Ericka always knew that she wanted to work with animals. Like most kids that liked animals, she was encouraged to become a vet. In going down that path, Ericka worked in various animal fields ( veterinary technician, boarding kennel manager, grooming assistant, surgery technician, ect.) and it gave her the opportunity to work with just about every breed, mix, age, size, and temperament of dog in many different environments. Her favorite part in all these jobs was the canine behavior aspect. Ericka knew that was what she was supposed to do. 

Since 2000, Ericka has been detected to all forms of dog training. Her list of accomplishment includes: Running a working ranch for an Australian Shepherd Breeder, developing and managing the behavior department of the local humane society, training and competing with dogs in agility, conformation, obedience, rally-o, weight pull, nosework, mondioring, and lure coursing, and helping thousands of people and dogs live better lives together.

Some of the greatest experiences she's had were in New York at Round Out Valley Animals for Adoptions. There she was certified in the Train to Adopt program. The goal is to make dogs in the shelter more adoptable as well as provide them with daily mental stimulation through training. Ericka was also certified in the Training Wheels program, that keeps dogs out of the shelter by providing behavioral and medical assistance to the community. She also became a part of the Lug Nuts program that helps intercity kids keep out of dog fighting and give them an outlet to “show off” their dogs while using positive reinforcement training and fostering a community bond. In the Asses-A-Pet program Ericka excelled in the ability to match dogs and people together to make life long matches. In addition she became certified with the Humane Society of the United States in the Pets for Life program and attended countless workshops and seminars with Puppy Works, HSUS, and Positively Trained to name a few.

Today Ericka works with pet owners and their dogs, as well as working as a consultant for various animal shelters. Dog sports are her passion. Ericka love to help pet dog owners make the jump to dog sports and reap the benefits! For her, training is more than just teaching dogs behaviors. Seeing the relationships that develop between dog and owner and the freedom that well trained dogs can experience is what is it all about for her. Nosework has become a big part of her training program and she is a Certifying Official Judge for the United Kennel Club program.