Episode 27: Life Changes – Easing Your Dog into New Routines

08/15/23 • 16 min

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]

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, 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

Contact:

Muttz with Mannerz – https://muttzwithmannerz.com

Corey Email – [email protected]

Previous Episode

Episode 26: Why You and Your Dog will Love DOGA with Barbara Rogina

Are you looking for a fun bonding activity to do with your dog? Whether you are new to yoga or a seasoned veteran, we encourage you to give DOGA a try!

In this Episode of the Muttz with MannerzTM Canine Academy Podcast, host Corey McCusker is joined by Muttz with MannerzTM trainer Barbara Rogina to share with you the benefits and fun you can have with your dog while you do yoga – you are both going to love DOGA!

In this episode, Corey and Barbara cover:

What DOGA is, how it began, and what types of activity you can expect during a class.
How DOGA class is accessible for everyone – even if you aren’t that flexible or haven't done yoga before.
How a typical DOGA class is set up and modified for each person attending - including providing stools or chairs if required.
The benefits of DOGA – increased relaxation, flexibility, and stress relief.
Corey shares her experience of attending DOGA with her young, energetic pup Skye.
Barbara outlines how a DOGA class at Muttz with MannerzTM runs and what you could consider bringing to be comfortable.
The possible risks of DOGA and reasons a dog or owner might consider not attending.
How to find out about our next scheduled class by visiting https://muttzwithmannerz.com/classes.

Resources

To join our next DOGA class or other training classes offered by Muttz with Mannerz, visit https://www.muttzwithmannerz.com/dog-training/classes

Special Guest:
Barbara Rogina, Canine Coach

Barbara brings another dynamic to our team as she is a teacher and trainer of both humans and canines. Barbara has been teaching dog obedience classes for the past 10 years with Muttz with MannerzTM with a focus on puppy manners, fun with scenting and fun with agility. She is also a yoga instructor qualified to teach various types of yoga. Barbara has expanded her knowledge of pet care in her role as a part-time receptionist at the Stouffville Vet Clinic.

Barbara, like so many of the Muttz with Mannerz team, believes in giving back and is a member of the St. John Ambulance Dog Therapy program where she dedicates many hours visiting hospitals, retirement homes and high schools with Hunter, her four-legged son. Hunter’s calm, kind, enthusiastic personality bring joy to all he meets. Barbara has just adopted another boy from Speaking of Dogs Rescue, Baxter an adorable miniature poodle with a feisty personality who we know will be a future star team on our team.

Barbara continues educating herself by taking courses and training in the pet care. She has taken “Introduction to Acupressure for small animals”. She is currently enrolled in a “Dog massage” course to expand her knowledge on what she delivers. We are excited that she offers new programs such as DOGA; bring your dogs to yoga, and Scenting courses.

Your Host

Corey McCusker, CPDT-KA Canine Coach

Next Episode

Episode 28: The Benefits of Community Dog Walks

Is your dog getting enough time exploring their expanded world and socializing with other humans and pups? Or are you looking for a way to encourage your dog to walk calmly on leash, even with other dogs and people around?

In this Episode of the Muttz with MannerzTM Canine Academy Podcast, host Corey McCusker shares the many benefits of joining a community walk with your dog. At Muttz with MannerzTM our mission is to enrich lives at both ends of the leash and our own Community Dog Walk is a great way to do just that!

In this episode, Corey covers:

What a Community Dog Walk is and how the Muttz with MannerzTM Community Dog Walks can help you and your dog.
The science behind group walks and the importance of exploration and socialization for your dog.
In addition to the physical exercise there is a mental simulation provided in joining a Community Dog Walk.
A benefit of walking in a group is we see the dogs form positive relations and trust, that you don’t see in other activities.
How the group gets in sync as they are being consistently socialized in a structured way, which can be a big help in overcoming the issue of your dog being reactive to others.
The dogs learn from each other when brought into a group (or pack) environment like a group walk.
The benefits of joining Corey on a walk – you have an experienced expert trainer with you to ensure harmony in the group and help you succeed.
Why Community walks are a great way to get out and give your dogs some good exercise and training at the same time.
Where you can find more information to join in a Muttz with MannerzTM Community Dog Walk or a Women and Dogs Circle walk with Corey too.

Resources

To information and to register for one of our Community Dog Walks visit https://www.muttzwithmannerz.com/classes

To information and to register for a Women and Dogs Circle walk visit https://www.seewhatshecando.com/women-and-dogs-circle

Your Host

Corey McCusker, CPDT-KA Canine Coach

Contact:

Muttz with Mannerz – https://muttzwithmannerz.com

Corey Email – [email protected]