the Fall, Eric has worked with us to accomplish much: Bailey watches me, comes when called regardless of the environment (dogs, people, children), heel is near-perfect, sit and down stays are consistent, and within weeks Bailey was off leash in the backyard with supervision. These results are Eric's training and influence.

Eric is always readily available. He returns calls and e-mails promptly with effective information I can put to immediate use. During sessions, Eric addresses issues and concerns first, producing quick result, which allows us to cover new training as well. A prime example, eye drops that were necessary for care. In one session Eric provided direction on how to manage this care versus how I was managing the care. The result, Bailey received the eye care quickly each morning and evening with little effort, peace on the home front once again.

Eric has helped me to understand Bailey and the variety of testing he does so well. I have learned through Eric to effectively address inappropriate behavior early so it does not become habit. I am extremely pleased with Bailey's progress and although the problems of being well behaved in public were resolved many months ago, there is a wealth of knowledge Bailey has yet to learn with Eric.

I highly recommend Eric as a trainer whether you have specific issues to address or general training. I have immense pride when family, friends and strangers rave about Bailey's good behavior. I expect it, but they reinforce how well Eric has brought Bailey along. The best part of training, it's fun! Should you select Eric as your trainer, I am confident your dog will produce similar results.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline McCarthy 

4th of 7:

Eric Lundquist of DogStar was highly recommended to me in September of last year when I was seeking a trainer for my Golden Retriever puppy, Lizzie.

...My stated goal was to have a happy, well-mannered pet I could enjoy having with me - at home, in my office in NYC, with guests, in the car. That goal was met months ago.

Both Lizzie and I have enjoyed training with Eric so much that I've continued past the point when Eric told me that for all practical purposes, Lizzie was "trained"...

Eric is able to establish communication with dogs quickly and gain their respect. He works at whatever pace is appropriate for dogs and their owners, giving firm and clear direction, but never bullying the animal or treating it in any way but respectfully.

Eric and I have become friends and I rely on him for guidance regarding all phases of Lizzie's well being. He is a thorough professional...

Sincerely,
Sandra Wagenfeld

5th of 7:

It is with great confidence that I recommend Eric and DogStar Training Systems. He is a dedicated professional and is truly dog's best friend...

Eric guided me through the terrors of incorporating a puppy, Rodeo, a Jack Russell Terrier, into a household. He not only trained the dog successfully, he taught me how to train the dog and he taught me how to understand the dog...

Eric has opened my eyes to the intelligence of dogs, and has trained my dog with love and in a way that was enjoyable for all.

Roger Ferris

6th of 7:  (This letter is in full.)

To Whom It May Concern,

We have two German Shorthaired Pointers, both high-spirited, headstrong dogs.  Kahlua and Dakota are both six years old.  They’ve both had basic obedience training on several occasions, and while we realized some success with the training, we were not able to maintain that success. 

Our dogs became the dominant force in our household.  We had to plan for guests, making sure the dogs were either on leash or in their crates.  Typically both dogs would bark incessantly for the first five minutes of any visit.  They would also bark incessantly when they saw a squirrel, a deer, or a bird.  They would not come on command and were only controllable in a controlled environment or when on leash.  Kahlua and Dakota are both very sweet and we love them dearly, but it reached the point where they were no longer enjoyable as family pets.

My neighbor had great success with DogStar Training and their remote-collar system, and she highly recommended Eric Lundquist.   Eric came to our house for an extensive interview.  He was able to recognize the problems we had by talking with us at length and spending time with the dogs.  Eric felt he could work with us and the dogs and bring us to a level of satisfaction that would be acceptable to us.  He advised that the more we followed the training, the higher the level of satisfaction we could achieve.

We started training as soon as our schedules permitted.   By the end of the first session, Eric was confident that we could make great strides with the training.  He motivated us to work with the dogs and follow the training plan, and we looked forward to each session.  We saw great improvement almost immediately.  At the outset, we expected we would need seven or more sessions, but the dogs were so well behaved by the sixth session that we knew we had achieved our goal.   We now enjoy my dogs again, our dogs enjoy meeting people, and people enjoy meeting them.  Friends, family and even delivery people comment on the improvement and ask what we did to make our dogs so pleasant. 

I highly recommend Eric for training, whether for basic needs or tackling a difficult problem such as ours.  He shares his great knowledge and understanding of dogs, making it easier for us to understand the process and work toward the improvement.  His training methods and instructions are very thorough and easy to follow.  He is always available to answer questions or make suggestions.  We are now looking forward to joining Eric for group sessions in the park, (Advanced Classes), and I am confident that my dogs can be off-leash and still well behaved and under control.