Vicki Eberle, CPDT-KA, Owner/Trainer

MY STORY

In 2008 I welcomed a Maltese puppy named Mojo into my family (he’s the serious looking one on the right). My daughter was struggling with learning issues, and I was struggling to do everything I could to help her. I had hope that a dog would give her comfort, strength, and companionship and maybe gain confidence from training him. Well, I learned far more than anyone. Mojo came from a local pet store and was bred with congenital defects. He was taken from his mother at too early an age and became overly attached to me. I learned firsthand how the lack of breeding regulations contribute to not only poor health but behavior problems. I began to volunteer with local groups to educate owners about the problems associated with buying from a pet store or irresponsible breeder. I also became a cat adoption coordinator for Ten Lives Club. I attended training classes with Mojo and realized how important responsible breeding and proper socialization is and the permanent affect these have on behavior even with training. It was then that I decided to pursue a career as a dog trainer. In 2012, with a determination to learn as much as possible, I began an online course through Animal Behavior College, which offers a nationally-recognized dog trainer certification program. I completed an externship with a local mentor trainer, Kim Sauer of Sit n’ Stay Professional Dog Training, graduated with Honors and became a Certified Dog Trainer in October 2013.

MY CREDENTIALS & EXPERIENCE

Upon my graduation, Kim Sauer hired me to work for Sit n’ Stay providing private, in-home training services. In 2015, through further education with Family Paws Parent Education, I became a Licensed Educator for the Dogs & Storks and Dogs & Toddlers programs. Together, Kim Sauer and I specialized in helping expectant families with dogs prepare for their baby’s arrival onward through the many stages of becoming a toddler.

In September 2015, I established my own company, Authentic Paws LLC, to provide private, in-home training and behavior services in the Niagara County and Northern Erie County areas. In December 2016, I completed renovations of a building on my home property and now have a designated training facility to offer the same private training and behavior services along with group classes and additional specialized services. With this personalized space I can customize a plan for whatever you need.

In 2016 I achieved my Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed status through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. This organization is the leader in the development of rigorous exams to demonstrate mastery of humane, science-based dog training practices. I am a member of the Association for Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), whose core purpose is to set standards and advance excellence in the profession of dog training and behavior consulting. The APDT supports a LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) approach to training. I only align myself with organizations that promote humane methods, and I strive to help each pet parent discover and embrace their pet’s authentic self by educating them to understand the pet’s perspective.

MY FUR FAMILY

When I was growing up our family had a Miniature Schnauzer named Smokey. Shortly after Smokey passed, at the age of 16, I found my first dog, a Norwegian Elkhound named Mandy. Mandy passed in 2000, and I grieved for 8 years until 2008 when Mojo, a Maltese, entered my life. He completely changed my life and truly made me understand the saying “be the person your dog thinks you are.” He was almost 17 years old when he passed in 2024, and I miss him every day. In 2012, when Mojo was 5 years old, I adopted a 2 1/2 year old female Maltese Mix who had been shuffled around 4 homes in the prior 6 months. Sure, what’s one more?! My daughter and I decided to name her Molly, and I learned quickly to respect a dog’s history and be patient. Molly is 15 years old now, and having a senior dog really teaches you how to live each moment fully. I am also blessed to have also rescued 3 cats named Jamboree, Ron and Minerva (Mini). Jamboree passed away far too soon at 11 years old in January 2025 from cancer. Ron is 11 years old and Mini is 9 years old. We’re all just over here aging and learning together! Each pet has a purpose and teaches an invaluable lesson. I never stop learning!