Cheri Shanahan

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Founder & Trainer

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Join date: Feb 6, 2026

About

Meet Your Lead Trainer & Behavior Expert

Cheri Shanahan is the founder and lead trainer at Your Dogs 2nd Home LLC, a premier boutique training facility serving Crown Point, Indiana, and the surrounding Northwest Indiana communities. With five-star reviews and a perfect 5.0 rating, Cheri has established herself as the region's go-to expert for complex behavior modification, obedience, and puppy development.

Her philosophy is built on the belief that it is never too late to teach an old pet (and its owner) new behaviors. Whether she is helping a family navigate "doorbell drama," building off-leash connection near the water, or providing sensory-friendly training for neurodivergent households, Cheri’s tailor-made approach ensures that every dog—and every human—receives the personalized support they need to thrive.

Cheri is dedicated to strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners through empathy, structure, and professional expertise.

Posts (17)

Jun 29, 2026 ∙ 4 min

Understanding and Managing Leash Reactivity in Dogs for a Stress-Free Walk

Walking your dog should be a joyful experience, but for many owners, leash reactivity turns walks into stressful challenges. If your dog barks, lunges, or reacts strongly to other dogs or people while on a leash, you are not alone. This behavior can feel overwhelming and embarrassing, but it does not mean you are a bad owner or that your dog is aggressive by nature. Understanding what leash reactivity really is and learning practical ways to manage it can transform your walks and strengthen...

Mar 31, 2026 ∙ 4 min

Socialization vs. Exposure: Why Your Puppy Doesn’t Need to Meet Every Dog

In this guide, we will break down the essential differences between puppy socialization vs. exposure to help you raise a confident, neutral dog. Welcoming a new puppy into your home comes with a whirlwind of advice, especially about socialization. Many puppy parents feel pressured to introduce their pup to every dog they meet, believing this constant interaction is essential. But this approach can backfire, leading to stress, fear, or even aggression. Understanding the difference between...

Mar 4, 2026 ∙ 4 min

Understanding Thresholds and Tools for Managing Reactive Dogs

Managing a reactive dog can feel overwhelming. When your dog barks, lunges, or freezes in response to triggers, it’s easy to feel out of control. Yet, understanding thresholds —the distance or intensity at which your dog begins to react—and using the right tools can transform these moments. This guide offers a clear, expert approach to help you keep your dog safe, calm, and connected. Close-up of a dog's body language showing high-arousal "whale eye" before reaching a reactive threshold...