Megan Thrasher
PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER
Megan is a dedicated dog trainer whose passion lies in building meaningful connections between dogs and their humans. Growing up on a cattle farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, instilled in her a deep respect for animals and shaped her belief in the power of mutual trust and understanding.
As a trainer, Megan is committed to helping dogs and their people live harmonious, adventure-filled lives by fostering relationships built on empathy, communication, and respect.
Megan specializes in training pet dogs and adventure companions, blending multi-method techniques that honor the unique needs of each dog while considering the goals and emotions of their human partners. She believes in meeting clients where they are, offering structured programs that address foundational skills, behavioral challenges, and advanced training for real-world situations.
She considers it her greatest privilege being able to help people live a higher quality of life with their dogs, often achieving goals they didn't know were possible together!
Philosophy
Central to Megan’s philosophy is a deep acceptance of the dog in front of her. She believes every dog is an individual with its own personality, needs, and strengths, and that training is most effective when grounded in this understanding.
As a dog mom, Megan knows the importance of treating dogs like dogs—fulfilling their needs as animals—while also acknowledging the emotional connection humans have with their companions. She sees this balance as essential for creating a life where both species can thrive. Each dog Megan works with teaches her something new, and she loves witnessing the connections that bloom between dogs and their humans. She believes these bonds flourish when both parties are treated as mutually respected beings.
Megan is a transparent trainer who believes in open communication and working cohesively with her clients to achieve ultimate success together. She believes in addressing the whole picture; not solely focusing on obedience commands or behavior modification, but also promoting the overall well-being and enhancing the human-animal bond. Megan is also passionate about educating owners on the full spectrum of training tools and methods, empowering them to make informed choices that align with their values and their dog’s needs. Her experience with service and therapy dogs gives her unique insight into how dogs can transform lives, and she uses this understanding to guide her clients through even the most complex training journeys.
Experience
Megan’s previous work at a dog training facility where she apprenticed with a Master Dog Trainer for nearly 3 years, allowed her to gain hands-on experience and learn directly from 100s of different breeds, ages, sizes, capabilities, personalities, and lifestyles. Megan has an excellent educational foundation obtained through the apprenticeship with a Certified Master Dog Trainer and graduate of Highland Canine Academy. She continues her education on a daily basis by exploring various viewpoints from fellow trainers, staying up to date with the latest information and techniques, training her personal dogs, seeking advice and connections from other professionals in the field, and attentively considering feedback from her clients. Her wide-ranging training portfolio includes pet and family dogs, obedience training, behavior modification, and training service and therapy dogs.
Accreditations
3 year apprenticeship with a Master Dog Trainer
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator (CGC)
Georgia Canine University Puppy Cognition Seminar
Dealing with Dominant & Aggressive Dogs
Kabler School for Dogs Scentwork Seminar
Level 1 Scentwork
Pet Health Academy First Aid & CPR
Basic Canine Nutrition
Advanced Canine Nutrition Specialist
When Megan is not working with clients, she enjoys hiking, exploring nature, and continuing the development of her own dog, Sage. For Megan, Sage is a living embodiment of her training philosophy: the perfect blend of structure, freedom, and adventure. With a compassionate and practical approach, Megan helps dogs and their humans discover their best selves—together.
