Find Your Zen Dog Training

10/13/2025

Get ready to meet the stars of our training program! We're launching a fun new feature: "Academy Dog of the Week!"
​To start the series off with a bang, please give a warm welcome to Roxy! Roxy, with a little help from her mom, has written a few words to share!

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Hi, my name is Roxy and I’m a two-year-old Belgian Malinois. I love shredded chicken, canned pumpkin, sliced apples, and peanut butter…YUM! I still love playing fetch outside, catching air when I can, and my favorite indoor activity happens at the kitchen table. I start by dropping my squeaky ball on my mom’s lap and then I run to her feet to grab it after it’s rolled down her legs. I could do this for hours!

Something I actually do for hours is go to Find Your Zen Doggie Daycare. I go to the Academy Dog Class twice a week as well as Stay & Play once a week. My mom and I both love the staff because they take such good care of me and have taught us both so much. I spend time with my friends at FYZ, so I know how to behave around others (people and dogs alike), and I have even helped during a private lesson before.

When people see that I’m a maligator and hear that I’m my mom’s first puppy/dog, they don’t believe it. I took a couple classes with a different dog trainer, but once I started at FYZ, my mom and I realized that this was the place for me! They really know working breeds and help me be the best I can be. I wouldn’t be the good girl that I am without the help of Leah, Megan, Dani, and Taylor at Find Your Zen. 🐾
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10/13/2025

I’ve gotten four of my dogs from four different breeders, and each experience has been intentional, thoughtful, and incredibly rewarding.

Every set of parents was thoroughly health tested (OFA hips, elbows, DM) and had earned titles—whether in conformation or various working disciplines. Beyond the paperwork, they had the temperaments I prioritize: stable nerves, sound judgment, strong food and toy drive, biddability (that natural desire to work), confidence, and neutrality toward people, other dogs, and small animals. That last part is especially important to me—we share our home with a Chihuahua mix and cats.

Each dog’s pedigree includes generations of health-tested and titled ancestors. I spent time researching relatives—tracking down siblings, learning about any common temperament quirks or health concerns—so I could make the most informed decision possible.

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Zender

With Zender, I knew exactly what I wanted: his dad. He was incredible on the field, but even better off of it. He was that “go-anywhere, do-anything” kind of dog—and that’s exactly what I needed. Zender became everything I hoped for and more. He’s incredibly safe, confident, eager to please, and happy to do whatever is asked of him. He was my first shepherd, and I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the breed.

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Zyko

With Zyko, I wanted more dog—something a little twitchier, a little more intense than Zender. When his breeder temperament tested the litter at 7.5 weeks, she messaged me saying, “Do you want an as***le puppy? Because he tested as the as***le puppy,” and I said, “Yes!” 😅 He turned out exactly as expected. He’s the dog I feel safest with, and the one who’s taught me the most—about patience, problem-solving, and training. He’s confident, sweet, intense, and we love him deeply.

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Zeno

For Zeno, I asked the breeder for a middle-of-the-road pup. Not the loudest—not the fastest or most over-the-top. I still wanted solid food and toy drive, but it didn't have to be extreme. He was intended to be a demo dog for classes, so neutrality and sociability with people and other dogs were key.
The breeder kept in constant communication, sharing updates and insights as the litter developed. At 7 weeks, she officially matched Zeno to me, and he’s been exactly what I wanted and needed.

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Zest

Zest’s breeder and I had a very similar process. I wanted another demo dog—eager to work and willing to engage—but with a temperament suited to the job. We reviewed my wishlist in detail, and at 8 weeks, she selected Zest for me from two potential pups. He was a bit less people-focused (great for competition and demo work), had excellent toy and food drive, and showed better problem-solving skills than his brother.
One specific question I asked was how he handled loud noises—especially metal bowls being dropped, since that’s one of Zeno’s favorite “toys.” The breeder made sure to test and continue desensitizing him to noise, because a noise-sensitive dog wouldn’t work in our home.

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Each of these breeders went above and beyond in their early puppy raising. The pups were exposed to a wide range of experiences before coming home—varied surfaces, children, animals, loud sounds, and novel situations.
Potty training began at three weeks, and kennel training started around six. That early foundation made such a difference.

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Every one of my dogs is different, but each is exactly what I asked for—and that’s what reputable breeders do:
• They health test breeding dogs.
• They title and prove their dogs in sport or conformation.
• They raise and desensitize puppies in enriching environments.
• They thoughtfully match puppies to the right homes.
• They provide lifelong breeder support.
• They offer contracts with health guarantees, return policies, and breeding restrictions to protect the dogs’ well-being.

They pour their hearts and souls into every dog they produce—and it shows.

These aren’t just “two AKC purebreds thrown together and sold on Craigslist.”
This is what ethical, purpose-driven breeding looks like.

We absolutely love our rescue dogs and mutts—but when we choose to buy from a breeder, we do so with intention.
Supporting breeders who go the extra mile is something we believe is deeply worthwhile.

If you ever need help finding a well-bred dog, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We're always happy to help point you in the right direction.

10/12/2025

Puppy Tip of the Day:

I don’t follow my puppies.

Why? Because when I follow them everywhere, I give them less reason to pay attention to where I am. It fosters a level of independence I don’t want at this stage, and it can unintentionally encourage behaviors like leash pulling—something I definitely want to avoid.

Instead, I want to raise a dog who naturally wants to stay connected to me. A dog who keeps me in their line of sight and cares about what I’m doing.

Puppies are little sponges—they absorb everything, good or bad. Most are naturally clingy from birth, hardwired to follow their mom wherever she goes. I use that built-in instinct to my advantage and reward it heavily.

In this video, taken just a few days after bringing Zest home, I don’t call him. I simply wait or walk away from him. Each time he checks in or comes near me, he gets rewarded. The more I reinforce that behavior, the more it becomes his default.

Every time I raise a puppy, I’m shaping the dog I want them to grow into.

10/12/2025

If you want a purebred, spend money on a well bred one, or go with breed specific rescues.

Don't support people who are just throwing dogs together.

Health, temperament, structure- these are all extremely important.

What is a good breeder in my eyes?

A good breeder is someone who does breed recommend testing, for German Shepherds that's OFA's of hips, elbows, and dm testing at the minimum.

A good breeder is someone who breeds structurally sound dogs. They pair the dogs together to compliment the other. The male lacks rear angulation, so they would breed to a female with nice angulation to balance it out.

A good breeder breeds temperamentally sound dogs. Genetics play a huge part in how the puppies will turn out. An insecure mother with an aggressive father are most likely not going to produce safe, confident puppies.

A good breeder is breeding to breed standard. If you don't know the standard of your breed, you shouldn't be breeding.

A good breeder titles their dogs. Anyone can say they have a nice dog, you should want to prove it.

A good breeder knows the dog's pedigree. You should be able to look them up and see generations of dogs. Knowing the history of their dogs helps them decide who to breed to, what traits they want to keep, what traits they want to improve on, what health issues are prevalent in the lines(cancers, dysplasia, allergies, etc.).

A good breeder will have a health guarentee and contract. They'll take back a dog of theirs at any age for any reason.

A good breeder isn't kennel blind. They know what the faults and flaws are in their dogs and they aren't afraid to admit them. They know when to wash dogs. They know not every dog should be bred. I want a breeder who is open and honest about their program.

A good breeder will be able to pick the right puppy for you. For example, when I told Zender's and Zyko's breeders what I was looking for, I told them I wanted: high food and toy drive, a stable temperament as I teach classes, eager to work, good grips, confident, must be confident. Now some of this is hard to tell on a 7 week old puppy, so it goes back to looking at the parents. All the parents are super stable off a trial field. Confident in all kinds of environments. Nice grips on bites. Clear headed. The pairings were setting the puppies up for success and I absolutely adore both the boys, they're everything I wanted and then some.

A good breeder is breeding to improve the breed. Trying to make the best possible dogs they can. They are not breeding for money. They're breeding because they love the breed and want to put out healthy, stable, great dogs.

Zender is a really good example of just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
Temperament wise, he's amazing, super confident, great drives in all aspects of life, so smart, so very smart, eager to please, but he's a cryptorchid, meaning only one testicle descended. This could have been something that happened in the womb or it could be genetic, either way it would be unethical to breed him. On top of that, he has allergies that I'm constantly battling along with ear infections, and structurally he's not the most sound. His parents are both titled and health tested. His pedigree is impressive. But even with all the right steps taken, things can happen when two lines are crossed and this was the outcome for Zender. His parents won't be doing a repeat breeding. As much as we all love him and it pains us to not move forward with him, breeding him would not be improving the German Shepherd breed.

So if you're thinking of breeding your dogs, please think hard about it. There's enough unstable, unhealthy, genetically off dogs, don't bring more into this world.
If you're determined to breed, find mentors in your breed. Buy GOOD dogs from breeders that do the things mentioned above.
It should be more than throwing two dogs together.

10/11/2025

Perro turns 5 today.

Perro was born in my(Leah) hands and keeping him is one of the best decisions we've made.

He's such a sweet, goofy, smart boy who throws so much of himself into everything that he does.

Happy Birthday bud!

10/10/2025

Watch out, there's a new dog on the block! Say hello to Jagger, the German Shorthaired Pointer! He recently started his journey with Leah in classes and has now officially joined the FYZ Academy pack! We're thrilled to work alongside Jagger and his family to channel that energy and help him grow into the absolute best version of himself. Let the fun (and training!) begin!

10/09/2025

We are huge on dogs being kennel trained.

Even if they don't "need" to be kenneled, our dogs still use them daily.

If You Think Crate Training Is Cruel, You’re Probably Doing Everything Else Wrong Too

Every few days someone tells me, “I’d never crate my dog , it’s cruel.” I understand where that comes from. Nobody wants to harm their dog. But here’s the truth that may sting a little:

Crates aren’t the problem. Your lack of structure is.

If you believe a crate is automatically mean, it usually signals a bigger misunderstanding about what dogs actually need to feel safe, calm, and connected.

A Crate Is Not a Cage — It’s a Bedroom for the Canine Brain

Humans see bars and think prison. Dogs don’t.

Dogs evolved from animals that slept in dens, enclosed, predictable spaces where they could fully let down their guard. The limbic system (the emotional brain) is wired to feel safe in a contained space when it’s introduced correctly. That safety lets the autonomic nervous system shift out of hyper-arousal and into rest.

When I say “kennel” or “crate” in my house, I mean bedroom. It’s the place my dogs retreat to when they want zero pressure from the world , to nap, chew a bone, or just exhale. My German Shepherds and Malinois will often choose their crates on their own when the house is buzzing with activity.

Why So Many Dogs Are Stressed Without Boundaries

Freedom sounds loving, but for many dogs it’s chaotic and overwhelming:
• Hypervigilance: They scan every sound and movement because no one has drawn a line between safe and unsafe.

• Over-arousal: Barking, pacing, and destructive chewing are the brain trying to find control in a world without limits.

• Problem behavior rehearsal: Every hour a dog practices bad habits (counter surfing, jumping, door dashing) is an hour those neural pathways strengthen.

From a neuroscience standpoint, the prefrontal cortex — the impulse-control center — is limited in dogs. They rely on our structure to regulate. A dog without clear boundaries burns out its stress response system, living in chronic low-grade cortisol spikes.

A structured dog isn’t “suppressed.” They’re relieved , free from the constant job of self-managing a complex human world.

Crates Give the Nervous System a Reset Button

Here’s the part most people miss: A properly introduced crate isn’t just a place to “put” a dog. It’s a tool for nervous system regulation.

• Sleep: Dogs need far more sleep than humans , around 17 hours a day. A crate gives them uninterrupted rest.

• Decompression: After training or high stimulation, the crate helps the brain down-shift from sympathetic (fight/flight) to parasympathetic (rest/digest).

• Reset: Just like humans may retreat to a quiet room to recharge, dogs use the crate to self-soothe and recalibrate.

But here’s the catch: PLACEMENT MATTERS!!! My crates in my bedroom are for Little Guy, Ryker and Walkiria, Garage is for Cronos, Guest Bedroom for Mieke and my bathroom is for Rogue and my Canace is in my Shed.

Stop Putting the Crate in the Middle of the Storm

Most people stick the crate in the living room because that’s where they hang out. But think about what that room is for your dog: constant TV noise, kids running, doorbells, guests coming and going, kitchen clatter.

That’s not decompression. That’s forced proximity to stimulation with no way to escape.

If you want the crate to become a true bedroom, give it its own space , a quiet corner of your house, a spare room, a low-traffic hallway, garage , shed. Somewhere your dog can fully turn off. The first time many of my clients move the crate out of the living room, they see their dog sigh, curl up, and sleep deeply for the first time in months.

Why Some Dogs “Hate” Their Crate

If your dog panics, it’s almost never the crate itself. It’s:
• Bad association: Only being crated when punished or when the owner leaves.
• No foundation: Tossed in without gradual acclimation or positive reinforcement.
• Total chaos elsewhere: If the whole day is overstimulating and unpredictable, the crate feels random and scary.

I’ve turned around countless “crate haters” by reshaping the experience: short sessions, feeding meals inside, rewarding calm entry, keeping tone neutral. In a few weeks, the same dogs trot inside happily and sleep peacefully.

Freedom Without Foundation Hurts Dogs

I’ve met hundreds of well-intentioned owners who avoided the crate to be “kinder” , and ended up with:
• Separation anxiety so severe the dog destroys walls or self-injures.
• Reactivity because the nervous system never learned to shut off.
• Dangerous ingestion of household items.
• A heartbreaking surrender because life with the dog became unmanageable.

I’ll say it plainly: a lack of structure is far crueler than a well-used crate.

When we don’t provide safe boundaries, we hand dogs a human world they’re ill-equipped to navigate alone.

How to Introduce a Crate the Right Way
1. Think bedroom, not jail. Feed meals in the crate, offer a safe chew, and keep the vibe calm and neutral.

2. Give it a quiet location. Not the busiest room. Dogs need true off-duty time.

3. Pair exercise + training first. A fulfilled brain settles better. Every Dog at my place get worked at east 4-5 times per day (yes this is why I am always tired)

4. Short, positive sessions. Build up time slowly; don’t lock and leave for hours right away. (I work my dogs mentally for max 15 minutes, puppies shorter, physical activity and play around 20 minutes, when I take dogs for a workout walk around 1 hour walk )

5. Never use it as AVERSIVE punishment when conditioning. The crate should predict calm, safety, and rest. When you are advanced eventually we can use the crate as "time out" to reset the brain after proper conditioning has taken place.

6. Create a rhythm: Exercise → training → calm crate nap. Predictability equals security. ( I have 10 dogs on my property right now so every dog works about 15 minutes x 10 dogs = 150 minutes = 2 1/2 hours. Every dogs get worked every 2 1/5 hours, I do that minimum 4 times per day = 600 minutes or 10 hours. yes this is why I wake up so early and go to bed late lol )

The Science of Calm: What’s Happening in the Brain

When a dog settles in a safe, quiet crate:
• The amygdala (fear center) reduces activity.
• The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis down-regulates, lowering cortisol.
• The parasympathetic nervous system engages: heart rate slows, breathing steadies.
• Brain waves shift from high-alert beta to calmer alpha/theta — the same pattern seen in deep rest.

This is why dogs who have a true den space often become more relaxed and stable everywhere else in life.

The Bottom Line

If you think crates are cruel, you’re missing the bigger picture. The crate isn’t about punishment — it’s about clarity, safety, and mental health.

A dog without structure lives in a constant state of uncertainty: Where should I rest? What’s safe? Why am I always on guard? That life is stressful and, over time, damaging.

A well-introduced crate says: Here is your safe space. Here’s where you rest and reset. The world makes sense.

Kindness isn’t endless freedom. Kindness is clarity. And sometimes clarity looks like a cozy, quiet bedroom with a door that means you can relax now.

Bart De Gols

10/06/2025

✨️​New Student Alert!✨

️ Say hello to Daisy, a gorgeous young Golden Retriever! She's here for a mix of fun with the pack and some focused obedience training while her mom is busy at work. Give Daisy a big, warm welcome!

10/04/2025

I thought this was too cute to not share 😂

Copper is my 12.5year old chihuahua mix who still loves doing all the things!

10/03/2025

Vet visits?

This is how we do them.

If there's no one else in the lobby or it's really quiet we'll work on eye contact, downs, stays, heeling, etc.
If it's busy than they're doing a down underneath us.

My goal with the vet is for us to be calm, quiet, and out of the way.

I don't want my dogs stressed, anxious, reactive, loud, overly excited, etc. at the vet.

We take food every vet visit as I want to make sure to continue to make it a positive place to be.
Can my dogs go and be good and quiet at the vets without food?
Yup, but does it continue to reenforce the behaviours I want and like using food? Also yup.

When we're in the exam room, I'm also rewarding Zest for being good during getting his temperature taken, or them listening to his heart, or giving shots.

A lot of dogs get overwhelmed and nervous, I don't want that for my pups.

I also work on exercises that make vet visits easier and faster.
Working on getting on different objects so the scale is no big deal, handling exercises-checking teeth, holding him still, looking in ears, etc.

If you're wanting or needing help, we go over ALL of this in our group classes, which we still have a couple spots left!

https://fyzservices.as.me/

Also huge shoutout to Big Lake Vet, we love everyone there and they've always been soo wonderful with all of our animals.

10/02/2025

Something I love to see in pups is confidence.

That is one of my main criterias when I'm looking for a puppy.

Perro(my husky/bully puppy that was a foster fail and born in our house) and his littermates were exposed to different surfaces and noises starting at three weeks.
This early exposure helped A TON!

Perro will jump on, in, touch anything I ask him to and sometimes what I don't 😂. I do believe without the early exposure, they would have been more avoidant/leary of new objects/things/places/noises as their mother is genetically not a very confident dog.

Confidence can be genetic(which is what I go for, breeders who are only breeding confident, good temperamented, no dog or people aggression, dogs that want to work, etc. type of dogs), but it can also be built up and encouraged.
There's some dogs that their first instict may be to always be hesitant or nervous or suspicious of anything new or different, but teaching them to work through that and teaching them they CAN be brave can get them to recover soo much faster.

We don't avoid things that make dogs uncomfortable, whether it's objects, surfaces, or noises.
We teach them to investigate, to be curious, to explore, to be desensitized.

Seeing all this stuff was Zest's first time with me and it went exactly how I thought and hoped it would.
Besides his parents being super confident dogs, his breeder also exposed him and his littermates to ALL kinds of different things before he came to me, including going for car rides, laying different surfaces/objects in the house and yard, banging and dropping pots and pans(I asked specifically about this as my one shepherd's favorite toy is a metal dish that he jumps on and throws around 😅🤦‍♀️), etc.

There's different methods for different dogs to be more confident and brave and if you're needing help with this, sign up for a group class or private lesson today!

https://fyzservices.as.me/