2544 Rock Hill Industrial Court St. Louis, MO 63144 • tel. 314-963-PAWS (7297)
Karen Bazdresch received her Area Trainer certification at St. Hubert's Academy in August 1999, after completing 160 hours of instruction with Terry Ryan, Pia Silvani, and Dr. Pam Reid. She is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and a member of Love On a Leash Therapy Group – St. Louis. Karen also volunteered her time and expertise for several animal rescue organizations.
Karen has built a reputation for working with special needs dogs: blind, deaf, fearful, kennel dog syndrome, separation anxiety problems, and dog-reactive aggression. She became interested in Dog Aggression and Behavior when she fostered her first "bait dog" Eve for Stray Rescue in 1997. Learning how to rehabilitate aggressive dogs became a necessity when she fostered and adopted her "Gus-man Bazdresch" for Stray Rescue in 1999 (a former fighting dog). Karen's four dogs are Canine Good Citizen certified, and her Gem completed Therapy Dog classes through Love on a Leash in August, 2005.
Karen's training approach is a combination of positive and negative reinforcement methodology. She believes that the primary reasons humans have difficulty with dogs are:
When these problems are corrected, and people learn to give direction based on consistent, immediate expectations, dogs stop being confused and start looking to their people for input and approval.
Karen does not "break" dogs of habits or behaviors and tries never to "force" dogs to do anything. She believes that the only time physical force should be used with a dog is when the dog, another animal, or a human is in true physical danger. Humans should work to teach and mold behavior with their dogs because their involvement with our lives will most likely cover a period of ten to fourteen years. Dogs give themselves to us body and soul. Karen truly believes the education of our dogs is a worthwhile and rewarding experience.
All classes require submission of an enrollment form and proof of vaccinations.
Obedience Training is one of the best things you can do for your dog or puppy. Although obedience training doesn't solve all behavior problems, it is the foundation for opening a line of communication between you and your dog.
This six (6) week beginning obedience course is designed for dogs over 5 months old. This introduction to basic obedience provides the foundation for a well behaved family dog. Learn basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stay, and come as well as introducing controlled greetings. Casual walking techniques and beginning heel will also be covered.
This six (6) week intermediate course is designed for dogs that have been introduced to basic obedience skills. Time will be spent perfecting the skills introduced in Beginning Obedience with added distractions and distance.
Pre-requisite: Completion of Beginning Obedience or equivalent.
The sport of agility is comprised of a course set up of many different obstacles. Agility is meant to be a fun, non-regimented sport, with a lot of spectator appeal. Dogs enjoy the freedom, speed and challenge as they gain confidence in their abilities to climb, jump, or crawl through agility obstacles. Owners enjoy the increased bond with the dog as they work together to master each obstacle.
This six (6) week introductory level course presents the basics of agility as a sport. Each obstacle is introduced in a stepwise fashion building confidence and emphasizing fun.
Pre-requisite: Completion of Beginning Obedience or equivalent.
This six (6) week agility level 2 course builds on what was presented in the introductory course. More difficult obstacles such as the A-frame and elevated Dog Walk will be introduced. Off-leash runs of the course will continue to build confidence as well as speed.
Pre-requisite: Intro to Agility or equivalent.
This six (6) week Off-leash agility course will continue to build confidence and speed while fine-tuning communication between handler and dog.
Pre-requisite: Agility Level 2.
Why teach tricks? Teaching tricks reinforces the relationship and communication skills between handler and dog established in obedience classes. Of course, there is the added benefit of showing off to friends and family. Tricky Dogs is a six (6) week course for dogs that have completed Beginning Obedience.
Looking for a little variety? This six (6) week class is just pure fun. Each week a different activity will be presented. Activities include: Tricks sampler, Agility sampler, and Station relay (similar to Rally Obedience).
Check for class start dates and times.
Please come prepared for your first training session.