My philosophy is rooted in the fundamental idea that companion animals are social beings, and they need to be treated with respect and dignity. Specifically, dogs are pack animals and need to understand the hierarchy of their social group. Dogs aren’t little kids in fuzzy coats, and I believe that they understand best when communicated to in their own canine language.

Many trainers preach that they use ‘natural’ techniques, but most often these are rigid, inhumane, and don’t compare to anything in canine communication. I’ve heard of trainers using water balloons to train a dog not to bark at other dogs and loud noise to scare a dog into submission. I do not consider these techniques to be natural methods.

The ‘old school’ of training included force, prong, and choke collars, which were used to train war dogs for WWI and WWII because they could produce an aggressive dog. Why? Because a fearful dog is more likely to ‘behave’ and become aggressive in return. These techniques are still commonly used today and are thought of as natural. Have you ever seen a choke chain on a wild wolf? The movement in the 21st century is toward a more positive, fun-filled, motivational approach to training every dog.

It is true, however, that an animal will learn best when corrected for the incorrect behavior while being rewarded for the appropriate behavior, but the correction does not need to cause pain or fear. It can be as simple as a sound, for instance “Uh-uh”. A behavior may even extinguish itself without a correction when the appropriate behavior is rewarded all by itself. Most of the time though, a correction is not necessary for maximum result, but a mutually-respectful, loving, and gracious relationship is the key.

My Techniques:

I strongly believe in a more humane, dignified approach to companion animal training. When a dog is shown (through canine communication) who the leader of the pack is, they are more likely to respect the Alpha dog (their owner). When this approach is taken, the dog will listen out of respect, not fear. Force, fear, and pain are not needed to instruct a dog to listen or follow commands. The key is to communicate in their language so they will automatically want to learn. I use both visual and verbal cues to manage behavior and teach new commands. I use treats to reward and motivate, and then wean the dog off treats as he masters each behavior. Would you want to work without a paycheck? I learned very quickly when working with rats in college that food is indeed not bribery, but a wonderful reward at the end of the problem solving process. I also recommend several things to do in a dog’s daily routine, such as the owner going through the door first and not allowing a dog on the furniture.

My goal is to teach each OWNER how to train their dog to listen on the first command, not the fourth. Remember, four ‘Sits’ do not mean ‘Sit’…the first ‘Sit’ does. I encourage each owner to enjoy the training process and revel in their dogs successes. Dogs are not meant to be robots and each one has their own quirks and personality traits, but that’s what makes each one special! I believe it is most important for dogs to learn around other dogs so they can always work with many distractions. Also, socialization is very important in the learning process.

Kari L. Bastyr, M.S., CDBC - Animal Behaviorist Biography:

Kari L. Bastyr, M.S., CDBC, owner and operator of Wag & Train Animal Behavior Specialists, specializes in animal behavior and dogs with severe behavioral problems. She is certified by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. She volunteers many hours of behavioral consultations and treatment to multiple rescue organizations including Safe Harbor Lab Rescue, Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue, Rocky Mountain Alley Cat Alliance, Maxfund, and Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies.

In 1993, Ms. Bastyr received her B.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis, and earned her M.S. in Animal Behavior in 1995, both from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN. While in the graduate program at St. Cloud State University, she studied several species of animals including humans, cats, dogs, monkeys, pigeons, rabbits, rats, and wolves.

After receiving her Master’s Degree, Ms. Bastyr began working with Dr. R.K. Anderson and Ruth Foster, co-inventors of the Gentle Leader © at Alpha Academy for Behavior and Obedience Training. Dr. Anderson designed a ‘new’ style of Gentle Leader © and tested the prototype in her class during Kari’s last year with Alpha Academy. She worked enthusiastically with Dr. Anderson to expand her knowledge and techniques for rehabilitating anxious and aggressive dogs. While at Alpha Academy, Kari also worked with Dr. Keith Hedges, a veterinary behaviorist.

At Wag & Train, Ms. Bastyr conducts private behavior sessions and creates individual treatment plans for dogs with severe aggression and other behavior problems. She also teaches group obedience classes that are geared towards dogs with behavior problems. Kari began Denver’s only ‘Growl Class’ in 2002, focusing on dogs with aggressive behavior. She also created a very successful class, ‘Barkley meets Baby’, about preparing for and introducing a family dog to a new baby.

Ms. Bastyr has appeared frequently on Denver’s 9News as an animal behavior expert. Recent appearances have been focused on the behavior of Pit Bulls and public education on canine behavior. She has also been cited in multiple newspaper articles as an expert in animal behavior, including the Denver Business Journal and Rocky Mountain News. She has appeared on the nationally televised program, “Off the Roof,” providing professional insight and factual information regarding Pit Bull breed behavior and training. In the November 2005 and the April 2006 issues of Dog Fancy, Ms. Bastyr was cited for her expertise on general dog behavior.

Her experience with dog aggression cases includes being retained as an expert witness, most recently for Jolley v. Lovell, Wyoming.