About Erica

Hi, I'm Erica 👋🏻 I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and bring over 20 years of international experience working with animals. Over half of that time has been spent as a dog trainer and behaviourist, working with pet dogs, rescue dogs, assistance dogs, and sports dogs. Originally from the Netherlands, I've lived in the U.S. for 10 years and have called the UK home for nearly 15 years. Throughout my journey, I've had the privilege of training and competing in agility with a Dalmatian cross, Coonhound cross, and Border Collie in these different countries.

Experience & Qualifications


Formal Education

  • MA Wildlife Documentary Production​​, University of Salford, UK

  • BSc (Honours) Animal Behaviour and Welfare​​, Hartpury College, UK

Documents

  • DBS Security Checked​​

  • Fully Insured with Pet Business Insurance

Dog-Related Work Experience

  • Agility Behaviour Specialist at Beyond Agility, Worldwide

  • Self-employed Dog Trainer & Behaviourist at Dogmanchester, UK

  • Dog Trainer at Barkley Grange Dog Daycare, UK

  • Self-employed Dog Walker & Trainer at Pets, Homes & Gardens, UK

  • Puppy Trainer at Medical Detection Dogs, UK

  • Puppy Trainer at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, UK

  • Puppy Caregiver at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, USA

  • Dog Caregiver at Nashoba Valley Boarding Kennel, USA

  • Veterinary Assistant at Middlesex Veterinary Center, USA

  • Volunteer Guide Dog Puppy Socialiser at Guide Dogs, USA

  • Volunteer Dog Daycare Assistant at Gemini Dog Training & Daycare, USA

Courses, CPD & Workshops

  • Separation Anxiety Seminar with Jodie Graham

  • Interactive Play Instructors Course with Craig Ogilvie

  • The Puppy Lab​​, The School of Canine Science, UK

  • Canine Health & Nutrition Diploma, British College of Canine Studies, UK

  • Canine Nutrition & Behaviour, The School of Canine Science, UK

  • 30 Days of Canine Science, The School of Canine Science, UK

  • The Cognitive Dog: Savant or Slacker, Harvard Extension School, USA

  • Triangle of Positive Reinforcement, Arousal and Control webinar with Craig Ogilvie

  • Interactive Play with Craig Ogilvie

  • Trick Training with Ashleigh Butler

  • Trick Training with Nicola Smith

  • Canine Conditioning with Rachel Bunce

  • Canine Sports Medicine & Surgery talk by John Taylor

  • Agility with Becky Sinclair, Dave Munnings, Martin Reid, Marita Davies, Dalton Meredith, Steph Best, Amanda Pigg, Sarah Bunce, Laura Chudleigh, Amy Bennett and Anthony Clarke 

Meet My Dogs


Hershey

Dalmatian Cross

(1999 - 2012)

Penn

Coonhound Cross

Likes: human food, chasing rabbits and birds

Dislikes: rain

Ellie

Border Collie Cross

Likes: judging people and playing with Eric

Dislikes: agility

Eric

Border Collie

Likes: agility, tennis balls & rolling

Dislikes: plastic bags