Erin Polanshek - Assistant Staff Trainer

Erin attended Point Park University in Pittsburgh where she received her BA in Dance. Upon graduation, Erin moved back to Chicago feeling that this was the best place to start her dance career. In addition to performing all over the United States and The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., she has traveled to the Bahamas, Spain, Canada, England, Scotland, Whales, Greece and China. She also teaches dance all over the Chicago land area at dance studios and also ice arenas, teaching dance to the skaters.

Growing up, Erin always thought she would eventually end up working with animals in some way. She felt she had a certain bond with them, dogs especially. In 2007, Erin began working at a Chicago training/daycare/boarding facility. This is where she fell in love with and adopted her first dog, Piper, a Pit Bull mix that changed her life forever. Erin began taking Piper to obedience and agility classes. It was during these classes with Piper that Erin found her true passion for training and creating the bond that comes with learning how to communicate with your canine. She started apprenticing the head trainer at the facility, began reading numerous books, and found a need to spread the word of positive training. Upon Piper’s passing in 2009, Erin has become extremely passionate about Pit Bull Rescue and education. She works with a wonderful rescue called Don’t Bully My Breed.  

Erin heard about Jamie Damato and the AnimalSense Academy through another trainer. She was honored to be accepted into the Academy program in September 2009 and hasn’t looked back since. She is so excited and proud to be part of such an outstanding company and group of trainers.

Erin lives in Park Ridge with her wonderful boyfriend, Josh. While searching for a new furry love Erin and Josh have fostered five dogs, two Greyhounds and three Pit Bulls. Erin also works at a pet sitting/dog walking company and is a dance company member of Concert Dance, Inc, located in downtown Chicago. When Erin is not driving Josh nuts by talking about dog behavior, they love to be outside with their animals, hiking, camping, traveling and enjoying time with their wonderful friends. Erin feels extremely blessed to be working doing the two things she truly loves, dance and dogs!

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