Erin Flynn is a certified dog trainer who has a passion for rescue canines. She has four dogs of her own: Pip, Patch, Peanut, and Ella Bean. She founded Barktastic Behavior in 2021 to bridge the communication gap between people and their dogs and to make life more enjoyable for everyone.
Training Philosophy
Erin believes in using positive reinforcement and clear communication that dogs understand. She teaches owners how to get the behavior they want without being aversive, never having to tug on a leash or yell.
Services
Barktastic Behavior offers a variety of in-person and virtual classes and packages, including:
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Puppy Start-Right Class:
This six-week program covers how to prepare puppies for experiences, people, and situations they’ll encounter in the outside world. It includes basic behaviors like sit, down, and settle on a mat. The cost is $250 per dog.
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Dog Foundation Skills Class:
This six-week program covers how to teach dogs a wide range of behaviors, including sit, down, stay, nose-to-hand target, recall, leave it, and more. The cost is $250 per dog.
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Premier Puppy Package:
This package includes a consultation with the owner(s) prior to bringing the puppy home, one-on-one training and support throughout the six-week Puppy Start Right program, and covers topics such as crate training, house training, chewing, jumping, and dog enrichment ideas. The cost is $450 per dog.
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Coaching:
This package includes in-person training sessions with Erin, homework in between sessions, and can be purchased as a three-session or six-session package. The cost is $225-$450 per dog.
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Day Training:
This package includes weekly in-home training sessions with Erin, where she trains the dog in a ‘hands off’ process. One of the sessions includes a 15-minute ‘transfer’ session where Erin teaches the owner what she has taught the dog that week. The cost is $450 per dog.
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Virtual Classes:
These classes are offered via Zoom and are suitable for those who are not close by or who have a reactive dog. They include the Puppy Start-Right Class and the Dog Foundation Skills Class, both of which are six weeks long and cost $225 per dog.
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Virtual Packages:
These packages offer three or six sessions with a focus on two to three cues or four to six behaviors, respectively. The cost is $225-$450 per dog.
Certifications
Erin is certified from the Karen Pryor Academy as a clicker dog trainer.
Specializations
Erin specializes in dog anxiety and has worked with dogs who have PTSD. She also has experience with puppy training, obedience training, and socialization.
Training Methods
Erin uses positive reinforcement and clicker training methods.
Customer Reviews
- Deb Johnson: I’ve had previous experience with trainers who use pinch collars and minimal treats – not much positive reinforcement. Erin listens to your issues and identifies easy training solutions that are positive and helpful and really work for you and your dog.
- Heather Dawson: I love Barktastic’s ‘What to expect’ handbooks on chewing, house training, and socialization. You get very specific help.
- Kelly Thoemke: We connected with Erin because we needed to know how to get Oakley’s attention and that he’d come when called. In her first encounter with him, she bent down, said his name, and he went right to her. There’s something very calming about her.
- Deb Johnson: Erin gave us the confidence and tools to work with Joey to make him a better dog – and us better owners.
- Jane Pfaller, Waushara County Animal Shelter: When Rocky was having some pottying issues, Erin taught him to pee on cue. I saw a difference in only two weeks.
- Heather Dawson: Working with Erin has reduced my stress level so much because I know what I’m doing. I’m a first-time puppy owner who’s come to understand how to read his body language and signals. It makes a huge difference.
Social Media Links
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085650477379
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barktasticbehavior/
Media Appearances
Erin has been featured in the Waushara Argus newspaper on several occasions, including articles about her work with the Waushara County Animal Shelter, her training of the therapy dog Grizz, and the launch of Barktastic Behavior.
