ABOUT A PAWSITIVE APPROACH

MEET YOUR TRAINER | ERIN MAHONEY

Although our dogs cannot live forever, giving them joy, fulfillment, and love is the best way to honor them in the time we are lucky enough to have with them.

At my core, I believe that a happy, confident, and fulfilled dog is a good dog. Training is not just about fixing problem behaviors or teaching obedience. It’s about building relationships, learning how to communicate, and teaching our dogs how to navigate the world and spaces we introduce them to. Since 2010, I have helped hundreds of dogs and their humans to do just that.

My professional journey into the dog training space began with a program through Animal Behavior College. There I gained a deep understanding of classical and operant conditioning and how it applies to a dog’s mind. I began an internship with a professional trainer and was able apply what I had learned in theory to hands-on work. At the same time, I worked at a local shelter and helped teach the basics to adoptable dogs to help ease the transition into their forever homes. Since then, I have continued my education by studying under professional trainers, attending specialized workshops, and consuming all the information I can in this ever-evolving space.

LUCY

This beautiful girl is Lucy, she was my pride and joy, my partner in crime, my very first dog, and the inspiration for everything I do. Lucy was my first trainee and grew to become a staple in the temperament testing and socialization work that I do. She loved to be out there as my assistant, her calm nature always had a way of putting other dogs at ease. She woke up every day with a purpose and a desire to be by my side for every client we took on. After over fifteen years of being my partner in pretty much everything, her body and mind began to fail her and I had to make the impossible decision to say goodbye. It was one of the worst days of my life but I can now take solace knowing how many dogs she helped. That is her legacy. Losing someone you love so deeply is the hardest thing in life, and you often wonder if and when your heart will ever open again. With time, support, and love from your people-it can. Sometimes we have to endure a lot of grit to find something beautiful again-that’s what led me to Pearl. She is sweet, discerning, confident, and smart- just like Lu- but she also has a drive that has been so fun to figure out and harness. Since April of 2025 we have grown an unshakeable bond and we have learned so much from each other.

PEARL

Lucy will always own a piece of my heart and soul that can never be replaced. Lucy taught me accountability, patience, better problem solving, intuition, thoughtfulness, empathy, and humility-I could go on. She showed me how to be a better teacher and guardian to Pearl without either of us ever knowing it. I am endlessly grateful for her and Helen Woodward Animal Shelter for pulling her off the streets of Mississippi. If you pursue training with me you will likely meet Pearl-she was made for this life and can’t wait to help your dog. Her super power is making even the most anxious dogs feel safe and at ease. She understands gentle introductions, checking in for guidance, how to initiate and reciprocate play, and how to correct when needed. She’s a dog’s dog. I have Paws New England to thank for helping to get her, her siblings, and mama, off the streets of Memphis.