The Pooch Professor is a private dog training service operating throughout the Metro Atlanta area, specializing in personalized, in-home canine education. Trainer Mailey McLaughlin leads all sessions, bringing more than 20 years of experience from teaching basic and intermediate group classes at the Atlanta Humane Society. Beginning in Spring 2021, she transitioned to private in-home sessions and park-based group classes held at Piedmont Park in Atlanta.
The training philosophy centers on working with both dogs and their owners together. Rather than boarding dogs for training, The Pooch Professor teaches owners directly, with the approach that clients do the training with expert guidance and support. This owner-involved method aims to create lasting behavioral results reinforced through consistent daily practice at home.
Core skills addressed in sessions include leash walking, impulse control, and household manners, all while preserving each dog’s individual personality. Positive reinforcement methods are applied throughout, and the trainer adapts her approach to meet both dogs and their humans at whatever level they are starting from. The business philosophy frames dog training as a necessity rather than a luxury, citing the link between a lack of training and behavioral issues such as aggression, destructiveness, and increased rates of shelter relinquishment.
Current clientele is accepted on a referral basis only. Prospective clients must contact the trainer by email at info@poochprofessor.com, including the name of their referrer, their location within the metro area, and a description of their training needs. The Pooch Professor serves the greater Metro Atlanta region broadly.
McLaughlin holds membership in the International Association of Canine Professionals. The business website includes a blog covering topics such as mental stimulation for dogs, puppy raising guidance, heat safety, and responsible dog ownership practices. Client testimonials highlight successful outcomes with dogs presenting challenging behavioral issues including jumping and impulse control problems.