Muttz with Mannerz Canine Academy

Fall is fast approaching and along with it are the usual family life changes – kids heading back to school, summer vacations ending etc. – is your dog ready?

In this Episode of the Muttz with MannerzTM Canine Academy Podcast, host Corey McCusker is talking to you about how the switch to new routines and other life changes can be a stressful time for your dog, and it could be stressful for you, too. Corey shares some tips in this episode to help you ease the transition for both of you that you can get started on right away!

In this episode, Corey covers:

• Why this time of year when we are ending summer holidays and heading back to school and/or work can be challenging for your pup.
• Dogs like structure and familiarity – Corey shares some information about how to look at your dog’s routines and what might be changing and a tip about when to start introducing the change.
• That physical and mental exercise during any type of transition is important for your dog.
• You don’t have to do it alone! There are people in your community like dog walkers, friends, or doggy daycares that are there to help.
• The importance of keeping calm during your arrivals and departures from home to reduce anxiety.
• Try to include your dog in your new routine as much as possible.
• Get your dog a new enrichment toy or teach them something new to keep them involved with you and occupied.
• How playing background music can help to calm your dog when you are away.
• Signs that you can look out for to know if your dog is struggling with the transition.
• How crate training your dog can help keep them calm and makes new life changes easier for them to assimilate to.
• Why it is important to ease your dog into any changes that may be happening to their routine.
• Doggy Daycare is a great option to consider if you are concerned about leaving your dog alone – check out our offerings at Muttz with Mannerz in Stouffville.

Resources

To learn more about our Enrichment Daycare visit https://www.muttzwithmannerz.com/doggie-daycare

Listen to our podcast Episode 03: Separation Anxiety here >> https://www.muttzwithmannerz.com/podcast/episode-003

Your Host

Corey McCusker, CPDT-KA Canine Coach

Corey’s passion for helping humans and dogs excel led her to take a leap of faith after 22 years working in the Financial Industry to leave her corporate job in 2006 and start two companies. Corey is a Coach at heart and works with business leaders and high-performance teams, but her true passion has always been canines. She now has created a career that supports both.

Corey founded Muttz with Mannerz in 2006. Her foundation of knowledge which includes being a Senior Manager, Dog Trainer, Vet Assistant, World Tour Lead, and Mental Performance Coach helped her to launch the Canine Academy. The purpose of the academy is to assist pet parents build the foundation for their pups to be with them for life.

Corey believes in giving back to the community. Over many years she has volunteered at the Toronto Humane Society and the OSPCA and is also proud to be an evaluator for St. John Ambulance Dog Therapy Program. She held the position of Director of Communications on the board for the Canadian Association for Women Entrepreneurs and Executives from 2017-2019. She has been active with Markham Fair and been a Team Captain and on the Executive for Stouffville Ladies Floor Hockey League for over 15 years.

Corey has made Stouffville her home for the last 18 years and shares it with Mike, her partner, two stepdaughters, Karla and Alison, and their two energetic kittens, Dino and Demi. Over the years Corey has been fortunate to be blessed to share her life with 6 wonderful canines, Tilley ( Miniature Dachshund), Tiny, Kira (Great Danes), Fred(Maltese), Charlie(Morkie), and Cleo(Miniature Poodle). Corey and Mike welcomed their new puppy, Skye, a rescue Muttz from Manitoba reserves into their home in June. 2021. They have big hopes for her and look forward to Skye filling their lives with joy and being an active member of Team Muttz.

Contact:

Muttz with Mannerz – https://muttzwithmannerz.com

Corey Email – [email protected]

Are you looking to reinforce your dog's obedience training in a fun and interactive way? Rally Obedience at any level is a great way to build your bond with your dog and sharpen their skills at the same time!
In this Episode of the Muttz with MannerzTM Canine Academy Podcast, host Corey McCusker is joined by Lead Groomer and Muttz with MannerzTM Trainer Kelli Gilliss to discuss Rally Obedience. Corey and Kelli will share what Rally-O is and the benefits for you and your dog!

In this episode, Corey and Kelli discuss:

• Kelli’s background and interest in dog grooming & dog training, including working with her own dogs in agility and Rally Obedience.
• How Kelli first got started with Rally-O and what it is all about.
• Besides looking to have some fun what else is required for a dog and owner to take a Rally Obedience class.
• What “stations” are and how a Rally-O class is set up for you and your dog.
• Who can participate in a Rally Obedience class – all abilities are welcome!
• The benefits of Rally-O for you and your dog – including exercising your body and your mind.
• What is involved in moving into competitive Rally Obedience.
• How Muttz with Mannerz is always adding new classes to help you have fun with your dog and Rally Obedience is one of them.

Resources

To join our next Rally Obedience class offered by Muttz with Mannerz visit https://www.muttzwithmannerz.com/dog-training/classes

CARO (Canadian Association of Rally Obedience)
https://www.canadianrallyo.ca/page/Welcome

American Kennel Club
https://www.akc.org/sports/rally/

Canadian Kennel Club
https://www.ckc.ca/en

Special Guest
Kelli Gilliss,Senior Groomer and Trainer

Kelli brings an extensive background in dog training and behavior management to her work as a Certified International Groomer and Canine Coach. She is a graduate of Sheridan College Animal Health and Sciences and continues her education in Advanced Canine Nutrition and the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers. Kelli currently holds the position of Chair on ODGA which stands for Ontario Dog Grooming Association.

Kelli’s experience began in 1991 as a groomer and progressed to include multiple awards in the competitive grooming industry and titles in dog obedience. She started training and competing in obedience and agility in 1994, as well as performing with an animal actor touring group. She has titled multiple dogs in conformation, obedience, Rally-O, agility, disc dog, herding and tracking. Kelli’s passion lends its expertise to handling difficult to manage animals in both her grooming and training platforms. She worked as an “in clinic” trained veterinary technician since 1998 and she now explores and practices holistic veterinary care.

Kelli keeps a happy home with her two Australian Shepherds, furpups Maui, 10 1⁄2 yrs and Crue 2 years old, her two children, Ella and Owen, and her husband, Steve.

Your Host

Corey McCusker, CPDT-KA Canine Coach

Corey’s passion for helping humans and dogs excel led her to take a leap of faith after 22 years working in the Financial Industry to leave her corporate job in 2006 and start two companies. Corey is a Coach at heart and works with business leaders and high-performance teams, but her true passion has always been canines. She now has created a career that supports both.

Corey founded Muttz with Mannerz in 2006. Her foundation of knowledge which includes being a Senior Manager, Dog Trainer, Vet Assistant, World Tour Lead, and Mental Performance Coach helped her to launch the Canine Academy. The purpose of the academy is to assist pet parents build the foundation for their pups to be with them for life.

Corey believes in giving back to the community. Over many years she has volunteered at the Toronto Humane Society and the OSPCA and is also proud to be an evaluator for St. John Ambulance Dog Therapy Program. She held the position of Director of Communications on the board for the Canadian Association for Women Entrepreneurs and Executives from 2017-2019. She has been active with Markham Fair and been a Team Captain and on the Executive for Stouffville Ladies Floor Hockey League for over 15 years.

Corey has made Stouffville her home for the last 18 years and shares it with Mike, her partner, two stepdaughters, Karla and Al...

Are you looking for a fun way to increase the bond with your dog?

In this Episode of the Muttz with MannerzTM Canine Academy Podcast, host Corey McCusker is joined by the Head Trainer at Uxbridge Canine Academy, Julia Luxemberger to discuss the sport of dog agility - what it is, how it began, and what the benefits are for you and your dog.

In this episode, Corey and Julia cover:

• Julia’s journey to becoming a dog trainer and her extensive experience with agility.
• How Corey and Julia connected and how they have worked together in the past.
• What dog agility is and the history of how it became a sport.
• Julia shares her experience and journey with dog agility.
• Corey’s journey with agility and her two dogs that she previously did agility with.
• How agility is something that can be done at any age or with any breed of dog, but there are some things to consider.
• A new agility sport for older dogs and handlers called “Hoopers”.
• The benefits of doing agility with your dog at any level, just for fun or in competition.
• What you should know or consider if you are thinking of starting agility, or even competing.
• Why it is important to have a foundation of obedience training before starting agility with your dog.
• Since this is a sport, some of the things to consider adding to practice include warm-ups, cool-downs, and conditioning for you and your dog!
• How you can get started with an agility class by contacting Muttz with Mannerz or Julia at the Uxbridge Canine Academy.
• Some of the risks associated with this dog sport – like any other sport the main purpose is to have some fun!

Resources

Here is a video of the very first dog agility competition ever at Crufts in 1978. https://youtu.be/d2oB3pgWq_A

To get started in a Fun with Agility or other training classes offered by Muttz with Mannerz visit https://www.muttzwithmannerz.com/dog-training/classes

To learn more about Julia and the Uxbridge Canine Academy visit https://www.uxbridgecanineacademy.com/

Special Guest:
Julia Luxemberger , Head Trainer at Uxbridge Canine Academy

For as long as Julia can remember she had a passion for animals. She’s spent most of her life training animals in one way or another. During her childhood, she was involved in the equine industry, training, riding, and working with horses. This broadened her knowledge of behaviour and body language as a means of communication, not only with horses but with all animals - eventually leading her to a career in dog training.

She furthered her education at university, obtaining her Bachelor of Science in zoology. Following university, she became an ESL teacher to learn the tools used to educate people. After having a good basis in teaching, she continued her education and became a certified dog trainer through Animal Behaviour College. She founded Uxbridge Canine Academy 2020 (formerly D-Lux Canine Training Academy founded in 2017) and has been teaching her clients how to build a lasting bond with their canine companions ever since.

Julia is a member of several associations including

• Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers,
• Agility Association of Canada
• UK Agility International
• Canadian Association of Rally Obedience

Julia competes regularly in Rally Obedience and Agility with her Border Collie, Aspen. Julia was the 2019 and 2021 West Regional Champions in the 24' division and placed 9th at the National Championships in 2019. She was also an alternate for the IFCS, Canadian National Agility Team in 2022. Julia is currently working towards becoming an AAC judge and has taken on the role of Regional Director for Ontario West through the Agility Association of Canada.

Your Host:

Corey McCusker, Canine Coach

Corey’s passion for helping humans and dogs excel led her to take a leap of faith after 22 years working in the Financial Industry to leave her corporate job in 2006 and start two companies. Corey is a Coach at heart and works with business leaders and high-performance teams, but her true passion has always been canines. She now has created a career that supports both.

Corey founded Muttz with Mannerz in 2006. Her foundation of knowledge which includes being a Senior Manager, Dog Trainer, Vet Assistant, World Tour Lead, and Mental Performance Coach helped her to launch the Canine Academy. The purpose of...

Are you thinking about bringing a dog into your family and wondering how to figure out the best breed or temperament to suit your lifestyle? Or do you already have a dog and want to know more about being a responsible owner?

Having a dog involves a lot of responsibility. In this Episode of the Muttz with Mannerz Canine Academy Podcast, co-hosts Corey McCusker and Diane Purser discuss the key things that an owner needs to think about and do to be a responsible dog owner.

In this episode, Corey and Diane will cover:

• Key questions to ask yourself when choosing a dog.
• The investment involved.
• Key things to do for your dog.
• What the law requires.
• How you can help to control pet population.
• Making arrangements for someone to care for your pet if you are going to be away.

Resources

Perfect Dog App from Apple Store

OSPCA – Meet Your Match Survey >> https://ontariospca.ca/adopt/meet-your-match/

Podcast Episode 001: The Importance of Socialization for your Pup

Pet insurance Blog Post: Key Questions To Ask Before You Buy Pet Insurance

OSPCA Standards of Care Act >> https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/090060

Your Hosts:

Corey McCusker, Canine Coach

Corey’s passion for helping humans and dogs excel led her to take a leap of faith after 22 years working in the Financial Industry to leave her corporate job in 2006 and start two companies. Corey is a Coach at heart and works with business leaders and high-performance teams, but her true passion has always been canines. She now has created a career that supports both.

Corey founded Muttz with Mannerz in 2006. Her foundation of knowledge which includes being a Senior Manager, Dog Trainer, Vet Assistant, World Tour Lead, and Mental Performance Coach helped her to launch the Canine Academy. The purpose of the academy is to assist pet parents build the foundation for their pups to be with them for life.

Corey believes in giving back to the community. Over many years she has volunteered at the Toronto Humane Society and the OSPCA and is also proud to be an evaluator for St. John Ambulance Dog Therapy Program. She held the position of Director of Communications on the board for the Canadian Association for Women Entrepreneurs and Executives from 2017-2019. She has been active with Markham Fair and been a Team Captain and on the Executive for Stouffville Ladies Floor Hockey League for over 15 years.

Corey has made Stouffville her home for the last 18 years and shares it with Mike, her partner, two stepdaughters, Karla and Alison, and their two energetic kittens, Dino and Demi. Over the years Corey has been fortunate to be blessed to share her life with 6 wonderful canines, Tilley (Miniature Dachshund), Tiny, Kira (Great Danes), Fred (Maltese), Charlie (Morkie), and Cleo (Miniature Poodle). Corey and Mike welcomed their new puppy, Skye, a rescue Muttz from Manitoba reserves into their home in June. 2021. They have big hopes for her and look forward to Skye filling their lives with joy and being an active member of Team Muttz.
Diane Purser, Canine Educator

Diane has had a lifelong love of animals and knew at some point she would enter the world of Animal Welfare, specifically around Companion Animals. After a long career, Diane was able to leave the corporate world in 2004 and decided to immerse herself in dogs, animal welfare, and humane education. Her experience both corporately and personally allowed her to bring extensive knowledge in marketing, education, fundraising, and event coordination to her new career.

Over the last 15+ years, Diane has held positions in Community Education with the OSPCA, St. John Ambulance Dog Therapy Program as a Dog Handler and Evaluator, plus various roles (including Board member) with Pugalug Pug Rescue.

Diane’s passion for education has been fueled by her extensive involvement with the OSPCA Youth and Pets Program, Pet Ownership Responsibility, and collaboration with St John Ambulance Therapy Dog Bite Prevention Program. Her mission is to help future, current, and new dog owners have loving and fulfilling lifelong relationships with their dogs.<...

Are you planning to take your dog to a summer festival or other family gathering this year? With a little planning you can ensure your best buddy will enjoy this year’s summer season too!

In this Episode of the Muttz with MannerzTM Canine Academy Podcast, co-hosts Corey McCusker and Diane Purser discuss some points and provide some important tips on how to keep your dog safe and protected while attending a festival or family event this summer.

In this episode, Corey and Karen cover:

• Resources

Join a Muttz with MannerzTM Community Walk >> https://www.muttzwithmannerz.com

For more information about Karen and Unified K9 Behaviour Centre please visit her website www.unifiedk9.ca .

Special Guest: Karen Baxter

Karen Baxter has loved dogs all her life and feels privileged that she has the ideal job... following her life-long passion and working with dogs. Beginning her professional career with dogs over 20 years ago, Karen brings an experience and joy to her work that can be felt by each dog and dog owner that she works with regardless of the size or the breed of dog. Karen’s training philosophy is “one size does NOT fit all!” and true to the Unified K9 difference, tailors her training protocols and/or treatment plans to the needs of the dog and the lifestyle and goals of the dog’s owner. Her positive and fair techniques are designed to bring out enthusiasm in each dog so they learn to love training which results in building stronger relationships with their humans, based on trust.

Karen has participated in various training programs over several years preparing for her career in dog training. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer having passed the Knowledge Assessment examination through the Certification Council for Professional Pet Dog Trainers. She is a graduate of Animal Behaviour College’s Certified Dog Trainer program. Karen has also studied and completed training on the practical application of Behaviour Adjustment Training for fearful, anxious and aggressive dogs and Aggressive Dog Conflict Resolution with Behaviourist and author Cheryl Smith.Her most recent accomplishments include completing the Master Aggression Course with world renowned Behaviour Consultant and expert on dog aggression, Michael Shikashio and she is currently completing her diploma in Canine Behaviourology with a specialty in working with aggressive dogs Karen has also worked with local animal shelters and Rescue organizations to assist in the care and rehabilitation of rescued dogs who are usually suffering from trauma and stress related behaviour issues. Her continuing education and experience have ensured Karen has developed expertise in dog psychological issues manifesting themselves as anxiety or aggression.

Karen’s training specialties include Rally Obedience, Agility, Working Dogs Tracking, Scent work, and puppy foundations. She is a member of the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants, The Agility Association of Canada, the Canadian Association for Professional Dog Trainers and is certified in Pet First Aid and CPR.

Karen lives in York Region with her dogs most of which compete in obedience, agility and Rally Obedience. Her dogs have reached master level in all sports.

Your Host:

Corey McCusker, Canine Coach

Corey’s passion for helping humans and dogs excel led her to take a leap of faith after 22 years working in the Financial Industry to leave her corporate job in 2006 and start two companies. Corey is a Coach at heart and works with business leaders and high-performance teams, but her true passion has always been canines. She now has created a career that supports both.

Corey founded Muttz with Mannerz in 2006. Her foundation of knowledge which includes being a Senior Manager, Dog Trainer, Vet Assistant, World Tour Lead, and Mental Performance Coach helped her to launch the Canine Academy. The purpose of the academy is to assist pet parents build the foundation for their pups to be with them for life.

Corey believes in giving back to the community. Over many years she has volunteered at the Toronto Humane Society and the OSPCA and is also proud to be an evaluator for St. John Ambulance Dog Therapy Program. She held the position of Director of Communications on the board for the Canadian Association for Women Entrepreneurs and Executives from 2017-2019. She has been active with Markham Fair and been a Team Captain and on the Executive for Stouffville Ladies Floor Hockey League for over 15 years.

Corey has made Stouffville her home fo...