Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Kaase.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love of dogs and training dogs started at an early age. Growing up in Central Texas, my family always had dogs and these dogs were major parts of my family. I trained numerous family dogs in basic obedience and for hunting. Having no formal training, I avidly read books on dog training and used every single technique from some of the masters in dog training before the invention of the internet and YouTube!
I entered into law enforcement over 30 years ago beginning my career with the United States Border Patrol and then transferring over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as a Special Agent. Halfway into my career with ATF, I was selected as an off-leash handler for explosives detection canines for a new program for the Southwest United States. I worked as a Special Agent Canine Handler the rest of my career until retirement in 2024. During my time with ATF, I responded to every major criminal incident in the United States to include the Austin Bomber, Dallas 5 Police Shooting, Pennsylvania State Trooper Sniper, as well as numerous work, school, and church / synagogue attacks.
I eventually was selected as an Adjunct Trainer for ATF in the training of Explosive Detection Canines for ATF, The United States Marshal Service, as well as other Federal, State, and local law enforcement and fire agencies. I planned and conducted numerous trainings in DFW and around the nation focusing on the working of detection canines in real world scenarios. I also collaborated with numerous other trainers and agencies such as the United States Secret Service, TSA, United States Military, and individuals involved with private defense agencies such as Blackwater.
During this time with ATF, I met an individual that would shape the way I thought about dog training and my future into retirement after ATF. This individual was one of the top private pet dog trainers in the country. The internship was grueling and nonstop. Training hundreds of dogs over the internship period was probably some of the toughest trainings I have ever completed. Working from 430 in the morning to 6 at night / 7 days a week for no time off was grueling. The lessons I learned during these times were invaluable. This individual is still to this day one of my most valued friends and still my source of go to information when I need a hand.
I opened West Texas Dog Trainer LLC in January of 2024, and I haven’t looked back once. I had to adjust from a life of privacy to a life of social media and working with people from every walk of life. From private to no privacy is a very hard switch for a retired police officer. My business has grown from only a Facebook page and word of mouth to social platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and my own personal business webpage. From training dogs in my driveway to the construction and completion of my 3,000 square foot training facility has been a work in progress. I have totally enjoyed the journey, and I love the fact that my work can transform families and their lives with their dogs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The transition into this profession was not without challenges. With a law enforcement background, confidentiality and discretion were always paramount. Entering the private sector required a complete shift in mindset. In law enforcement, a social media presence was discouraged, as it could present risks both personally and professionally. Suddenly, establishing an online presence became essential to building credibility and reaching clients. Adapting to this new reality was a significant change, but with persistence—and some guidance from my children—I developed a strong and professional digital presence.
Equally demanding was the shift into entrepreneurship. As a new business owner, I was quickly faced with responsibilities far beyond training: scheduling, client relations, payment systems, curriculum development, financial management, banking, and marketing, to name only a few. Without a formal background in business, these were steep learning curves. However, through determination and adaptability, I gained the skills necessary to manage these responsibilities effectively and establish a solid foundation for long-term growth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My philosophy is that every dog is treated as an individual, and my program is tailored to ensure success at their own speed. My priority is to provide thorough and effective training experience that sets the dog up for lasting success. I train the dog in a range of obedience concepts and commands, with the ultimate goal of achieving advanced off-leash obedience. I provide a personalized, one-on-one send-home lesson to teach the client commands, training techniques, and proper use of provided equipment. This session ensures the client feels confident in maintaining the dog’s training upon returning home. Additionally, I offer lifetime support for as long as the client owns the dog, ensuring continued success for the client and the canine companion.
With a lifetime of experience in private dog ownership and training, and over two decades of professional expertise in canine handling, I dedicated the latter part of my 30-year law enforcement career to the development, training, and deployment of working dogs for law enforcement and fire detection at the state, local, and federal levels.
I have had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most respected canine handlers and trainers in both government and private sectors, gaining invaluable knowledge from leaders in the field. My work included partnerships with the Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Military, United States Secret Service (USSS), United States Marshals Service (USMS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Blackwater, and numerous other agencies and organizations worldwide.
These experiences have equipped me with the skills to train both dogs and handlers to perform with precision, reliability, and confidence in any environment on and off leash—skills I now bring to every client and canine I work with.
As an adjunct canine trainer for the ATF, I contributed to the development and training of canines specializing in explosives and explosives component detection, as well as advanced obedience. I organized and led large-scale, multi-agency training programs, focusing on areas such as odor recognition testing, mass casualty simulation events, and advanced canine medical training for military, law enforcement, and fire agencies.
I refined my skills in advanced obedience and behavioral modification through mentorships with many of the nation’s top respected canine professionals. My certifications include the Advanced Skills Trainer Obedience Course, E-Touch Course, and Train the Trainer program from the Martin Deeley International School for Dog Trainers, along with the ATF Adjunct Trainer Course consisting of over 650 hours of advanced canine and student training. As an active member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), I remain committed to using the most effective, up-to-date training methods for every client and dog.
I am proud to be endorsed by the DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) Labrador Retriever Rescue Club as a canine evaluator and trainer. In this role, I have assisted in assessing and training rescue dogs and their adoptive families to address past issues and overcome behavioral challenges. This training empowers families to build a harmonious and fulfilling life with their new rescue companions.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
A deep love for canine companions was the spark that inspired my journey into this profession. I was always fascinated by the remarkable working dogs I encountered in my professional career as well as in hunting activities. Dog training itself is not complicated—anyone can do it. Success simply requires an understanding of how dogs learn best, combined with patience and consistency. Applied over time, these three elements always yield results.
Effective training does not rely on expensive equipment or the latest trendy techniques. Instead, it calls for a teaching mindset and steady patience. Just like people, dogs learn in different ways and at different speeds. At times, this means thinking outside the box and moving beyond “traditional” methods. I call this Adventure Learning: trying new approaches and, when something resonates with your dog, building on that success.
The greatest tool any trainer possesses is the ability to patiently identify the right teaching technique for each dog and to practice it consistently until the desired result is achieved.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.westtexasdogtrainer.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/west_texas_dog_trainer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestTexasDogTrainerLLC
