Meet Megan!

Who: Megan at She Trains Dogs and Auntie M Pet Care

Where: Asheville, North Carolina

Offerings: 1:1 coaching, training retreats, virtual support, hike with a trainer, adventure days for dogs.

How to connect on Instagram: @She_Trains_Dogs

Megan completed the Fall 2024 Mentorship & Shadow program, and I am truly so excited to introduce her. Below you can read more about Megan's professional work, however, I'd like to introduce her the way I have gotten to know her, as both a trainer and human.

---

Megan, with one of her dogs, Sage!

Sam's Introduction to Megan:

I am genuinely honored to know Megan, she is an incredible dog trainer who understands dogs in a very natural and intuitive way. Megan is deeply committed to her own personal growth, and this is a massive reason why she is the incredible trainer she is today. Watching her grow through the Mentorship program and beyond, and remain grounded and centered despite some challenging personal experiences, and now to see her business absolutely flourishing (have you seen her training retreats in a cabin the mountains?!?) has been an inspiration! Megan has inspired me to walk barefoot with my dogs more, and to remember to stay connected with nature...not just for our dogs but for ourselves! She is an incredible resource to the Asheville community, and any owner would be lucky to work with her.

---

Megan working with Copper at the Shadow program!

Now, hear from Megan herself a little more about her journey!

What do you love about dog training?

"I love the empowerment part of dog training— giving both the dog and their human the skills and confidence to navigate the world together."

Tell us about your journey with your own dog!

"My Sage: a sweet and sassy cattle dog. We have faced the struggles of separation anxiety, channeling her drive into healthy outlets. I also had to go through the process of accepting she’s not a service dog- even though she can do it doesn’t mean she should."

"And then Cedar the Aussie -- his flight response when herding brain is triggered, and me learning to turn that into confidence and building his drive and motivation to work through it has been a big chapter of our journey. As a bite risk dog, he also has a lot of stranger danger. Lastly, he has struggled with shutdown from stress, and struggled immensely with nervous system regulation when faced with change."

What is your favorite kind of dog to work with?

"Herding breeds are my #1s and who I’ll likely always live with. I also love working with Akitas, Golden Retrievers, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas. Rescue dogs too! My favorite is building confidence through breed fulfillment and taking the dogs into adventures in nature."

Since the Mentorship program has ended 4 months ago, what are the biggest changes you have seen in your business?

"Boundaries- I have increased confidence to set and hold them with clients as well as myself. I have also learned how to draw in the ideal client for myself and my business, to allow me to truly do my best work and enjoy the humans I work with. Additionally, my comfort on Instagram and how to utilize it for my business has improved. And lastly, I have found increased trust in the process!"

Hear more about what Megan has to say about the Mentorship Program by listening here!

Since the Mentorship program has ended, what are the biggest changes you have seen in your own self?

"Leaning into the need for community, asking for help, and increased empathy for all species. I’m grateful for the mentorship opportunity and excited to keep growing, sharing, and making a real difference in this work! Thank you."

One thing you wish you could say to every single dog owner:

"The work your dog pushes you to do is often the work you need most."

One thing you wish you could say to every single dog trainer:

"Compassion doesn’t mean compromising your standards."

Megan working dogs during the Shadow program!