Private Training for Fearful
& Anxious Dogs
Are you wanting to help your dog overcome their fears?
You got your dog hoping to enjoy a carefree life together. Hiking, wineries, visiting family and friends, you name it!
Your dog started showing signs that they were not comfortable in these situations. They run away from strange people and dogs, or they don't want to get in the car. Going to the vet or groomer is stressful for both of you.
Whatever your dog is afraid of, I can help.
Through virtual private training, I want to make you and your dog both feel happy and relaxed in all situations.
I’ll make the training process as simple as possible to ensure success at the end of our journey. My goal is to help everyone feel safe and happy. Whether your dog is afraid in or out of your home, I’m here to help you unleash your dog’s full pawtential.
Fears I Can Help With
Sounds
Objects or Locations
People or Other Dogs
Touch/Grooming
Generalized Anxiety
And Much More!
Step 1
Initial Consultation & Assessment
This is where I get to know you and your dog(s). We’ll go over your struggles, goals for training and start with the first steps of your training and management plans.
Step 2
Regular Training
We’ll meet every 1-2 weeks to work on your dog’s fears and your management skills to ensure everyone in feeling comfortable.
The number of sessions you and your dog need will vary case-by-case. I start all clients with 4 training sessions. Additional training may be required after your initial training package.
Home-schooling is offered on a case-by-case basis. Home-schooling packages include 12 45-60 minute training sessions scheduled 2-3 per week over 4-6 weeks.
Step 3
Fear-free fun!
You’ve put in the work and helped your dog through some challenging times. You understand each other better and know how to prevent them from becoming fearful in the future. Everyone is happier, safer and living the best life possible!
Note
Some dogs need shorter and more frequent training. I will modify your training package if I feel this will work best for your dog.
Training Includes:
Private instruction online via Google Meet
In each training session, I will walk you through the training exercises your dog needs. I’ll demonstrate training exercises with one of my dogs during virtual training and have you practice live with yours. Live coaching ensures you and your dog will make progress between training sessions.
Detailed homework after every training session
Your dog is an individual, which means their training plan will vary from another dog’s. After every training session, I’ll email your customized homework instructions, including training exercises, any management that needs put in place, any gear or enrichment I recommend and veterinary referrals if necessary.
Unlimited support between training sessions
I’m here to support you during the entire training process. This includes unlimited Q&A via email or text during business days. I encourage clients to send me videos to review and will provide feedback and next training steps if your dog is ready.
Anne & Aran
“We’ve been getting SO much great feedback from friends and neighbors on the improvement of our dog’s behavior — she has come so far and she absolutely ADORES Erin!
Our dog came to us with some real behavior challenges, high anxiety and fears…Erin is never judgmental or overbearing on us or our dog…We are delighted and appreciative of her personal care and commitment to our family’s well-being.”
Courtney & Maple
“Erin is easy to work with and the virtual sessions are super convenient. She’s positive and truly tries to understand the root cause of behaviors in order to design training plans.
Erin helped me tremendously with my fearful and reactive dog. Before starting training, my dog absolutely hated everyone but me but especially disliked my husband. She was also extremely fearful of being groomed and it felt impossible to take anywhere due to her behavior. After training with Erin…my dog now has a positive association with my husband, I am able to groom her without issue, and we even are able to go on walks at the local park without her reacting to other people.”
Training Methods
All training is force-free and rewards-based. Food will be the primary tool we use to train your dog.
I will never force your dog into a fear-inducing situation. Instead, we will teach your dog they don’t have to be afraid using an incremental training plan that slowly exposes them to their fears. This allows them to learn while keeping them at an exposure level they can handle until their ready to move on to the next step.
If you are using any training collars or correction techniques with your dog, you will be required to cease using them as part of our training protocol. These methods actually increase aggression in dogs, therefore are a liability risk and will prevent your dog from overcoming their fears. Click here to read the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s humane training position statement.
If you need help finding gear for walks I am happy to email you recommendations.
Want to learn more about fear and aggression in dogs?
Click below to listen to my discussion with Emily Priestly from Wild at Heart about dog aggression.
This episode is a great place to start for any guardian or dog professional looking to understand their dog and what drives these unwanted behaviors.