ABOUT | Roam Dog Training

Ari Wichert CPDT-KA

Ari is a positive reinforcement-based trainer who sets their human and dog clients up for success by creating a fear-, judgment- and pain-free environment in which to learn. Ari believes that when humans present a dog with clear expectations, are patient with the learning process, and are willing to help the dog succeed, there is no need for punishment in the training process.

Ari approaches dog training with an understanding that dogs need an environment that allows them the freedom to explore, feel safe, get dirty, receive love, and “just be a dog”. Their training plans take into account the dog’s environment, family, home life, breed and genetics, life experience, daily routine, exercise and enrichment, level of off-leash freedom, and current and past stressors.

Ari has their CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed) and is currently completing their FDM (Family Dog Mediator). They are working toward their KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) qualification and the Aggression in Dogs Master Course taught by Michael Shikashio. Ari is canine first aid certified.

Ari graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Critical Equity Studies and Psychology. They worked for years with children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities before starting their current work in dog training. They found the switch from education to dog training very logical. Ari applies what they learned as an educator to help dogs tap into their strengths and build confidence by engaging in play, exploration, and letting the learner lead the learning process.

Ari lives in East Toronto and welcomed home a puppy in July 2023. They plan on competing in dock diving, rally obedience, barn hunt, and scent work, and completing service dog training with their dog.

Ari spends most of their free time doing administrative work and business-related research (like most small business owners), but also enjoys anything involving socializing with humans, backcountry camping, photography, biking, pottery, vegetable gardening, and listening to podcasts.

Ari's Business Principles

Safety and Transparency

Roam Dog Training has strict protocols in place for the safety of the trainer (Ari) and dogs alike, and to ensure that clients are informed and comfortable while their dog is in Roam Dog Training’s care. Protocols include, but are not limited to:

Thorough evaluations are performed on all dogs to determine service and group compatibility
All dogs’ veterinary, medical, and behavioural information is kept on file digitally and confidentially for easy emergency access
Human and canine first aid kits are stored on Ari’s person, in the vehicle, and in Ari’s home
Activities and routes for dogs are chosen based on daily weather conditions and the dog’s needs (ex. shady routes with access to water will be taken on hot days)
Vehicle temperature is kept at a safe degree at all times when dogs are in transit
All boarding dogs are monitored live via remote cameras while crated during the day
Prompt communication is given to clients about all incidents affecting their dog’s well-being or safety
Frequent photo and video updates are sent to clients while their dog is in Roam Dog Training’s care
Satellite-connected GPS tracking collars, longlines, and/or emergency recall drills are used during off-leash training

Decompression, engagement and relaxation exercises are practised throughout all services to encourage dogs’ self-regulation and prevent over-arousal in order to mitigate conflict
Ari adjusts their own schedule and takes holidays as necessary in order to keep their emotional cup full so that they are able to give dogs the patience and care they deserve!
Ari is fully bonded, insured, and human and canine first aid certified

Accessible and Anti-Oppressive

Ari is committed to making dog training as accessible as possible for dog owners. The dog training world can be elitist at its best, and Ari does their best to service clients who may be intimidated by or excluded from the dog training industry due to their socioeconomic status, ability, race, age, gender, and/or sexuality.

Ari offers all of their services at sliding-scale rates for Black and Indigenous dog owners who cannot otherwise access quality services for their dog due to financial reasons. Please reach out to Ari if you are interested in sliding-scale pricing.

Ari is more than happy to provide accommodations for clients with disabilities and/or other limitations. Please indicate in your Application Form if you require or would like any accommodations.

Positive Reinforcement-Based Training

Ari is a fear-free (or force-free) trainer, which means their training methods rely on creating a sense of safety and comfort for the dog and motivating them to change their behaviour through positive reinforcement.

It can take a little bit longer to see “results” when modifying behaviour using positive reinforcement methods because you have to build up a history of positive associations with the desired behaviour patterns. However, in the long term, both the dog’s behaviour and their relationship with their human(s) will benefit from positive reinforcement training.

Although punishment-based training methods tend to be very effective at curbing unwanted behaviour in the short term, Ari does not personally choose to risk the long-term behavioural consequences of training that relies on punishment.

Ari does not use training tools such as electronic collars (e-collars), prong collars, choke chains/fur savers, or slip leads. Ari does not give physical corrections to dogs (ex. Leash pops, grabbing the dog’s muzzle, or otherwise manipulating the dog’s body in a forceful way) and works to provide direction and clear instructions to the dog in order to avoid verbal corrections. However, they will not turn away clients who use the above training methods if the clients are interested in switching to positive reinforcement training.

If you are curious about fear-free training feel free to get in touch and Ari will be happy to tell you more about it!

Adventure and play-based exercise

Ari operates Roam Dog Training under the belief that encouraging dogs to display normal canine behaviours whenever possible contributes greatly to their health and well-being. Normal canine behaviours include but are not limited to, being allowed to run, play with other dogs, sniff, roam, dig, roll, swim, get dirty, and otherwise explore the natural environment. These behaviours help dogs decompress and focus and often contribute positively to their obedience and training.

Ari brings walking clients to wooded trails and parks where they can play and explore off-leash or on long lines in a safe and managed environment. Boarding clients accompany Ari on all of their personal outdoor adventures, including hikes, farm visits, and camping trips outside of the city. Not all dogs are let off-leash, but those who are eligible are thoroughly evaluated before being given off-leash privileges. Precautions such as GPS tracking collars, draglines and/or emergency recall drills are implemented for the safety of all off-leash dogs.

Custom Training for All Clients

Ari keeps their client load low (never more than 4 dogs in a group walk and 2 dogs boarding at the same time) so that individual attention and training can be provided for each dog. All dogs are considered “in training” during their time with Roam Dog Training, and even the most well-behaved dogs will receive training to strengthen and maintain existing behaviours during their walking or boarding sessions.

Current clients are always welcome to reach out to Ari directly with questions or concerns. Whether they are directed to a private training session for more complicated issues or given shorter suggestions over email or text, clients will never have to worry about running out of time to ask a question or sitting through a group class without their dog's challenges or successes being addressed.