Meet Erica
Like many people, I’ve always had a deep love for animals—a quality every dog trainer should carry. Years ago, I adopted Doby, the sweetest Beagle with a difficult past. I wanted to give him the safe, happy life he deserved, but without proper training, I spent years managing behaviors that could have been eased or prevented. After a long battle with Canine Cognitive Disorder, we eventually had to say goodbye.
Two years later, we set out to find a new best friend—this time determined to do things differently. We wanted a dog who could make good choices, live peacefully with us, and truly thrive. That goal sparked my interest in dog training. Soon after, we brought home Henry, an energetic Rough Collie puppy, and our lives quickly shifted into training mode.
During Henry’s first year, we learned the do’s and don’ts of puppy raising, by working with Stonnie Dennis. Training became part of our daily lives, and through that process I gained a wealth of knowledge. By the time Henry was a year old, my friends began to ask me to help with their canine-related issues.
That experience encouraged me to grow further. I began volunteering in different settings to work with a wide range of behaviors, and I dove into in-depth research on canine development and behavior—seeking understanding rooted in science, not guesswork.
Background
Current
Erica is the head trainer at Mebane Canine, dedicated to helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting partnerships. With years of experience and a deep understanding of canine behavior, cognition, and motivation, Erica’s approach combines science-based methods with a love of learning and connection. She believes that every dog is unique, and every family deserves a training plan that fits their goals and lifestyle.
Whether through private lessons or Board & Train programs, Erica focuses on developing well-rounded dogs that make thoughtful decisions and strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners.
Erica stays at the forefront of the field by continually studying current research in canine cognition and behavior, ensuring her methods are grounded in science and proven techniques rather than guesswork. Her mission is to empower owners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to continue training and enjoying life with their dogs long after a lesson ends.
When she’s not training, Erica enjoys spending time with her own dogs, exploring the outdoors, and sharing her passion for positive, effective canine coaching with the community.
