Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina McCain.
Tina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always wanted to work with animals and after working in the corporate world for over 20 years, I decided to make a change.
I began volunteering at Canine Assistants, in Alpharetta; and, then took a job at a dog training facility in Marietta. The facility offered a “day school”, “board training”, group and private lessons. I trained as many as 20+ dogs per day for about six years. The training facility also became a Georgia Certified Post-Secondary Vocational School for dog trainers. Therefore, I went to school there and achieved my “Master Dog Trainer/Educator” certification. I am only one of three Master Dog Trainers in the state of Georgia.
I started MerryMac Dog Training in 1999. I began my business with an “in-home board training” program and in-home private lessons. After a couple of years, I opened up training facility where started offering private lessons and group classes. MerryMac Dog Training offers a Puppy Manners class, Basic Obedience, Advanced Obedience, Tricks, Off-Lease and K9 Nose Work programs. I also specialize in behavior/aggression challenged dogs.
In 2013/2014, I attended training to become a Certified Canine Nose Work Instructor. I offer various Nose Work Classes at MerryMac. Nose Work is the most exciting sport I have ever participated in with my dogs. I have a couple of my own dogs who I do Nose Work Competition.
On a personal level, had Labrador Retrievers and various mixes for over 20 years. In 1993, I down-sized to the West Highland White Terrier. I have done competitive Conformation, Obedience competition and K9 Nose Work competition over the years.
I have also volunteered doing Wessie Rescue for over 20 years. It is my passion to help those dogs that can’t help themselves.
I am truly blessed to be able to do what I am passionate about, as a career; and, be able to help dogs and their people live together in harmony!
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?
The only challenges have been those that come with having your own business! Long hours and cash flow! Otherwise I have been very fortunate!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I walked away from using choke and prong collars when I started my own business. I chose to use more humane training techniques and training equipment.
After 17 years, I am now seeing second generation people – those that have unfortunately lost the dog they originally trained with me and now have a new puppy! And second generation people – the children who were part of the training many years ago, now adults with dogs and children of their own!
I also created a new training harness – The MerryWalker Harness! I took what I did not like in other products and developed my own. I have trademarked The MerryWalker and the patent is pending!
What were you like growing up?
I was a very shy child. We moved around some with my dad changing jobs. With those moves, I had to learn to make new friends, in new environments which brought me out of my shell!
I used to hike on the Appalachian Trail, repel, go caving, white water rafting, aerobics, horseback riding and being with my dogs!
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: MerryMac Dog Training
- Twitter: MerryMac Dog Training
- Yelp: MerryMac Dog Training
- Other: www.theMerryWalker.com
