Why is a board and train required for my young dog?

 ***Please note: for young dogs, a board & train stay may be required (typically six months and under, pends breed, temperament, etc).

For those who are formally looking to do an overnight board and train (yes, perfect!), it is a three week minimum and we also set up pre and post lessons in your home to cover household dynamics, management, and initial foundations. Following the board and train we will expand on this information as well as going over skill work. Handling, training, exposure, and socialization is truly a critical component of your puppies upbringing.

In the event you have a young dog (primarily a puppy six months and under) and you are traveling over a set of dates shorter in length than three weeks, we consider an “informal” option for the board and train. An informal board and train will still allow you to book your dog over your dates of need, but does require them to be part of the training program while they are here; since as you probably know, puppies require constant supervision and guidance.

Too many times I have been given a puppy who screams through the night or terrors around the house and I end up putting all of my time and energy into them anyway to shape and train them on their journey while they are in my home. For a lot of puppies, being away from home and out of their routine can be a scary adjustment (many have not had the experience before). I want to ensure the transition is as stress free as possible with lots of positive associations being made. Many people think because the puppy acts one way at home (happy, confident, and "loves everyone," they will be the same when boarded). That is unfortunately not how it always works. Therefore, we have added this informal option to ensure the stay is as stress-free as possible for everyone.

Puppies and young dogs require more active attention, frequent potty breaks, exercise breaks, and monitored outings as they are just not as self sufficient as a dog who may be able to stay out 24-7 in my home and properly know how to engage with other dogs (puppies do not know "the rules" yet). Some can be fearful and require a lot of relationship building just to even engage with them. I personally am just not comfortable taking such a young dog, all of which are always in need of training, but not being able to work with them while I have them. It is a lot of work.

With puppies being at a young impressionable age, never knowing exactly what I am getting into (even after doing an evaluation), I always require the training portion. It includes everything from crate training, potty training, socialization, leash work, indoor guidance and supervision, the start of foundational behaviors (sits/downs), focus, engagement, recall, etc.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.