Z Dog Training Academy

13/11/2024

💡 Light-bulb moments that happen after even just one training session with me…

“I totally get why he’s doing that now!” 🤯
“This makes me feel so much better. I know what to do next time.” 😌
“I wish I had hired you 5 years ago!” 🫣
Training isn’t a one-way conversation. When I work with clients, I help them see their dogs in a new light 🌟🐶. We work together to find a way to enjoy their unique quirks instead of fighting against them. 💖

We find the balance between what you thought it would be like to have a dog (even if you’ve had dogs before!) and what it’s truly going to be like to have THIS specific dog 🐕. Together, we learn how to find JOY 🥳.

Training is a blanket term for…

Peacekeeper 🕊️
Enrichment coordinator 🧸
Supportive listener 👂
Goal setter 🎯
And, of course, you and your dogs #1 Cheerleader 📣

Clients usually can’t imagine life with their dogs without our gentle intervention 🫶. When they find understanding and joy with their dogs, I know I’ve made a difference in two lives — my human client and their dog — for years to come. 🐾❤️

11/11/2024

Are these questions you’d ask? 🤔

"Will you come in and tell me NOT to let my dog in bed?" 🛏️🐶
"Will you tell me NOT to give my dog table scraps?" 🍗
"Will you tell me that I need to run my dog 1 mile a day?" 🏃‍♀️🐕
These are questions I’ve received as a dog trainer, and I want to put your mind at ease... 😊

It isn’t you vs. the dog. It’s not a boot camp for you OR your dog. 🏕️

❓These are questions I’ve received as a dog trainer, and I want to put your mind at ease…

My training will be intentionally integrated into your life so you can have the relationship you WANT with your dog.

Whether you’re a full-time mom 👩‍👧‍👦, a busy CEO 💼, or anything in between, I can create a training program that is fun, effective, and sustainable. 🎯🐾

I want you both on the same page. And on the same team. 🐾🤝

Let's build a plan that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle and helps you and your dog thrive together! 🌟🐶

Do you have questions you want answered? Schedule your free phone consultation today.
LINK IN BIO

10/11/2024

Are you excited to take your dog on more adventures? Before heading out, practice these few simple skills at home to make those outings smoother and more fun for both of you!

Stay Close to Me🐕‍🦺
Get your dog to walk calmly by your side without pulling on their leash. Practice around the house or yard where novel distractions are rare. This will help them build the right patterns for external adventures!

Come! 🎯
Start your “come!” practice at home or in your yard, where distractions are minimal. A few repetitions on a regular basis with a favorite treat or toy can go a LONG way! This helps them understand that coming to you is always a good thing—essential for safety on outings!

👀Look at Me 😄
Eye contact when a lot is happening around them can be critical to avoid unwanted confrontations. Pick a unique word or sound you know they won't be able to resist and start repetitions in your living room.

🧘‍♀️ Sit and Chill 🛋️
When you’re out and about, you’ll likely need them to wait while you… check out or say hi to a friend. So start by practicing this “waiting” skill at home!

💆 Relax Time 🐩
Help your dog relax and settle down at home while on a leash. This way, they can chill out when you’re at a café or waiting somewhere.

With these skills already in your dog’s toolkit, outings will be way more fun and cooperative! Are you curious about how we teach these skills? Send me a message or comment, and we can discuss the next steps.

10/11/2024

🚶‍♂️🐾 🐶💙Many people assume dogs naturally know how to walk on a leash, but it takes a little practice (just kidding, a lot 😜) to get it right! 🦮 Neptune’s Mom has put in some serious work.

Starting early = setting up for success!

🔅🔅Before Neptune finished his shots, we began working on loose leash walking inside the house. 🏠✨ We’ve been building lots of engagement and rewarding him for hanging out in the “pay zone”. This way, as he grows, this behavior will become his default walking mode! 🎉🐕

🌟🚀🐾 Short, Fun Training Sessions = Happy Pups! 🎉🐶

By short and sweet to create joy and keep him coming back for more! 💙🐕‍🦺 These bite-sized bits of training help him stay excited and eager to learn. Plus, it’s a great way to build a strong bond! ❤️

🐾💫

09/11/2024

☺️ Consistent small efforts throughout the day can lead to significant progress. I know from personal experience that by embracing small, achievable goals, I have made amazing advancements in all areas of my life, particularly rehabbing my rescue dog, Echo.

🫶 Remember, dog training isn’t a one-time event; your dog is always learning, and how you show up in the training process is important. You know the whole Oxegon mask thing 😉 We show up better for our dogs when we embrace self-care.

🐕 You can take comfort in knowing that your actions matter, and if things don’t go as planned, you can choose to start your day over at any time. Yes, I give you permission to hit that reset button!

🐾 As you continue to train, you’ll become consistent and confident in integrating training strategies into your daily life and routines. Small, sustainable efforts will ultimately result in substantial progress over time, so be gentle with yourself and focus on what you can do today to move closer to your training goals.

🗝️ If you're interested in learning more about this process, send me a message with the word “KEY,” and I’ll provide you with a link to schedule your FREE phone consultation. Together, we can discuss seamlessly incorporating training into your busy lifestyle, helping you and your dog achieve true harmony and companionship.

06/11/2024

Looking for new, fun places to take your dog? Here are six dog-friendly outing ideas where you can bond with your pup while exploring together:

📚 Pet-Friendly Bookstores
Some independent bookstores or national chains allow well-behaved dogs to browse with you. It’s a great way to socialize your dog in a quiet, calm environment while you pick out your next read.

🔨 Home Improvement Stores
Large home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot often welcome leashed dogs. It’s a fantastic environment to practice leash manners and expose your dog to new sights, smells, and sounds.

☕ Pet-Friendly Cafés or Coffee Shops
Many cafés, especially those with outdoor seating, allow dogs to join you while you enjoy a coffee or snack. It’s an excellent way to relax together and people-watch, all while working on your dog’s socialization in a low-key environment.

🛍️ Outdoor Shopping Centers
Dog-friendly shopping centers are perfect for a stroll. Many stores even offer treats for your dog as you browse. This outing helps your dog adjust to busier environments while getting some exercise.

💳 Indoor Shops
Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Ross, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Joann Fabrics
Dog-friendly indoor shops like these can be a great place to take dogs that are sensitive to other dogs; in my experience, there are rarely any other pups in these locations; they are hidden gems. Your welcome 😉

🍻 Dog-Friendly Breweries or Wineries
Breweries and wineries with outdoor spaces often welcome dogs. They are usually laid-back environments where you can enjoy a drink while your dog soaks in the scenery and socializes.

Next time you’re looking for an outing with your dog, try one of these locations to enrich their day while you check off some errands or relax.

Want to learn how to enjoy outings with your dog but aren't sure where to start?
📞 Schedule a free phone consultation, and let's chat.

23/10/2024

🐾 🐾Tupper 🐾🐾

Meet this oodle of a doodle
He is so sweet 🍭 We are in week two of his training, and he is making phenomenal progress.

He's struggled with being social, and his handler has been unaware of his cues, leading to unsafe situations. That's all going to change as I teach this fine boy and his handler how to work as a team.

Need some guidance with your reactive dog?

Ready for change?

Let's connect

818-812-5801

17/10/2024

Nala is so stoked about her treadmill. I taught Nala’s human guardian how to introduce the new object safely. A short session with lots of treats, and Nala was hooked 😌💜🐾 We are working Nala through reactivity, and part of that means limiting her walks to short, successful outings. This means we needed to fill in the exercise gap with something that will provide her with a calm and focused form of releasing her energy. Yay for doggy treadmills 💜💜 #

07/10/2024

💕💕💕I couldn't agree more💕💕💕

02/10/2024

Let's welcome sweet Daisy 💜
Daisy is a mix whose breed is border collie mixed with um adorable 🤣

She is four years old, is struggling with anxiety, reactivity and is sensitive to people being in her space.

Our goals are to build this girl's confidence, teach her human guardians her cues and how to advocate for her, build trust in her handlers, and find out what this girl LOVES and do more of that.

As a result of COVID, Daisy’s World was very small as a young pup. Like many puppies adopted around then, she couldn't get the valuable socialization needed to expose her to the world. Soon, we will open up Daises world and teach her that it isn't a scary place; it's actually full of fun and adventure.

👉🏼👉🏼 Have a dog who is struggling with navigating the world and you’re not quite sure how to help them?

📞 Schedule your free phone consultation and let’s talk about it.

👇🏼
https://pocketsuite.io/book/heather-mazahri/item/free-phone-consultation

Stay tuned for Daisy’s updates 💕

21/09/2024

Coco's second session, and even though her owners are brand new to dog ownership, they have some amazing, organic talent, which I am so thrilled to nurture.

14/09/2024

THE INVOLUNTARY MOHAWK

Technically called Piloerection – when the fur on a dog’s back area stands on end.

Piloerection in dogs is an involuntary response – not within conscious control. It’s usually linked to feeling a strong emotion and could be compared to a person getting goosebumps.

It’s far easier to see in short haired dogs than those with a longer coat.

A breed like the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a clear distinctive ridge of fur on their back. This is formed by a selected gene mutation which causes that particular fur to grow in the opposite direction from the rest. This ridge is standard for this breed and is not related to an emotional state.

Piloerection is commonly thought only to be seen in reactive or aggressive dogs, but that’s not always the case.

Dogs that are feeling aroused, excited, fearful, startled, stimulated, conflicted or insecure in some way, also exhibit this.

As with all behaviour, it’s important to look at the context, in conjunction with other body language, the environment and specific situation in order to establish the cause and decide on the best way to intervene if necessary.

Dr Karen London - an ethologist and highly qualified behaviourist, trained in observing animals and behaviour, has made some very interesting observations about different patterns of raised fur being linked to different emotional states.

In Dr London’s professional opinion -
A thin patch of fur all along the back to the base of the tail is associated with a high level of confidence. These dogs are more likely to be on the offensive and react more aggressively.

A thick patch across shoulders to around ¼ way down the back is associated with a low level of confidence and is seen in dogs that are more fearful.

A patch of fur raised at the shoulders and another patch at the base of the tail – the fur in between is not raised, is associated with dogs that are conflicted and unsure of how to react. These dogs may be unpredictable and more likely to be reactive.

Dr London states that there are many exceptions, but in general, this applies to the majority of dogs that she observes.

14/09/2024

Such an easy loop to get into and such a difficult one to break. 🤦
Over aroused/ "hyper" dogs.
They want MORE so we give them more.....sounds like a good plan, right ?
This is exactly what the majority of these dogs DON"T need.

I get it.
Nothing seems like enough for these dogs.
There wouldn't be a week go by where I don't have a handful of clients affected.

Make no mistake, for the vast majority of these dogs all MORE does is exacerbate the issue and create "adrenaline junkies" that NEED and WANT more....much more than anyone can give.
The stamina these dogs have built up is incredible....and that isn't a good thing.

There are those in the industry that believe the answer to hyper and over aroused dogs is to exercise them harder, faster and for longer. It is endemic in the dog training world that these dogs need to be "tired out more" by heavier exercise and physical activity.
Then there are those in the industry that KNOW the huge issues these dogs are facing and how absolutely damaging the "prescription" of more exercise can be.

You cannot throw that ball enough.....
You cannot walk/run them enough......
You cannot tire them out enough.....as physical exhaustion only "fuels" this behaviour.

If you want more information there is also a video on this in the comments✅.

When those physically exhausted dogs wake up.......the over aroused/hyper loop starts all over again.
However if you recognise it.....you can help this.

Not all the behaviours shown are behaviours only shown by hyper aroused/overly excited dogs but these are definitely common to those particular dogs.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

14/09/2024

14/09/2024

We often feel to blame when our dog barks, maybe even embarrassed and responsible. But while some of our dog’s barking can indicate something needs addressing, it is often the most effective ways they can communicate.

Not to mention the fact that we have bred our dogs to bark for hundreds of years. To let us know when they’re down a hole, when they’ve found a missing person, when there’s an intruder or when our livestock are under threat.

For every other animal, vocalisations are just part of who they are, but for some reason dogs are expected to be silent. Which just makes little sense when they are the one animal we’ve always asked to speak up.

14/09/2024

Awww they want to meet, look at the happy tails ⚠️
Woah....Hang on a minute, are you confident in reading what tails actually tell us❓
Of course happy dogs can wag their tails✅ BUT so can an angry dog, a curious dog, a tense dog about to attack...and even a scared dog.
Generally speaking, IF you are not confident with reading a dogs tail (and a video explaining this is in the comment section✅)...the whole of the dogs body should be looked at much more than just a tail.
Tail speed, direction and position of a wag gives us a rare insight into how they are feeling...it just needs to be viewed as what it REALLY is, rather than just "happiness".

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

26/09/2023

Watch, follow, and discover more trending content.

26/09/2023

Training dogs transforming lives. From leash manners to behavior modification, with over ten years of professional training experience, we train all breeds at all ages. Whether you have a new puppy or your dog's behaviors seem unmanageable, we are excited to help you discover the joy and freedom of having a well-mannered dog.

What can you expect to learn?

House Manners
Over 80% of your dog's learning comes from daily interactions and eavesdropping. Learn how to make the best of these moments with your dog.

Meal etiquette (Waiting for food)

Threshold training (Waiting before walking through the front door/backdoor/garage door, etc)

Kitchen boundaries
Bed/couch privileges (Allow your dog to enjoy these spaces while also being in control)

Obedience Commands
Sit
Stay
Down
Come
Place
Leave-It
Off
No

The Walk

Loose Leash Walking
Heel
Auto Sit when you stop

Other

Dog body language and how it applies to your specific dog.

Proper Socialization: what is it, and how do you practice it? (Chances are it is not what you think)

Greeting skills, both human and dog.
How to apply your obedience cues in real-life scenarios.

How we teach

Patience and no judgment: we understand that many human guardians who come to us are frustrated and overwhelmed by their dog's behavior; we aren't here to judge. We are here to be your support system and help you create a training program that is realistic and sustainable for you and your family.

Demo and then client application. We use our vast experience to teach you how to work with your dog.

Scientific-based methods: we pride ourselves on continuing our education and staying current on the latest training techniques. Dog training is not a one-size-fits-all. While we have a structured and proven curriculum, some dogs need softer/stronger guidance than others. We use our extensive experience to help your dog succeed.