Todd Bartelstein

Todd  is a highly accomplished trainer with 20 years of experience.  He is known for his unique style of training which is centered on the understanding of a dogs mind.  He is an amazing trainer and can help you with any problem you might have with a dog.  His solutions are creative and they work fast but also hold up long-term.  Everything is based on how a dogs mind works, and that is one thing he truly understands.  He trains dogs in all facets, including pets and companions, service dogs, competitive obedience dogs, sport protection dogs, and civil protection dogs.  Todd has even trained demo dogs for other trainers!  He is easy to talk to, down to earth, and a true dog lover.

Todd has been working with dogs in all phases of training, from basic obedience to training seeing-eye dogs.  He started working dogs as a hobby in 1988 and began training dogs full time in 1991. In 1992 he opened The Grateful Dog, merging with Morgan’s Dogs from 1993 until 2006. He also opened Chicago’s first indoor dog park, “Of Mutts & Men,” where people can have fun, too.

He has owned and lived with many dogs over the years.  One of them was Bruno, a Doberman Pinscher, who he trained to a high level of obedience and tricks.

Todd doing tricks with Bruno 2nd , 1994

---Bruno---

Over the years Todd has had MANY Dobermans, seven to be exact, every Doberman he has had he named Bruno! He even had a female once he named Bruno.  Everyone of his Dobies have excelled in all aspects of training and he trained them all to an advanced level, including but not limited to; obedience, tricks, personal protections.

Unfortunately about a year ago, Todd had to say good bye to his Bruno.  He was diagnosed with cancer, a heart-based tumor, that was untreatable.  He has been searching for a rescued Doberman for about 9 months.  Finally he found a 3 year old male with the personality, stamina, and want to work required for the job Todd asks of him! 

Bruno 8th

Bruno the 8th and Todd have been working hard together since they met!  In the short time Bruno has come a long way with his obedience and continues to excell everyday.  Bruno loves training and accomplishing new challenges. Working breeds like Dobermans need a "job", training and helping Todd as his demonstration dog is an excellent "job" for Bruno.  Its a great outlet for the physical and mental energy Bruno has.

Many people say Dobermans are "not good with other dogs," That just goes to show you it depends how well the dog is trained! A well-trained dog is NOT aggressive. Well, Bruno defies that Doberman stereotype, he is obedient and can be loose and play with any dog, including all males. He even goes to the dog park! He is social and friendly to people, even children.

Todd with an 11 month old Great Dane he trained