Welcome to Our Board and Train Program

Welcome, and congratulations on taking this significant step toward a stronger relationship with your dog! This guide will outline what to expect from the program, the principles behind our training philosophy, and your essential role in your dog’s progress after their stay.

Please read through this packet thoroughly and keep it handy for future reference. It is filled with insights and practical advice designed to set you and your dog up for success, both during and after their time with us.

The Holistic Approach to Training

Effective dog training is not about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Dogs are individuals with unique needs, learning speeds, and temperaments. While this program will provide your dog with essential skills and a solid foundation, true progress requires a holistic approach to their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Physical Exercise: Dogs thrive when their physical activity matches their energy level, age, and breed. Proper exercise reduces unwanted behaviors and creates a calmer, more receptive dog.
Mental Stimulation: Incorporate puzzle toys, training games, and activities like scent work to challenge their minds. A mentally stimulated dog is a content dog.
Emotional Health: Training can be stressful, so ensuring your dog gets adequate rest and downtime is crucial. Overworking a dog can lead to frustration and setbacks, so balance is key.

Behavioral challenges may sometimes stem from physical health issues, so always consult your veterinarian if you notice sudden changes in your dog’s behavior.

What to Expect: Training Is a Journey

The Board and Train program is an intensive phase of your dog’s training, but it is only the beginning. During their stay, your dog will:

Learn foundational skills and behaviors tailored to their individual needs.
Practice these skills in controlled environments.
Be introduced to appropriate methods for managing distractions and triggers.

What this means for you:

Progress will depend on your dog’s personality and experiences. Not all behaviors will be fully mastered in the duration of the program. Training requires consistency, patience, and realistic expectations.
Behaviors learned here may initially seem reliable in controlled settings but will need continued practice and reinforcement to generalize to different environments, such as your home or public spaces.

Shifting Expectations

It’s important to understand that your goals for your dog’s behavior may need to evolve as you progress. For example:

Instead of striving for perfection immediately, focus on gradual improvements and milestones.
Long-term success requires recognizing that some behaviors may be "managed" rather than completely eliminated, particularly in dogs with deeply ingrained habits or reactivity issues.
Progress may be nonlinear—there will be ups and downs, but perseverance pays off.

Your Role: The Key to Continued Success

When your dog transitions back home, they will need your guidance to maintain and advance what they’ve learned. Here’s how you can help:

Be Patient: Your dog has practiced their skills with us, but they will need to adjust to applying them in a new environment.
Use Reinforcement: Immediately reward desired behaviors to strengthen them. High-value treats, praise, toys, or other rewards will encourage your dog’s continued success.
Follow Through: Consistency is essential. Stick to the techniques and cues your dog has learned during the program to avoid confusion.
Seek Support: The included private lessons will help you learn how to effectively maintain your dog’s progress. Additional sessions can be scheduled if needed.

Management for Success

Proactive management is vital to prevent your dog from rehearsing undesirable behaviors. Examples include:

Using baby gates or leashes to control your dog’s access to certain areas.
Avoiding exposure to triggers that overwhelm your dog while building their skills.
Creating safe spaces for your dog to decompress and relax.

Management isn’t a substitute for training but a way to set the stage for success while training progresses.

Decompression Walks and Quality of Life

Allow your dog the opportunity to engage with the world in a way that feels natural and stress-free. Decompression walks in quiet environments help reduce stress, boost confidence, and foster emotional balance. Consider using tools like long lines for freedom of movement or renting private spaces via apps like SniffSpot for a safe exploration experience.

Training Philosophy: Positive Reinforcement and Long-Term Goals

We focus on positive reinforcement to teach and strengthen desired behaviors. Rewards may include food, toys, praise, or other motivators tailored to your dog’s preferences. Over time, we’ll guide you on how to gradually phase out treats without diminishing the behavior’s reliability.

Let’s Get Started!

Thank you for trusting us with your dog’s training journey. Together, we’ll work toward helping your dog become a well-mannered, confident companion while strengthening your bond. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we are here to support you every step of the way.

With commitment, patience, and teamwork, great things are ahead for you and your dog!