Wag & Train Dog Behaviorist and Nutrition

Wag & Train offers online dog training for aggression, fear, and anxiety through a Behavior Wellness Program. This program focuses on changing behavior from the inside out by addressing emotions, environment, gut health, genetics, potential medical issues, and learned behavior. Training methods include positive reinforcement, desensitization, and counter-conditioning, avoiding aversive tools.

Puppy training is available online, covering essential topics such as potty training, crate training, biting/mouthing, jumping, basic commands, chewing, barking, leash walking, front door manners, and impulse control. For those in Minneapolis, a Puppy Board & Train program is offered for puppies 6 months and younger and 25 lbs or less, focusing on potty training and basic behaviors in a home environment.

Additionally, the business provides dog nutrition consultations, which are integrated into behavior plans to improve a dog’s microbiome and overall wellness. Gluten Detection Dog training is also offered, with information available on a separate website.

Pricing Summary

Online Dog Training: A Behavior Assessment is $229 for a 75-90 minute lesson. Follow-Up Lessons are $149 for one hour. A 3-Session package is available for $459.
Dog Nutrition Consultation: $175 for a 1 hour 15 minute session.
Puppy Board & Train (Minneapolis area only): A 7-night program is $1100, a 10-night program is $1500, and a 14-night program is $1900. A non-refundable $100 deposit is required for booking.
Online Puppy Training: An Initial Puppy Behavior Assessment is $229 for a 75-90 minute lesson. A 3-Session Online Puppy Training Package is $429.
Puppies: Ask Me Anything phone calls are $49 for 30 minutes.
Digital products like the “Puppy Witching Hour Madness: Calming Hyper Crazy Puppies” guide and the “Printable Puppy Potty Training Guide & Schedule” are available for $7.99 each.

Kari Bastyr, founder of Wag & Train, is a dog behaviorist and canine nutritionist dedicated to helping dogs overcome even the most severe behavior challenges. She integrates diet, supplements, and gut health strategies into behavior modification plans, believing in treating the whole dog by addressing emotions, behavior, and the profound impact of the gut-brain connection.

Her approach blends science, compassion, and over three decades of education and experience. She focuses on positive behavior modification and explicitly states she does not use shock, choke, or prong collars. Wag & Train provides guidance, tools, and support to help dogs and their families thrive, offering both dog and puppy training services, including specialized programs for aggression, fear, anxiety, and gluten detection.

Beyond training, Wag & Train also offers dog nutrition consultations and sells digital products like guides for puppy witching hour and potty training.

Accomplishments

Kari Bastyr holds a Master’s Degree in Animal Behavior and Applied Behavior Analysis (1995) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (1993) from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. She is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist (CPCN) through the Feed Real Institute, and a licensed VSPDT dog behavior consultant with Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training.

Her professional affiliations include active membership in the Animal Behavior Society, the Pet Professional Guild, and O.D.O.R Service Dogs. She is also a Certified Pet Nutrition Specialist and has completed a Masters Class in Canine Nutrition. Kari completed an internship in gluten detection with Dawn Scheu from Willow Service Dogs. Earlier in her career, she worked alongside Dr. R.K. Anderson and Ruth Foster, co-inventors of the Gentle Leader, and served as the staff behaviorist at Alameda East, featured on Animal Planet’s “Emergency Vets.”

How to Get Started!

For dog behavior issues, the first step is to schedule a Behavior Assessment. For puppies, an Initial Puppy Behavior Assessment is the starting point. After the initial assessment, clients can schedule follow-up lessons that align with the behavior plan provided. For quick tips on puppy “witching hour” or specific questions, clients can schedule an “Ask Me Anything” phone call or download a guide.