Meet Your Dog Trainer: Anastasia Wild
Hey there, I’m Anastasia Wild, a Brooklyn dog trainer based in Prospect Heights.
Since 2017, I’ve helped pet dogs and their owners champion advanced obedience and overcome challenging behaviors through behavior modification. My dog trainer certification is from Animal Behavior College.
In pre-dog life, I earned my undergraduate degree in Social and Sport Psychology. I apply that knowledge when working with clients. My philosophy is that all training principles have to make sense to you, the owner. That way, you and your dog remain successful when training is complete.
I have an especially deep love for bird dogs, and my personal dog is a field bred Labrador. We do Nosework for fun and also train for Retriever Hunt Tests (with NRHRC and LIRFTC). She’s a smart, high-drive knucklehead, and I often use her as a neutral helper dog in training.
I am a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. Every responsible dog owner will benefit from learning more about them!
Fun (in a this-explains-a-lot way) fact: I grew up with a pack of 8 Yorkshire terriers, 1 Black Russian Terrier and 5 cats.
Training Methods
A WILD K9 is a balanced dog training company.
Why balanced training?
The balanced training method utilizes both rewards and corrections to achieve faster learning and long-lasting results. The use of rewards ensures that dogs are motivated to learn and creates a positive association with wanted behaviors. The use of corrections creates a clear boundary between appropriate and inappropriate behavior. The balanced use of both rewards and corrections provides clear and direct feedback to dogs who then actively choose desired behaviors.
What constitutes a reward in dog training?
Food, play, affection, access to something or someone, and freedom can all be used as rewards. In my training, rewards are used in a thoughtful manner.
What constitutes a correction in dog training?
Anything that the dog finds unpleasant can be used as a correction. This can be stern voice, ignoring the dog, withholding a reward, using a spray bottle, putting the dog back on leash, giving a leash pop. In my training, corrections are used in a thoughtful manner.
What tools does A WILD K9 use?
I use a wide array of tools that include:
- management equipment (harnesses, tethers, crates)
- training collars (haltis/gentle leaders, martingale, slip, plastic or metal prongs)
- modern technology tools (remote collars, reward dispensing systems, invisible fences)
