Erika Gonzalez

Erika is the Founder of From Dusk Till Dog and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant who graduated with distinction from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy, a Government-Approved and State-Approved School and program that is licensed by the NJ Department of Education and the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development. This certification is based the standards of the nationally respected Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and the position statements of the leading organization in reward-based dog training, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Erika is also an Official Mentor Trainer for CATCH, where she is able to pass along her skills and knowledge by mentoring new students training to get certified as a professional dog trainer.

She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers which demonstrates a commitment to continuing education, specific hours working in dog training and behavior, a signed attestation statement from a licensed veterinarian, and passing rigorous standards for knowledge and skills in science-based dog training. The exam measures a broad range of knowledge and skills in ethology, learning theory, dog training technique, and instruction.

Erika is has also obtained the Fear Free Certified Training Professional (FFCP) certification through the Fear Free organization, which has become one of the single most transformative initiatives in the history of companion animal practice, providing unparalleled education on emotional wellbeing, enrichment, and the reduction of fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.

Erika is a Certified Canine Enrichment Technician (CET), has obtained a certificate in pet nutrition from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine - Extension, is a Canine Training Professional Member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and is Cat & Dog First Aid and CPR Certified.

Erika also holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Relations from West Virginia University. After college, she worked at a Fortune 500 company and later at a mid-size publishing company as an Acquisitions Editor, before fully pursuing her career with dogs.

She has extensive experience with dogs of all breeds, sizes, temperaments, and ages and has successfully helped many pet parents reach their training goals with their dogs. Although Erika has vast experience in conducting private lessons, she also has experience working with group classes, puppy training programs, board and train programs, online education, public speaking, virtual coaching, and partnering with rescue organizations. Earlier on in her career, Erika also has work experience at several dog-related businesses, including managing a large chain pet store and dog daycare/boarding facilities.