Meet Our Team

PawSessions Dog Training, Socialization and Event Center of Long Island

Meet the Passionate Duo Behind PawSessions

We’re a mother-daughter team, proudly born and raised in Huntington, and we’re thrilled to have opened our dream business right here in our hometown.

At PawSessions Dog Training, Socialization and Event Center of Long Island, we offer both group and private dog training sessions. We know that every dog—and every person—is different, which is why we tailor each session to meet your specific needs. Whether you have a new puppy learning the basics or a dog dealing with reactivity, fear, or aggression, we’re here to help.


Our passion for dogs is what inspired PawSessions, and it continues to motivate us every single day. From basic obedience to complex behavioral work, our goal is always to build confidence, independence, and trust—in both dogs and their humans.


We also provide advanced training for therapy and service dogs, including AKC CGC, CGCA, and CGCU (Public Access) certification. Laurie is a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.


In addition to training, we offer supervised social play sessions, helping dogs practice their manners and social skills in a safe, structured, and fun environment.


“Our mission at PawSessions Dog Training, Socialization and Event Center is simple: to teach humans how to clearly communicate with their canine companions so they can raise confident, well-behaved dogs who thrive in all social settings.”


Our 1,200+ square foot park-like social area features antimicrobial K9 dog grass and charming white picket fencing—creating a clean, safe space where dogs can run, play, and grow. And if your dog struggles with socialization? No problem. Contact us to enroll in a training session, and we’ll help them build the confidence to play nicely with others.

A woman is sitting on a bench with two dogs.

Laurie

Laurie has been training dogs her entire adult life—starting with her own beloved pets. Her natural ability to understand and communicate with dogs eventually led her to focus on those with more complex needs, including:


  • Reactivity and aggression
  • Fearfulness and shyness
  • Leash-related challenges
  • Therapy and service dog preparation


Laurie is a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and in her spare time, she even rehabilitates orphaned squirrels!


“There’s nothing better than watching an owner light up when their dog starts to ‘get it.’ I love showing people how to connect with their dogs—and I feel so lucky to do what I love every single day.”

A woman is kissing a dog on the nose.

Sarah

Sarah was raised in a home full of animals and has always shared her mom’s love for dogs. After working in the finance world, she made a career change five years ago to follow her passion—first in dog walking and pet sitting, and eventually training alongside Laurie.


Sarah has a talent for identifying what both dogs and their owners need to thrive, and she crafts personalized plans to help them succeed.


“This work has taught me so much—especially patience and confidence. I love helping dogs and their people grow together. It’s the best feeling in the world.”

Gionna

Gionna

Hi, I’m Gionna! I’ve fostered, volunteered at animal shelters, and worked in dog daycares and grooming salons, but I discovered my true passion is training. I love helping owners understand their dogs by seeing things from the dog’s perspective.


In 2022, I adopted my first dog, Reese, while in college. Teaching her fun tricks sparked my love for training. After she passed a year and a half later, I adopted a golden retriever puppy who is full of energy and completely different. He challenged me in new ways and helped me grow even more as a trainer.



My goal is to help people build stronger bonds with their dogs by learning to communicate in a way their dog understands. Training is about teamwork, and it all starts with seeing life through their eyes.