
FAQ: How Does Your Board and Train Program Work?
Our Board and Train program is different and, I believe, far better than many others you will find. Here is why.
The Challenge
You got our dog to have a friend, and you are sending your dog to school because you want to enjoy living with your friend. The most common approach is to teach a set of obedience commands and boss your dog around all day long. That’s how we traditionally see it, so everyone is familiar with that approach. But does that truly get you what you are looking for?
Of course, we will teach your dog all standard commands and then some in our board and train program. But that won’t keep him from digging up your flower bed. Or eating sprinkler heads. Or chasing kids on skateboards, just to name a few ideas your buddy may get.
The challenge is your dog’s genetics. He wasn’t bred to sit home alone all day while you go to work. Maybe a few walks a week, and maybe visit a dog park here and there. Every cell in his body is genetically programmed to engage in predatory behaviors. He doesn’t get to use any of them while living with us. Further, every breed has different, additional instincts and genetic drives. If we don’t fulfill these innate desires daily, your dog will find displacement activities. These are things like digging holes and so on. We tend not to care much for the things dogs come up with.
Our Board and Train Approach
Our Board and Train program starts by getting to know your dog and figuring out what he finds most rewarding. That usually isn’t food, trust me. We develop a custom reward event for your dog to fulfill him biologically. That keeps him out of trouble. This reward event is a custom-tailored game you and your dog can enjoy together. It also becomes the reward for all obedience commands. It will take your relationship to a completely different level.
The reward game will create a fantastic relationship between you and your dog. You will have something you can do together and mutually enjoy. This is called play-based training. We usually use toys instead of food, and you will love it. I will teach you the game when you come to visit your dog during the board and train program visits.
Key Points:
- We have a waitlist, but most dogs can start within 4-8 weeks.
- We require a 50% non-refundable down payment at the time of booking. The remainder is due upon drop-off.
- Our Board and Train program is 6-8 weeks long. It depends on the dog.
- You’ll receive 1-2 training videos per week.
- Starting at week four, expect to visit your dog for in-person training sessions.
- Depending on your dog, socialization is included.
- You have lifetime support for your dog.
- Included: sit, down, stay, come, leave it, off, out (drop it), loose (casual walk), heel (formal walk), kennel.
Our Board and Train Program: Board and Train Obedience (also available for our Building Confidence Program and Resolving Aggression Program). Ralf is a certified Training without Conflict (TWC) trainer.
If you are ready to get help with your own dog(s), please use our dog training contact form to schedule a free phone consultation.