Hello, I’m Erika Liljefelt (she/her)
Certified Trainer & Behavior Consultant
Erika reinforcing her dogs’ whistle recall in a new location!
In a nutshell, I'm a professional dog trainer with nearly a decade of experience working with dogs, and I am committed to using only modern, humane, education-based training methods. I am passionate about helping owners find solutions with a foundation of kindness first.
I take my work seriously, so I'm always learning. I keep my skills sharp with 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 for your pup and you.
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.
I stand firmly on the side of 2SLGBTQIA+, neurodivergence, BIPOC, immigrants regardless of their “status” - human beings are never illegal . I have a zero-tolerance policy for sexism, racism, bigotry, ableism, ageism, fat shaming or objectifying people’s bodies, othering, and anything or anyone who uses cruelty, hatred, and fear to demean and control people and take away rights.
Meet my dogs! Beck the Border Collie and Fiona the Blue Heeler mix.
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.”
