Meet the Trainers

About Us

Erica Ashkenazi, CBCC-KA

Passionate. Patient. Persistent. Pet-lover. These are just a few of the characteristics that describe me. I've always been an animal lover and while growing up was the neighborhood dog walker. Then I begged my parents for horseback riding lessons which evolved into a lifelong passion. Soon after I moved to Austin, I decided I was ready for a pup of my own and went down to Austin Animal Center. I found a beautiful shut down and depressed recent mama. We fell in love and little did I know what I was getting into. She started my journey into learning more about canine behavior and helping pup's work through behavior issues. I continued learning through working with dog's with behavior issues at Austin Animal Center and eventually decided to make my passion my day job under Steve DeBono. I've continued my eduation by attending conferences and workshops with Suzanne Clothier, Michael Shikashio, Nicole Wilde, Dr. Kristina Spaulding, Grisha Stewart, Dr. Tim Lewis, and many more. I know each animal is different, and I’ll work with you and yours to give them the specific guidance they need. Whether you’re thinking about getting an animal, have a new pet, or already own a pet with behavioral problems, I am here to help.

Lynnette Chaivre, CBCC-KA, AKC CGC Evaluator

Hello and thank you so much for stopping by!
I'm Lynnette, canine behavior specialist, dog trainer and co-founder of South Austin Dog Center.The best way to know me might be to ask my four dogs: Roxie, Maverick, Kayzie, and Knox.According to them, I'm:

an expert ball and disc thrower
a little stingy on the snacks
an awesome communicator
a fantastic masseuse
a good cuddler
a paparazzi
their personal chauffeur
and the funnest mom ever (even if I do make them get baths and have their nails done).

Of course, I have opposable thumbs and can open both the door and the treat jar, so their opinions might be a little biased. Except for Maverick's, his opinion counts because he knows how to open doors and keeps gifting his tennis balls to me.As for what I do, I relieve people's stress, improve their lives, and often save them thousands of dollars in the long run by redirecting their dogs' natural instincts, some of which can be destructive or dangerous, into positive outlets.Like any baby, dogs are not born knowing the rules, and the problem is exasperated by interspecies communication barriers. I act as an interpreter between the owners and their dog so they can all live a peaceful, rich and fulfilling life together.
My passion is working with dogs with fears, anxieties, and general confidence issues. These dogs are often pushed to the side or, unintentionally, have their psyches further damaged by well meaning but inexperienced people. I bridge the gap these dogs have with functioning in the world, and then give owners the skills they need to maintain and manage that bridge.
The best part about my job as a canine behavior specialist is seeing the transformation in my students, both two legged and four, when they let go of fear and frustration to find that inner calm and peace, and begin to enjoy the important aspects of life together.
The past decade and more has been extremely rewarding, and it has been my eternal gratitude and pleasure having the opportunity to work with the one and only Steve DeBono.Now a few random bits just for fun.
I love Star Trek and space exploration. Sirius is my favorite triple star system. It's the brightest and has been called "The Dog Star" by many different cultures throughout history.I love hiking, camping, kayaking, and running around with my dogs. We have a blast competing, and titling, in agility, obedience and rally. My border collies and I really enjoy working sheep.I grew up in Houston, traveled all over the U.S. and have gone to Sweden, Denmark, Holland, and the more "local" countries Canada and Mexico.I also hold a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University, have been an AKC CGC Evaluator for the past 10 years, and have 15 years of practical experience working with dogs and their owners.

Atlas

Atlas is a very special boy turned staff member early on. He started out as our foster pup with some special behavior needs, but quickly became part of the pack before we knew what was happening! He had the very best canine etiquette teachers a pup could ask for in the form of senior pack members, Roxie and Maverick.

At the end of 2019, we made the adoption official.

Atlas can be particular with his canine friends, but he shines as a Distraction Dog for many of the pups enrolled in our Day School Programs. He's often out and about with us at various cafes and patios showing other dogs how it's done. Graceful, loving, and full of life, we're lucky he chose us to be his people!

Knox

Knox the Border Collie is our honorary staff member.

Level-headed, mild-mannered, possessing an innate calmness and equipped with social skills that are impossible for humans to teach, he is invaluable in helping shy and anxious dogs come out of their shells and find their confidence.

In his spare time, Knox enjoys swimming, kayaking and camping trips, chasing a ball, herding sheep, and cuddling at home...
or cuddling anywhere with anyone for that matter.