All you need to know about board & train dog training

When it comes to dog training, board & train dog training programs offer a convenient and effective solution for busy owners. At Connecting K9 it is one of the programs we offer to teach your dog obedience and behavior and to find their best self. It’s all about a well-mannered dog, while they can also still be a dog. However, while these programs can work wonders, it’s essential to understand that owner involvement is key to ensuring long-term success. That’s why this week’s blogpost is all about what you need to know about board & train dog training, its benefits and why your role can make a big difference in the outcome.

Board & train explained in short

Some people already heard about board & train. Not only the good, but also some stories that will make you hesitant to book your dog’s spot. But what is this program exactly?

Board & train dog training programs involve your dog staying at a professional training facility for a set period. At most facilities the time ranges from four to six weeks. Some training facilities also offer shorter periods. During this time, your dog receives intensive, one-on-one training sessions focused on obedience, behavior modification, and socialization.

During board & train dog training there are a few different options. First, there is basic obedience. This is the training that helps your dog know the basic commands and the behaviors we like to see in our four-legged companion. Cues like ‘sit’, ‘down’, ‘heel’, ‘place’ and ‘stay’ are just some of the examples. Basic obedience is mostly on leash and makes your dog ready to go out in public. Second, there is advanced obedience. This includes all the basics, but then also focuses on off leash training.

At Connecting K9, we design each program to meet your dog’s specific needs. This means that we don’t only focus on obedience training, but also breed specific needs. Every breed has their own needs, and we need to meet those needs as trainers and owners. In the end, this can help with problem behavior, or better said the behaviors we don’t want to see even though they are natural to the dog.

The benefits of board & train dog training

Board & train programs are highly effective for several reasons. First, there is the time saving for owners. With busy schedules, many dog owners struggle to dedicate consistent time to training, even when training doesn’t have to take long. Board & train dog training takes the pressure off by providing professional training while you focus on your daily commitments.

Dogs in the training programs benefit from focused, distraction-free training sessions. This environment allows them to learn and retain new skills more quickly than in a typical home setting. Because dog trainers have experience and knowledge about the training, certain behaviors and breed specific needs, we can address specific challenges, ensuring your dog receives the best possible guidance.

Owners should be involved

While board & train dog training can jumpstart your dog’s obedience journey, it’s not a magic fix. One of the most significant pitfalls is assuming the training ends when your dog returns home. Without owner involvement, even the best-trained dogs can regress. That’s why we involve the owner in the training, by letting you come over to see your companion and work with the dog for a while. During this time we can show you what we are doing, and can help you do the same thing. This way you know exactly how to keep working with your dog and to make sure the dog still listens to the cues and behaviors.

But there are other reasons why you should be involved in the training and the period after the dog gets home. Dogs thrive on routine and reinforcement. If the training techniques aren’t consistently applied at home, your dog may revert to old habits. Consistency is key when it comes to living together with your dog. And it can also help you building a strong bond. Training is as much about strengthening the relationship between you and your dog as it is about teaching commands. By practicing together, you reinforce trust and communication.

Dogs need regular practice to maintain new skills. Participating in the board & train dog training program and taking advice from trainers can help you apply the training techniques at home. This will insure your dog’s progress stick. It can lead to less aggravation in the future, and you will have fun working together with your dog. Maybe you will even set new goals to work to together!

How we can get you involved

At Connecting K9, we recognize the importance of owner involvement and make it a cornerstone of our board & train programs. That’s why we have multiple ways to get you involved in the training. Throughout the board & train dog training program, we keep you informed about your dog’s progress, sharing videos and insights so you know what to expect. We log every training and can send that over if you’d like. This way you see what goes well and what still needs to happen before the dog comes home. We also let you come over, so you can work with your dog. Even though the dog might not be completely focused because it sees you for the first time again, it gives you an idea of what to expect when your dog is coming home.

When your dog completes their training, we schedule a detailed ‘handover session’. During this time, we demonstrate the skills your dog has learned and teach you how to reinforce them effectively. We take enough time so you really learn what is going on. We also give you a lot of information, that you can read at home. We also hand over all videos and pictures, which makes it easier to keep working. And after our program, our support never ends! We can schedule follow-up support with private training if you need more help, we give you handouts to work with and you are always welcome to ask questions.

Help your dog discover the best

Board&train dog training programs are an excellent way to give your dog a strong foundation in obedience and behavior. We make sure your dog knows the basics, while you can focus on what comes after. With multiple training sessions a day for weeks in a row, we help the dog discover its best side and help you live in harmony with the dog.

If you’d like to know more, contact us for more information. You can also find more information on our website under training. Click on services and you see what kind of trainings we offer. Our pricing is listed under ‘pricing’ on the website. We would love to meet you and your dog!