Episode 32: Navigating Leash Reactivity with Expert Karen Baxter

Have you ever found yourself struggling with a reactive dog on a leash - all that lunging, barking, or the seemingly unpredictable behavior? You're not alone. Leash reactivity is a common challenge faced by many dog owners, often leaving them feeling frustrated, confused, and isolated.

In this Episode of the Muttz with Mannerz™ Canine Academy Podcast, host Corey McCusker is joined by Expert Trainer & Behaviour Consultant Karen Baxter to discuss what leash reactivity is and what you can do about it!

In this episode, Corey and Karen discuss:

• Re-introducing Expert Trainer & Behaviour Consultant Karen - the owner and head behaviour consultant at Unified K9 Behaviour Centre.
• What leash reactivity is and why it is important to have a clear definition.
• Corey’s experience with her Great Dane Kira’s leash reactivity.
• What the reasons can be for that reactivity happening on the end of the leash.
• How the human side of that leash can trigger your dog’s reactivity as well.
• Some tips and tricks on what to do if you have a reactive dog.
• The equipment that can be helpful management tools for you and your dog.
• Reactive dog workshops and clinics that are available to help.
• Creating a safe space for your dog to practice is important – like a Muttz with Mannerz™ Community Walk – where both dog and owner feel comfortable and supported.

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

A couple of pieces of training equipment we recommend are:

Petsafe® Easy Walk Harness  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P3GjsnbBgQ

Canny Collar (Dog Head Collar for No Pull Training) https://www.cannyco.com/

Freedom No-Pull Harness https://freedomnopullharness.com/

Special Guest – Karen Baxter

Karen is the owner and head Behaviour Consultant at Unified K9 Behaviour Centre which she founded in 2022. Her 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 a diploma in Canine Science Technology and is a Licenced Canine Complexity Consultant as well as a Certified as a Dog Behaviour Consultant by the International association of Behaviour Consultants.  And she is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. 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 and has completed the Master Aggression Course with world renowned Behaviour Consultant and expert on dog aggression, Michael Shikashio . 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, 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 aca