Life on Aly’s Acres

I get this question all the time: 'Aly, did I mess up by not starting training when my dog was a puppy?' Or on the flip side: 'Is my 8-week-old puppy too young to start learning?' Here's the beautiful truth I've discovered after training thousands of dogs: the best...

You know that moment—your dog’s spinning at the end of the leash, totally losing it over a skateboard, a squirrel, or that barky neighbor dog... and you’re standing there thinking, “But he was perfect at home!” Here’s the thing: your dog isn’t being trained to live in...

Your Real-World July 4th Survival Plan Every year around July 4th, I get flooded with the same question: Why are dogs scared of fireworks? Here’s the truth—fireworks and dogs don’t mix by default. It’s loud. It’s unpredictable. It shakes the ground. And your dog?...

Here's something every dog parent learns: those adorable puppy moments? They don't last forever. That wiggly ball of fluff grows up fast, and without the right foundation, cute puppy antics can turn into not-so-cute adult habits. But here's the beautiful truth we've...

Here's what we've learned after placing trained dogs with hundreds of families: it's not just about having A trained dog — it's about having the RIGHT trained dog for your specific family. Because a dog that's perfect for your neighbor's quiet household might be...

Let’s be honest—our dogs notice everything. So when you roll out a shiny new leash, don’t be surprised if your pup gives you that side-eye like, “Umm… excuse me? What’s this thing, and where’s my usual setup?” But here’s the good news: Switching to a new leash doesn’t...

Here’s something most dog parents don’t realize: your leash isn’t just gear—it’s your lifeline. It’s how you guide, connect, protect, and communicate. And some days? It’s the only thing standing between you and a full-blown squirrel-chasing fiasco. But here’s the...

Picture this—you’re at the start of your favorite trail, water in hand, fresh mountain air filling your lungs, and your dog’s tail is doing that full-body wag. They’re so ready for the adventure ahead... but that little voice creeps in: “What if they bolt after a...

We've all been there — standing on the sidewalk while your dog drags you toward every interesting smell, or worse, feeling like you're in a tug-of-war contest you never signed up for. The truth? Most leash training struggles aren't about a 'bad dog' — they're about...