Hi there, I’m Erin

I’ve been “mad for animals” for as long as I can remember. Even though I didn’t grow up in a family that shared my passion, I saved up my own money as a child to ride horses and walked neighborhood dogs after school. That early drive to connect with animals has guided my entire life.

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After finishing my undergraduate studies in Primate Paleontology with a minor in Science, I longed to be back with horses but didn’t have the means. A friend suggested I take my first dog, Alexandra, a Great Dane—to training classes. At first, I thought, Why? She’s already trained. She walked politely, came when called, and lived easily by my side. But when we joined a regional American Kennel Club obedience class, I discovered something far deeper: the incredible bond and understanding that grows when humans and dogs learn together. That experience changed my path forever.

Since then, I’ve been guardian to a wide family of animals—five Great Danes, two Newfoundlands, a Golden Retriever, a Samoyed, two Chihuahuas, five horses, and ten cats. Each one brought unique needs, talents, and sometimes challenges, but all shared the same gift: teaching me patience, empathy, and the joy of partnership.

I’ve trained dogs across many disciplines, from obedience and agility to scent work, draft, farm dog, therapy work, trick dog, water rescue, and more. I’ve also shared this passion through teaching, ten years at the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society, four years at the Animal Rescue League, and as on-call behaviorist for Spencer and Friends Rescue.

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My personal companions have included shelter animals, rescues, ferals, and puppies from reputable breeders. No matter their background, I’ve always approached them with the same commitment: to listen, to respect, and to create harmony built on trust.

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At Human Dog Harmony, this lifelong journey fuels my mission—to help others discover the same deep connection I’ve found, where science-based training and compassionate care bring out the very best in both humans and their dogs.

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