About Us

Eric Dorfman - SF SPCA CC

Dog Trainer & Behaviorist

Eric Dorfman is a certified dog behaviorist with a specialty in dog aggression, trained at the renowned San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers. With extensive experience working with shelter and rescue dogs, Eric brings a calm, confident approach to helping families and dogs live together respectfully.

He is fully bonded and insured, and also offers expert testimony and speaking engagements.

Eric’s method is rooted in understanding how dogs see and experience the world—an insight influenced by experts like Professor Temple Grandin. His goal is to build lasting trust between dogs and their owners through leadership, structure, and clear communication.

Influenced by Cesar Millan, the Original Dog Whisperer

Long before Cesar Millan became a household name, Eric Dorfman had the opportunity to meet and learn directly from him. Their early conversations and shared passion for pack dynamics left a lasting impression on Eric, shaping the core of his own training philosophy.


While Eric completed formal certifications at the San Francisco SPCA’s Academy for Dog Trainers—including a specialization in Dog Aggression—his foundational approach was deeply influenced by Cesar’s intuitive understanding of dog behavior. Like Cesar, Eric emphasizes calm leadership and balanced energy over treats, food, or harsh methods.

“Cesar was the first to truly give hope to families struggling with their dogs,” Eric says. “He understands dogs at their core, and learning from him helped me see beyond techniques—into the heart of how dogs think, relate, and follow.”

Cesar’s influence continues to resonate in Eric’s work today, guiding his mission to restore peace and respect between dogs and their humans.

Eric’s Approach to Training

Eric Dorfman’s training method is rooted in the natural dynamics of how dogs think, learn, and live together—as seen in the wild. Influenced by his education at the San Francisco SPCA and inspired by mentors like Cesar Millan and Temple Grandin, Eric uses a calm, leadership-based approach built on respect and clear communication—not bribes or gimmicks.

Unlike many trainers, Eric does not rely on food, treats, or harsh methods to shape behavior. Instead, he focuses on instinctual pack behavior and body language to correct issues and restore balance. He believes a well-balanced dog will naturally contribute to a peaceful household when clear structure and leadership are present.

As a positive, reward-based trainer, Eric’s definition of reward isn’t food—it’s peace, praise, and purpose. This philosophy is especially important in serious behavior cases involving aggression, fear, separation anxiety, or other deeply rooted issues.

Eric specializes in working with dogs others won’t—or can’t—handle. Many of his rehabilitation cases involve bite histories or dog-on-dog aggression. He even uses specially trained helper dogs to safely counter-condition negative associations, a technique that requires experience, confidence, and an honest willingness to face the risk of bites head-on.

At the heart of Eric’s method is a commitment to understanding the dog’s world—from their point of view. His training isn’t just about correcting behavior; it’s about creating a stable, respectful relationship between dog and human, built to last a lifetime.

Know that you're working with the best.

Location: 4158 S Camino De Vida,

Gold Canyon, AZ 85118


Call Me Directly: 7:00 am - 7:00pm Mon-Sun

4158 S Camino De Vida, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118, USA

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