Erik Weitz, CPDT-KA, Senior Trainer

Erik is a Kent State University Graduate who has put his degree in Sociology to good use in the dog-training world with his understanding of the social psychology of dogs and how they relate to other animals and to people. He began his career as a lead animal-care technician at Forest Park Ark.

After leaving Forest Park, he was hired at the Anti-Cruelty Society and worked there for almost three years. Erik was originally hired as an assistant in the animal behavior and training department and was quickly promoted to a behavior and training specialist. He screened dogs to determine personality characteristics and define any behavioral issues in order to more easily find the perfect home for each animal. In addition, he trained hundreds of dogs of all different breeds. Lastly, his job required fielding phone inquiries on the Society's Behavior Hotline and conducting face to face consultations where he found solutions to all types of behavioral and obedience problems.

Erik joined Collins Canine in August of 2006 and since then he has received an immense amount praise from clients who have been ecstatic with his soothing, calming manner that makes both dogs and owners comfortable. In 2009 Erik earned the title of Certified Professional Dog Trainer.

Photos by Lisa Winn

Certifications and Memberships
• Certified Professional Dog Trainer since 2009
• Member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers since 2005
• Pet First Aid certified since 2006
• American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator since 2009

Seminars
• Shaping Away Canine Aggression: Jesús Rosales-Ruiz, PhD & Kellie Snider (June 2008)
• Exel-erated Learning!: The Principles of How Dogs Learn and How Best to Teach Them: Pam Reid PhD (April 2008)
• Conducting Private Consultations: Veronica Boutelle (August 2007)
• Aggression in Dogs: Brenda Aloff (November 2006)
• New Perspectives on Canine Behavior, Emotion & Training: Steve White & Patricia McConnell, PhD (August 2006)
• Pet First Aid and CPR: Tammie Bouscher (March 2006)
• The SAFER Test: Emily Weiss, PhD (December 2005)
• Bite Me, Body Language, Dog Aggression: Pat Miller (May 2005)
• Aggression in Dogs (Shelter Dog Issues): Sue Sternberg (2004)

  About Erik's group classes:

  Erik was attentive, patient, an excellent instructor and you can tell he loves dogs.
  Mike K. and his dog Floyd

  Erik was great at answering all of our questions and so patient. We thank you for all your help!! We will be visiting you again soon!
  Jennifer R. and Jeff G. and their dogs Jackie and Jorgie

  What we liked most about the class was Erik's friendly demeanor and his focus. The class was very well organized and run. We loved the class and will re-enroll with our other dog soon!
  Mark & Ann S. and their dog Sadie

  About Erik's private lessons:

  My two-year-old dog had been through puppy obedience training, but both she and I needed a refresher course. We'd never mastered loose leash walking, and she had started to be aggresive toward other dogs on our walks. Erik's one-on-one training sessions helped me learn techniques to correct these behaviors in a gentle, positive way. My dog showed remarkable improvement after our sessions, and now I know how to move forward to achieve the behaviors I want!
  Amy J. and her dog Maize

  I just began my second series of training sessions with Erik and am very pleased with the results to date. After an unexpected delay of eight weeks between classes Erik was able to get my dog back into the swing of things rather quickly and more importantly remotivate me to want to work with my dog on a daily basis. It is incredibly rewarding to see him focus on me and his commands. Erik has not only provided a great deal of patience but more importantly has been able to show me successful tools to use that work with our schedule. I look forward to continued progress and a happy and relaxed dog.
  Stacey B. and her dog Beau

  We got our pit bull mix, Fiona, after she was removed from a home because of abuse and neglect. She was extremely fearful and aggressive, and she would not let anyone but me or my boyfriend touch her or even make eye contact. Amazingly, Erik was able to pet her and have her eating from his hand by our second training session. At our third lesson, Fiona was wagging her tail and didn't bark or growl when he came to the door. Fiona has made tremendous strides in her reactivity toward strangers and friends as well. We couldn't be happier with the results so far.
  Stephanie R. and her dog Fiona