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My Story & Mission
Meet Cheri Your Crown Point Dog Behavior Specialist.
My journey in the dog industry didn’t start in a corporate facility or a classroom; it started right here in Northwest Indiana, caring for dogs in my own home. For years, I provided home-based boarding and daycare for small, intimate groups. Through those small groups, I noticed families struggling with behaviors that prevented them from truly enjoying their pets. Today, I provide a boutique residency in Crown Point where dogs transform in a setting that actually mirrors the household they are returning to.
The Education of a Specialist
A 360-Degree Approach to Learning
I believe that true expertise requires a balance of formal theory and hands-on grit. My education as a behavior specialist has been built on three pillars:
Academic Rigor
I've spent hundreds of hours in classroom settings, advancing my knowledge of behavioral biology and building the high-level expertise that forms the backbone of my methodology
Mentorship & Volunteering
I dedicated my time to volunteering at local facilities and apprenticing under veteran trainers, learning the nuances of different breeds and temperaments.
Advanced Rehabilitation
My passion for helping difficult dogs led me to travel and work directly with a renowned dog rehabilitation program. There, I mastered the art of helping dogs overcome severe reactivity and anxiety—skills I now bring home to my clients in Crown Point and the surrounding NWI region.
A Personal Mission: Special Needs & Canine Companions
Training with Purpose
This work is personal to me. My grandson has autism, and watching his relationship with dogs has profoundly changed how I view my role as a trainer.
I have developed a deep passion for helping families with special needs introduce a new puppy or dog into their home. I understand that for these families, a dog isn't just a pet—they are a sensory anchor, a source of comfort, and a bridge to the world.
I use my specialized experience to ensure these introductions are safe, calm, and tailored to the unique sensory and emotional needs of every family member.
My Philosophy: The "Balanced" Standard
Clear Communication for Real-World Results
At Your Dogs 2nd Home, my philosophy is simple: We owe it to our dogs to be clear. I use a balanced approach that prioritizes high-value rewards and motivation, paired with fair and consistent boundaries.
Whether we are working in your home in Schererville or your dog is staying with me for an Immersion Program, my goal is to give your dog the 'Second Home' they deserve—one filled with structure, love, and the clarity they need to succeed.
We believe in empowering dogs to make the right choice, while providing the structure they need to navigate those moments when they might otherwise choose a 'bad decision.