Khris Erickson Dog Training

Home
Khris Erickson Dog Training

My certification as a Separation Anxiety Professional gives me the expertise to help clients whose dogs are suffering from owner absences.
(1)

I am able to help clients that are desperate to get their lives back from dogs that cannot be left alone.

21/10/2025

It’s so much easier to prevent bad habits than to fix them later.

That doesn’t mean you have to be on your dog every second of the day—it just means setting them up so they don’t practice the things you don’t want them doing. If your puppy can’t reach the shoes, they can’t learn how fun it is to chew them. If your adolescent dog doesn’t get the chance to jump all over visitors, they won’t develop a habit of it.

Management (like baby gates, leashes, and supervision) isn’t just for when things go wrong—it’s how we keep things from going wrong in the first place. And every time your dog doesn’t get to rehearse the “wrong” behavior, you’re one step closer to having the behavior you do want.

Start with prevention, and you’ll have far less to fix later on.

15/10/2025

I don’t have a photo of Phoebe, but here’s a clip art version of her breed — the Bluetick Coonhound.

Phoebe was recently adopted from a rescue that had disclosed her separation anxiety, and her new family was fully on board with helping her through it. As a former shelter employee, I know how tough it can be to place dogs with behavioral challenges, especially ones that take time and patience to work through.

I’m so glad to be working with Phoebe and her family. They’ve already shown such dedication to her, and I have no doubt they’re going to do an amazing job.

14/10/2025

Your dog decides what’s reinforcing — not you.

Just because you think something should be motivating doesn’t mean your dog agrees! Dogs have different likes and dislikes, just like we do. Just because I happen to love chocolate, doesn't mean that I expect everyone to love chocolate. (although ... how?) And just because most dogs like liver treats, doesn't mean that your dog will love liver treats.

Additionally, what’s reinforcing can change depending on the situation. For example, maybe your dog will happily work for kibble at home, but when you’re outside and there’s a lot going on, that same kibble suddenly doesn’t mean much. In that moment, it’s not that your dog is being stubborn — it’s that the “payment” you’re offering isn’t valuable enough to compete with the environment.

And remember, what’s reinforcing can also shift between activities. A dog who’s thrilled to earn treats during one type of training might find playtime or affection more rewarding in another.

The key is to pay attention to your dog and let them tell you what they find rewarding in that moment. That’s how you keep training effective, fair, and fun for both of you.

10/10/2025

I received the nicest thank you note from a client yesterday. It really made my entire week!

I am a dog trainer because I want to help people and their dogs form a better relationship, and help make it easier to coexist in the same household. It's extremely reinforcing to me to hear that I've changed the lives of a dog and their people for the better. It truly validates what I'm doing!

09/10/2025

Always end training sessions on a positive note

This doesn’t mean pushing through when things start to fall apart or your dog begins to struggle. In fact, that’s usually the moment to stop, not keep going.

It’s tempting to think “just one more try” will fix it—but more often than not, that’s when frustration creeps in and progress unravels. Quitting while you’re ahead helps your dog (and you!) end on a win, keeping motivation and confidence high for next time.

And “positive” doesn’t have to mean perfect training results. You can wrap up with a short play session, a snuggle, or something your dog loves. The goal is for your dog to finish thinking, “That was fun!”

🐾 Keep it short, keep it sweet, and end on a high note.

02/10/2025

My October newsletter is out!

The link is in the comments. If you'd like to get it directly to your inbox from now on, click on the link and scroll down to the bottom of the page to sign up. ❤

30/09/2025

🤷‍♀️“But he knows this!” 🐕

That’s something I hear a lot when a dog nails a cue in the backyard but struggles anywhere else.

Here’s the thing: dogs don’t generalize very well. Just because your pup can sit at home doesn’t mean they’ll do it at the park. Environments themselves can become part of the cue, and dogs notice everything.

That’s why training in new places is so important. Each time you change locations, start as if your dog is learning the behavior fresh. The second time usually goes quicker, the third time even faster, and before long your dog will understand that your cue means the same thing—no matter where you are. 🐾

26/09/2025

One of my favorite things about Hamlet is how easily he relaxes—he’s truly a pro at it! Sure, every now and then he’ll trade his dog bed for a spot on the couch, but other than that it is a great joy to be bored watching his training videos.

Fifteen minutes might not sound like much, but in the world of separation anxiety training, it’s a huge milestone. From here, it doesn’t take much more to reach the point where short errands become possible, and eventually even a night out for dinner and a movie.

Hamlet’s people have put in the work, and their dedication shines through in Hamlet’s growing ability to cope with being alone.

23/09/2025

Sometimes your dog doesn’t need another structured “exercise walk.” What they really need is a Sniffari.

A Sniffari walk is all about letting your dog slow down, sniff, and explore. It’s less about miles covered and more about enrichment. Sniffing lowers stress, boosts confidence, and helps meet your dog’s mental needs in a way a power walk can’t.

For dogs who struggle with reactivity, anxiety, or just high energy, a Sniffari can be one of the best outlets. It gives them freedom to use their nose and brain, which is just as tiring—if not more—than physical exercise.

So the next time you’re thinking your dog “needs more exercise,” try trading the cardio for curiosity. Your dog will thank you.

16/09/2025

When you’re training your dog, remember that every skill starts with a foundation. Before you can expect your dog to succeed in real life, you need to build that foundation in easier setups. This is part of the progression of training—start simple, then gradually make it more realistic.

For example, once your dog understands leave it in a quiet practice session, you can step things up by pretending to accidentally drop food off the counter without looking at them. Or you can work on a solid “stay” while you sweep the floor, so you’re not juggling the broom and your dog at the same time.

The goal is to set up training sessions that mirror real situations. Think about what you’ll want these tools for in your everyday life, and practice those scenarios. That way, when the moment comes, your dog already knows what to do.

If you need help with your training plan, I would love to work with you and your dog. You can contact me through the website link located in my profile

11/09/2025

A dog’s separation anxiety starts way before you leave the house. 🐾

For many dogs with separation anxiety, the stress doesn’t begin when the door shuts — it kicks in the moment they notice the departure cues:
🔑 Keys jingling
👜 You picking up your bag
🧥 Slipping on a jacket
👟 Tying your shoes

By the time you’re at the door, your dog may already be in full panic mode. Recognizing when their anxiety starts is the first step toward helping them feel calmer.

💬 What’s the earliest sign your dog knows you’re about to leave?

If you need help determining when your dog's anxiety starts, and coming up with a behavior modification plan, I would love to work with you! You can contact through the link to my website on my profile.

Address

Website

https://www.khriserickson.com/, https://www.khriserickson.com/sa-webinar

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Khris Erickson Dog Training posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Khris Erickson Dog Training:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service?

Country:

City: