How Unleashed Manners strengthens the bond between you and your dog

As pet owners, we know that our furry friends have their own unique personalities. This also means that each one has specific needs. That was the motivation behind Ryan Mueller’s decision to create Unleashed Manners. What started as a passion project and a love for dogs has grown into so much more, helping you and your dog thrive through consistent training methods that fit your unique lifestyle.
This was not always Mueller’s first career choice, as he started his professional life by pursuing both culinary and technology degrees in Chicago. He created his dog training as a passion project, simply by observing and refining his skills alongside the professionals at Handjem Retrievers. There, he learned to train dogs in situations designed to prepare them for field trial competition.
Mueller started his personal dog training journey by helping out friends and family here and there. His passion was soon recognized as a gift that brings together dog owners with their pets. Mueller’s goal is simple; he wants to help you and your dog thrive through consistent training methods that fit each and every pet owner’s unique lifestyles.
This is what led him to open his very own board & train program, Unleashed Manners, when moving back to the Waushara County area with his partner, Dani, two years ago. Mueller originally grew up in the Montello area, and since Oshkosh would only allow him to have three dogs at a time, he decided to move outside of Redgranite. This would allow him to house several dogs at a time on his property, while giving them enough space to play and run.
Unleashed Manners’ training is focused on building calmness and confidence in your dog through real-life scenarios. The board & train method allows Mueller to spend the time your dog needs to build skills such as leash walking, crate training, recall (here), sit, down, and place with duration, and socialization. Unleashed Manners offers both a three-week and a four-week program option.

“Every decision you make throughout the day is training,” stated Mueller, while highlighting how dogs learn from their environment. With that said, if a dog has never experienced something, they are likely going to have a challenge controlling their reaction.
Mueller’s training focuses on building expectations positively. For instance, when first exposing dogs to a vacuum, Mueller will start by bringing the machine in the room and not turning it on. The next time, he will turn it on across the room, slowly building up to be able to vacuum past the dogs on their bed with no reaction. This is just one of the methods that can help you build a routine with your pet.
All training is done at Mueller’s home, giving your dogs an experience to learn the skills they need in that environment. Throughout your pet’s stay, you will remain in the loop with regular updates and check-ins.
At Unleashed Manners, your dog will also be able to build social skills with other dogs and out in the community. Dogs get to visit stores like Lowe’s in Oshkosh, exposing them to real-life scenarios to help them stay calm while out in public. Mueller also has several dogs on the property that your dog can play with once they are comfortable and ready.
While training at Unleashed Manners is a great foundation for building expectations with your dog, Mueller emphasizes that owners must remain consistent once bringing them home. Every decision you make throughout the day is training and can affect your dog’s progress.
Mueller recalled working with a dog who struggled with excessive barking. Despite the family’s efforts to address the behavior, leaving the curtains open on a window facing the street meant the dog was constantly triggered by people passing by, resulting in frequent barking throughout the day.
When they bark at someone walking past the window, and they go out of view, in the dog’s mind, it is like they won,” he explained, “So, if you try to correct that behavior, he has already been validated countless times throughout the day when you are not home.” So, little decisions like closing the curtains can make all the difference.
Unleashed Manners has grown into so much more than a passion project. Mueller is motivated to open up the lives of pet owners and show your dog that the world isn’t scary. This led him to form a partnership with the Waushara County Animal Shelter (WCAS). Anyone who adopts a dog from the shelter receives four free lessons catered to that dog’s needs. Training sessions are set up once the dog has been in your home for at least three months, so they can settle in and you have a better idea of their behavior. Mueller’s ultimate goal is to keep adopted dogs in their new homes and to help give them a better life.
Unleashed Manners’ services don’t end once the dogs are home, as they truly guide pet owners every step of the way. If you notice your dog’s behavior slipping, or you need recommendations for a training tool, you are always welcome to reach back out.
If Unleashed Manners is a service you believe could benefit your dog, reach out to Ryan Mueller to discuss program options at unleashedmanners@gmail.com.
Unleashed Manners is dedicated to strengthening the lifelong bond between dogs and their owners. With proven expertise and heartfelt commitment, they have transformed countless families—and will continue to make a positive difference for years to come.