Summary:

In this episode of the Housewolves podcast, Melissa Major interviews Mackenzie Pavkovich, a passionate dog handler and trainer. Mackenzie shares her journey from being a dog lover to becoming a professional handler, detailing her experiences with various breeds, her transition into dog sports, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding dog behavior, the thrill of working with high-drive dogs, and the personal growth that comes from pursuing one's passion. Mackenzie also offers valuable advice for aspiring dog handlers and reflects on the impact of dogs on her life.

Takeaways:

• Mackenzie has always been a dog lover and caretaker.
• Her journey into dog training began during the COVID lockdown.
• She discovered balanced training to manage her rescue dog.
• Mackenzie went all in on dog handling and training.
• She learned a lot from her bond with working dogs.
• Detection work gave her a sense of purpose.
• Transitioning to IGP training was a significant step.
• Handling different breeds taught her about their unique traits.
• Aspiring handlers should gain hands-on experience with dogs.
• Mackenzie and Eric built a life together centered around dogs.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mackenzie Pavkovich
01:06 Mackenzie's Early Love for Dogs
05:01 Transitioning to Professional Dog Handling
11:03 Working with Detection Dogs
16:15 Exploring IGP and New Training Opportunities
20:20 Dog Breeds and Their Unique Traits
24:04 Advice for Aspiring Dog Handlers
28:01 Personal Journey and Life Changes
33:55 The New Puppy Adventure
37:02 Balancing Motherhood and Dog Training
41:01 Future Aspirations and Inspirations

Summary:

In this episode of the House Wolves podcast, Melissa Major interviews Julia Major, a dog handler and trainer, who shares her transformative journey into the world of dog training. Julia discusses her experiences with rescue dogs, the challenges of training high-drive breeds, and the importance of building a strong bond with dogs. She emphasizes the need for consistency in training, the impact of social media on expectations, and the rewarding nature of dog sports. Julia also reflects on the mental health benefits of working with dogs and offers advice for aspiring handlers, encouraging them to embrace their unique journeys and focus on personal growth.

Takeaways:

• Julia Major shares her journey into dog training.
• The importance of building a connection with dogs.
• Transitioning from a corporate job to dog training changed her life.
• Rescue work provides valuable experience with different dog behaviors.
• Training high-drive dogs requires patience and understanding.
• Social media can create unrealistic expectations for dog handlers.
• Every dog handler's journey is unique and should be celebrated.
• The bond between a handler and their dog is built through trust and experience.
• Consistency in training is key to success in dog sports.
• Finding the right dog for the right purpose is crucial.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Julia Major and Her Journey
03:00 The Impact of Dogs on Life Choices
05:57 Transitioning from Corporate to Dog Training
08:49 The Importance of Dog Training and Rescue Work
11:59 Building Relationships with Dogs
14:57 The Journey into Dog Sports
17:54 Finding the Right Dog for the Right Purpose
21:01 The Challenges of Training High-Drive Dogs
24:03 The Role of Dogs in Mental Health
26:57 The Importance of Consistency in Training
29:55 The Journey of Self-Discovery through Dog Training
33:00 The Reality of Dog Sports and Competitions
36:06 Advice for Aspiring Dog Handlers
38:53 The Importance of Trust in Dog Training
41:58 The Journey of Building a Connection with a New Dog
44:55 The Life of a Dog Trainer
47:57 The Future of Dog Training and Competing
51:00 Parting Thoughts and Reflections

Riley started training her German Shepherd Dog to be a certified Service Dog at 8 months old. Her journey spanning over 4 years pushed her to her limits. There were moments of success and triumph, but not before nearly giving up on her dog and hitting a wall with training.

Validating at the JIBC in 2022, Riley received some of the highest praise from the validator. Hear her journey in detail and learn more about what a recognized service dog is in the Province of British Columbia, Canada.