Life on Aly’s Acres
Spoiled Dog? Why Freedom Should Be Earned, Not Given
We’ve all seen it or lived it. The dog who barks for attention, bolts through doorways, or insists on sleeping anywhere but their own bed. And while some might smile and call that "cute," here's the truth: a spoiled dog isn’t a happy dog. It’s usually a stressed one....
The Best Age to Start Professional Dog Training: Early vs. Later Training
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...
Why In-Person Training Prepares Your Dog for Real Life
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...
Why Are Dogs Scared of Fireworks?
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?...
How Training a Dog Early Makes a Big Difference in Their Behavior Later
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...
Why Trained Dogs are the Best Option for Families with Young Children
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...
Tips for Introducing Your Dog to a New Leash for the First Time
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...
How to Choose the Right Leash for Every Phase of Your Dog’s Training Journey
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...
Leashed & Ready: How to Keep Your Dog Safe (and Your Sanity Intact) on Every Adventure
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...