The Zen Dog with Katie Evans

04/23/2025

🙌

Let’s talk.

You love your dog. I know you do. But some days… whew. Between the leash-pulling, the barking at your sweet neighbor Karen, and the full-blown meltdown at the sight of a skateboard—you might be wondering if your dog is actually just a furry little tornado sent to test your patience.

Enter: the Board and Train Retreat—aka, the canine version of a wellness spa and behavior bootcamp rolled into one. And no, this isn't a magical fix where your pup returns home fluent in six languages and making you coffee. But it can be a powerful reset button for both of you.

Here’s why:

1. Sometimes, You Just Need a Break.
Living with a dog who’s struggling behaviorally is hard. It’s isolating. It’s exhausting. And honestly, it can feel hopeless. A board and train gives you both space to breathe, reset, and (dare I say?) miss each other a little. Absence makes the heart grow less frustrated?

2. A New Perspective Can Work Wonders.
It’s easy to get stuck in a loop of “My dog can’t.” But when someone else sees your dog succeeding in a structured environment, it changes the narrative. Suddenly you’re not dealing with a “bad dog”—you’re looking at a dog who can and will… with the right support.

3. Repetition is the Secret Sauce.
Behavior change isn’t a one-and-done kind of thing. It takes consistency, exposure therapy, counter-conditioning, and reading those subtle “I’m stressed but still hanging on” cues like a pro. Skilled trainers do this multiple times a day. Most humans with jobs (and lives) just don’t have that luxury. We get it.

4. Tangible Progress to Build On.
When your pup comes back, they’ve already started seeing the world differently. They’re not “fixed” (because dogs aren’t broken), but they’ve laid the groundwork. And now, you get to build on it—with your trainer as your coach.

Now, let’s be real for a sec. A good board and train program isn’t a doggy vending machine: insert pooch, get perfect pet. You’ve got homework too!

Think of it like couples counseling—if only one of you is doing the work, the relationship stays rocky.

So, if you’re open-minded, ready to get involved, and want to learn alongside your dog, this can be a total game changer.

Www.orovilledogtraining.com

04/23/2025

During Willows meal time today we started learning front position to add to our daily routine. We have a heel, center, and now front. Cleaning this one up as we go and then I can put them all together! Also, need to work more on back up as well!

Now to head out for the afternoon… but where to go 👀

04/23/2025

Trainer tip!!

Dog not listening to you? Try hand feeding their meals! Build the value in YOU! Are they picky eaters? No problem! Just TRY! If they don’t eat, try again later. They are DOGS! They’ll eat when they are hungry. You may want to limit or get rid of anything extra in order to jump start this. But, once you get a good flow you can start to add layers! What does that mean and or look like? It depends on the dog and the handler! Want help? Message me today! Let’s start your training journey!!

04/23/2025

Sometimes we just stop & listen, sniff & just be

04/23/2025

Planning some trips around locally today with Willow. Still open for a last minute single session if anyone wants to do some training together! 🙌🐶

04/22/2025

I have a free afternoon open tomorrow. 2pm-4pm. Single session. It’s going to be a beautiful day!! Let’s meet here and do some outdoor stuff. Or meet at a park. Your choice! First come first serve!!

04/22/2025

Bailey just left from her first session with me. We did have a meet and greet already at their home so when they showed up today it didn’t take her long to warm up to me. Today was about marker training, leash/ collar conditioning and greeting rituals. Super impressed with how well her and her handler did in class today! Next week we will dive more into leash handling skills, impulse control, the art of play with training, and the place command. Great work!

04/22/2025

I loved watching Mightys story with K9 Optima! Awesome job

237 likes, 12 comments. “Bon voyage, Mighty. Always happy to help with any other dogs who’ve had a run-in with Dog Daddy, or any other franchise compulsion company. We’ll take the industry back, one dog at a time.”

04/22/2025

Vagus nerve is what helps regulate your dog in various situations from stress, anxiety, even digestion and their immune system. Helping a dog calm and be more relaxed. When a dog has agression, reactivity or other behavior issues, the vagus nerve isn’t doing its job. Ways that we can help the vagus nerve and promote a more calm and happy dog, is to find out what makes your dog happy. Walks, play, getting massages, laying in the sun or just relaxing in a calm environment. It’s like a system reset. Some dogs struggle with this depending on how severe the behaviors are. But with proper guidance, and understanding of the individual dog, we can learn ways to help our dogs with relaxing and getting that system reset.

Want to learn more about ways to help your dog and grow your relationship? Message me today!

04/22/2025

04/22/2025

Just got an update from Rambo’s handler!

Her sister came in from out of town, he didn’t bark once and came right up to her! 🙌🐶 On his terms he is learning to greet guests calmly! Awesome job Rambo & his handler!! I hope you enjoy the rest of your visit with your sister! 🙌🐶❤️

04/22/2025

FOUND DOG
Intact male found near intersection of PA-3001 & E Rush to Elk Lake Rd near Agawam Farms.
No microchip.
Contact shelter with any information. Proof of ownership required for reclaim.

04/22/2025

I’ll be out and about today with Willow doing some training around the Hallstead area! Later I have a session at my place with a beautiful long haired GSD. Working on her handlers communication, leash skills, and more! 🙌🐶

Have a great day! Enjoy the weather! Be safe and have fun with whatever you do!