Frequently asked questions

That's exactly what the initial phone consultation is for. Erin will ask you about your dog's age, breed, history, and what you're hoping to achieve — and she'll point you in the right direction before any commitment is made. If you'd like to get a head start, browse the services page which walks through each offering in detail.

Yes — Erin offers a complimentary phone consultation for anyone who wants to talk through their situation before committing to a first session. It's a no-pressure conversation where you can ask questions, describe what's going on with your dog, and get a sense of whether Coastal Dog Training is the right fit. In-person consultations begin with the first paid session. Schedule your free phone call here.

Erin serves the coastal Delaware and Maryland region, including Dagsboro, Millsboro, Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Fenwick Island, Selbyville, Lewes, Ocean City MD, Ocean Pines MD, and Berlin MD. Not sure if you're in the service area? Get in touch and we'll let you know right away.

The easiest way is to reach out through the contact page or call or text Erin directly at (302) 841-9015. Texting is welcome and often the fastest way to get a response. If you'd prefer to talk first, start with the free phone consultation and Erin will help you get booked from there.

Session length varies depending on the service and your dog's needs — Erin will discuss this during the initial consultation. As for how many sessions you'll need, that depends on what you're working toward. Basic obedience for a motivated adult dog might take just a few sessions, while behavior modification is typically a longer journey. Erin will give you an honest assessment after meeting your dog — never more sessions than are genuinely needed.

Yes — and this is actually one of the most important parts of Erin's approach. Owner education is built into every session. The goal isn't just to train your dog; it's to teach you how to communicate with your dog so the training sticks long after Erin leaves. Your presence and participation are essential to lasting results.

Erin's training is rooted in R+ positive reinforcement — a science-backed, reward-based approach that builds confidence and creates lasting behavior change without fear or punishment. Her work is also deeply informed by dog psychology and pack dynamics, meaning she focuses on understanding why your dog behaves a certain way, not just managing the surface behavior. The result is a dog who genuinely understands what's expected — and a relationship built on trust.

Absolutely — all breeds and all sizes. Erin has a particular passion for bully breeds including Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, and their cousins. These dogs are among the most misunderstood and most trainable breeds out there, and they deserve trainers who genuinely understand and appreciate them. Erin is a proud advocate for bully breeds and the families who love them.

In many cases, yes. Aggression is one of the most common reasons families reach out to Erin, and it's an area she has significant experience with. Every situation is different — Erin will want to understand the full history before making any commitments. Please be completely transparent during the consultation so she can give you an honest assessment of what's possible. Schedule a phone consultation to discuss.

Yes — Erin offers session packages for clients committed to a training program. Packages provide better value than single sessions and are a great fit for puppy school, behavior modification, and any multi-step plan. Here's an overview: Pricing for packages is discussed during your consultation. Reach out to get started.

Because Erin already knows your dog — their temperament, their triggers, their routines. That familiarity makes for a safer, more comfortable stay for your dog, and allows Erin to continue reinforcing your training program while you're away. It's a level of care that simply isn't possible with a dog she hasn't worked with. The good news: becoming a training client is the fast track to boarding access.

All boarding dogs must be current on rabies, DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza), and Bordetella (kennel cough). Dogs must also be on a current flea and parasite prevention program. Vaccination records from your veterinarian must be submitted prior to the stay. Questions? Contact Erin directly.

Because only one dog is boarded at a time, availability fills quickly — especially around holidays and summer weekends along the coast. We recommend reaching out at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance for regular stays, and 4 to 6 weeks ahead for holiday periods. Check availability here.

Erin will contact you immediately if your dog shows any signs of illness or injury. For non-emergency situations she will follow your vet's guidance and keep you informed every step of the way. For emergencies she will seek veterinary care immediately and reach you as quickly as possible. We recommend providing your vet's contact information and an emergency contact at the time of booking.

Absolutely. The waitlist for our upcoming full boarding facility is open to everyone. When the facility opens, waitlist members get first access and priority booking regardless of training history. Join the waitlist here. And if you'd like to explore training in the meantime — we'd love to meet your dog.

Because every dog is different, and so is every training plan. A focused sit-stay session for a motivated Golden Retriever and a multi-week behavior modification program for a reactive rescue are completely different scopes of work — and pricing them the same wouldn't be fair to either client. Erin discusses pricing transparently during your consultation so you always know exactly what you're getting and what it costs before committing to anything.

Erin accepts cash, check, Venmo, and card payments. Payment details will be confirmed during your consultation or at the time of booking. If you have a specific payment preference, just let us know and we'll accommodate where we can.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please call or text Erin at (302) 841-9015 or send a message here.

Yes — life happens and Erin completely understands. If you need to move a session, reach out as early as possible and she'll do her best to find an alternative time. Rescheduling is always preferable to cancelling, and Erin will work with you to keep your dog's training momentum going.

Every product in the Coastal Dog Training shop has been personally vetted and approved by Erin. She only recommends gear she would use — or actually does use — with her own clients and their dogs. If it's in the shop, it earned its place there. No sponsored placements, no products she doesn't stand behind.

Yes — the shop uses affiliate links, which means Coastal Dog Training earns a small commission if you purchase through our links at no additional cost to you. This is one of the ways Erin keeps her training rates accessible while continuing to invest in her business. We're always transparent about this and appreciate your support.

Of course — Erin loves talking gear. If you're looking for something specific and don't see it in the shop, send her a message and she'll point you in the right direction. If it's something she'd recommend to everyone, it might just end up in the shop.