Today we’d like to introduce you to Mattison Skoog-Simpson.

Hi Mattison, 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?

Everything changed for me when I ended up in a very unexpected place—a prison cell.

Over eight years ago, I found myself in a dark chapter of my life, but an opportunity to work with dogs gave me a reason to get out of bed and something I thought I’d lost: hope.

During my five years of incarceration, I gained hands-on experience in training, grooming, and behavior through various programs, including service and rescue dog work. Those dogs were my lifeline, and they taught me as much (probably more) than I ever taught them.

After my release, I dove head first into learning everything I could about canine behavior and training in “the real world”. In 2022 I launched my brand, Freed by Training, where I focus on helping guardians of complex dogs create meaningful connections through virtual and hybrid training. I also mentor other professionals, helping them grow their skills and build their businesses sustainably.

Dogs didn’t just change my life—they gave me my purpose, and now I’m helping others find the same.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

The biggest thing I’ve had to overcome since my release has been letting go of shame from my past. It’s not been easy, and there were so many days that I wanted to hide away from the world so no one would ever find out that I’d made mistakes.

But that’s no way to live. Shame will keep you in fear and in darkness

Embracing every part of my past (the good and the not-so-good) has transformed the way I move through the world.

And as I shed the shame that kept me stuck for years, I learned something:

People accepted, and LOVED me, as I showed up authentically. BECAUASE I showed up authentically.

And when you show people it’s okay to show up imperfectly, they feel they can do the same. It’s a chain reaction – not one that I started, but one I intend to keep going.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

My work focuses on helping guardians of complex dogs build meaningful behavior change through a daily virtual training model that is as intensive as it is supportive.

Working with me is a little bit different because, here’s my secret – I’m not actually going to train your dog. I’m going to coach you to help your dog and become the person who lives the life you want with your dog.

I specialize in addressing reactive, aggressive, and fear-based behaviors with an approach rooted in compassion and communication.

I’m proud not only of the transformations I help clients achieve but also of the mentorship I provide to other professionals. I guide trainers in understanding behavior science, growing their skills, and building aligned and sustainable businesses.

At the core of my work is the belief that both dogs and their guardians are capable of incredible change, and my goal is to equip them with the tools to build a brand new life together.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?

I have a daily meditation book which helps with my own personal recovery from Codependency, called “The Language of Letting Go” by Melody Beattie. One of the reasons a daily meditation book is so helpful is because it is an easy thing to make into a habit every day.

And on that topic, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear was helpful in my personal development, my business operations, and also my ability to communicate complex behavior modification topics to every day pet parents.

Pricing:

• Free – Dog Training/Behavior Consult
• Free – Muzzle and Puppy Courses
• $10-99 Training/Behavior Courses
• $520 – 4 Weeks Daily Virtual Training
• $895 – Canine Behavior Course for Professionals [Accredited]

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.freedbytraining.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedbytraining/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreedbyTraining/
• Other: https://www.thedogbiznerd.com