Life is easier with a relaxed dog.
When your dog’s behavior leaves you worried, confused, or worn down, you deserve support that looks at the whole picture. Relax, Rover. offers kind, practical training for real life, without fear, force, or judgment.
In-person support in San Jose and surrounding communities. Remote separation anxiety training and Dynamic Dog Assessments are available nationwide.
Take a breath. You do not have to figure this out alone.
Living with behavior that feels unpredictable, stressful, or confusing can affect every part of your day. You may be wondering whether you are doing the right things, whether your dog is comfortable, or whether life together will always feel this hard.
Your dog is not giving you a hard time. They may be having a hard time.
Together, we can slow things down, look beneath the behavior, and create a plan that supports both of you.
Support for the dog in front of you
No two dogs, households, or challenges are exactly alike. Your starting point should reflect what is happening in your dog’s life and what will make the greatest difference for your family.
In-Person Dog Training
Practical, one-on-one support for puppies, adolescent and adult dogs, fear, reactivity, and anxiety. Together, we will build useful everyday skills, reduce stress, and help you understand what your dog needs.
Explore In-Person Training
Separation Anxiety Training
Individualized remote coaching for dogs who struggle when left alone. You will receive a plan shaped around your dog, regular feedback, and compassionate guidance at a pace that respects their emotional well-being.
Explore Separation Anxiety Support
Dynamic Dog Assessments
A detailed virtual or hybrid assessment of your dog’s movement, posture, daily habits, and behavior. The process can reveal patterns worth discussing with your veterinarian and help create a clearer path forward.
Dynamic Dog Assessments do not diagnose medical conditions or replace veterinary care.
Behavior Consultation
A single, in-depth remote consultation to understand your dog's behavior, environment, and history, with a written summary and a follow-up meeting to review next steps.
Explore Behavior Consultation
You may be here because…
Something in daily life is no longer working, and you want to understand why, not simply stop the behavior.
- Walks have become stressful
- Your puppy’s behavior feels overwhelming
- Your dog struggles to settle
- Your dog barks, lunges, freezes, or avoids
- Leaving home causes distress
- Your rescue dog is having difficulty adjusting
- Training progress feels inconsistent
- You wonder whether discomfort may be affecting behavior
- You want to understand your dog rather than overpower them
Behavior makes more sense when we look at the whole dog.
Behavior does not happen in isolation. A dog’s emotional state, physical comfort, environment, routines, learning history, and relationships can all shape what we see on the surface.
Erika’s approach begins with curiosity rather than correction. We will look at what your dog is communicating, what may be making life harder, and which practical changes can help both of you feel more secure.
Kindness first
Training should protect trust and emotional safety.
The whole picture
Movement, comfort, environment, routines, and behavior all matter.
Practical support
Recommendations should work in your real daily life.
Collaboration
You are an essential part of understanding and supporting your dog.
Meet Erika Liljefelt
A knowledgeable guide for dogs with big feelings and the people who love them.
Erika is a certified trainer and behavior consultant with nearly a decade of professional experience working with dogs. She uses modern, humane, education-based methods and believes meaningful change begins with empathy, careful observation, and kindness.
Her specialized education includes separation anxiety, canine movement and posture, fear, reactivity, behavior consulting, and family dog mediation. She considers the emotional well-being of both the dog and guardian throughout the process.
As a neurodivergent person living with ADHD, Erika also understands how overwhelming a world filled with sights, sounds, expectations, and distractions can feel. That perspective informs the patience and compassion she brings to every client relationship.
Understanding changes everything.
Compassionate guidance can help you see your dog more clearly and move forward with greater confidence.
Ebony T.“Erika helped us understand the connection between our dog’s movement, discomfort, and behavior. Her Dynamic Dog Assessment gave our veterinarian valuable information, and the training that followed helped make our walks more manageable and positive. Our dog loves Erika.”
Patricia Jordan“Erika is professional, knowledgeable, and generous with her teachings. I would recommend her to anyone interested in understanding their dog better.”
Jessica and Kirk V.“After our time with Erika, we felt much more prepared with the tools, resources, and skills to navigate life with an anxious dog.”
Ready to feel more at ease with your dog?
Begin with a short inquiry. Tell Erika what is happening, what you are worried about, and what you hope will change. She will review your information and follow up with the most appropriate next step.
You will begin with a short form, not a public booking calendar.