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Zen Dog Training
A Luxury Experience in Dog Training
Northwest Arkansas
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Why Is My 2 Year Old Dog Suddenly Aggressive? A Balanced Trainers Take on Maturity Genetics and Leadership
You did everything right with your pup. The endless puppy classes the careful introductions to new people and places the regular check ins at the vet. You might have even made dog park visits a weekly ritual or signed up for daycare on tough workdays. And just when you thought you had this parenting thing down your two year old dog starts growling at strangers snapping at other dogs or even nipping at your heels. You feel totally caught off guard. What went wrong? And why is
Lola Carter
Nov 18, 20258 min read


Embracing LIMA: Training Dogs with Clarity, Compassion, and Full Communication
Ignoring bad behavior or withholding treats isn’t kindness, it’s confusion for most dogs. Clear corrections are part of the conversation, not a dirty secret.
LIMA’s Humane Hierarchy isn’t a ladder you climb only when rewards fail. It’s a decision tree that asks: What communicates fastest, clearest, and kindest, given this dog, this moment, this human?
Lola Carter
Nov 10, 20254 min read


Potty Training Bootcamp: The Fastest Way to Fix House Accidents for Good
When accidents keep happening, it usually means the dog simply does not understand the rules. Potty Training Bootcamp is a reset that removes all confusion and creates crystal clear communication between you and your dog. It is firm, fair, and extremely effective. This is the same process we use to housebreak every puppy or new dog that comes into our program.
Lola Carter
Oct 27, 20255 min read


Correction vs Punishment in Dog Training: Why They Are Not the Same Thing
In the dog training world, there is a lot of confusion around the terms “correction” and “punishment.” Many people use them interchangeably, and that confusion leads to problems: both for the dog and for the handler.
Lola Carter
Oct 13, 20255 min read


The 10 Commandments for Dog Trainers
What every dog trainer needs to hear, whether you’re just starting out or already in the trenches Dog training is not for the faint of...
lolathedogtrainer
Sep 26, 20256 min read


Dog Training Is a People Business, Like It or Not
Yes, we all got into this field because we love dogs. That part is a given. But the dogs are not the ones hiring you, paying you, or texting you late at night because they cannot stop their dog from barking at the window. The people are.
Lola Carter
Sep 17, 20255 min read


Finding Your Dog’s Off Switch: Why “Calm” Has to Be Taught
Many dogs — especially those bred for jobs like herding, retrieving, or protection — have incredibly sensitive nervous systems. They react quickly to sound, movement, light, and energy in their environment. This was by design — we bred dogs to be hyper-aware, responsive, and driven.
Lola Carter
Sep 9, 20254 min read


What SocializationReallyMeans (Hint: It’s Not the Dog Park)
It’s one of those terms that has been so overused, misused, and twisted around that most people don’t actually know what it means anymore. Worse — they’ve been sold a version of it that’s not just ineffective, it’s downright harmful to their dogs.
So let’s clear it up.
Lola Carter
Sep 5, 20253 min read


Settle Training: The Most Underrated Skill in Dog Training
In a world that glorifies “high drive” dogs and encourages owners to wear out their pups with endless fetch and miles of running, we’re here to flip the script. Because while exercise is important, it won’t give you the calm dog you’re dreaming of.
Lola Carter
Aug 21, 20255 min read


🐾 How to Create Separation Anxiety in Your Dog (Without Even Realizing It)
Separation anxiety is one of the most heartbreaking and preventable behavior issues we see in dogs today. And yet, it’s become increasingly common—especially in the post-pandemic era, where dogs spent months (or years) glued to their humans 24/7.
Lola Carter
Aug 14, 20253 min read


⚠️ Correction vs. Punishment: They’re Not the Same Thing
One of the most common misconceptions I see—especially online—is the idea that “correction” and “punishment” are interchangeable. They’re not. Not even close.
Lola Carter
Aug 3, 20253 min read


💔 The Curse of the Dog Trainer: Rescue Burnout and the Dogs We Can’t Save
We take in the ones no one else wants. The ones that can’t live with other dogs. The ones who guard food, or beds, or space. The ones who’ve bitten people—sometimes badly. We do it because we believe in rehabilitation. Because we’ve seen miracles happen. Because we love dogs to our core.
Lola Carter
Jul 31, 20253 min read


🐾 How to Choose the Right Service Dog Prospect: What to Know Before You Bring Home a Puppy
There’s no perfect dog—but there is a right fit for this work. With the right guidance, you can find a dog that’s not only trainable—but ready to walk beside you as a trusted partner for years to come.
Lola Carter
Jul 25, 20254 min read


🐾 How to Choose the Right Service Dog Trainer: A Practical Guide for People with Disabilities
Easy guide for choosing the right service dog trainer!
Lola Carter
Jul 17, 20253 min read


🎯 Low-Level E-Collar Training: Communication, Not Control
The e-collar is one of the most misunderstood training tools on the market. Used properly, it’s not a punishment device. It’s not about fear or dominance. It’s not a “last resort.” It’s a tool for clear, consistent communication—and when done right, it’s so gentle, most humans can’t even feel it.
Lola Carter
Jul 9, 20253 min read


🐕 Leadership in Dog Training: Don’t Be a Dick
Leadership does not mean dominating your dog. It doesn’t mean pushing them around, being loud, bossy, or acting like some alpha wolf with a superiority complex.
Lola Carter
Jul 5, 20253 min read


🏕️ Camping With Your Dog: The Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Adventures Under the Stars
Most campgrounds and trail systems are shared spaces. Your dog needs to be an asset, not an annoyance.
Lola Carter
Jul 1, 20254 min read


🚵♀️ Biking With Your Dog: Trail Tips, Training, and Safety for Two-Wheeled Adventures
This how-to guide will help you get started!
Lola Carter
Jun 23, 20253 min read


🥾 Off-Leash Hiking With Your Dog: How to Know They’re Ready (And What to Do If They’re Not)
This handy guide will help you determine if your dog is ready to be off leash!
Lola Carter
Jun 21, 20253 min read


🐶 Crate Training 101: Why Your Puppy’s First Stressful Experience Is Actually a Good Thing
This easy guide will help you set your puppy for success right from the start!
Lola Carter
Jun 21, 20253 min read
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