About Companion Canines of Pocatello

Positive training in Pocatello

Companion Canines of Pocatello is a locally owned dog training company teaching classes in Pocatello on Monday and Thursday nights, year-round, at an indoor/outdoor location. Owner Teressa Erickson-Rodiguez is credited with almost 20 years of professional dog training and is a Victoria Stilwell Academy Certified Dog Trainer. Her credentials also include AKC CGC/CGCA/CGCU Evaluator, S.T.A.R. Puppy Instructor/Evaluator, Trick Dog Instructor/Evaluator, ATT Temperament Testing Evaluator, AKC Farm Dog Judge and Animal Behavior College Mentor, and she serves on the Pocatello Animal Shelter Advisory Board. The company names itself a Best in Idaho winner for 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Method

The team uses science-based positive reinforcement, focused on how dogs think, feel, learn and communicate, and says it avoids physical punishment, choke, prong and shock collars and dominance methods.

Classes

Classes are small, typically under 8 teams with at least two instructors, and run 8 weeks at $250 each. Options include AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy for puppies under 5 months, Foundation Manners/Obedience, Beginning Life & Social Skills/CGC, and Intermediate/Advanced Life and Social Skills toward CGCA and CGCU. Graduates get handouts and lifetime access to a trainer for questions.