Does your four-legged friend constantly bark or have separation anxiety when you leave the house? Does your favorite canine go crazy around new guests? Have you tried your fair share of training classes and obedience books?
Well, here’s a better option! For a more personalized training experience that is geared towards the needs of your dog, we offer Board and Train programs.
Board and Train is a one-on-one experience that allows your dog to stay overnight with a trainer. The trainer spends 24/7 focusing on specific behavioral concerns. Consider it the immersion version of dog training.
Here are some things to know before jumping into board & train
Set realistic goals.
Having a discussion with the trainer will allow you to have a better understanding of what can be achieved during the training process. Dogs are usually in the board and train program because they are struggling with difficult problems like aggression or separation anxiety. In other cases, dogs are just slower to pick up on basic commands while others are super stubborn. Listen to the trainer and set realistic goals of what to expect after your dog comes home.
Don’t be afraid to tell the truth about your dog.
Dogs are like our kids and sometimes that means we feel that their behavior is a reflection of us. While owners can facilitate certain behaviors without knowing it, it is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, the more you tell the trainer, the more he or she knows what program or methods will work the best. Things to bring up: how much daily exercise is your dog getting, types of destructive behaviors, aggressive tendencies, etc.
Your lifestyle and relationships matter.
You may not want to know this, but your lifestyle and who is in your life greatly affects your dog’s behavior. Trainers will try to decode this information during the consultation, so you might as well tell them what’s going on! Some examples, if you work long hours and your dog is locked up in a bathroom all day, if you have someone in your life that is creating chaos, if you are going through a stressful time, like moving, switching careers – all things your trainer should know. Consider your trainer consultation a therapy session!
Be ready to maintain the training.
We’ve noticed that a lot of doggy issues stem from the fact that dogs are underutilized, which means they are mentally and physically bored. Most of the time, our trainers will recommend increased exercise as a necessary foundation to maintaining the training, so you’ll have to put in the hours or pay for your dog to get the stimulation he or she needs. In addition to exercise, for those dogs undergoing serious behavioral modifications, it’s essential to follow through with the trainer’s instructions in order to maintain results.
Review your budget.
Board and train programs are more expensive than other types of training programs. This is primarily because your dog will be living with the trainer and behavioral modification requires constant and consistent reinforcement. The upside is that your dog will come home with a solid foundation for the future.
With a little commitment from you, we believe the board and train programs are highly effective for dogs who have behavioral issues or have training difficulties.
Only looking for obedience training? Consider one of our day-training programs. For any questions or to schedule a consultation, please call us at (310) 828- 3647.