Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina McCain.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started volunteering for a group “Canine Assistants” in Alpharetta while I was working full-time in the corporate world. Once I started helping with the training, I knew what I wanted to do with the next phase of my life. I graduated from their first “volunteer trainer” program back in the mid-1990’s.
I subsequently started researching for dog training schools and happened on a growing dog training company in Marietta. I got a position there and worked for six years learning the trade and how to train. While working there, the facility became a certified “Post Educational Vocational School” by the State of Georgia. After working and training there, I earned my certification from the State of Georgia as a “Master Dog Trainer/Educator”. I am still only one of three students who have graduated with that certification in 20 years.
I opened up my own business in 1999 and have never looked back. I teach group lessons, private lessons in various class format programs. Puppy Manners, Basic Obedience, Advanced Obedience, Off-Leash, Tricks classes, and Nose Work classes.
In 2012 I became interested in K9 Nose Work. As I was learning and trialing with some of my dogs in Nose Work, I started training to become a NACSW Canine Nose Work Instructor. I graduated as a CNWI in 2014. I also specialize in behavior modification and aggression. In 2019, MerryMac Dog Training will be celebrating my 20th year.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As any small business person knows,, there are always challenges in owning and operating a small business. I have had the support of my husband of 31 years, without whom I could not have become successful.
Long hours and paying the bills are always obstacles, but I have been very blessed over the years. I have a great number of client support people, along with family and friends.
I am also blessed that many of my clients over the years have become my friends as well!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the MerryMac Dog Training story. Tell us more about the business.
What sets me apart from other training companies is an experience. When I was just learning, I had the opportunity to train as many as 23 dogs per day, which gave me quite a lot of experience. And I did that for six years!
I also showed my dogs in conformation and competitive obedience for about 15 years. Currently, I tried several of my dogs in K9 Nose Work.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Not so sure about luck, I have been blessed in many ways. Both in life and in business.
Being honest, trustworthy, down-to-earth and reliable is worth a lot with any business entity.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2485 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 108
Woodstock, Georgia 30189 - Website: www.merrymacdogtraining.com
- Phone: 770 579-3865
- Email: tina@merrymacdogtraining.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merrymacdogtraining/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
