Erica Beckwith, CTC, CBCC-KA, FFCP-T

​A Matter of Manners uses force-free methods
based on the science of animal learning and behavior.

Let’s face it…almost every behavior that is normal and natural for animals is something humans would prefer they didn’t do. My approach is to work with your pet as a team and help them learn how to get along in a human world.

We will focus on building your pet’s skills using rewards as they learn how to perform the behaviors we want. If your dog is already engaging in behaviors you don’t like, we will safely and effectively modify these behaviors by removing the reward and teaching a more desirable behavior.

We’ll make it fun & rewarding for everyone!

I don’t use or recommend the use of intimidation, pain, or coercion to train dogs - including all devices like choke chains, prong collars, and shock/e-collars.

Education & Experience

  • Academy for Dog Trainers Graduate - Certificate in Training and Counseling

  • CCPDT Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA)

  • Living and Learning with Animals Certificate of Excellence - Dr. Susan Friedman, Ph.D

  • Fear Free Certified Professional - Trainer

  • International Cat Care - Certificate in Advanced Feline Behavior with Distinction

  • AKC Evaluator - Trick Dog Titles, Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine, & Urban Citizen

  • Training & Behavior Specialist - Santa Fe Animal Shelter

  • Foster & Volunteer - Busan Abandoned Pet Sanctuary, South Korea

A Matter of Manners all started with a love of animals and an eagerness to help people. I have adored animals since I was young, but my passion was re-energized when I started volunteering at Busan Abandoned Pet Sanctuary in South Korea and began fostering dogs. Thankfully, during this time I discovered the joys and benefits of positive reinforcement training and changed the way I viewed my dogs.

Training became more fun for me and my dogs, they progressed quickly and behaviors became more solid and reliable. After a big move back to America, I started working in the behavior department at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, where I gained thousands of hours of hands-on experience doing behavior modification, basic and advanced training, dog and cat behavior evaluations, doggy playgroups, some puppy class teaching, and behavior and training consultations with the public.

In 2016, I earned a Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC) from The Academy for Dog Trainers, an internationally renowned dog training school founded by Jean Donaldson. I am a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and I have been a Fear Free Certified Professional (fearfreepets.com) since the beginning of the organization.

In 2020 I completed the rigorous International Cat Care Course on Advanced Feline Behavior, earning a certificate in Advanced Feline Behavior for Cat Behavior with Distinction.

The animal training industry is not regulated, and anyone can claim to be a dog or cat trainer despite a complete lack of education in animal behavior and modern training.

I value the importance of continuing education and keeping up to date on the latest scientific findings in animal behavior and cognition. I am committed to offering the best service possible to my clients and their animals.