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 (15)

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...

Mar 4, 2026 ∙ 4 min

Creating a Positive Crate Experience for Your New Puppy: Transforming It from a Cage to a Castle

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting journey filled with joy and challenges. One of the most important tools for setting your puppy up for success is the crate. Yet, many new puppy owners struggle with the idea of crate training because they see the crate as a cage—a place of confinement and punishment. This mindset can make crate training stressful for both you and your puppy. The truth is, a crate can become your puppy’s safe haven, a castle where they feel secure and...

Mar 4, 2026 ∙ 4 min

The Transformational Power of Boutique Dog Training in a Stress-Free Home Environment

When it comes to training your dog, the environment plays a crucial role in shaping their ability to learn and thrive. Traditional board-and-train programs often resemble busy warehouses or kennel facilities where dogs are surrounded by noise, stress, and unfamiliar settings. This atmosphere can hinder a dog’s learning process and create unnecessary anxiety. In contrast, boutique dog training offers a calm, personalized, and home-like experience that supports long-term success. This post...