Description
What happens when a fourth-grade school project turns into a real book?
In this episode of Write Effing Now!, Hilary Jastram sits down with Maddie Krzanowski, author of FAVE 50, dog trainer, business owner, and lifelong self-proclaimed “dog nerd.”
At just 21, Maddie turned a childhood love of dogs, training, and writing into a published book. She shares how FAVE 50 grew from a little training booklet she made as a kid into a practical guide covering dog breeds, training tools, basic commands, advanced behaviors, and life with dogs.
But this conversation goes way beyond the book. Hilary and Maddie dig into responsible dog ownership, training versus management, stubborn breeds, reactivity, socialization, routines, safety, and why the dog you want needs to fit the life you actually live.
What You’ll Learn
How Maddie turned a childhood idea into FAVE 50.
Why breed and temperament should fit your real lifestyle.
The difference between training and managing a behavior.
Why consistency and repetition matter with every dog.
How training changes as a dog learns and matures.
Why socialization is about more than meeting dogs and people.
How to work within a dog’s individual threshold.
Why there usually isn’t a true “quick fix” for behavior.
How Maddie balances school, business, training, and writing.
What she’s planning for her next book, The Dog Walker’s Notebook.
Episode Summary
Maddie’s story starts long before FAVE 50. In fourth grade, she created a small book called All About Dogs. Years later, after becoming a certified dog trainer and building her own business, she came back to that childhood dream and turned it into a published book.
The conversation gets practical fast. Maddie and Hilary talk about everything from leash pulling and crate training to reactive dogs, breed instincts, safety, routines, exercise, and positive associations. Maddie also explains why good training evolves. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s understanding your dog, staying consistent, and creating a routine that works for both of you.
And Maddie isn’t finished writing. She gives listeners a preview of The Dog Walker’s Notebook, her next project about dogs, business, life transitions, and figuring out what comes next.
Favorite Quote
“I took that dream, and I made it into an actual book.”
Other Topics Covered
Dog Training • FAVE 50 • Becoming an Author • Dog Breeds • Reactivity • Socialization • Training Tools • Routines • Responsible Dog Ownership • Entrepreneurship • Writing Your First Book • The Dog Walker’s Notebook
Connect With Hilary
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Write Effing Now! is the podcast for writers who want to write smarter, publish confidently, and share stories that make an impact.
Whether you're just beginning your writing journey or preparing to publish your next book, you'll find actionable strategies, professional insight, and honest conversations designed to help you cross the finish line.
