My Story
As the Founder and Head Trainer of The Canine Republic
I was a dog owner before I was a dog professional and I know the struggle owners are having and the emotions related: fear, frustration, anxiety, and helplessness.
I personally have a pack of five rescue dogs, two of which would viciously fight in competition for my attention. They barked in the house, lunged at strange dogs, drug me around on walks and so much more. As most concerned dog owners do, I sought out help. I read many books, watched countless shows and DVDs, purchased every type of training tool, attended classes at well known pet stores and training facilities, even put my dogs through extensive boot camps with private trainers. Although I’d see small results, nothing brought consistent success and I couldn’t help but notice that the advice I was being given revolved around avoidance, isolation and settling for less.
Desperate and frustrated, I finally found the methodology of Dog Psychology and joined group classes at the Dog Psychology Center in Santa Clarita, CA. It was the first time I had been asked to look into my own emotions and intentions and consider the possible influences they had in dealing with my dogs’ issues. It was humbling, to say the least, but as I embraced the changes presented to me, I began to see profound and exciting results!
After taking every class & seminar on Dog Psychology I could find locally, I decided to turn my love and passion for dogs into an occupation to help them. I enrolled in the very extensive Animal Behavior College Dog Training program, where I received my ABCDT Certification. Meanwhile, obtaining a paid position at the Dog Psychology Center, where I mentored under Cesar Milan and his team of trainers. I worked with some of the most extreme cases in the world and soon was titled, “Lead Trainer” in Cesar’s Weekend Courses. I was responsible for students in Mastering The Walk and Socialization Classes I through V, while also training the new trainers that would come into the fold. In time, I was asked to train with Cesar in his Fundamentals of Dog Behavior 1 workshops and assist in Fundamentals of Dog Behavior 2.
Expanding on my skills and desire to help the helpless, I began volunteering my training to various rescue organizations, some of which include Deaf Dogs of America & Animal Hope & Wellness, who focus their efforts on the meat trade crisis. So when Marley’s Mutts needed help expanding their specialty prison reform program, Pawsitive Change, I could not wait to get involved. Now, I am a Head Trainer at the California City Correctional Facility and on a team that has successfully rehabilitated and re-homed hundreds of dogs, while reforming just as many incarcerated men. Pawsitive Change is now in 6 different male prisons across California, a girls juvenile program, & actively expanding. It is through this groundbreaking program that I have become a Canine Good Citizen Instructor and mentored the men who have come through the program. Some of which are now released and thriving in their own dog training businesses.
Believing that there is always something to learn and new ways to improve, I’ve continued my studies of animal behavior over the years. No subject more important than another, I’ve attended seminars from Nicole Wilde, clinics through Buck Brannaman, and multiple workshops with Cheri Lucas, Brian Agnew, Oregon Tails. To receive more in-depth learning, I have mentored under some of the finest dog professionals in the business. Being the Head Trainer for Training Cesar’s Way Courses, Heather Michelson coached me through achieving realistic results in a group class as well as learning to identify the true root of every problem. What I retained strongest from her mentorship is her ability to connect with people in a genuine and sincere way to empower them to find the leader in themselves in order to get results from their dogs. Heather also taught me through a one on one program, the foundation to the “Force Free Method” of the E-Collar device. Still a dear friend and confidante, Heather and I continue to get together and work dogs regularly.
I first met Kim when I was the Head Trainer of Courses for Training Cesar’s Way. Two things struck me immediately. First, her sincere desire to help people and their dogs. Second, her willingness and desire to learn and grow. I believe that these two things, along with the time and money Kim has invested in mentoring under top trainers and behaviorists, are the reasons she has become the phenomenal trainer she is today.
She does not adhere to only one single philosophy, instead she takes all of the knowledge she has gained and applies it accordingly to the needs of each specific client. Therefore, each client gets a customized experience build to satisfy their specific needs. I am honored that Kim is not only my colleague but a dear friend, and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for some help with their dog.
- Heather Mickelson
Kim Erickson has uncanny intuition with dogs. Of the thousands of trainers I’ve mentored, there are only a few I feel comfortable referring clients to. Kim is one of those few. She has exceptional talent in creating customized strategies for her clients that actually work. But its her integrity as a person that makes me proud to call her my friend.
- Cheri Wulff Lucas, Dog Behaviorist
After taking my first of many Lucas Agnew “Missing Link” Workshops, I pursued an eight day, private Shadow Training Program with Cheri Lucas, the Dog Behavior expert, herself. This was a very immersive and personalized program to help solidify my protocols and expand my problem solving techniques.
Living on site and starting with a giant pack walk first thing every morning, Cheri and I would spend the entire day working dozens of seriously troubled dogs. Having this intensive hands-on activity under the watchful eye of a seasoned authority helped me to clarify the smallest of details in technique and tools. In between rehabilitating severe cases, I studied how she handled her clientele, her rescue organization, staff, business matters and her own personal pack. This gave me the “next level” of information I needed to become the specialist and business leader that I am today.
All of these learning experiences I have had over the years and I continue to find are only strengthening my abilities to identify and solve problems my clients are experiencing. It has taught me that there is no one way to do anything and my thirst for seeking knowledge in all platforms is what helps round me out in my knowledge and abilities. Every human’s personality is unique, as is every dog’s so I won’t take the same stamped outlined approach to every client. The ingredients to finding a healthy life with your dog may be the same overall, but the way we mix them together into an effective treatment plan is something I consider my specialty.