Main Stage
Entertainment, Speakers, Professionals, and more!
See the schedule for speakers and presenters at the Mid Michigan Pet Expo
Presenter Schedule
Mika Sumner
Einstein Dog Training
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Mika is one of the expert dog trainers from Einstein Dog Training.
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, she will be hosting AKC Canine Good Citizen testing! In addition to CGC testing, she’s also offering CGCA and CGCU for the dogs that have already earned their CGC.
Sign up is required for this event, which will be available onsite or as pre-registration. It is not required to pre-register, but its recommended as testing is likely to fill.
Pre-registration is available by clicking here!
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Mika is a certified AKC CGC evaluator.
She has years of experience training with Einstein Dog Training, and is an expert in all things dogs! From basic puppy training, to advanced behavior modification, this trainers is overflowing with knowledge.
In addition to representing Einstein Dog Training, Mika will be participating in the dock diving and flyball competitions taking place all weekend,
Make sure to stop by the Einstein Dog Training and Einstein Dock Diving booth to sign up, or chat with them about how they can help your dog be well behaved!
Rachel Zipsie
Advanced Performance Solutions
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Rachel will be speaking on the body work needs of the canine athlete.
More than just the canine athlete, but how massage and bodywork are important from puppyhood through senior years.
She will also discuss why and how performance and quality of life can be improved with massage, and what you can do at home. She will provide a proactive approach to treatment and prevention.
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Rachel Zipsie is the founder of Advanced Performance Solutions
Rachel, as a 30-year professional, has spent her career developing real-world solutions for individuals and businesses to grow and achieve results beyond their expectation. This depth of experience created the Pause, Commit, Rise optimization process, which has successfully enabled individuals and business owners alike to exceed their personal and professional goals. Rachel is Creator and Founder of Advanced Performance Solutions, LLC a software and B2C marketplace, and is the Founder and Board President for The Odin’s Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization that serves caregivers of rare genetic diseases.
While developing the Pause Commit Rise process, Rachel enjoyed and excelled in athletics, coached various team sports, provided mentoring and training to athletes and continued education in soft tissue studies associated with improving performance. She is ISSA Sports Nutrition Certified and completed personal training certifications throughout college with emphasis on taping and supportive therapies, and from 2013 through 2018, Rachel used this experience and combined it with a coaching and strategy to help prepare her for one of her ultimate physical sporting challenges, becoming a World Champion Powerlifter and amassing seven world records in the WPC Master divisions during her career.
In 2018, Bailey, a chocolate Labrador Retriever came into Rachel’s life. Together they jumped into the world of canine athletic sports. Early in their journey, Bailey competed at a dock diving event and seemed to favor one of her rear legs. A canine massage therapist onsite aided in helping Bailey that day and encouraged Rachel to learn more. Shortly after, Rachel completed her canine massage certification with Holistic Animal Studies and continued her education in KT taping, cranial sacral release, and animal neuro-myofascial release techniques, and supplies a holistic bodywork approach to care.
In March of 2023, Rachel will be launching Advanced Performance Canine, a community resource for canine athletic sports and continues supplying massage and soft tissue services at many canine sporting events and local, regional, and national championships.
John Skalski
K9 Hero Guardians
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Join several police officers and their K9 partners from across the Mid Michigan region and beyond as they demonstrate the extensive training Police K9s have.
Their demonstrations will consist of narcotics detection, handler protection, and criminal apprehensions.
The demonstrations will be narrated by Retired Detroit Police K9 Handler & owner of Central Michigan Dog Training, John Skalski.
John will talk about the training involved with these dogs, and give you an inside look into the daily life of a working Police K9. You may even be chosen from the audience to voluntarily participate in one of the demonstrations and get to meet these K9 heroes!
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K9 Hero Guardians provides funding & support for Law Enforcement K9’s. Established in 2010, K9 Hero Guardians has donated several K9’s to agencies in the Mid Michigan region, provided funding for veterinary care, and donated numerous pieces of equipment for training and safety.
In 2019, they raised over $55,000 to fully outfit 4 new K9 vehicles for the Saginaw Police K9 program. For more
information on K9 Hero Guardians and the officers they support, visit www.MiK9Cop.com.
Megan Christensen
Megan White Grooming
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* Basic grooming tools and purpose
* How to do at home maintenance between grooming
* Different coat types
* Importance of proper nail care
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Megan Christensen AKC National Certified Master Groomer and Award winning competition groomer.
Megan has been grooming professionally since 2007 after graduating from Paragon All Breed Dog Grooming school in Jenison, MI.
Megan is active in many dog activities including Conformation, Rally, Obedience, Barn Hunt, Disc, and will be competing in Dock Diving over the weekend.
Kallan Hohman
K&M Pets
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Custom Creatures are bringing a few exotic animals for us to meet, and will be discussing several topics.
They’re bringing “Red”, a Green Winged Macaw, who was a rescue. They’re working to rehabilitate him, and will be speaking about responsible bird ownership and signs of distress in your birds.
Next up is “Tobi” the Black & White Tegu! He is also a rescue, and developed scoliosis due to being kept in too small of an enclosure.
They’re also bringing a Kinkajou! Ever meet one of those?
We’re very excited to listen to their presentations, and meet their exotic friends!
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Kallan Hohman is a dynamic entrepreneur and the visionary owner behind K&M Pets LLC, operating under the banner of Custom Creatures Pet Shop. With a diverse background spanning real estate, quick-service restaurants, and the exotic pet trade, Kallan has cultivated a unique blend of business acumen and a deep passion for animals. His journey into the entrepreneurial world is marked by an innovative approach to each industry he touches, driven by a commitment to excellence and a desire to make a significant impact.
At the heart of Kallan's endeavors is K&M Pets LLC, a venture that reflects his profound interest in the world of exotic pets. Under his leadership, Custom Creatures Pet Shop has grown into a reputable destination for pet enthusiasts seeking unique and responsibly sourced animals. Kallan's dedication to animal welfare and ethical business practices is evidenced by the rigorous standards he upholds, including maintaining an USDA AWA Dealer and Exhibitor License, a Michigan DNR Wildlife in Captivity Dealers Permit, and a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Class III License. These credentials underscore his commitment to compliance with the highest regulatory standards, ensuring the well-being of the animals and the trust of his customers.
Beyond the pet trade, Kallan has demonstrated versatility and entrepreneurial spirit in other sectors. His ventures in real estate and quick-service restaurants have benefited from his innovative strategies, attention to market trends, and ability to adapt to changing business environments. This experience has not only diversified his portfolio but has also enriched his understanding of different business models and customer service excellence.
Kallan Hohman's journey is a testament to the power of combining passion with entrepreneurship. His work across various industries, especially in creating a sustainable and ethical exotic pet trade, sets a benchmark for others to follow. Kallan continues to inspire with his dedication to innovation, ethical business practices, and an unwavering commitment to animal welfare.
Karen Vaden
AttaBoy Dog Training
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Karen will be discussing several things to help you learn about and with your dog!
Topics will include The Benefits of Canine Enrichment, and Dog Body Language, “What Does that Wagging Tail Really Mean?”
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Karen has been training dogs in Livingson County for 20 years, training thousands of dogs and their owners. She has conducted several seminars on interpreting canine behavior, reading body language, and the benefits of therapy dogs.
She is currently the Livingston County 4-H resource leader for the dog training program, and have trained multiple 4-H champions and grand champions in obedience and agility,.
Karen has also served as a behavior advisor for the Humane Society of Livingson County and Adopt a Pet of Fenton.
As a volunteer for the Humane Society of Livingston County for 30 years, she served as Treasurer, a member on the Board of Directors, and 20 years as a foster home.
She is currently the proud owner of a certified therapy dog serving our areas Veterans’ hospital, as well as, the 2021 and 2022 top ranked Master Level Barn Hunt dog in Michigan.
Mary Cox
Midwest Schipperke Rescue
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Schipperke breed history, what they’re like to live with and train, and meet some of our furry little friends!
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Mary is co-founder and secretary of Midwest Schipperke Rescue, along with Michele Kasten from Illinois (President).
Midwest was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2005. They, along with the remaining officers and board members have been involved in Schipperkes long before this. Midwest generally covers 7 states. They all raise, train, Rescue, and re-home dogs in need of help.
Mary taught obedience classes until she retired in 2000. Schipperkes respond best to positive reward (clicker) training. Being a highly intelligent but extremely independent breed, harsh training methods just don't work. A schip will tune you out. So we work with families so they can keep their dogs.