Are you looking for someone to help you train your new puppy or dog? No matter what level of training you are looking for it is very important to find the RIGHT trainer that you are comfortable with and can help you achieve your goals.
In this Episode of the Muttz with Mannerz™ Canine Academy Podcast, co-host Corey McCusker and special co-host Karen Baxter, Dog Trainer and Behaviour Consultant share with you some key things to consider when choosing the right dog trainer for you and your pup.
In this episode, Corey and Karen cover:
- Their personal journeys from being dog owners training their dogs to becoming dog training professionals.
- How it is important to ask questions or to interview your potential trainer.
- Why the first key thing when choosing a trainer is to think about what your goals and objectives with your dog training are.
- Considering a potential trainer’s personality and value systems – why it is important to understand what their philosophies and their ethics are.
- What some of the different training methods are for you to consider and some information to help you decide which you want to use, so you can find a trainer that provides that.
- Consider what certification and experience the trainer has, as dog training is usually unregulated. Why it is important that your trainer is continually educating themselves as well.
- Why it is important to get referrals, read testimonials, visit the training facility, and audit a public class so you can get a good idea of what you and your dog will experience.
- Some red flags to watch out for when you are searching for a trainer for your dog.
Resources:
To learn more about what Corey and Muttz with Mannerz™ offers visit us at www.muttzwithmannerz.com
Visit Karen’s K9 Behaviour center Unified K9 at https://www.unifiedk9.ca
The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers® (CCPDT®), established in 2001, is the leading independent certifying organization for the dog training profession.Visit them at https://www.ccpdt.org/
Muttz with Mannerz Canine Academy Podcast Episode 11: When Do I Call a Behaviour Consultant? An Interview with Karen Baxter >> https://www.muttzwithmannerz.com/podcast/episode-011
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.
Karen Baxter, Dog Trainer and Behaviour Consultant
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.
Contact:
Muttz with Mannerz – https://muttzwithmannerz.com
Corey’s Email – corey@muttzwithmannerz.com
Join Corey each month for the Women and Dog Circle Free Meetups you can register here >> https://www.seewhatshecando.com/women-and-dogs-circle