BELLY UP
DOG TRAINING
About Us
Helping You Enjoy Your Dog
Dogs have been my entire life, and I can't imagine what it would be like to not have one around the house. I have had tons of dogs, some that have been with us their entire life and others only stay temporarily. I realized that not every dog is a walk in the park to live with.
There have been dogs that had issues jumping on people anytime they met anyone, some that liked to explore the neighborhood by themselves, and others who have pulled so hard they could have towed a truck. Let me tell you living with those dogs, while at times enjoyable, were a total nightmare to live with.
The embarrassment they caused when I would take them out and the fear that my dog, someone else, or myself could be hurt if they got out was terrible. I didn't want to live like that anymore. I believe people should love and enjoy life with their dogs, not have constant fear and worry with them. This is part of the reason I became a dog trainer.
My love for helping dog owners doesn't stop at just our pets though. One of my greats loves when working with dogs is to help train service dogs for those with disabilities, because I know how life changing, they can be. Not only have my dogs changed by life and have helped me in so many ways, but I have seen how a service dog can transform someone.
I helped train a service dog for a young lady who had something absolutely horrible happen to her. Because of this tragedy, she suffered so much, but helping her with her dog, I got to see how much she has been able conquered with her partner. Now she is going out and having fun. She has her life back and I love that I was able to help her achieve that.
A dog can change a person's life, for good and for bad, so my goal and a big reason I became a dog trainer was to help others have a life changing experience with their dog whether it be loving everyday with their pet or doing something you never thought possible with their service dog.
Why does any of this matter to you?
Because I’ve been exactly where you are. I’ve had the wild, overexcited dog who pulls like a freight train, loses their mind around people, and acts like listening is optional. I know how frustrating it feels when all you want is to enjoy your dog, but it feels like a constant battle.
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Here’s the good news: that kind of energy isn’t a curse. With the right guidance, it becomes something incredible. I’ve worked with dogs who seemed totally untrainable, and I promise, it’s possible to go from overwhelmed to in control, from chaos to fun adventures. You don’t have to do it alone, and it’s so worth it when you finally get to enjoy the life you imagined with your dog.
Get in touch with us now and tell us all about what's happening with your dog. We're here for you!
Testimonials from Others
I can't speak highly enough about Mackenzie and the incredible training she provided for my service dog, Appa. Having Appa by my side has truly been a blessing in my life, and Mackenzie's dedication and expertise have made his training nothing short of extraordinary.
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Appa accompanies me everywhere—from everyday tasks like grocery shopping and running errands to traveling on vacation. Wherever we go, people consistently compliment me on how well-behaved he is. Whether we're dining out or attending mass on Sundays, Appa behaves impeccably, quietly staying by my side until we're finished.
Mackenzie's training went beyond teaching Appa how to behave in public settings. She also worked diligently on personal alerts and specialized commands tailored to my specific needs. Her ability to understand what works best for both me and Appa, and her skill in training him accordingly, is truly remarkable. Mackenzie's guidance and support have been invaluable in ensuring that Appa not only meets but exceeds the requirements of a service dog.
I am deeply grateful to her for helping to enhance the quality of our lives together. Mackenzie is not just a trainer; she is a compassionate professional who is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of her clients and their service dogs. Thank you, Mackenzie, for your exceptional care and expertise in training Appa. You have made a significant impact on our lives, and we are forever grateful.
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- Mindi Acree
Rhett T.
Working with Mackenzie has made a huge difference for Tom. She breaks things down in a way that’s super easy to understand, which made training feel way less overwhelming. What I really appreciated was how she adjusted everything to fit my dog instead of following a one-size-fits-all plan. Her patience, knowledge, and real-world advice helped us make real progress and actually enjoy the process. Couldn’t recommend her more!
