Meet the Trainers
Maddie Messina, MA, CPDT-KA
Founder of Paws for Thought and Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
Maddie Messina, a certified applied animal behaviorist with over 7 years of experience, empowers guardians to nurture deep and fulfilling relationships with their canine companions. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior from Bucknell University and a Master of Arts in Animal Behavior and Conservation from Hunter College, she possesses a comprehensive understanding of animal behavior and welfare.
After witnessing the transformative power of personalized training in her veterinary and shelter experience, Maddie shifted her focus to private dog training. Inspired by a desire to go beyond basic obedience, she founded Paws for Thought Dog Training in 2021. This practice was built on the principle of providing thoughtful, solution-oriented services that tackle complex behavioral issues often unresolved in traditional group classes.
Her expertise encompasses puppies, adolescent dogs, and those exhibiting challenging behaviors. From teaching puppies to thrive in the city's vibrant atmosphere to helping fearful dogs gain confidence and reduce leash reactivity, Maddie's goal is to empower clients to cultivate happier, more fulfilling relationships with their dogs.
Service Area: Manhattan (below 96th street)
As an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, your pet insurance provider may pay for behavior modification services with Maddie Messina!
Why Should You Care About Our Credentials?
New Yorkers (and people in general!) struggle with understanding what to look for in a dog trainer. I’m here to make that easy for you. Not only am I a certified professional dog trainer but I also have a Master of Animal Behavior and Conservation degree. Why? First, I find animal behavior fascinating and I wanted to further my education. Second, I want to make sure that I am providing clients with the latest advancements in the canine science field… the best way to do that is by joining the field myself! I am constantly seeking to obtain the most advanced credentials and I persistently engage in continuing education opportunities. This way I can continue to provide the best advice and services to the humans (and animals) who seek my help.
Our training practices are reward-based and rooted in science.
We adhere to LIMA (least intrusive, minimally aversive) and force-free principles. This means that we do not use ‘aversives’ or ‘corrections’- techniques that cause fear, pain, and frustration in dogs. We aim to educate clients and provide them with the stepping stones for behavior change so that clients can walk away from our training experience empowered to continue on their own.
Continuing Education:
IAABC and FDSA Lemonade Conference 2020, Virtual
Puppyworks: Solving Non-Aggression Problems 2020, Virtual
APDT/CAPDT Virtual Conference 2021
Aggression in Dogs Conference 2022
Media Features:
The Farmer’s Dog Digest: How to Help a Fearful Dog
Spruce Pets: First 24 Hours with Your New Rescue Dog
Family Pupz: Puppy Training Myths, Part 1
Reader’s Digest: Why Do Dogs Dig
helloBARK: Best Dog Breeds for Lazy Owners
Scary Mommy: Want to Bring a Big Dog Home?
Erin Whelan, CPDT-KA
Having spent a decade as a chronically underemployed freelance musician, Erin was inspired to become a dog trainer when she adopted her dog Oliver. The relationship the two formed through rewards-based training brought them closer together and now, Erin works to help other human-dog teams find the same joy. Erin seeks to improve inter-species communication and loves coaching her clients on how to use their “trainer brain” to find useful training scenarios in their everyday environment. She specializes in addressing fear, anxiety, aggression, leash reactivity, resource guarding, and cooperative care. When Erin is not teaching your dog how to ride a skateboard, you can find her horizontal on the couch with her own dog Oliver who still inspires her everyday.
Service Area: Jersey City, Hoboken, Union City
Continuing Education:
Clicker Expo LIVE 2020
Clicker Expo LIVE 2021
IAABC Lemonade Conference 2021
IAABC Lemonade Conference 2022
Cooperative Care: Husbandry At Home w/ Laura Monaco Torelli May 2023
