Jazzed up and full of heart: Kelowna dog trainer turns love into career

For Meghan Turton, the journey to building a life around her love of dogs began when she was just nine years old, training her sheltie in basic obedience. But everything changed the day she watched her mom take on the fast-paced world of dog agility.

“I thought agility looked way more fun than obedience,” she told Kelowna10. “I went that direction and never looked back.”

Now in her 20s, Meghan an accomplished agility dog trainer—who lives with Asperger’s syndrome—owns and operates Jazzed Up Dog Agility Training in East Kelowna. It’s a space where dogs of all sizes, and their humans, come to strengthen not only skills, but their bond.

“I love creating a relationship with the dogs,” she said. “Really building that bond and partnership, figuring out what makes them work.”

Working with animals, she says, has helped her build confidence and connect with people in meaningful ways.

“With the dogs, I really get how to read them and connect with them—it kind of gives a common ground to be able to communicate with everyone,” she said. “It’s something I’m very passionate about. It makes it a little bit easier to work through that."

Meghan isn’t just helping dogs become more agile—she’s helping people and pets build relationships that last a lifetime. And in doing so, she’s created a community where everyone, two- or four-legged, belongs.

Her mom, Cindy, has supported Meghan’s journey from the start and believes that Meghan’s Asperger’s hasn’t been a barrier—it’s been a strength.

“The thing about Asperger's, is there’s a focus or one thing they do really well,” Cindy said. “And for Meghan, it’s always been dogs. Being able to relate to the dogs, has allowed her to relate to people because she teaches both dogs and people together.

She also believes her daughter’s dedication and approach are what make Jazzed Up truly stand out.

"Meghan's very knowledgeable and patient, and takes time to answer everyone’s questions,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what kind of dog you have—they’re all welcome. And the more time you spend with your dog, the more valuable a pet they become.”

Cindy added that agility isn’t just physical exercise—it’s mental stimulation. And that, she says, is what makes it so effective.

“When dogs have to use their brains, it’s much more tiring for them,” she said. “They learn to focus, relax and settle in."