Ericka Duggan – Owner / Instructor
I always knew that I wanted to work with animals. Like most kids that liked animals, I was encouraged to become a vet. In going down that path I worked in various animal fields ( veterinary techician, boarding kennel manager, grooming assistant, surgery technician, ect.) and it gave me the opportunity to work with just about very breed, mix, age, size, and temperament of dog in many different environments. My favorite part in all these jobs was the canine behavior aspect. I knew that was what I was supposed to do.
Since 2000 I have been detected to all forms of dog training. My 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 I had were in New York at Round Out Valley Animals for Adoptions. There I 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. I was also certified in the Training Wheels program, that keeps dogs out of the shelter by providing behavioral and medical assistance to the community. I 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 I excelled in the ability to match dogs and people together to make life long matches. In addition I 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 I work with pet owners and their dogs, as well as working as a consultant for various animal shelters. Dog sports are my passion. I love to help pet dog owners make the jump to dog sports and reap the benefits! For me training is more than just teaching dog 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 me. I am an guest instructor at Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers and travel to Santa Rosa every few weeks to teach other trainers about the wonderful sport of Nosework. Nosework has become a big part of my training programs and I am a Certifying Official Judge for the United Kennel Club program.
I look forward to meeting you and your dog. Please email me or set up a consultation if you have any questions.
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Herding
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Fun Time on the Ranch
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Rugger Best of Breed
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Puppy Testing
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Dock Diving
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Cisco UKC conformation
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Conformation