A New Leash on Life Dog Training

11/04/2025

The Hidden Link Between Stress and Sleep

Have you ever noticed your dog pacing or waking up more than usual after a busy or stressful day?

🐶💭

It turns out those restless nights might not be random at all.

Recent research shows that dogs’ sleep changes after stressful events — they fall asleep differently, wake up more often, and get less of that deep, restorative sleep they need. It’s similar to how we toss and turn after a tough day.

In this series, we’ll explore what science tells us about dogs’ sleep, how emotions play a role, and what you can do to help your dog rest better — and behave better — every day.

👉 Stay tuned for Part 2: “How Emotions Shape Your Dog’s Sleep.”

11/01/2025

Funny thing about dog training — the stuff that feels “mean” in the moment often ends up being the kindest thing you can do.
Structure is love. Clarity is kindness.
The “easy” route? Usually ends in frustration, micromanagement, and a dog who’s just as confused as their human.
Do the work, reap the joy. 🐕✨

The irony of being “easy” on your dogs is that you’re actually being hard on them, and you.

Withhold the “hard stuff” and you’ll find yourself with a very messy animal; one who is stressed, anxious, unhappy, and needs to be micromanaged.

Which means they’ll live far smaller, less fulfilled, and often resented lives.

Not because THEY want to, but because YOU find the hard stuff too hard, too uncomfortable, too “unloving.”

Best that we look past the current moment of comfort and “feel good” and look far downstream at the second and third order consequences of our taking the easy path.

Do the hard stuff, even when you don’t want to, and you’ll find yourself with a dog you enjoy far more, and you’ll find a dog who enjoys their lives far more.

10/31/2025

👻 Watch for Signs of Anxiety:
If your dog shows nervousness or stress (like shaking, pacing, barking, or hiding), keep them close and on leash. This helps you guide them through the excitement and reinforces calm, appropriate behavior.

🍬 Keep Candy Out of Reach:
Chocolate, xylitol, and other ingredients in Halloween treats can be toxic to pets. Be sure to pick up any dropped candy or wrappers from your yard and keep treat bowls out of reach.

🦮 Stay Safe & Have Fun!
A little preparation can make Halloween enjoyable for both you and your dog.

10/28/2025

🐾 Halloween Night: A Great Time for Crate Training

If your dog gets overwhelmed by the chaos, set them up in a quiet room or crate with calming music and a chew toy.

🎧 A safe space = less stress for everyone.

💬 Not sure how to create the right setup? Send us a message — we’re happy to help tailor a plan.

10/28/2025

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10/26/2025

👻 Is Your Dog Costume-Ready? Maybe Not — and That’s OK!

Not every dog enjoys wearing costumes. Signs of stress include tucked tails, lip licking, or freezing.

Start slow, use positive reinforcement, and know when to opt for a simple bandana instead.

🐾 Comfort over cute!

💬 Want help reading your dog’s body language? Message us anytime.

10/24/2025

🍬 Halloween Safety Tip: No Tricks with Treats

Candy is for kids, not canines! Chocolate, xylitol, and raisins can be deadly.

Use a solid “Leave it” command and keep treats well out of reach.

🎃 Pro tip: have dog-safe goodies ready so your pup feels included!

💬 Need help teaching “Leave it”? Reach out — we can walk you through it.

10/22/2025

🚪 Trick-or-Treat = Doorbell Desensitization Time

That endless doorbell ringing on Halloween? Major trigger for many dogs.

Start now by pairing the sound with treats and calm behavior on a mat or bed.

🔔 Doorbell = treat party!
💬 Not sure where to start? Send us a message — we’ve got you!

10/20/2025

🎃 Costumes & Canines: Train for the Unexpected!

Halloween costumes can confuse or scare your dog — even familiar people may look like strangers. Start desensitization early: introduce costumes slowly and pair with treats and praise.

🦴 A calm, confident dog is a safer dog!

💬 Need help with costume confidence? Message us — we’re here to help!

10/16/2025

🐾 Student Spotlight: Missy the Fluffy Tornado Turned Polite Princess 🐾

Meet Missy — our latest graduate who came in like a wrecking ball and is leaving like a refined young lady (with a bit of sass still intact 😉).

A delightful blend of German Shepherd and Great Pyrenees (aka brains + fluff + strong opinions), Missy strutted through our doors with all the classic puppy moves:

🧦 Sock thief
👞 Shoe connoisseur
🪵 Table leg remodeler
🐰 Rabbit excavation specialist
🚪 Door-dashing escape artist
🗣️ Kennel karaoke soloist

Oh, and she greeted humans by mouthing their limbs like they were long-lost chew toys. 😬

BUT LOOK AT HER NOW!

✔️ Calmly relaxing in her kennel with a bone (and no jailbreak attempts)
✔️ Walking like a dream
✔️ Sitting politely to say hello
✔️ Mastering all five basic obedience commands
✔️ Understanding that licking = love, but teeth = party foul

Missy’s transformation has been incredible, and now it’s time to train her humans to keep the good habits going. (Don’t worry, Missy — we’ll make sure they pass their training too.)

She’s got A New Leash on Life, and we couldn’t be prouder. 💜🐶

10/15/2025

🍂🦃 Make This Thanksgiving One to Remember—for the Right Reasons! 🐾✨

Is your pup ready to be part of the family fun (instead of the chaos) this holiday season?

At A New Leash On Life Dog Training, our 2-Week Board & Train Program helps transform your dog into the well-mannered family member they’re meant to be—just in time for Thanksgiving!

🎯 Obedience
🥘 No more begging at the table
🚪 Calm door greetings
🐶 Happy, stress-free guests and dogs
📆 Spots are limited and filling fast!
💰 Reserve now with a deposit to secure your dog’s transformation before the holidays!
📩 Message us today to get started!