You have many options when it comes to training your dog. There are hundreds of online training videos and books you can access. Maybe you would prefer to bring your dog to obedience training classes. Then again, you may wish to take on training your pup by yourself.
Another option which is available to you – whether you have a young dog or an older dog who is misbehaving – are board and train facilities. These training centers will board your dog for a period of time (usually two to three weeks) and train him professionally away from your watchful eye. Is this solution right for you – and are board and train facilities effective?
How Board and Train Facilities Work
Think of a board and train facility as a sleepaway camp for your dog. Your pet will generally stay at the facility for the duration of the training, and you will have little to no access to him during this time.
The professional trainers will teach your dog basic obedience, socialization, and behavioral skills in a focused environment. They will not only learn to respond properly to commands, but how to act and interact with other canines.
When your dog has finished his time at the board and train facility, the trainer will spend some time educating you, his owner. It is important that you understand the commands your dog learned so that you can pick up where the trainer has left off. If you do not consistently continue with your dog’s training, they are likely to forget all that they have learned rather quickly.
How to Choose a Board and Train Facility
If you are searching for a board and train facility for your dog, it is important to do a little research first.
Visit the facility and take a tour. While considering a facility, view the personality and methods of the trainers who will be working with your dog. You should also take note of demeanor of the dogs at the facility, in order to determine if the facility is a good fit for your dog’s personality.
Did You Know? Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training takes a unique approach to board and train obedience classes. While we do keep your dog for two weeks, your pet will go home every night with a trainer. Many dogs are stressed out by being kept in a strange place with other unfamiliar dogs – with our method, they stay in our personal homes and can more easily transition back to your home. During your dog’s stay with us, all obedience aspects are covered.
Are Board and Train Facilities Successful?
Ultimately, the effectiveness of any board and train facility will be determined by your commitment to the process. Once your dog returns home, it is important that you continue the training which the professional dog trainers started. If you are not committed to following the instructions of the trainers when they return your dog to you, it is likely that your pet will lose what they have learned.
On your dogs last day of training, be sure to ask any questions you may have and clarify any details of your dog’s progress. His trainer should spend some time with you to teach you all you need to know, and may even come back home with you to observe you with your dog in his home environment.
If you are interested in learning more about boarding your dog for obedience training, give Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training a call. We are dog lovers who are dedicated to helping Sarasota and Bradenton dog owners to have a happy and healthy relationship with their pet.
