Housewolves: The Pet Dog Collective
Welcome to Housewolves: The Pet Dog Collective — the podcast for dog owners who want clarity, confidence, and a deeper connection with their dogs. Trainer Melissa Major brings you real-life training strategies, behaviour insights, meaningful interviews, and lifestyle conversations that help you truly understand your dog.
Whether you’re navigating life with a brand-new puppy or leveling up with an adult dog, you’ll get practical tools to create a calmer home, a stronger bond, and a well-trained companion you can take anywhere.
Rooted in working-dog principles but made for everyday owners, this show is all about real dogs, real training, and results that actually fit your life.
Housewolves: The Pet Dog Collective
From Dog Lover to Professional Handler with Mackenzie Pavkovich
Summary:
In this episode of the Housewolves podcast, Melissa Major interviews Mackenzie Pavkovich, a passionate dog handler and trainer. Mackenzie shares her journey from being a dog lover to becoming a professional handler, detailing her experiences with various breeds, her transition into dog sports, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding dog behavior, the thrill of working with high-drive dogs, and the personal growth that comes from pursuing one's passion. Mackenzie also offers valuable advice for aspiring dog handlers and reflects on the impact of dogs on her life.
Takeaways:
- Mackenzie has always been a dog lover and caretaker.
- Her journey into dog training began during the COVID lockdown.
- She discovered balanced training to manage her rescue dog.
- Mackenzie went all in on dog handling and training.
- She learned a lot from her bond with working dogs.
- Detection work gave her a sense of purpose.
- Transitioning to IGP training was a significant step.
- Handling different breeds taught her about their unique traits.
- Aspiring handlers should gain hands-on experience with dogs.
- Mackenzie and Eric built a life together centered around dogs.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Mackenzie Pavkovich
01:06 Mackenzie's Early Love for Dogs
05:01 Transitioning to Professional Dog Handling
11:03 Working with Detection Dogs
16:15 Exploring IGP and New Training Opportunities
20:20 Dog Breeds and Their Unique Traits
24:04 Advice for Aspiring Dog Handlers
28:01 Personal Journey and Life Changes
33:55 The New Puppy Adventure
37:02 Balancing Motherhood and Dog Training
41:01 Future Aspirations and Inspirations