Meg
Specialisations
Certifications
About the trainer
Training Philosophy
Meg’s training philosophy centers on making learning enjoyable, humane, and effective for both dogs and their people. She uses positive reinforcement–based methods that prioritize clarity, consistency, and trust, focusing on reinforcing desired behaviors rather than correcting mistakes. Meg believes dogs learn best when they feel safe, motivated, and understood, and that successful training is about setting dogs up for success through repetition and clear communication—not force or intimidation. Her goal is to create confident, reliable dogs who understand expectations and are eager to respond, resulting in lasting behavior change and stronger relationships at home.
Inspiration
Meg’s journey into dog training began early, sparked by a husky mix puppy her family was told was “impossible” to train. Determined to build a connection, Meg took it upon herself to housetrain and teach the dog basic commands, quickly becoming the person the dog trusted and responded to most. That early bond revealed how deeply dogs connect with their people—not just through training, but emotionally as well. Years later, Meg adopted her first dog as an adult, who struggled with severe separation anxiety in an apartment setting. Balancing full-time school while patiently helping her dog build confidence and independence further solidified Meg’s passion for training and behavior work. That dog went on to share 17 wonderful years with her, reinforcing Meg’s commitment to helping dogs and owners navigate challenges together with empathy and consistency.
Professional Experience
Meg brings approximately three years of professional experience training medical service dogs, with a strong foundation in positive reinforcement–based methods. In addition to her work with dogs, she spent over 15 years working professionally with chimpanzees—a background that deeply shaped her training philosophy and approach. Working with other species taught Meg the importance of cooperative, choice-based training, clear communication, and trust-building—principles that directly inform her work with dogs today. These skills are especially critical in service dog training, where reliability, clarity, and a strong handler–dog relationship are essential. Meg is a firm believer that training should be humane, effective, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Training Focus
Meg is especially passionate about puppy training and basic obedience, believing that a strong foundation is key to creating calm, enjoyable relationships between dogs and their owners. She also has a strong interest in behavior modification and has gained hands-on experience helping dogs work through challenges such as anxiety and confidence issues through community-based work with friends, neighbors, and local shelters. These experiences have strengthened her ability to assess behavior, adapt training plans, and support dogs in becoming successful, well-adjusted companions.
What makes us different
Positivity
We utilize positive reinforcement to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. Our training philosophy centers on maintaining a positive approach, emphasizing the rewarding of desired behaviors rather than using punishment for unwanted ones.
Expert Trainers
Our team of experienced trainers is skilled in addressing a wide range of behavioral issues and training goals using positive reinforcement methods. With years of hands-on experience and a passion for canine behavior, our trainers are dedicated to helping each dog reach their full potential in a compassionate and supportive environment.
Individualised Attention
At Tail Tales Academy, we believe that every dog is unique. That’s why each dog receives personalized care and attention, ensuring that their specific needs are met. Our tailored programs focus on the individual characteristics and learning pace of your dog, providing a customized approach that leads to effective and enduring results.
Proven Results
Our custom programs are designed to achieve lasting results, helping your dog become a well-behaved and happy member of your family. We use evidence-based training techniques and continuously monitor progress, making adjustments as needed to ensure your dog's success. Our clients consistently see improvements in behavior, obedience, and overall well-being.
Comprehensive Programs
We offer a wide range of programs to suit every dog and owner’s needs, from basic puppy training to advanced protection work. Our holistic approach covers all aspects of canine care and training, including nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation. Whether your goal is basic obedience, behavior modification, or specialized training, we have a program that fits.
Lifetime Support
We understand that training doesn't stop when the program ends. Tail Tales Academy offers ongoing support to help you maintain your dog's progress at home. Our trainers are available for follow-up consultations, and we provide resources and guidance to help you continue reinforcing good behavior and training techniques.
