๐จ Why Dog Parks Are a Terrible Idea for Puppies! ๐จ
Bringing your puppy to a dog park might seem like a great way to socialize them, but in reality, it can do more harm than good. Hereโs why dog parks are one of the worst places for young puppies:
๐ถ Unpredictable Dogs โ Not every dog at the park is friendly or well-socialized. One bad experience can create fear, reactivity, or aggression.
๐ฅ Rough Play & Bullying โ Bigger, older, or pushier dogs can easily overwhelm or scare a puppy, even if they donโt mean to.
๐ Lack of Supervision โ Many owners donโt actively manage their dogs, allowing rude or dangerous behaviors to go unchecked.
๐ง Bad Socialization Experiences โ Socialization isnโt just exposureโitโs about creating positive experiences! A single negative encounter can have long-term consequences.
โก Overexcitement & Poor Impulse Control โ If puppies learn that every dog means chaotic playtime, it can make leash walking, recall, and focus nearly impossible.
๐ฆ Increased Risk of Disease & Parasites โ Parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough, fleas, ticksโฆ young puppies are extra vulnerable to illnesses commonly spread in dog parks.
๐ฒ No Control Over Whoโs There โ Unlike structured playdates, you canโt predict the temperament, size, or behavior of the dogs your puppy will interact with.
๐ซ Reinforcing Bad Behaviors โ Uncontrolled play can teach puppies habits like ignoring their owner, barking excessively, or playing too rough.
๐จ Potential for Trauma โ A single traumatic event (like being pinned, attacked, or chased relentlessly) can leave lasting emotional scars.
๐ก Better Alternatives? YES! โ Instead of dog parks, opt for structured playdates with known, well-mannered dogs, puppy classes, or controlled social outings where your puppy can build confidence in a safe way!
๐พ Socialization should be about quality, not chaos. Protect your puppyโs future by setting them up for success! ๐ช
Anyone else have a ball hog ๐
๐จ ๐๐ก๐ โ๐๐๐ข๐ญ..๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐๐ก๐๐ญ?!โ ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ฉ๐ก๐๐ง๐ฒ๐จ
Ever had that moment where you realizeโฆ YOUโRE the one who accidentally trained the exact behavior you hired me to fix? ๐๐
๐ญ ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ: โI just donโt get itโฆ my dog keeps jumping on guests!โ
๐ ๐ด๐: โDo you pet them when they jump on you?โ
๐ณ ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ: โโฆWell yeah, but thatโs different.โ
๐ถ โโโโโโ Spoiler alert: Itโs not. โโโโโโ
๐ If you reinforce a behavior sometimes, your dog will try it all the time!
If your dog has a habit you donโt love, hereโs how to fix it:
๐น ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป โ Set them up for success! If your dog jumps when excited, donโt put them in situations where you know theyโll lose their mind. No need to throw them into the deep end! ๐ซ๐พ
๐น ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ โ Use a leash when guests arrive so they physically canโt jump. Structure = sanity! ๐ฆฎ๐ก
๐น ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐น๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ฟ โ Dogs canโt jump if theyโre sitting or holding a place command! Teach this in a calm environment first and make it more rewarding than jumping. ๐๐
๐น ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ โ You canโt let them jump on you but then get mad when they jump on Grandma. ๐ They donโt know the difference!
Soโฆ what behavior have you accidentally reinforced? Drop your confessions below! โฌ๏ธ๐ #DogTrainerProblems #oopsimadeamonster #dogtrainingismypassion #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtraining #positivevibes #cookiepusher #dogtrainingtips
Our dogs teach us so much about unconditional loveโwhether itโs the way they wag their tail when you walk through the door ๐ถ๐, the joy they bring to every walk ๐พโจ, or the comfort they give when you need it most ๐คโค๏ธ.But love isnโt just about the good moments; itโs also about putting in the work to truly understand and connect with each other. Just like any relationship, your bond with your dog thrives when thereโs trust, communication, and a willingness to grow together. ๐ฉท This Valentineโs Day, why not give your dog the gift of connection?๐ โญ๏ธ Teach a fun new skill togetherโmaybe a cute โkissโ command ๐๐ถ or something that makes training feel like a game!๐ ๐ฆSpeak your dogโs love languageโwhether thatโs a game of fetch ๐พ, a sniff-filled adventure ๐พ๐, or just some quality time curled up together.๐ Use training to build your relationshipโitโs not just about commands, itโs about creating a partnership where you both feel seen and understood ๐ค๐. ๐ Love is at the heart of everything I do as a trainer ๐. Helping you and your dog build a deeper, more joyful connection is what itโs all about. ๐๐ผ Want to strengthen your bond even more? Drop a โtalkโ in the comments or send me a message, and letโs chat about how training can bring you and your dog even closer! ๐๐ถ๐ #dogsofinstagram #dogtrainingismypassion #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainerlife #dogtrainingislife #dogtrainerslife #dog #positivereinforcementdogtraining #momlife #zdogtrainingacademy #animalovers
๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ ? ๐
The rules I set for my dogs may not be the same ones you need for yours! Every family is different, and training should reflect that. โ
๐พ
Factors to consider:
๐ Your dogโs natural tendencies
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง Your familyโs unique needs
โณ Your routines & lifestyle
This is an essential part of working with me! ๐ก What youโve seen on TV or in other homes may not be practical for YOUR dog and YOUR family.
๐ ๐ ๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต ๐
When we work together, we prioritize training goals that fit your specific situation. No cookie-cutter methods here! โ๐ช What works for one family may not work for yours, and thatโs okay. ๐
I use my extensive toolkit of strategies and adapt them to YOUR familyโs needsโbecause every dog and every home is unique. ๐ง๐พ
๐ค ๐ง๐ฒ๐น๐น ๐ ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐!
Whatโs one traditional "dog rule" that DOESNโT make sense for your household? Drop it in the comments! โฌ๏ธ๐
(ใฃโโกโ)ใฃ โฅ๐โ๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ ๐จ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ: ๐ ๐๐จ๐งโ๐ญ ๐ซ๐๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ซ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฐ๐๐ฅ๐ค ๐ข๐ง ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐๐๐ญ ๐ก๐๐๐ฅ ๐จ๐ง ๐ง๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐๐จ๐ซ๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ ๐ฐ๐๐ฅ๐ค๐ฌ. ๐ถโโ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐๐จ โฅ
Why? Because walks should be just as enjoyable for them as they are for me! My dogs get to sniff, explore, and engage with their surroundings. ๐ฟ๐ This mental stimulation enriches their lives, helps them decompress, and ensures they come home happy, relaxed, and ready for a cozy nap. ๐ค๐พ
Letโs create a training plan that makes sense for YOUR family. ๐ก๐ถ๐ก
Iโm so excited to offer bundle packages for my day training programs! These bundles are designed to give you and your dog the best possible results, combining the power of day training sessions with private lessons to set you up for long-term success. ๐พโจ
๐๐ก๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐?
โ
๐ซ๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐ โ I work directly with your dog to build essential skills, boost confidence, and make training clear and consistent.
โ
๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ณ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ โ Once your dog has the skills, I coach you on how to reinforce and maintain their progress for long-lasting success.
โ
๐ญ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐ณ๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ โ Your dog learns efficiently with a skilled trainer, so you see improvements sooner without struggling through the learning process alone.
โ
๐น๐๐๐-๐พ๐๐๐๐
๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โ Unlike board & train programs, day training happens where your dog actually needs helpโat home, in public, and in places you want to take them!
โ
๐๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ & ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ข๐๐๐ง๐๐ โ With the right guidance, you and your dog will feel more connected and confident in your training journey.
By bundling day training sessions + private lessons, you get a comprehensive training plan that ensures your dog learns AND you have the support to keep up the progress! ๐ช๐
If youโre ready to set your dog up for success with a structured and effective training plan, DM me or drop a ๐พ in the comments to learn more about my bundle options!
Letโs get you and your pup on the path to success! ๐๐ถ
#daytraining #DogTraining #dogtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #cookiepusher #TrainWhereYouNeedIt #FasterResults #ConfidentDo
๐พ๐ฉท Thatโs one smart baby ๐๐พ
There are so many amazing ways to teach different behaviors! One of the most important things I focus on when training is clarity in cues. ๐ฏ For example:
When Iโm teaching a dog to โdrop it,โ I donโt introduce the verbal cue right away before they fully understand the action. Why? Because rushing can risk โpoisoning the cueโโmeaning the dog learns to respond inconsistently (like on the 6th try instead of the 1st). Instead, I make sure the behavior I want to put on a verbal cue is crystal clear during the learning process! ๐กโจ
Lack of clarity can lead to frustration for the dogโor they may even shut down. ๐ It can also frustrate the handler, who might feel like the dog โshould understandโ the cue, when in reality, confusion was caused by unclear teaching. ๐พ๐
This brings me to the awesome training method of choice-based behaviorsโand thatโs exactly what Iโm working on with Raider right now! ๐๐
This is the first time heโs ever practiced any kind of toy etiquette with me. A lot of his current play has been high intensity, and he hasnโt learned how to pause or stop yet. So, weโre working on building self-control and understanding the value of stopping. ๐ฆ
Hereโs the goal: I want him to see the reward in stopping play, whether I trade him for something of equal or higher value. Over time, this teaches him that the best part of the game is the moment of anticipation when I release him back to the toy. ๐ง โก This shift creates a stronger bond between us because the dopamine kick comes from engaging with meโnot from running off with the toy.
๐ฃ Dopamine release is tied to expectation not just the reward itself.๐
Games like this build so much trust and connection! ๐ Plus, if you donโt have a flirt pole, or if youโve never tried itโseriously, itโs a game changer! ๐ฏ Perfect for younger, high-energy dogs because you get so much bang for your buck!
The kind that feels overwhelming in the moment but builds the life Iโve been working toward. These are the days that turn dreams into reality.
๐Right now, Iโm juggling:
โข Helping Zoey transition to sleeping through the night ๐ด (even with an ear infection and now a coldโpoor baby ๐ข).
โข Navigating the craziness of the holidays ๐ while soaking up special moments. โจ
โข Showing up here more to connect with you and share whatโs going on behind the scenes. ๐ป๐ค
โข Spending extra time with my board-and-train dog ๐พ, seeing those โlightbulb momentsโ come to life. ๐กI want to deliver the best. ๐
โข Late-night study sessions for my first big test soon! ๐๐ช
โข Staying grounded in my recovery and truly enjoying this extra time with Zane while heโs on break. ๐งก๐ฆ
โฟ Life is full, and some days feel heavier than others, but I remind myself that every step I take is moving me closer to my goals. Iโm building something meaningfulโfor myself, my family, and the people (and dogs!) I serve.
โค๏ธTo all my fellow humans out there juggling life, work, and growth: weโre stronger than we think. ๐ These are the moments that shape us and our dreams. Weโve got this!
๐๐ฌ Whatโs one thing youโre proud of accomplishing this week? Letโs celebrate the little wins together!
๐ฅณ#MomLife #SelfEmployed #DogTrainer #KeepGoing #GratitudeInTheChaos #DreamBigWorkHard#dogtrainingismyhappyplace #dogtrainingismypassion #dream #buildinganempire #entrepreneur #ladyboss #wedorecover #sobrietyrocks #recovery #inspired #momlife #adhd
๐ Got a new puppy or dog for the holidays? Or maybe youโre living with a high-anxiety old-timer? ๐พ
Save this or screenshot as you go ๐ธ โ these simple tricks can make a BIG difference! Try applying just one tip a week and watch the transformation unfold. ๐กโจ
#DogTrainingTips #CalmCanine #HappyHolidays #dogtrainingismypassion #cookiepusher #simivalleycalifornia #positivereinforcement #dogtraining #puppy #newdogowner #reactivedog
Do you have any pictures of your dog?
๐ซฃ๐๐๐
#dogtrainingismypassion #simivalleycalifornia #cookiepusher #dogtrainerproblems #dogtrainerlife #livingmybestlife
๐พ 5 Tips to Help Set Your Dog Up for Recall Success 1๏ธโฃ Practice the Name Game:Start by building value in your dogโs name. Call their name, and as soon as they look at you, mark with โyes!โ and reward when they get to you. ๐ The faster they respond, the more rewards they getโ1-2-3 YUM! ๐ฆด Watch your dog learn that coming to you is always worth it. 2๏ธโฃ Train with Joy:The secret to an amazing recall? A strong history of your dog loving to come back to you! If youโre asking them to leave something valuable behind, reward them with excitement and joy every single time. โจ The environment is rewarding, so you need to be even more rewarding! ๐โค๏ธ3๏ธโฃ Use a Long Line:Keep your dog on a long leash (far longer than you think you need it). Allowing them to ignore your safety recall is dangerous. ๐ The leash lets you support them and ensures they succeed in coming back to you. 4๏ธโฃ Choose a New Word if Needed:If your recall word (e.g., "come") has been ignored or overused, try a fresh start with a new cue like โhereโ๐ฃ๏ธ A clean slate can make all the difference in your training. 5๏ธโฃ Frustration Has No Place Here:No matter how long it takes for your dog to return, ALWAYS reward them when they do. ๐ Showing frustration or anger teaches them that coming back might be scary, which defeats the purpose. Remember: dogs do their best with the training theyโve had in the environment theyโre in. ๐ If needed, practice in a calmer setting and use higher-value reinforcements. ๐๐ก Ready to transform your recall? . Share your progress or questions in the comments! ๐โจ #dogtrainingismypassion #trainingdogsforlife #trainingdogs #positivereinforcementdogtraining #cookiepusher #dogtrainingtips #dogtraining101
Welcome to our page- Z Dog has proudly served the LA and Ventura community for over 10 years.
