About Us​

 

We are located in Erie, Pennsylvania and come directly to your home for behavior consultation and hands-on training. There is no additional fee for travel within a 30-minute driving distance.

We are willing to travel outside of Erie

and the surrounding area based on the client need

       Our rate is $75.00 per hour; The average session is approximately 3 hours. 

     Travel fees, if necessary

are happily discussed prior to consultation.

Lengthy travel fees (1 hour or more) must be paid in advance.

 

 

Canine Connection is owned and operated exclusively by:

Eileen K Murdock. member APDT

​

The purpose and goal of my business is to enhance the quality of the relationship between pet owners and their dogs through education and the practice of using basic leadership skills to correct

unwanted behavior issues exhibited by their pets.

 

My focus is on helping humans to achieve better understanding of the nuances of dog psychology and the

way that pack mentality, influences and directs the dog’s behavior.

 

My experience working with and handling dogs spans 37 years when I first began working with Joan Wienczkowsi, the founder of Proud Land Kennels here in Erie. Joan's business has achieved an excellent reputation in the area as being the premium choice for dog obedience at her facility.

 

Throughout the years I have participated in many beginner as well as advanced classes not only in training my own dogs but also acting as “handler” for friends and family member’s animals. Through Joan’s exceptional tutelage I have learned a great deal regarding obedience training and the successful methods of using only

positive reinforcement when working with and

handling all varieties of dog breeds.

​

About 20 years ago my desire to further increase my knowledge and experience with dogs led me to Knapp farm and Terry Peterson, a professional dog handler and hunt guide. Terry coached and supervised me with hunt training instruction, along with guiding and handling techniques for my dogs on upland game birds.

This training led to my success with directing and handling dogs in the

field for numerous hunting parties on a personal and professional basis.

 

I have entered and obtained qualifying scores and finish titles with all of my dogs in numerous

AKC hunt test events throughout the years.

The atmosphere surrounding the events was so enjoyable that I took on the task of obtaining the education and apprenticeship necessary to become an

AKC sanctioned Hunt Test Judge.

For the past 19 years I have participated in many events, instructing and judging handlers along with their dogs in their quest to qualify and pass the rigorous requirements

to earn AKC Hunting Titles.

​

In February of 2009 I began volunteering my services to the Humane Society of NW Pennsylvania,

exercising, working with and teaching obedience to the dogs at the shelter.

I observed that 90% of the dogs in rescue were there due to behavioral issues, but noted that almost all of

those issues could easily be resolved by the human

learning to take on a leadership role with the dog.

​

I worked extensively with dogs that lacked social skills and those with fear-based issues and anxiety. I developed and posted protocol for the staff to use with specific dogs on occasion to assure rehabilitation and aid in adoption.

​

In using the techniques acquired over many years, I observed an immediate positive response from all the dogs at the shelter. By volunteering, I found myself in a position to offer advice and answer questions from an ever-growing eager general public in addition to other professional dog handlers in the area.

Through this interaction, I determined there was a great need to share the gift I had working with all dogs.

I wanted to make a profound difference in the lives of people and their pets.

From there Canine Connection LLC., soon became a reality.

​

I have consulted with and reviewed my program with

Deborah J. Abt V.M.D. the owner of "4 Feet and Fur" in home veterinary services, for Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. Dr. Abt was instrumental in helping design a Behavioral Consultation Questionnaire and provided additional information used to format some handouts. I have many guidelines that I have authored and provide to my clients for reference during and after their sessions.

​

We are very proud to say that in March of 2011 Canine Connection was sought out by the Animal Welfare Society of Monroe County in the Stroudsburg/Pocono area of eastern Pennsylvania, to assist in evaluating the mental well-being of 7 German Shepherd dogs seized in a highly publicized case of cruelty, and severe neglect. We designed programs, implemented protocol and provided education to the staff and adoption applicants to

assure successful rehabilitation for each dog.

 

All of the abused dogs were successfully adopted into loving homes!

 

In the past 13 years; since inception, we have worked with, designed and implemented successful behavior rehabilitation programs for almost 2,000 dogs and their grateful owners!

 

My business is registered with the state of Pennsylvania and insured through Erie Insurance Group. I am also a full member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and have accrued over 30 hours of continuing education, including 14 hours on

Sociability vs Aggression Thresholds in Dogs with Sue Sternberg in August of 2017, and an additional 14 hours on Positive Solutions for Dog Aggression with Pat Miller in August of 2018, and 16 hours of Aggression in Dogs Defensive Training and Handling skills with Michael Shikashio CDBC and Trish McMillian, MSc, CPDT-KA in October of 2019

 

I hope that this information will aid in your

decision to participate with

“Canine Connection” LLC.

I welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry.

Eileen K. Murdock owner/trainer