We recently had the chance to connect with Megan Billingsley and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Megan, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am starting to venture more into the digital world of creating content for my clients. I’ve mostly done in person training but my time has become more constrained with children. I am learning about how to provide quality training in a digital space
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We launched our business just before COVID-19 hit in March 2020. My husband helped me realize my lifelong dream of becoming my own boss and opening a dog training business. I’ve always been interested in canine and animal behavior, since my twenties and thirties, and friends and family regularly reached out for help with their dogs. It felt natural to focus on this new venture. What sets me apart is that my knowledge of behavioral modification isn’t limited to dogs. I’ve worked with big cats, wolves, sled dogs, birds of prey, and woodland creatures throughout my career. This diverse experience provides me with a wide array of behavioral modification techniques that I can tailor to each dog. Every dog-owner relationship is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. My flexibility and versatility help clients see the positive potential in their dogs. We’re currently transitioning to a more digital platform to offer even greater flexibility for our busy schedules.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Becoming a mother completely shifted my perspective. As the mom of two precocious children, I’ve found fascinating parallels between their development and the world of dog training. While serving as a role model and running a business is demanding, it has allowed me to become stronger and more empowered each day.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell her to have more confidence in her choices. They are not always going to be the most popular opinion, but they will serve you well if you listen to your intuition. As a female, it is a very powerful connection. It’s okay to stand out and to trust your gut feelings; they often lead to the best outcomes. Don’t let the opinions of others dim your inner compass. Embrace your unique perspective and know that your voice matters.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie the dog training industry tells itself is that we don’t need a licensing committee. There are far too many dangerous and uneducated trainers who would fail an ethics test. Requiring a license to practice dog training would significantly reduce the number of unqualified individuals in the field.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Creating strong-willed, assertive, and independent females is a worthwhile investment. While it may not yield immediate results, nurturing these qualities in my daughters requires consistent effort and patience. This includes:
* **Encouraging Self-Expression:** Providing a safe space for them to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.
* **Promoting Problem-Solving:** Instead of always rushing to fix their issues, I guide them to identify solutions themselves.
* **Role Modeling:** Demonstrating assertive communication and independent decision-making in my own life.
* **Teaching Empathy:** Helping them understand different perspectives and stand up for those who are vulnerable.
These actions, though not immediately profitable, will undoubtedly empower them to navigate the complexities of life with resilience, compassion, and confidence in their pre-teen years and beyond.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.primedinstincts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primedinstincts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/primedinstinctsllc/
Image Credits
Chad Borer
