Today we’d like to introduce you to Maddy Long
Hi Maddy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hello! I’m Maddy Long, the proud owner and head trainer at Maddy’s Canine Campus. For several years, I have had the privilege of training dogs of all breeds and ages, with a particular focus on puppy development, obedience, and behavior modification. My lifelong passion has been to create meaningful connections between dogs and their owners, and I aspire to establish a facility that offers boarding and training services—truly a “doggy heaven.”
My journey began with my graduation from Coastal Carolina University, where I earned a degree in Business Marketing. Following my studies, I relocated to Charleston, SC, where I quickly realized that a conventional sales career did not align with my true interests. Working for myself and starting my own business has always been a dream of mine. Being able to I thrive on forging connections and making a positive impact in people’s lives, which led me to an opportunity as a veterinary assistant.
My experiences at two amazing veterinary practices across South and North Carolina deepened my understanding of canine health and wellness, providing me with invaluable insights that enhance my training approach.
**Finding My Passion**
I come from a family who has always rescued animals from poor situations and brought them into our home from off the streets. When I was younger, I worked for a boarding facility where I got to spend all my time engaging with dogs and learning dog behaviors. I knew that was something I wanted to pursue for myself and find a way to financially thrive in an industry that caters to dogs. My passion for dog training truly flourished while working for a breeding program in Charleston in 2021. There, I recognized the immense value of establishing a solid foundation in puppy obedience and the transformative effects of training—not only for the dogs but also for their families. Since then, I have been fortunate to assist numerous pets and their owners in achieving harmony and understanding in their relationships.
As I continue to work towards my future goals, I am dedicated to providing guidance and support to dog owners, empowering them to nurture their pets effectively.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While my journey in dog training has been incredibly rewarding, it has not always been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I faced several challenges along the way.
Initially, transitioning from a conventional job to pursuing my passion for dog training required a significant leap of faith. There were moments of uncertainty, particularly when building my clientele and establishing my brand. Marketing my services in a competitive industry presented its own set of challenges, as I had to be both creative and strategic to stand out.
Working as a veterinary assistant exposed me to the realities of animal health care, which, although invaluable, also highlighted the emotional and psychological difficulties that can arise with pet ownership. Navigating these sensitive situations required me to develop strong communication skills and empathy, ensuring I could support both the dogs and their owners effectively during challenging times. A particularly rewarding aspect of my training experience has been working with clients who have health restrictions. I’ve encountered situations where physical limitations made conventional training techniques challenging for both the owner and their dog. This prompted me to think creatively and develop tailored training approaches that accommodate their unique needs.
Additionally, the physical demands of training dogs and managing a growing business has tested my resilience. There are days when balancing client needs with my vision for Maddy’s Canine Campus feels overwhelming. However, each struggle has been an opportunity for growth. I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, continuous education, and seeking mentorship within the community.
Ultimately, these experiences have only strengthened my commitment to my mission of fostering strong bonds between dogs and their families. I believe that every challenge has contributed to my ability to provide a higher level of service and support to my clients who are forever challenging me to be my best self.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Maddy’s Canine Campus, we recognize the individuality of each dog and their owner. Working with a professional trainer can help give you and your pet the head start you need to take your relationship and training to the next level. Learn how to connect with your pet while working with Maddy’s Canine Campus. Here we strive to help play a role in establishing well balanced and well-mannered pups. When your furry family member comes to train at Maddy’s Canine Campus they are worked with in a calm, consistent, and easy to learn environment. We believe that training any dog starts with the owner. To keep things consistent, I will show you exactly how to ask your pup to complete any given command and guide you on the journey of dog ownership.
One of the key differentiators is my commitment to adapting training methods to accommodate various owner circumstances, including those with health limitations. I take pride in being creative and flexible in my training approaches, ensuring that all clients can participate meaningfully in their dog’s development. This not only empowers owners but also enhances the training experience for their pets.
Additionally, my background as a veterinary assistant gives me a unique insight into canine health and behavior, enabling me to approach training from a well-rounded perspective. This knowledge helps me identify and address any underlying health concerns that may affect behavior, ensuring that both the dog and owner are supported throughout the training process.
Offering” Daycare, Private Sessions, Consultations, In Home Assessments, Puppy Preschool, AKC Certifications and much more.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
While I established my business, Maddy’s Canine Campus, in January 2023 and wasn’t directly affected by the COVID-19 crisis, the ripple effects of the pandemic have shaped the landscape of dog training. One of the most significant outcomes has been the surge in puppy sales during lockdown periods. This unprecedented influx of new pet owners has led to a growing number of dogs that are poorly socialized, highly reactive, and lacking basic social skills.
This situation has taught me several important lessons:
1. **The Importance of Early Socialization: ** Many of the puppies acquired during the pandemic missed critical socialization opportunities during their formative months. This heightened the necessity for early training and the importance of providing resources for new dog owners to facilitate positive experiences during their pets’ early development.
2. **Adapting Training Techniques: ** I’ve learned to be more flexible in my training approaches. With many dogs showing high reactivity due to lack of socialization, I’ve focused on developing specialized programs catering to these challenges. This includes gradual exposure techniques, creating safe environments for socialization, and providing tailored mentorship for owners to help them navigate these hurdles.
Overall, while I wasn’t directly impacted by COVID-19 in terms of business operations, the lessons learned from the resulting shifts in pet ownership have greatly influenced my approach to dog training. They’ve reinforced my commitment to addressing the needs of both dogs and their owners and ensuring that every dog gets the best start in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maddyscaninecampus.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddyscaninecampus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565085980714
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/maddys-canine-campus-charleston?osq=maddys
