Erin Carlin, CPDT-KA

Biography

Erin specializes in helping puppies and their families get off to a great start. Known for their upbeat personality, endless enthusiasm, and encouraging teaching style, Erin has a gift for making training feel approachable and fun. Whether they’re working with a brand-new puppy owner, preparing a team for Canine Good Citizen testing, or helping a future therapy dog build important life skills, Erin focuses on creating positive learning experiences for both dogs and humans.

One of Erin’s greatest strengths is helping people feel confident. New puppies can be overwhelming, and training can sometimes feel intimidating, but Erin has a knack for breaking things down into manageable steps while celebrating every success along the way. Their warm, supportive approach helps owners feel comfortable asking questions, building skills, and enjoying the process of training with their dogs.

Animals have been at the center of Erin’s life for as long as they can remember. Growing up in Bucks County, they were the go-to pet sitter for family, friends, and neighbors, caring for everything from dogs and cats to birds and hamsters. Early mornings spent watching Animal Planet sparked a lifelong appreciation for animal welfare and the special bond between people and their pets.

Although Erin initially pursued a career in medicine—earning an associate degree from Bucks County Community College and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh—their passion for animals ultimately led them in a different direction. After working as a medical scribe in a local emergency department, Erin found their way back to the pet care world through dog walking and pet sitting before joining the Philly Unleashed team.

After spending a year as an assistant trainer, Erin earned their CPDT-KA certification in 2024 and stepped into a lead training role. They have developed particular interests in Puppy Kindergarten, obedience training, Canine Good Citizen preparation, and therapy dog work. Erin especially enjoys helping shy, sensitive, and rescue dogs build confidence and learn to trust the people around them.

When they’re not training dogs, Erin can usually be found spending time with animals, enjoying the outdoors, or enthusiastically celebrating the latest accomplishments of their students—human and canine alike.

Erin Carlin

Erin Carlin, CPDT-KA

What People Are Saying

Erin was fabulous, very patient with our energetic pup, and helpful in teaching us how to navigate specific puppy behaviors such as leash pulling, playing with things that we don’t want them to, all using positive reinforcement. Over the past six weeks, we’ve seen our 3 month old pup become more confident in social situations and at home. Thank you, Erin, and Philly Unleashed!

 

–Kait J

Skills

  • Puppy Development & Behavior
    75%
  • Basic Obedience & Manners
    75%
  • Fears, Phobias, & Anxious Behavior
    70%

Certifications & Affiliations

CPDT-KA AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

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