Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystal Morris.
Krystal, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The story of how I came to run my own dog training business starts 12 years ago when I began volunteering at a large county-run animal shelter in North Texas. I lived with my own sweet previously rescued dog named Sadie who inspired me to spend my free time taking photos and socializing with many dogs that came through this shelter on a daily basis while I was going to UNT. Through running a nonprofit rescue and working at a dog daycare, I discovered my love of training canines, building relationships between owners and their dogs, and providing education to other pet businesses about dogs and their many personalities and needs. After moving back south, I worked with a large training company where my education expanded by working with hundreds of dogs a year with a wide span of training needs ranging from large scale dog/people aggression down to puppies and their new families needing pointers to start off their life together and everything you could think of in between. I expanded to a management position where I trained all of our new trainers, managed schedules and technical aspects as well as all customer relations and program building. Along the way, I began doing seminars to fellow dog trainers around the country as well as local veterinary offices and dog daycare centers.
After many years of a hectic and busy schedule, I decided to open my own business in order to slow down and provide a more customized and focused skill set to my clients. I opened during the pandemic and have enjoyed every moment since!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I was able to transition quite smoothly into owning my own business since I had basically the same responsibilities with the larger company but I also was able to slow down and really enjoy what I was doing again. Loving working with dogs and their families was what started this whole journey so getting back to the basics was ideal. The economy has had its ups and downs over the last few years so that, I believe, affects all of the locally run smaller businesses but I with referrals and local connections, I hope to continue to thrive and provide the best education I possibly can for all dog owners and their canine family members.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Mindset and Manners (MAM) Dog Training focuses on both teaching the technical obedience skills needed (like Sit, Down, Leave it, etc.) BUT ALSO understanding the mindset and psychology of our dogs and how they perceive the world. Many troublesome habits that our dogs develop come from our lack of understanding of their communications with us or the needs they are trying to express to us. Balancing the two sides typically builds the balanced and beautiful relationship that we all want with our dogs. When we understand how to communicate to our dogs and truly understand what they are trying to communicate to us, the opportunities we have blossom! Many Austin families really desire to have their dogs with them on outings, picnics, off-leash hiking and biking, etc. When you have the proper skills to safely and effectively give them those freedoms, the sky is the limit! I have worked with and continue to help dogs of all breeds and behavioral issues ranging from reactivity or aggression to bad manners like counter surfing and leash pulling.
I customize all programs built for each individual dog and family to focus on their specific goals and needs for their family dynamic and lifestyle.
Balancing Functional obedience skills with Canine understanding to build a gratifying lifestyle for you and your dog!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
What an interesting question! In this line of work there is always a level of risk taking involved in a variety of ways. My job, I believe, is to balance the risks you are taking with experience and understanding so you are making as educated of decisions as possible with your dog. Whether you have an aggressive dog or a younger dog that is undersocialized or new to the world, understanding how to build the most confidence in your dog and yourself is a long road worth taking with a professional.
In my personal life, I think I balance risk taking in different aspects. I am always up for an unknown adventure with my partner or friends. I have taken a risk in opening my own business in the middle of a global pandemic. I have taken a risk with becoming an educator and knowing people are trusting my guidance and skills to teach them how to have a beautiful life with their dogs. I will always want to be the best for my trusting clients and fellow canine friends and that is always a risk I am willing to take!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mamdogtraining.com
- Instagram: @mamdogtraining
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mamdogtraining
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mindset-and-manners-dog-training-austin-6
