Hello, I’m Erika Liljefelt, BA, CTBC, CSAP-BC, FDM, CDW
Erika reinforcing her dogs’ whistle recall in a new location!
A little about me:
In a nutshell, I'm a dog trainer that is committed to using only modern, humane training methods, with a passion for helping dogs that struggle - and for helping their humans understand and communicate with them to find solutions.
I take my work seriously, so I'm always learning. I keep my skills sharp by continuing education to keep up with the latest canine science. I read and discuss the latest research with other professionals, attend virtual and live conferences and seminars, take live & virtual classes, and participate in mentorships to keep learning from top experts in my field. You can be sure that I keep my knowledge and skills updated to provide the best training for your pup and you.
I also have a mentor because it’s important to have someone that you can bounce things off of who brings their extensive experience to the table. We can’t be experts in everything! And, it’s important to have support, especially in a caring profession where burnout is common.
What do those letters behind my name mean? You can find my credentials and continuing education here.
As a neuro-divergent person living with ADHD, I feel that I have some insight into what it’s like for our dogs to live in this world with so many overwhelming sights, sounds, and distractions, and just how stressful that can be. I welcome you and I am here to help you with empathy, compassion, and kindness.
You can meet my own dog family members below.
Meet my dogs!
Fiona
Fiona was found at 3-months-old hanging around a fruit stand in Half Moon Bay, CA. This sweet little girl had worms and was covered in fleas and ticks. The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA took her in, gave her medical attention, and was evaluating her for a head tremor, when I was introduced to her when I was a volunteer. Our family fostered her for two weeks, but she integrated herself into our family in the first few seconds.
Fiona on the beach
Beck
Beck was roaming the wilds of Utah, covered in mats, burrs, fleas, and ticks, when an amazing woman found him. He immediately came to her and jumped in her car. She fostered him but she already had four dogs and needed to find him a home. I knew right away that there was something incredibly special about him. He became our newest family member not long after. Several weeks after joining our family, Beck let us know that that the world is a scary place for him, especially other dogs. We manage his environment carefully to keep his stress level low so that he can live a happy, healthy life.
Ready to enjoy your own Relaxed Rover?
I'd be so glad to help.
In Memoriam
The original Relaxed Rover
Cooper T. Dog
November 2001 - December 2015
[Image: Two photos side by side of the same black and brown lab mix dog. Photo on left is dog as an 8-week-old puppy, sitting in front of his human mom who is crouched down with her mouth is in a kiss expression. Photo on right is dog at 14-years-old lying down in front of his human mom who is crouched down with her mouth in a kiss expression.
My inspiration for becoming a professional force-free dog trainer.
Buster the Dog
December 2014 - July 2017
[Image: Large black Formosan Mountain Dog sitting on a sidewalk next to a low cement wall. Dog is looking up and back at his mom.
She always had us wrapped around her little paw. Ms. Mochi Doggie January 2008 – January 2024
[Image: Small, dark brown terrier mix with floppy ears and gray hair on her muzzle, sitting on cement. Her mouth is open in a smile.
“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.”
