We recently connected with Maddie Messina and have shared our conversation below.
Maddie , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I’ve always loved animals and learning about the ways they navigate the world. I didn’t expect to turn that passion into a career but was lucky enough to stumble upon the Animal Behavior major in my undergraduate studies. From there, I threw myself into learning about animal cognition and developed skills to test our assumptions.
I’d say my first challenge in “finding purpose” was figuring out what my employment options were during the summers between my Animal Behavior studies. In New York City you have to be creative and open to opportunities if you want to find a career working with animals and I did just that. I developed a wide variety of skills and eventually found my purpose when I realized how behavior modification techniques can change a dog’s outlook on life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I work with human-dog teams in NYC to help address behavioral challenges arising from fear, frustration, and stress. The average dog owner loves their animal but may not understand what is driving their behaviors. I help clients to pinpoint this and communicate with their animals for a longer-lasting and fulfilling relationship.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Thirst for knowledge 2. Compassion
3. Work ethic
These qualities set me apart from other dog trainers in my area. I have broadened my understanding of the canine brain by seeking advanced training and gaining a Master’s in Animal Behavior. I can implement what I know with a greater degree of success because I have compassion for both the dog AND the human. This allows me to find solutions for both beings that will be effective and kind. Finally, the humans in my care appreciate my responsiveness and day-to-day work ethic. They know that if they need me I will be there to answer their questions. I’m not just taking their money and then hanging them out to dry.
My biggest advice to anyone who is beginning their journey is to say yes to as many opportunities as possible and learn as much as you can from each. Some of my greatest learning moments were not when I was working with other dog trainers but from my time spent in vet offices or shelters. Having a broad skill set doesn’t mean you can’t eventually niche down!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always looking to collaborate with like-minded individuals in the dog behavior, veterinary, grooming, and care industries. The biggest obstacle to providing fantastic, continued care for dogs right now is the divide between all of these industries. We don’t talk enough. The more we share our experiences and come together to build better multi-disciplinary services the better of dogs and their humans will be.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pawsforthoughttraining.com
- Instagram: pawsforthoughttraining
- Linkedin: Madeline Messina
Image Credits
First 2 uploads and last upload- credit Tayler Smith
