Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Matoske.
Hi Amanda, 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.
Since I can remember I have wanted to help dogs. (Picture a young girl just starting to learn how to read carrying around a veterinary textbook bigger than her).
After finding finical success in a 10-year career in the auto service industry I felt something was missing. Around the same time, I adopted 2 rescue dogs both with very different behavioral issues. Each dog was in danger of being put down if I did not keep them and commit to finding a resolution to their extreme behaviors. Thankfully the answer came from the trainer I was already working with who found a different approach to training after reading a book she received as a gift. That book was Your Dog Is Your Mirror, by Kevin Behan.
When I say this book changed my life, I don’t just mean it made me a better dog owner, I mean it made me see the world from a whole new yet familiar perspective. I spent the next 4 years apprenticing under The Natural Dog Training method and was not just able to help my own dogs but also found myself helping others in my community.
In 2018, I committed to changing my career and becoming a full-time dog trainer. I moved out to LA (the first time moving out of my hometown) and began feeling through what I wanted my future in Dog Training to look like. Because Natural Dog Training is such a unique perspective in the behavioral world there was no real template to go off of and I spent a lot of time experimenting with different ways to do what I loved but also make a living.
Unfortunately, like many who move to the city of angels to follow their dreams this specific circumstance did not work out and within a year I found myself back in Upstate NY. While I had a lot of fun and enlightening experiences while in California it seemed this would not be my ultimate destination.
Back in NY, I helped a fellow Natural Dog Training practitioner with her own budding business, creating content for and running social media campaigns as well as managing the day-to-day running of the business itself, working dogs, and maintaining the facility itself. The days were long but the work was rewarding. Of course, this as well was not meant to last. As time went on I realized that this business and its practices were not truly in line with my own principles and values. I made the decision to pick up and start over a third time.
This is how I ended up here in the beautiful and welcoming community of Myrtle Beach. Seeing my passion and drive to bring about this new approach to a dog training business my father offered to invest in a property and help me get started. So in November 2020, I moved down and we began the process of finding the land we needed.
We are currently building an alternative-style dog park that will offer private hiking trails as well as numerous fun activities to fill a dog and its owner’s day with fun and fulfillment. After everything I have learned since becoming a trainer, I knew the most important missing piece to this new model was a container in which the dogs could thrive as many behavioral issues stem from the more traditional parks and daycares. As the building continues I have dedicated my time to building relationships with the people in the community offering training, walking, pet sitting, and grooming.
Within less than a year I have found myself overwhelmed by both the business and support I have received. My hope in the coming future is to bring community-oriented programs along with the business such as offering free kids workshops around Horry County to facilitate a better rapport between humans and dogs starting at a young age as well as shelter programs to help train staff so the dogs can resolve their past behavioral issues before going to a new home. My life’s passion will always be helping all dogs find the joy they deserve even in something as simple as a walk and helping owners better understand their canine companions.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The unknown of what would come next. Constantly having to start over. Building a unique business model that would honor the purpose of the training. Working with a parent is both difficult as well as rewarding. Having the patience to let things happen in their own time.
As you know, we’re big fans of Doggies’ Day Off. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
A New Kind of Dog Park. 24 Acres of Private Trails, Designed to Make Sure Every Dog can have a Good Time!!
Is your dog really getting what they want!? See the Doggies Day Off difference and how it can help you & your pup have more fun!!
By creating uniquely designed adventures throughout our private walking trails we are able to give any dog the freedom to be themselves and enjoy just being a dog. Re-revolutionizing the walk. See the difference after just one day!
Standing as an alternative to doggy daycares and dog parks, Doggies Day Off provides a fun and engaging environment tailored to giving your best friend the feel-good experience THEY WANT while promoting the good behaviors YOU WANT.
We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
The feeling of fulfillment at the end of a day, no matter what struggles you had to overcome or failures you had to learn from.
Pricing:
- Dog walks start at $30.00
- Pet Sitting/Drop Ins start at $30.00
- In-Home Training $95 per lesson
- Zoom Lessons are $75 each
- Grooming starts at $20.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://doggiesdayoff.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=14s637qcaamro&utm_content=kk3u0b2
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoggiesDayOff/
