Erica van Manen

Behaviour Specialist for Pet & Agility Dogs

NEW: Beyond Agility Trainer Sessions

Professional behaviour training for your agility dog. I take your dog into an agility training environment and work through the behaviour that is getting in the way, then show you exactly what made the difference so you can continue it in your own sessions.

Are you struggling with your dog's behaviour?

Success in dog training comes from knowing what you are working on, practising consistently, and adjusting your training as your dog progresses.

With coaching, you are not trying to figure that out on your own. You get guidance on what to focus on, how to train it, and when to move things forward so you can actually see progress instead of repeating the same problems.

As you work through it, you start to understand your dog better, make clearer decisions, and feel more confident handling situations as they come up.

Everyday Basics

  • Puppy Training

  • Basic Commands

  • Wait/Stay

  • Recall

  • Loose Lead Walking

  • Leave It

  • Ignoring Distractions

  • Calm Greetings

  • Grooming & Handling

  • And More...

Behaviour Challenges

  • Reactivity

  • Excessive Barking

  • Separation Anxiety

  • Jumping Up

  • Behaviour Around Visitors

  • Resource Guarding

  • Coprophagia

  • Fear

  • Aggression

  • And More...

Agility Dogs

  • Overexcitement

  • Anxiety

  • Frustration

  • Excessive Barking

  • Lack of Focus

  • Leaving The Ring

  • Watching Agility

  • Queueing

  • Startlines

  • And More...

See the Difference in Your Dog

Just imagine your dog responding when you ask, staying with you even when there is a lot going on, and being able to take them out or into the ring without constantly managing every little thing. Walks feel easier, training has direction, and in agility you can focus on handling instead of trying to hold it all together.

You show me what is happening in your training and we work through it together, shaping it into something you can repeat and build on consistently. You start to see where to put your effort, how to progress it, and how it all links together as you keep going.

As you continue, things start to feel clearer. You know when to progress, when to repeat, and when to simplify so your dog can keep improving without things falling apart. Your dog begins to respond sooner, stay focused for longer, and you feel more confident handling situations as they come up.

With regular feedback and video review, your training keeps progressing. You see the positive changes happening and you know how to keep building on them.

About Erica

I'm a dog trainer and behaviourist with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and over 20 years of international experience working with pet dogs, rescue dogs, sports dogs, Hearing Dogs, Guide Dogs and Medical Detection Dogs. I have trained and competed in agility up to grade 4 with a Dalmatian cross, a Coonhound cross and a Border Collie in the UK, USA and the Netherlands.

I have been there too, struggling through behaviour challenges in everyday life and agility, feeling the frustration and embarrassment that comes with it! I understand how difficult it can be when your dog isn't responding as you'd hope, and I’ve experienced the highs and lows that come with trying to get everything right.

The best way to understand my work is through the dogs and owners I've supported along the way.

Andrea

"We've been working with Erica to help my collie with his dog-reactivity. Training with her has been so useful. She spots changes in my dog's reactions so much quicker than I can, and recommends what I should do before we get in a mess. I'm beginning to be able to develop these skills myself, but I doubt I'd have achieved this on my own. Erica is calm and kind, which is so reassuring to the flustered owner!"

Sian

"Erica is absolutely fantastic. She has helped me greatly with both of my dogs, they have made so much progress. She is so knowledgable, experienced and incredibly patient and reassuring. Beyond agility is SO needed. Our dog (and me 😂) struggled to control emotions in his hooper’s class but with the training we learnt with Erica, we have been able to attend agility workshops without him reacting to other dogs. Thank you😃"

Yvonne

"Started working with Erica in July and am thrilled with the progress I have seen since we started. I did a consult with Erica at a show and then started the online coaching. Erica is observant and a very clear communicator. She’s suggested progressive but simple exercises that have had a very quick impact on my girl’s agility, helping her to think in arousal and improving her listening skills. Would highly recommend Erica!"

Lucy

"We have recently started working with Erica online & attended a 1:1 in person session. Erica is very knowledgeable & experienced. All communication with her has been very professional, always positive & encouraging. I would highly recommend Erica for any training difficulties you may be experiencing with your dog."

Susan

"Been doing online training with Erica for a couple of months now, and had a couple of sessions in person at FAB. This set up works brilliantly for trying to help my complex little man. Erica is brilliant at spotting changes in behaviour and giving me things to work on. Her on line support is invaluable. Highly recommend both the online and in person training."

Sofia

"I get super quick and constructive feedback. The exercises are easy to understand and follow. The instructor is very kind and helpful!
I’ve got so much help with my start line problems. I can truly recommend Beyond agility to anyone who needs help with this."

Ready to get started?

If you want help with your dog’s behaviour, you can book onto the next available coaching block and start making progress with your dog's training.