I had a great time with Erica as the host and really appreciate her level of attention to detail. She was very organized and that was essential for the number of dogs and owners that we have coming in and out for the BAT Instructor’s course. I really appreciated how she went through my requirements and made sure to do every one well. For example I like to have the parking places parked for the people bringing dogs. Erica went above and beyond and had laminated signs for each car so that we were even ready if it rained. She was organized but also not stressed about the proceedings and was flexible when things needed to change on the fly. Great host!

— Grisha Stewart MA, CPDT-KA, KPACTP, Speaker: Pawsibilities New York’s 2014 BAT Instructor’s Course June 25-29th

Erica was a referral to me and she turned out to be a real life saver! Not only was her patience amazing with my dog Lucy, she also had amazing patience with me as the owner. I have never owned a dog before so Erica really helped me to understand what Lucy needed and how to help her to adjust to the new behaviors she was learning. I have recommended Erica to two other neighbors who also found her very helpful and easy to work with and I will continue to recommend Erica to anyone I meet who could benefit from her services. You won’t be disappointed in working with her!

— Jennifer

I met Erica when I was 14 weeks old at a puppy playgroup. I was scared to leave from underneath the chairs, but Erica told my parents to stand on each side of the room so I would be confident taking a step into the scary world of puppies! She also taught my parents about doggie play, and showed them when I was doing a great job playing, and when I needed a break. Later on when I became a teenager, my parents noticed there was something going on with me when I met other dogs while on leash. I was not happy to ride the elevator with other dogs, and when I encountered dogs on my walks it would make me very anxious. I am so thankful that my mommy and daddy eventually noticed that I was having some “emotional” issues, and called Erica to come help! I love Erica so much that it’s just too hard not to give her kisses when she comes to see me, or show her my belly to get some belly rubs! Erica was able to quickly identify my issues – I am leash reactive to other dogs because I am afraid of them, I don’t like losing control (i.e. being on a leash as opposed to off-leash where I play nicely with dogs), and I love my parents sooo much that I have to protect them from everything. Erica taught me a really fun game called “where’s the doggie!?” I quickly learned that when I found other dogs and looked at my mommy, I would get a tasty treat. I got over my fear of small dogs faster than my fear of big dogs. Erica always kept thinking of other ways to teach me. She taught my parents different methods they could use with me, including one in which I was rewarded for good behavior with distance from the other dog. This has been helping the “control freak” side of me, because now, whenever I see a doggie that I am just too scared of, instead of barking and lunging, I turn around and my parents follow me in the other direction! I am still learning, but it seems like I get a lot of love from mommy and daddy when I make good decisions! Erica encouraged my parents that while leash reactivity is a long road, there is light at the end of the tunnel. While I’m not perfect yet, I have made so many improvements. And if you haven’t noticed yet (based on what a happy dog I am), Erica accomplished all of this just with some love, food (yes, please), and respect. Erica must be an expert at what she does. I can only hope that my pals out there that need help get to work with Erica. Thank you, Erica!

—”Oscar”

I met Erica as a very young pup; my family brought me home, and immediately had her come to work with me, and them. From the very first time I met Erica I could tell she knew her stuff! She got my whole family involved in my training and helped them to understand some of my funny behaviors, like chewing and barking. Erica taught me everything I need to know from the basics, to house training and even some really fun tricks. She always gave me specific attention and individualized training; she never got frustrated with me if I didn’t understand right away so I always seemed to figure it out in the end. I really want to thank Erica for her patience, consistency and love!

—”Lucky”

I met Erica when I was 3 months old. I started in puppy kindergarten with her and joined her in a puppy play group too. Erica didn’t care that I am a Doberman Pinscher. She just loved me for who I was, even when I would get a bit noisy in class. Instead of being upset with my “acting out” , Erica saw what was really going on. She gave me some more challenges in class and it worked wonders. On to advanced obedience and several agility classes for me! Erica always understood me and made each lesson feel like I was the only dog around (even though there were other dogs) – changing lessons so I could learn the way I needed to learn. She always found solutions to any problem I was having when learning something. When I became a teenager and started barking at other dogs, Erica gave me some one-on-one time and helped me. I’m much better and mom knows what to do now. Whether Erica gave me a treat, toy or just a scratch, I just loved working with her! I’m not the kind of dog who jumps all over people with sloppy kisses (remember I am a Doberman) but whenever I see
Erica I just can’t control myself- I cover her with sloppy kisses! My mom and I can’t thank her enough for her help and guidance.

—”Lexi”

I began working with Erica shortly after adopting I was adopted; I am a one-year old Golden mix, from a shelter. I was completely untrained, lacking any sort of obedience, house training or leash walking skills. I was terrified of anything new, and practically everything was new to me. Then Erica came along. We prioritized the issues, and decided to focus first on reducing my anxiety and redirecting my unpleasant behaviors. I responded to Erica’s enthusiasm and gentle methods right away. Amazingly, after just two lessons I improved dramaticly when walking in our neighborhood. Erica had many suggestions and unlimited patience. As we worked through various issues I learned how to keep calm and to listen to my new mom. Today, I am doing great. I am much calmer, very eager to please and I make friends (human and dog) literally everywhere I go! I truly believe we would not have made this much progress without Erica, I am incredibly grateful for her guidance, and I think my mom is too!

—”Henry”

I consulted Erica because my lovable Pug was aggressively barking at other dogs while on walks. The problem was so bad that I was not enjoying walking her and I was often embarrassed. Erica was prompt, courteous and communicated well with me. Lola took to her immediately! After only a few sessions, Lola’s barking lessens everyday. Erica always came on time and communicated so well with me. Lola loved Erica immediately and I could tell she was a true dog whisperer! I can now walk down the street without fear of offending other dogs and owners! It was a pleasure working with Erica and I recommend her highly!

—Patricia