FirstBark
My dog Senna and I had an amazing first experience at Paw Sessions in Greenlawn today. I had spoken with Laurie twice by phone and text before scheduling an initial evaluation for my two year old Miniature Schnauzer. Right away I could tell how kind, knowledgeable, and accommodat…Read full reviewClose full review
My dog Senna and I had an amazing first experience at Paw Sessions in Greenlawn today. I had spoken with Laurie twice by phone and text before scheduling an initial evaluation for my two year old Miniature Schnauzer. Right away I could tell how kind, knowledgeable, and accommodating she was—especially with my unpredictable schedule working. She got us in for a last-minute evaluation to observe his behavior and determine which group training class would best fit his level and my goals. The facility is in a beautiful part of Greenlawn. I’m not from the area (I drove about 45 minutes from Shirley), but it was well worth the trip. The space is large, clean, and air-conditioned, with a front office stocked with treats, leads, and info on local adoptable dogs. The training area in the back is incredible—designed to feel like a real-world outdoor space, but indoors. Think: dog park meets small town street setup, complete with benches and gates. It’s the perfect environment to simulate life scenarios without having to worry about weather or distractions. Laurie met us with her sweet, obedient dog Elliot and we dove right into the evaluation. She was hands-on, switching Senna’s leash to a training lead and teaching me exactly how to use it—why the technique matters, how it benefits both of us, and what cues to watch for. It was part evaluation, part mini training session, and incredibly helpful. Laurie's training style is rooted in kindness and positive reinforcement. No yelling, no punishment, no harsh techniques—just consistency, praise, correction when needed, and treats if needed. This approach aligns perfectly with how I’ve raised Senna since he was a puppy, and I felt confident trusting Laurie with his continued training. The evaluation itself was $175, which I’ll admit is more than some places I called. But let me be real: I’d gladly pay more to work with Laurie than deal with the impersonal, uninterested responses I got from other training centers. She was responsive, informative, and genuinely cares. We’ve now signed up for an advanced socialization class, and I can’t wait to continue. She offers a full range of classes: beginner obedience, off-leash recall, dog first aid & CPR, park outings, and more—all throughout the summer at various times, which is ideal for people with non-traditional work hours. Bonus: Laurie also makes her own single-ingredient dehydrated treats—and Senna LOVES the beef chips. He’s picky, but these were a hit. They’re the perfect size, break apart easily, and are ideal for training sessions. I even bought a bag to take home. They’re healthier than most store-bought treats, and supporting a local business felt great. Another plus: Laurie offers private, in-home or at work training sessions for those with unpredictable schedules like mine. She was flexible, easy to reach by text, and clearly passionate about what she does. Finding a good trainer in Long Island wasn’t easy—I filled out multiple contact forms and barely heard back from anyone. Laurie called me within hours and kept in touch every step of the way. If you’re looking for a dog trainer who gets it, who respects your time, communicates well, and truly loves what she does, go to Paw Sessions. I’m so happy we found her, and I can’t wait to see Senna grow through these next few months of training. I’ll update this review as we progress—but for now, it’s a solid 5 stars from both of us.