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David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

Cheryl Gfrerer

Dog trainer in Minneapolis

#154 in United States, #3 in Minnesota, #1 in Minneapolis

United States

Minneapolis

https://www.giffydog.com/

Service areas:

St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN and surrounding suburbs; Hudson and western, WI; virtual training

Support your dog trainer by sharing your story

I founded Giffy dog in 2012 after I had spent the previous twelve years providing foster care for rescue dogs. My passion for working with dogs in the rescue community was well-established by then, but I recognized the need to refine and improve my skills with the most current, well-researched methods. In 2015, I completed the rigorous Karen Pryor Academy program and have pursued regular ongoing training since then, including becoming level 2 TAGteach certified and completing three Karolina Westlund programs as well as Kim Brophey's L.E.G.S. program.

Certifications:

KPA-CTP, TAGteach level 2

Dog training services include

  • Deaf dog training
  • Reactive dog training
  • In home training
  • Puppy training

More info about Cheryl Gfrerer's dog training:

Specializing in fearful dogs and rescue dogs, I offer private virtual and in-person training along with occasional special topics classes in person and online.

Behavioral issue focus:

I work with a range of behaviors including fear, socialization, confidence-building, anxiety, and reactivity. In addition, I help families troubleshoot other challenges, such as housetraining, destructive behaviors, leash pulling, and integrating dogs into multiple-pet homes.

Dog training methods:

I use positive reinforcement training, pairing behaviors the family wants to see with things the dog likes to motivate them to offer those behaviors more often. If the dog exhibits behaviors the family doesn't like, we identify precursors to those behaviors and change the environment to reduce the likelihood that the dog will exhibit those behaviors going forward. We regularly work with enrichment activities to help increase the dog's confidence and problem-solving skills while decreasing destructive behaviors. Training this way leads to well-adjusted, confident dogs.

Why I became a dog trainer:

I saw so many dogs struggling as they transitioned from rescue into adoptive homes, but I also recognized their resilience. I wanted to better understand how to support dogs by providing a safe, enriching environment that allowed them the engage and thrive.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer:

I love seeing dogs develop confidence and families learn how satisfying it can be to help their dogs thrive.

My #1 dog training tip:

Choose simple ways to add enrichment, such as interacting with environmental features on walks.

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Dog Trainers

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