Malleable Mutts Dog Training

16/01/2025

The cold snap is back here in Alberta! 🥶 Here are some fun ways to play with your dog indoors!

15/01/2025

Friendly reminder: It isn't a race, train at your own pace.

15/01/2025

It’s been a minute since I introduced myself.
I’m Ashley—the owner and sole operator of Malleable Mutts Dog Training! 🐾

After graduating high school, I spent seven incredible years traveling and living abroad. That journey ignited a lifelong love for learning and adventure. When I returned, I pursued a degree in Zoology, driven by a fascination with animal behavior and a passion for conservation. My dream was to earn a PhD in marine biology and contribute to marine conservation efforts, specifically focusing on sharks. 🦈

However, life had other plans. In my third year of university, I welcomed my first dog, Yama, into my life. She was the puppy I’d been waiting for, and I knew from day one that I wanted to invest in our future together. I brought in a professional trainer the day after I brought her home, and from the first session, I was hooked on dog training. 🎣

What started as a personal journey grew into a full-blown passion. I sought mentorship from local trainers and traveled to the U.S. to learn from some of the most renowned experts in the industry. My education never stops—I continue to grow through shadow programs, courses, books, podcasts, videos, and most importantly, hands-on work with dogs of all kinds. 🐶

After earning my BSc (Hons) in Zoology from the University of British Columbia, I decided to pivot. Rather than pursuing graduate school, I followed my heart and chose a career in dog training. 👩🏼‍🎓

And so, Malleable Mutts was born! ✨

Yama continues to inspire me daily, along with my drive to foster stronger connections between humans and their canine companions. My mission is to help owners build calm, loving, and respectful relationships with their dogs through clear communication, understanding and play! 🥰

I’m passionate about seeing both dogs and their humans thrive. It’s amazing how life’s twists and turns can lead you to exactly where you’re meant to be. I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. 💜


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14/01/2025

🐾 Day School Vibes! 🐾

This group is working hard and having a blast at day school! From practicing polite greetings to mastering new commands, each of these pups is making incredible progress. 💪✨

Day school is an exclusive perk for our Malleable Mutts clients, designed to reinforce the skills we’ve been building together. It’s the perfect way for your dog to practice manners, sharpen commands, and burn off energy in a safe and structured environment. Plus, they get to socialize with some amazing friends—just look at these happy faces! 🐕❤️

Have a specific goal for your pup? Whether it’s leash manners, recall, or building good habits, day school helps take your dog’s learning to the next level while keeping things fun!🌟

📩 Visit our website to learn more about our client-exclusive day school program and other training options. Let’s work together to create a well-rounded and happy dog! www.malleablemutts.ca

14/01/2025

🎙️ I’m on the *Woof of Wisdom* Podcast! 🎙️

I'm beyond excited to share that I had the incredible honor of being a guest on the Woof of Wisdom podcast with the amazing Luis and Jamie! Not only was this my very first podcast appearance, but I’m also thrilled to be their very first woman guest! 😄🎉

In this episode, we dive into how I got started in the dog training world, exploring my journey, the challenges I’ve faced, and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned along the way. Our hope is that this conversation inspires and empowers anyone starting out in this field, helping to make their path a little smoother.

Being part of this incredible industry is such a privilege, and I’m grateful to contribute to a community so passionate about strengthening the bond between humans and their dogs. A huge thank-you to Luis and Jamie for this opportunity to share my story and my passion—it means the world to me.

⚠️ *Content Warning*: This episode includes some swearing and adult content, so please listen accordingly.

I can’t wait to see what future episodes they release and would love the chance to join them again someday. Thanks so much, Luis and Jamie—you guys are the best! Love you both so much! 💜💜

Harmony Dog Training Octavian Canine Products

🔗 [Listen Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJLWXf9XC7k)

In this episode we interviewed Ashley Kerik, a Canadian Dog Trainer based out of Alberta. We talk about her educational journey in dog training and what her ...

09/01/2025

✨Plan Ahead: Why Proactive Dog Training Matters ✨

When it comes to dog training, many people assume they can reach out and start immediately. But here’s the thing: reputable trainers often have busy schedules and, in many cases, waitlists. This isn’t to inconvenience you—it’s a reflection of how many people trust these trainers with their dogs.

As a sole proprietor, I do my best to help everyone I possibly can, but I’m only one person. My goal is to provide each dog and owner with the time, care, and expertise they deserve. That’s why planning ahead is so important.

Dog training is most effective when it’s proactive, instead of reactive. If you’ve got a new puppy or are noticing early signs of unwanted behaviors, reaching out now can save time and effort later. That said, life happens, and if proactivity has passed you by, being reactive and seeking help as soon as possible is still a great step! The sooner you address concerns, the faster we can work together to find solutions and improve life for you and your dog.

Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to an immediate need, taking action is always the right choice. Investing in quality training takes time, but the results are worth it! Don’t wait any longer—let’s set your dog up for success. 💜

Need help? Reach out! We can’t wait to talk with you. ☺️ www.malleablemutts.ca/contact-us

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08/01/2025

Meet Luke! 👋

Last week he started and he has been working hard! 🤎

Luke is a 7 month old Border Collie and a shy, but sweet lad!

He has a dedicated family, eager to build up his confidence, help him become an agility rockstar, master his leash manners, and overall be a well rounded dude. I am thankful they have given me the opportunity to be part of their training journey! 🙌

Join me in welcoming this heartthrob to the 😍

08/01/2025

Meet Frankie! 👋

I had the pleasure of working with Frankie and her amazing family during a 2 private lessons. They are committed to Frankie’s growth, putting in the hard work to ensure her training and exposure is on point from day one. I couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and am so grateful for the chance to be part of their journey! 🩶🐶

Let’s give a warm welcome to this sweet lil potato as the newest member of the ! 😍

07/01/2025

I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to responsible and reputable breeders everywhere. Your dedication to the health, temperament, and well-being of your dogs is truly invaluable.

I’m especially thankful for Yama and her incredible breeder. Yama is one of a kind—a perfect blend of spirit, loyalty, and love—and that’s a testament to the care and intentionality her breeder put into every step of the process.

Choosing the right breeder made all the difference, and I’m endlessly grateful to have Yama in my life thanks to someone who truly cares about the breed and its future.

Here’s to all the breeders who do it right—thank you for your hard work and heart!

And because we live in a world of keyboard warriors: this is nothing against rescues/shelters—I absolutely support and respect the incredible work they do, as well as the families who adopt/foster/donate/volunteer. If you know me or have worked with me, you know I’ve spent years in the rescue world and continue to help where I can. Both paths are vital for dogs and their future. Thank you to everyone who ensures the health and wellbeing of all our four legged companions. 🫶

Thank you responsible breeders.

There sadly isn't much of a voice for responsible breeders. They often get grouped into the category of backyard breeders or puppy mills, but they are so much more than that. Thank you responsible breeders. Thank you for not being part of the problem, but actually being part of the solution. I can guarantee you that if every breeder followed the guidelines of responsible breeders, "overpopulation" would not be a concern.

It pains me to have clients who come in and are so stressed and concerned about their dogs having one hair out of place. They worry we will judge them because they show and breed dogs and in the past they have been harrassed by the public. I usually just laugh and ensure them that a little dirt means they are loved and having a good time outside. Trust me, I have an English Setter and keeping him show quality groomed everyday would be torture to me and him. They are expected to always be perfect in the eye of the public, because if not a snood comment is likely to be made about their purebred dog. I, and even the clinic I work at, have been harrassed twice this week for supporting responsible breeders. I can't imagine the harrassment some breeders face, I know a few that try to keep the fact that they breed hidden from the public because they are scared of what the public will think.

Don't get me wrong, I love a good mixed breed dog. I work with tons of them everyday and care for each and every one of them the same. Each day I come home and worry about every mixed breed dog I treated that day the same as every purebred dog. I support shelters everyday at work and there are many situations where a rescue dog may be the best fit for you family.

However, there is nothing quite like a dog from a responsible breeder. That dog comes to you from a loving breeder who invested so much time, emotion, funds and research into each puppy that it would shock you. They spend their lives conserving a breed and making it better. That breeder can tell you everything about their personalities, what their traits and quirks will be, and what they were purposefully bred to do. They care about the placement of each puppy, often placing them into the homes themselves based on purpose and personality of each puppy, rather than letting the new owners pick out which one looked cutest online. These puppies go into homes fully vaccinated, with all required health clearances needed. They go into homes already house trained and crate trained to ensure easy transition for the new homes. These responsible breeders keep track of the puppies until they grow old and pass. They want to know about each and every health concern that they have throughout life so that they may alter their breeding program to avoid health concerns in the future. These breeders even make you sign a contract saying that if you can't keep the dog, no matter the age, you will return it to them so that the dog does not end up in a shelter. The list goes on and on.

The next time you meet a RESPONSIBLE breeder, thank them, ask them about their breed, and buy them a drink (trust me they need it 😉).

25/12/2024

Happy holidays from the Malleable Mutts team! Now go play with your dogs!❤️💚🤍

18/12/2024

Here are a few tips to make sure every family member has a safe and joyous holiday:

🎄Christmas trees (real or fake) present potential hazards. Their needles are sharp and harmful if ingested, the lights have electric cords that can cause electrocution, ornaments are easily broken or may be covered in toxic paint. Tinsel can quickly cause a GI tract obstruction. Edible decorations (popcorn strings/dried fruit) are tempting & may cause Fido to knock down the tree to reach them.

Keep a close eye on Fido and use tools like placement, back tying, crating, ex-pens, baby gates, and other tools if you aren’t able to supervise them around the tree.

🕯 Candles are apart of many holiday traditions. While magical, their flame can pose a threat to Fido. Avoid putting them in areas such as coffee tables, window sills, side tables, or other easy to reach areas. Those happy wagging tails need to stay far from any open flame. Use natural candles made from beeswax with vegetable-based dyes and unbleached cotton wicks so you aren’t accidentally emitting harmful toxins in your home.

🔥 Fireplaces will be keeping many of us cozy this winter season. Dogs are instinctual about fire and keep their distance. If you’re dressing up Fido near the fireplace for that perfect photo always have a fire screen in place. A stray piece of fabric can quickly catch fire. Hopefully you have been acclimatizing your pup to their new “clothing” so they’re stress-free during the photo-op.

🌱 Festive Plants, such as the Poinsettia, Holly, & Mistletoe are all poisonous to our pets and cause a range of harmful health problems. ANY plant you bring home should be pesticide free to keep you and your pets safe.

🕰 This is a busy time of year, be sure to set aside time for Fido, tire him out before visitors arrive, keep a close eye on him, give him rest in a quiet part of the house, and do your best to keep up with your training regime.

Send along photos/videos/stories of your holiday plans with Fido and family!

17/12/2024

With the holidays fast approaching, I wanted to remind everyone that supporting a small business doesn’t have to cost a thing!
Here are some simple ways you can make a big difference:
1. Like their posts to boost their visibility.
2. Comment to show your support and start a conversation.
3. Share their content with your friends—it’s the gift of free exposure!
4. Save the posts you love to help their content reach more people.

Your support, big or small, helps turn dreams into reality! Thank you for making a difference this season. ❤️💚

17/12/2024

Meet Fern! 👋

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of working with Fern and her amazing mom during our consultation. She is deeply committed to Ferns growth, putting in the hard work to ensure her training and exposure is on point from day one. I couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and am so grateful for the chance to be part of their journey! 💚🐶🌿

Let’s give a warm welcome to this sweet lil nugget as the newest member of the ! 😍

11/12/2024

We are CLOSED Dec 24th to Jan 1st for a holiday break and will respond to inquiries on the 2nd. ❤🎄💚

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!

Love,
The Malleable Mutts Team

09/12/2024

With the holiday season right around the corner I thought I would share a post about burn out.

If you are feeling burnt out, you’re not alone 🐾

Burnout is real, and it can creep up on anyone, even in the most rewarding careers or hobbies. Whether you’re a dog trainer, a business owner, or just juggling life, the constant push to be “on” can take its toll.

Here’s the thing: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your responsibilities. As someone who works with dogs and their people, I’ve learned a few lessons about dealing with burnout:

✨Take a Break: It’s okay to step back. Rest is productive.
✨Reconnect with Your Passion: Remember why you started and focus on the joy it brings.
✨Ask for Help: Whether it’s delegating tasks or talking to a friend, support makes a difference.
✨Prioritize Self-Care: A walk with Yama in nature or a quiet moment to reflect can reset everything.
✨Set Boundaries: Know when to say “no” and protect your energy.

Burnout doesn’t mean failure—it’s a sign that it’s time to regroup and refocus. What do you do when you’re feeling burnt out? Let me know in the comments!

Let’s keep growing, learning, and thriving together. 🐶💜