Are you looking for a fun way to increase the bond with your dog?
In this Episode of the Muttz with Mannerz™ 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 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.
Diane’s skills are a perfect match for Muttz with Mannerz™. She collaborates with Corey on delivering educational seminars and support to pet parents and the community. Her goal is to find dogs their forever homes and keep them there, ultimately lowering the number of unwanted dogs entering shelters and rescues.
Diane is very fortunate to share her life with her supportive husband, Keith, and son, Kyle, who both share her passion and concern for the wellbeing of animals. Their home has been graced with 5 wonderful dogs: Mikki, Maggie & Neeko (pugs), Teeny (Yorkie-x), and Tippy (Pom-x) and now includes two senior Yorkies, Lola and Fred who were a bonded pair and needed to be adopted together.
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