One of the most common things we hear from new puppy owners is: “This is just how the breed is.” “They’re genetically anxious.” “Reactivity runs in the family.” While genetics absolutely influence behavior, they do not  determine your puppy’s future on their own. In this post of our Raising Resiliency  series, we’re breaking down how proper  puppy socialization — not just exposure — can dramatically influence behavior outcomes, even when genetics suggest a predisposition towa

When most people think about puppy training, they think about teaching commands, socialization, and stopping unwanted behaviors like biting or jumping. What’s often overlooked — and just as critical — is rest . At Z-Dog Training Academy, we see it every day: puppies labeled as “hyper,” “wild,” or “out of control” are often not undertrained — they’re overtired and overstimulated . In this post of our Raising Resiliency  series, we’re breaking down why proper rest is one of the

Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, emotional, and often a little overwhelming — especially if you have young children in the house. Those first few days and weeks matter more than most people realize. At Z-Dog Training Academy, we believe resiliency is built early. We don’t just focus on obedience — we focus on raising emotionally resilient dogs  who can navigate the world with confidence, flexibility, and calm. This first post in our Raising Resiliency  series walks you

How do I know if this is a fear period or not? What to do next when Fear Periods continue into anxiety and true fear in your dog Fear Period or More Serious Behavioral Issues? How do you know if your dog is going through a passing fear period versus dealing with a deeper anxiety problem? The biggest differences are timing and duration. Fear periods occur during the predictable developmental windows we discussed (early puppyhood and adolescence). They also tend to come on sudd

What do I do when my puppy is going through a Fear Period? Do's and don'ts of guiding your puppy through their fear period using positive reinforcement How to Support Your Dog During a Fear Period Going through a fear period can be stressful for a dog, so our job as pet parents (and trainers) is to make life feel safe and positive during this stage. The way you respond can shape your dog’s confidence long-term . Here are some guidelines on what to do, and what to avoid, when

How to identify the difference between behavioral issues and reactivity caused by biological Fear Periods