Hi, I’m Erin.
I’ve been working with dogs professionally for almost a year now, with a focus on behavior modification and reactivity. I’m based in Bergen County, NJ, working with clients in their homes, in public spaces, and in small group settings — wherever the training needs to happen.
I came to this work through my own dog, Skylar, who started showing reactivity and territorial aggression a few years ago. She needed more patience and a different kind of understanding than a tidy “sit, down, stay” approach could offer — and working through her behavior is what brought me to this profession. I learned that real training isn’t about cues. It’s about understanding what a dog is trying to communicate, building trust on both ends of the leash, and giving owners the skills to keep the work going. Today, Skylar is a happier, healthier dog because of it.
My Approach
I use positive reinforcement methods, grounded in current behavior science. That means no shock collars, no prong collars, and no language about "dominance" or "alphas." Modern training is rooted in reward-based learning — our dogs deserve to be happy and life live without fear.
But positive methods aren't permissive. I'll be honest with you about what your dog needs, what kind of work it'll take, and whether the goals you have for your dog are realistic on the timeline you're hoping for. I'd rather tell you the truth than oversell results.
What you can expect from me
Patience. I don't rush a session, and I don't rush a dog. Pushing too fast is one of the most common ways behavior work goes sideways.
Clear communication. You'll never be left guessing what we're working on or why. After every session, I summarize what we covered and what to practice.
Honesty. If a case is outside my scope, I'll tell you and refer you to someone better suited. If something isn't working, we change course.
Continuing education. The science of dog behavior keeps evolving, and so do I. I'm currently pursuing my CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed) certification through the CCPDT.
I take on cases other trainers turn away — fearful dogs, reactive dogs, dogs with bite histories — I believe most of them are far more workable than people assume. Dogs like this just need someone willing to do the slow work.