Zen Dog Training

04/24/2025

It’s amazing to see how far Rosie has come! We’ve moved past just learning to be handled and loved, and now she’s diving into her obedience training.

In today’s video, we’re starting to condition her with recall, and we’ve discovered she’s a big fan of canned dog food straight from a spoon! This little trick is helping her associate positive experiences with humans reaching towards her, which is a huge step forward.

Her recall is still a little slow, but we’re thrilled with the progress she’s made so far. One step at a time, Rosie. We couldn’t be prouder of you!

04/23/2025

04/23/2025

Getting the whole family involved in training. This is Cassidy, my daughter, helping out with a therpay dog who was afraid of a student’s wheelchair. I can’t believe this was 8 years ago! Where does the time go???

04/19/2025

Take your pup out to the ballgame!
Bark in the Ballpark is happening Saturday, April 27th at 2:05pm with the NWA Naturals, and it's going to be a blast! Grab your leash, your furry best friend, and head to the ballpark for an afternoon full of fun, baseball, and wagging tails.

Don’t forget to tag us in your photos—we’d love to see your pups enjoying the game!
Get your tickets at NWANaturals.com

04/18/2025

Off to the races!
We’re headed to Fayetteville today for some lure coursing fun with not one, not two, but three Ibizan Hounds!

Svasti wants everyone to know just how excited he is—because nothing beats stretching those legs and chasing that lure like nature intended.

We love giving dogs opportunities to tap into their instincts in safe, structured ways. Whether it’s high-energy sports like lure coursing or learning how to settle at a brewery, training is what makes these kinds of outings possible.

Curious about how we prep dogs for real-life adventures like this? Ask us about our Adventure Readiness and Off-Leash Freedom programs!

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04/18/2025

Dear Rosie,

We know the first half of your life wasn’t gentle.
You were treated like a number, not a soul.
You were kept in a box, used without kindness, and never shown what it meant to be loved.

But that part of your life is over now.

From here on out, you’ll only know gentleness.
Soft voices. Safe hands. Cozy beds. Long walks. Belly rubs, when you’re ready.
You’ll never be forced or frightened again.
You get to take your time, heal at your pace, and grow into the dog you were always meant to be.

You are safe.
You are wanted.
You are so, so loved.

Welcome to the rest of your life, sweet girl.

Love,
Your new village

P.S. Tonight, Rosie is curled up watching a movie with us — exactly where she belongs.

04/17/2025

Reese when she was so young! 8 years ago! Wow!

04/16/2025

Rosie’s Progress – 1 Week In!
We’re only one week into her 4-week board & train, and Rosie is already meeting one of her owner's biggest goals — becoming easier to handle on walks!

This sweet girl came to us completely shut down and terrified of human interaction. But today, she’s walking calmly down the sidewalk with me, staying on leash and moving confidently through the world.

She’s still got a long road ahead, but this kind of progress in just a few days is huge. Go Rosie!

04/14/2025

Rosie – Day 5 Update

Big progress for this brave little girl!

Today, Rosie spent the afternoon hanging out in the backyard with us while we washed bikes after a ride at Blowing Springs.

She followed my husband around the yard, calmly walking on leash and even weaving through the other dogs like it was no big deal.

Just a few days ago, she was too scared to be near people at all. Getting her comfortable just being around us has been the biggest hurdle — and now that she’s starting to relax in our presence, the real training can finally begin.

We’re so proud of how far she’s come already.

Stay tuned for more updates on Rosie’s journey from fear to freedom!