Khris Erickson Dog Training

03/01/2025

Here's the first newsletter of the New Year. And I even remembered to write down 2025! You can sign up and get it right to your mailbox if you click on the link to go to the newsletter itself.

National Train Your Dog Month

02/01/2025

Almost three years ago I was involved in a car accident in which somebody pulled out in front of me. I was only about 20 feet away from the car when it happened, and I had almost no time to react. Luckily I was only going 40 miles an hour at the time, although my airbag deployed. My dogs were in the car with me, and we were all lucky enough to come out of it with only a few minor injuries (Quinn had whiplash, Whimsy developed car anxiety).

January 2nd is National Pet Travel Safety Day. I am very grateful that when the accident happened both of my dogs were confined in crates, as I believe that played a large part in keeping them safe. Unsecured dogs are at great risk of injury in an accident. Additionally, they can also be a risk to others in the car if there is a sudden collision as they can become a projectile.

Dogs should be secured in either a sturdy crate, or well researched seat belt (Not all seatbelts are safe, and learning about them can be critical.) Crates should be strapped down either with a seat belt if they are small enough, or with cargo straps. Both of my dog's crates were strapped down in the back of my vehicle, which prevented them from shifting.

As much fun as it is for your dog to be able to stick their head out the window and enjoy the wind in their fur, or to sit on your lap and take in the world, it really isn't worth it if there is an accident. Keeping your dog safe when riding in the car is just as important as it is to keep ourselves safe.

01/01/2025

31/12/2024

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴’𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗿? 𝗜 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽!

Does this sound like your dog?

• Unruly behavior that makes daily life a challenge.
• Ignoring you when you call them to come.
• Testing your patience with house training or chewing.

I offer personalized, in-home training designed to help transform your dog into a well-mannered member of your family. With a custom training plan tailored specifically for you and your dog, I’ll guide you step by step to resolve these issues effectively and compassionately.

🐾🐾🐾𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧: When you book my five-visit package, 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝘅𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲! 🐾🐾🐾

Together, we’ll create a happier, more harmonious home for you and your dog.

📍 𝘐𝘯-𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 20 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘐𝘹𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘢, 𝘞𝘐.
________________________________________

𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲?

• Barking and howling that doesn’t stop until you return.
• Panicked behaviors like scratching, biting, or escaping the crate.
• Complaints from neighbors about the noise.

Separation anxiety is overwhelming—for both you and your dog. As a Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behavior Consultant (CSAP-BC), I specialize in helping dogs feel calm and confident when left alone.

My Separation Anxiety Packages are designed to guide you through every step of the process:

• Comprehensive consultation to assess your dog’s needs.
• Weekly customized training plans and regular meetings.
• Unlimited support between sessions, including reviews of training progress and adjustments as needed.

🐾🐾🐾𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧: Book a five-week package now and receive 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙧𝙖 𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙤 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙩!🐾🐾🐾

The best part? 𝙎𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙭𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮, so no matter where you are in the United States, I can help.

Contact me today to get started on a calmer, happier future for you and your dog. The link to my website is in my profile.

24/12/2024

Merry Christmas!

19/12/2024

According to the National Institute of Health "Roughly 20 percent of dogs experienced separation anxiety pre-pandemic...". In 2022 they estimated the percentage to be even higher!

As social animals, dogs often struggle with extended periods alone, especially without proper early independence training. For some, genetics or early experiences play a role. For others, major life changes like rehoming, routine shifts, or even moving can trigger it.

The good news? With the right strategy, I can work with owners to help their dog feel safe and secure, even when home alone.

If your dog struggles to be happy when home alone I'd love to talk to you! Contact me through the link to my website in my profile.

17/12/2024

“I used to have a (fill in the breed), and they are so loving and friendly they would NEVER...”

I come across this sentiment or a version of it quite often in Facebook posts. These comments frequently accompany photos or videos of dogs interacting with children—interactions that are often inappropriate and could even be dangerous.

It’s curious that some people believe all individuals of a particular breed behave exactly the same. The truth is, while breed can influence behavior to some extent, there is a wide spectrum of behaviors within any breed. Just as I’m not an exact replica of my siblings in personality, dogs of the same breed are not carbon copies of each other.

This kind of assumption—that a dog’s breed guarantees certain behaviors—can be dangerous. It cuts both ways: assuming a breed is inherently aggressive can lead to unfair stereotypes, while assuming a breed is always gentle and tolerant can result in unsafe situations. The reality is, no dog, regardless of breed, is guaranteed to tolerate or accept every scenario.

It’s essential to remember that every dog is an individual. Respecting their boundaries and teaching children safe ways to interact can help build trust and prevent accidents. It can also help children develop empathy and teach them how to respect others.

13/12/2024

Watching your dog on camera during separation anxiety training is very important for understanding how they’re really feeling when you’re not there. Some signs of stress, like barking and howling, are easy to notice. But others, like panting, trembling, or shifting body language, can be much more subtle and easy to miss without video.

Using a camera also lets you adjust during the training session. If you see your dog getting too stressed, you can step in before it gets worse, which helps avoid setbacks. Plus, reviewing the footage helps your separation anxiety professional spot patterns and tweak your training plan as needed.

Keeping an eye on your dog through video ensures the process stays positive and low-stress, letting them gradually build confidence and learn to feel okay being alone. It’s all about making the training as smooth and effective as possible!

My favorite video submitted by my clients is the one where absolutely nothing is happening. With separation anxiety boring video is good video.

I would love to help you with your training sessions to make sure that your dog is boring when you're gone. If you'd like to find out how I can help contact me through the link to my website on my profile.

12/12/2024

1) Too Many Training Sessions: In my eagerness to see progress, I’ve overdone it—sometimes holding 2, 3, or even 4 sessions a day. While dogs enjoy treats and praise, they don’t like being drilled. Training takes mental energy, and too much leads to fatigue. Instead, aim for 2–3 short sessions a day with variety to keep things fun and engaging.

2) Overly Long Sessions: Some think dog training needs a 30–45 minute block, but shorter is better. I keep my sessions under 5 minutes to maintain energy and motivation. Set a timer or use 10 treats to avoid the dreaded “just one more,” which often leads to burnout for both you and your dog.

3) Skipping Steps: Progress takes patience. Don’t rush your dog into something they’re not ready for. For example, teaching “stay” too quickly—like turning your back and walking away—can confuse them and lead to repeated failure. Build a strong foundation with small, successful steps.

Learning should be fun and positive for you and your dog. Make training something they love!

Need some help with getting your dog trained? Contact me through my website link in my profile.

11/12/2024

This is Moses - He is a one year old lab mix. After doing an assessment I determined that he does not have separation anxiety, but he does have some crate anxiety. I am looking forward to working with Moses and his person to make him feel more comfortable in the crate, so that eventually he can be left home alone without worry!

If your dog has separation issues, or doesn't like the crate I can help! Contact me through the link to my website on my profile.

10/12/2024

What is a Snuffle Mat? It is a mat with layers of fabric strips or patches where you can hide treats or kibble. Dogs use their noses to sniff out the hidden food.

A snuffle mat provides numerous benefits for dogs, including:

Mental Stimulation: Searching for treats hidden in the mat engages a dog's brain, providing an enriching and satisfying mental workout.

Encourages Natural Foraging Behavior: It mimics the instinctive behavior of sniffing and foraging, allowing dogs to express a natural skill in a safe and fun way.

Slows Down Eating: If used during mealtime, it can slow down fast eaters, reducing the risk of issues like bloating or indigestion.

Stress and Anxiety Relief: The focus required to sniff out treats can calm anxious or hyperactive dogs, promoting relaxation.

Snuffle mats should be used with supervision, and removed once the dog has finished finding all the food.

06/12/2024

When I explain that a key part of treating separation anxiety is ensuring the dog isn’t left home alone, I get a variety of reactions.

Some people immediately tell me why it won’t work for them—and I completely get it. Arranging for someone to be with your dog 24/7 is a big challenge. It often requires significant adjustments, like hiring a dog sitter, using daycare services, or leaning on friends and family for support.

Others are outraged, feeling it’s unreasonable to ask this of anyone. They question why such a drastic measure is necessary and wonder if there isn’t an easier solution.

Then there are those who are simply confused. “How can a dog overcome a fear of being left alone,” they ask, “if the dog never experiences it?”

Let me address these concerns. For those who worry it’s impossible to manage, many people do find ways to make it work. While it may require some sacrifices or creative problem-solving, most of my clients discover solutions that fit their circumstances. And I wouldn’t recommend this step if it weren’t essential. It’s not about being difficult or making life harder—it’s about doing what’s truly effective for resolving separation anxiety.

For those questioning the logic behind avoiding anxiety-provoking absences, it’s important to understand how desensitization works. This process—sometimes called exposure therapy—doesn’t mean your dog will never experience you being gone. Instead, it ensures that your dog never feels panic during your absence. We expose the dog to extremely short durations of being alone, so brief that the dog remains calm. Gradually, we increase the time in a way the dog can handle, changing their emotional response from one of fear to one of relaxation and confidence.

The reason consistency matters so much is that progress becomes nearly impossible if the dog is occasionally left alone for durations that cause intense panic. This inconsistency undermines the desensitization process, making it harder for the dog to learn that being alone is safe.

This method may require effort and patience, but it’s the most effective way to truly help a dog overcome separation anxiety.

I would love to help you and your dog with separation anxiety resolution. Contact me through my website link on my profile to find out more about how the process works!

05/12/2024

I had the pleasure of working with this adorable girl and her owner the other day. Is a German shepherd husky mix, and just sweet as can be!

No major behavioral issues, Mom just hasn't had a puppy in a long time. She needs a refresher in-house training and puppy biting 101! We're also going to start some manners training as well.

04/12/2024

Wow, I cannot believe this is the last newsletter I'll be putting out for 2024!

If you enjoy it, please subscribe to what comes directly to your email account. ☺️

Snapshots of Success: Fine-Tuning Your Dog’s Training

03/12/2024

If your dog goes off every time they spot something out the window, reducing their view can really help! Here are a few simple ways to keep them calm:

🐾Close the Curtains or Blinds – But remember, some dogs might push curtains aside or even damage blinds. Safety first!
🐾 Limit Window Access – If one or two windows are the main triggers, consider blocking off access to those rooms or setting up a pet barrier.
🐾Try Static Cling Window Film – An easy, budget-friendly option! These films come in frosted or decorative designs, blocking the view without blocking the light. Plus, they’re easy to remove whenever you want.

Keeping your dog’s stress (and barking) to a minimum can be as easy as adjusting what they can see outside!

29/11/2024

Dogs with separation anxiety often show certain behaviors during their owner’s absence. Symptoms can vary, and not all dogs will exhibit every behavior.

🗣 Vocalizing
Whining, barking, or howling shortly after the owner leaves, continuing consistently or off and on.

🚪 Escape Attempts
Digging or chewing at doors and windows to reach their owner, sometimes leading to injuries like broken teeth or torn nails.

🚶 Pacing
Walking back and forth or in circles, unable to relax.

😬 Stiff Posture
Standing tensely at the door, often staring at it.

👅 Lip Licking
Repeatedly licking their lips, a common anxiety signal.

🥱 Yawning
Frequent yawning not related to sleepiness.

🐕 Tail Position
Tucked or unusually still tails may signal anxiety.

😓 Panting
Panting without exercise or heat indicates stress.

💧 Drooling
Drooling excessively when food isn’t present is often stress-related.

🛁 Over-Grooming
Licking or chewing their body, sometimes causing hair loss or wounds.

🚽 Accidents
Urination or defecation indoors, even if housetrained.

Each dog is unique, but consistent patterns of these behaviors often point to separation anxiety.

If your dog displays these symptoms and you would like help resolving your dog's anxiety, contact me through the link to my website in my profile!

28/11/2024

26/11/2024

Have you ever been working with your dog to train them to do something, and they seem unresponsive or even shut down?

It could be that your dog is in a new environment and is highly distracted, it could be that you have an adolescent with a brain that isn't working properly, or it could be that your dog doesn't know what you're working on as well as you think they do.

A dog who isn't responsive needs help. Our job as teachers is to evaluate the situation, and try and figure out how to make it so that the dog can be successful. It could be as simple as removing the dog from a distraction, or a review of things that your dog has already learned in another environment, or more review of their foundation skills. In other words, make it easier!