Is a Board-to-Train Service Right for Your Dog?

Is it hard to find enough free time to regularly attend dog training classes?

Does your K9 have behavioral or obedience issues which need to be addressed?

Or do you lack the discipline to train your puppy or adult dog?

Then a K9 Board-to-Train Program might be perfect!

Dog Board and Train: What is It?

Simply put, a Board and Train Program is where a dog temporarily lives with a professional dog trainer to undergo intensive, one-on-one training which may include several training sessions each day.

Think of it as a Boot Camp for Canines!

These programs can be an effective option IF:

• You choose the right trainer; and
• Consistently use the same training when your dog returns back home.

K9 Board and Train: Why?

Engaging your dog in a Board and Train Program allows the trainer to:

1. Observe;
2. Interact; and
3. Train your dog in real-life situations.

Being able to observe and immediately correct or modify your dog’s unwanted behaviors creates a strong and lasting foundation for K9 behavioral changes.

K9 Board and Train: How?

The Board and Train Program allows the trainer to work and train your pup in a variety of situations, environments and challenges. The trainer will create a customized dog training plan based on your needs and feedback. Training may include:

• Social skills and etiquette.
• Basic obedience.
• Advanced or specialized skills like gun dog training or canine sports like agility.

The East Valley K9 Services Board-to-Train Program offers the following dog training during a 30-day stay.

• 7 core Behaviors including:
  1. Look at Me – Focus
  2. Come
  3. Sit
  4. Stay/Wait
  5. Down
  6. Leave It
  7. Heel/Leash Skills
• Socialization Skills; and
• Good K9 manners inside and outside of the home.

One of the best features of the East Valley K9 Services’ Board-to-Train Program is that your dog only works with our two trainers which allows for your dog to build trust and respect with the trainers thereby enhancing their training.

K9 Board and Train: What Happens After?

At the end of your dog’s Board and Train, the trainer should sit down with you to help transition your dog back into your home (aka “train the owner”). They will go over the training, the cues and teach you how to stay consistent with the training and positive reinforcements once your dog is back at home with you. The overall success of the Board and Train Program relies on your consistent use of the same communication, commands, interactions and cues.

While these programs help do much of the work involved in training, it is critical for you to understand and implement the same basics once your dog returns home to avoid confusing your pooch and creating potential new issues with mixed signals. This is called “proofing.” According to BarkPost, proofing is the “practice of reinforcing learned behaviors in a variety of situations with different levels of distraction.” This is typically the final step in training.

Board and Training can also enhance your dog’s boarding stay with continued training along with mental and physical stimulation keeping your pup happily engaged and tired at the end of each day. Remember, a tired dog is a happy dog!

Interested in our Board-to-Train Service?

In our 30-day Board-to-Train Program,

your dog lives and trains with us in our facility.

While your dog is with us, they will learn the 7 core behaviors, socialization and developing good K9 manners inside and outside of your home.

Two sessions are also included to transition

your dog back into your home.

Call 480-382-0144 or send us an email to schedule this service.

Serving Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe and East Valley areas of Arizona.

Additional Reading:

BarkPost: Are Board and Train Programs Right for My Dog?

BI News: Is a Board & Train Program Right for My Dog?

K9 of Mine: Dog Training Boot Camps: A Smart or Stupid Idea?

Image Credits (Shown in Order of Appearance):

All Images Courtesy: East Valley K9 Services