“My company produces large expos for pet lovers across the country. I’ve met thousands of dog trainers, from Anchorage to Miami and Boston to San Francisco. I can easily say that Erin is one of the very best and she quite literally changed our lives. My boxer baby is now a happy, healthy, confident canine who no longer lives in constant fear of strangers and we owe it all to Helping Hounds.”. – Sheila Rilenge, President of Amazing Pet Expos, St. Louis, MO
“Erin works well with both people and animals. This is such a welcome and necessary trait when training companion animals.” – Steve Kaufman, Executive Director of the Animal Protective Association, St. Louis, MO
“Helping Hounds is awesome. Erin is a trainer who analyzes the situation and finds positive ways to correct behavior. I met Erin many years ago when she adopted an abused pit bull from Mutts N Stuff. She has taken abused animals, given them new confidence, and has been able to obtain Good Canine Citizenship [through the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Program]. I highly recommend Helping Hounds.” – Gale Frey, Co-Founder of Mutts N Stuff pit bull rescue, St. Louis, MO
“Erin exuded a calm and confident presence from the moment we met her. When she began working with Maverick, our newly adopted, adolescent, and energetic two-year-old male Rottweiler, we wanted to incorporate training that taught him basic obedience and manners. It was great to see how receptive he was to her force-free training methods and he caught on quickly. Now, two years later, we are still using some of those same commands with Maverick and he has transitioned nicely into our home and lifestyle. We are so thankful for her and the expertise at Helping Hounds!” – Kelly Backes, Co-Founder of Athletes for Animals and wife of St. Louis Blues’ captain, David Backes
“I cannot even begin to thank you for the huge impact you have had on our students!! I have had nothing but glowing reports from the teachers. You have been amazing! Do keep in touch, we would love to have you back next year.” – Ruth Guffey, Partners in Education, City of St. Charles School District, St. Charles, MO
“Working with Erin with Helping Hounds was a great experience. She really listens to what your needs and expectations are from the training. She really took the time to get to know my dogs and put them in situations to thoroughly work through their individual needs. She is very knowledgeable on canine behavior and positive training methods.” – Jamie Buehrle, pit bull and dog rescue advocate and wife of Toronto Blue Jays’ pitcher, Mark Buehrle
“I have spent a lot of time looking for a dog trainer that does not use harsh training methods. I feel very strongly that training can be accomplished without being mean. Helping Hounds is the only training facility that I have found who only uses kindness and rewards during training. I am so happy to see my dog responding to rewards instead of being taught with fear and intimidation!” – Dr. Marcy Hammerle, Owner of The Pet Doctor, O’Fallon, MO
“After my experience at the last place [I took my dog], Erin and the gang at Helping Hounds were so great!!! My puppy, Winter, came home happy but sleepy every day. The force free training methods eased my mind and worked so well!!! My autistic son was put at ease and was able to grasp this training method. Erin worked with him and Winter during the transfer sessions. She also provided easy to follow handouts for us to reinforce what was worked on throughout the week. I would highly recommend Helping Hounds to anyone looking for training for their dogs!!!” – Kara Critchelow, St. Charles, MO
“I just wanted to let you know how much I learned from your classes!! Both Luke and I enjoyed your classes!! Thanks for all you help in training Luke and I!! Gratefully,” – Marie Bess, St. Charles, MO
“We were totally promoting Helping Hounds and K9 Kabana today at the dog park. Lucy was showing off her skills and people were interested. Thank you, Erin, for all your help in teaching us as well as Ms. Lucy.” – Rob and Cate Luth, St. Charles, MO
“Thank you for such a wonderful class, Michelle! Tony, Zeus and I all got so much out of it! You’ve given us some great tools to continue working with Zeus and I’m sure we will be back for some more classes. Thanks again for everything!!!” – Kellie Crnko, St. Louis, MO
