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Local Chico trainer • 30+ years experience • Results focused • One-on-one guidance
From basic obedience to real-world behavior, we have Chico covered. Call Sierra Canine at (530) 418-9898, or fill out the form below and we will reach out shortly.
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Finally... A Clear Path to Calm, Controlled Walks in Chico
You've done the work, you've tried all the online tips, but your dog still pulls you down The Esplanade, jumps on every guest, and instantly loses all focus around real distractions. Home practice is incredibly hard to keep steady, especially after a long day, and progress feels frustratingly slow. That’s why our
Board and Train Chico program offers a completely different, clear path to success. Your dog gets to live a clear, structured routine at our specialized Durham location with multiple focused training blocks scheduled into every day.
Sierra Canine Training has been guiding families across the Northstate for sixteen years, built on a foundation of three decades of professional
dog training experience and military-style discipline. We provide licensed, insured care with a perfect A+ BBB Accredited record. We pair our expert, compassionate dog handling with simple, clear owner coaching so that all those reliable skills transfer seamlessly back into your real life. We want you to feel confident and proud of your dog wherever you go in Chico.
Stop the Struggle: Why Board and Train Chico Delivers Lasting Change
Some behavioral patterns simply will not change with weekly, short lessons alone, no matter how hard you try. Think about it... leash reactivity builds up with every single tense walk you take, essentially practicing the wrong behavior daily. Similarly, door rushing and counter surfing turn what should be small, calm moments into daily battles and sources of stress. Recall is useless when excitement spikes and your backyard becomes a chaotic sprint zone the moment a squirrel appears. Plus, anxiety often shows up as persistent pacing, whining, and destructive chewing when routines shift, leaving you feeling helpless. Our Board and Train Chico residency program immediately interrupts these cycles by placing your dog in a steady, predictable rhythm where the right choice is practiced successfully many times each day. This kind of consistent, focused repetition truly creates lasting habits that hold strong when your dog returns to your Chico home.
At
Sierra Canine, your dog learns core life skills like loose leash walking, settling on a ‘place’ mat, reliable recall, and polite greetings through short, positive, focused sessions. We expertly layer indoor work, field training near Durham, and structured rest so that all the new learning stays perfectly clear and your dog never gets overwhelmed. Crucially, we include real-life proofing with the kinds of distractions you see daily in Chico, such as people, bikes, and busy doorways. As an owner, you'll receive regular progress updates and crystal clear next steps for when your dog comes home. The ultimate result is a dog that genuinely understands what you expect them to do and a family that has the confidence to keep the new, good habits going for years to come.
Contact us now to discuss your dog's specific needs.
The Sierra Canine Difference: True Residency Training Near Chico
Many local dog trainers only run abbreviated programs, meaning families still carry almost all of the heavy lifting and practice between short, infrequent lessons. Our Board and Train Chico program at Sierra Canine Training is fundamentally different because it is a full, intensive, structured residency based here in Durham, designed to build reliable, rock-solid behavior fast. While with us, your dog works, rests, and repeats the right habits in a consistent, controlled setting that your busy home environment simply cannot always provide. We manage the environment so your dog can focus 100% on learning.
Our unique approach blends individualized, focused training sessions with the same high standards we apply to certified service dog training and professional police work, a level of expertise few civilian trainers can offer. We are proud members of the Association for Pet Dog Trainers International (APDT), ensuring our methods are always modern, ethical, and effective. This depth of experience and rigorous focus helps us shape crystal clear, automatic responses in your dog, even when faced with high-level, real-world distractions. After the intensive stay, you receive an exhaustive, detailed go-home lesson, complete with written, step-by-step instructions for the critical first few weeks. We also include immediate follow-up support via phone and message so that any questions or small hurdles never stack up. Families across Chico, Durham, Paradise, Oroville, Orland, Butte City, Gridley, Yuba City, and Marysville choose the Board and Train Chico path because our structure is clear and the lasting results are incredibly practical for daily living.
No Classes, Just Private Dog Training That Works! Get Started Today!
Board and Train Programs
Board and Train programs are very popular and with very limited space, make your reservations as soon as possible. I am usually booked out a couple of months in advance. If you’re planning on getting a puppy and want to choose Puppy Camp One or Two, you will want to reserve your spot when you put a deposit down on your new puppy.
Puppy Camp Option One (ages 8 to 12 weeks)
Do you remember the last time that you brought a 7 to 8 week old puppy home? If you do, you’ll probably remember how exciting it was, but also how incredibly challenging it was too! From the housebreaking challenges to the jumping and biting and nightly crying. I’m sure some of you wondered if you had made a mistake!
I’m going to give you the opportunity to let me take care of that for you! That’s right! Puppy Camp Option One is a one month board and train retreat for your puppy to get off to the right start! Aside from my own dogs, I have had literally over 35 eight week old puppies in the past few years come for either Board and Train Option One or Two. Here is what Option One includes:
Crate Training: I will socialize your puppy to their crate through positive association. Your puppy’s crate is an important part of their life in the beginning, not only to expedite the housebreaking process, but to also keep them safe when they cannot be supervised.
Housebreaking: I will get your puppy on a consistent feeding and potty schedule. I’ll incorporate the word “potty” or any other word that you want your pup to associate with going to the bathroom. We teach your puppy to go potty on leash! This is a big deal! Some dogs will not go potty on leash if they weren’t started from the beginning and that can create big problems in the future.
Leash Socialization: I’ll socialize your puppy to a leash and collar. Some puppies shut down and don’t want to move or panic when on the leash for the first few times. You won’t have to worry about that. I’ll teach your puppy to walk on a leash properly without pulling.
Bite Inhibition: Your puppy will learn that it’s not appropriate to bite or nip. This is fairly common with puppies.
Jump Inhibition: This too is very common with puppies. I’ll teach your puppy that jumping up is inappropriate and that attention comes when they remain on the ground.
Socialization: While it is unsafe to take your puppy into public environments until they have received all of their vaccines, we have acres of interesting things! I will socialize or expose your puppy to a variety of objects, such lawn furniture, barrels, garbage cans, vehicles as well as vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers.
Foundation Obedience: It’s safe to say that your puppy will be too young to be proficient in their understanding of basic obedience commands. However, you will be surprised at what your puppy will know by the time it’s ready to go home. I’ll have a foundation of heeling. Your puppy will sit, most likely lay down on a command as well as have a pretty good understanding of sit and stay as well as down and stay.
Vaccinations: Your puppy will receive all of their necessary vaccinations on time by a licensed vet without ever leaving our property!
Weekly Updates: For the first two weeks you will receive updates on your puppy’s progress. This is usually done through a prearranged phone conversation. I’ll inform you of observations about your puppy’s temperament and progress. The second two weeks will include videos of your puppy’s progress.
Pick Up: I will spend an hour and a half with you on pick up day. I will cover in great detail your puppy’s housebreaking routine and how to successfully move forward. I will cover all of the do’s and don’t of your puppy’s first few days at home. I will demonstrate all of the obedience that was started with your puppy. Then, you’ll have an opportunity to video all of the verbal as well as physical instructions associated with every command or behavior that was taught. A homework program will be laid in detail for you as well.
Puppy Camp Option Two (8 to 16 weeks)
Puppy Camp Option Two is an extension of Puppy Camp Option One. The first four weeks of your puppy’s stay will include everything outlined in Puppy Camp Option One. Weeks 12 to 16 of your puppy’s camp will consist of the following:
- Loose Leash Manners
- Formal on Leash Heel
- Sit and Stay (with distance and distraction)
- Down on Command and Stay (with distance and distraction)
For a more detailed explanation of each of these commands or behaviors, please refer to the top of this page under Basic on Leash Obedience.
Your puppy with be proficient with their understanding of all of these basic obedience commands. I will also incorporate these commands into everyday life situations, such as having your puppy sit or down and stay while performing basic tasks as opening exterior doors or gates, moving objects by them. Or, having them stay while you retrieve something from your vehicle. I will train your puppy to be able to switch their responsibility on a walk from loose leash walking to formal heeling depending on the environment or level of distraction.
Vaccinations: Your puppy will continue to receive their necessary vaccinations on due dates by a licensed veterinarian on site without ever leaving the property.
Weekly Updates: You will receive weekly updates on your puppy’s progress through prearranged phone conversations. Videos of your puppy’s progress will also be sent.
Pick Up: On pick up day I will allocate an hour and a half with you. It starts with me demonstrating all of the obedience commands and behaviors that I have taught your puppy. You’ll be able to have a greeting with your puppy. After the greeting, I will allow you to video everything that is associated with each command. The first video will be a verbal break down of the puppy’s responsibility associated with command or behavior and how to practice. The second video for each command will be physical instruction on how to give the command, how to reenforce and how to practice.
This is Marshall, a fifteen week old Bernadoodle. Marshall stayed for a four week basic obedience board and train program. This video is uncut and is a sample of what commands he was taught. Marshall’s only mistake was that he had to be told to “down” twice. Not bad for a fifteen week old puppy!
Camp Option 4 Weeks (4 months and up)
The four week camp option for dogs 4 months and older is an on leash basic obedience program with the exception of sit and down stays indoors. I will teach your dog to be proficient with their understanding of the following commands:
- Loose Leash Manners
- Formal On leash Heel
- Sit and Stay (with distance and distraction)
- Down On Command and Stay (with distance and distraction)
For a more detailed explanation of these commands and behaviors, please refer to the top of this page under Basic on Leash Obedience.
I will incorporate these commands into everyday life with your dog. Your dog will be taught to sit and stay before going in or out any exterior door. I will also teach your dog to either sit and stay or lay down and stay, depending on the duration, while basic tasks are performed. Tasks include having your dog stay while moving objects around them, having people walk by or retrieving something from your vehicle while your dog waits. Loose leash manners and formal heeling will be a part of everyday walks.
I often tell people that my training programs are customized to the goals the my clients have for their dog’s. My board train programs are no different. If you would like to add something that is not included or if there is a certain command that you do not feel is necessary, adjustments can be made.
Camp Option 6 Weeks (4 months and up)
The six week camp option for dogs 4 months and older includes all of the commands offered in the four week camp option, but also includes place training and in-formal off leash training. I will teach your dog to be proficient with their understanding of the following commands:
- Loose Leash Manners
- Formal On Leash Heel
- Sit and Stay (with distance and distraction)
- Down on Command and Stay (with distance and distraction)
- Place Training
- Complete Off Leash Control
For a more detailed explanation of these commands and behaviors, please refer to the top of this page under Basic on Leash Obedience
In this program your dog will be taught to be proficient with their understanding of all of the commands included in the four week camp option. In addition, I will teach your dog the “place command” and complete off leash control. I will teach your dog to stay within a reasonable distance to you while completely off leash. You will be able to go for a hike, a walk in the park or a trip to the river or lake leash free. I will add the sit and stay as well as the down and stay commands into the off leash control. I will also train your dog to stay with you and not to run off in the presence of other dogs, cats or squirrels!
As mentioned at the bottom of the four week camp option, adjustments to your program can be made. If you would like to add something that is not included or eliminate something that you don’t feel is necessary, that can be done.
If you’re looking to start dog obedience training Chico for your pet, Sierra Canine is the perfect choice. Our experienced trainers are here to help you achieve the pet you've been dreaming of. We specialize in a variety of dog obedience training methods, so you can be confident that your pet will receive the best care and training available. Contact us today to get started!
Success Story: From Anxious Bolter to Confident Companion
A family in Gridley recently reached out to Sierra Canine Training after their otherwise sweet, young Labrador developed severe separation distress when they left for work, resulting in destructive chewing, scratching at door frames, and loud, continuous barking that was understandably upsetting the entire neighborhood. They desperately tried various solutions, including crating, anxiety medication prescribed by their vet, and leaving engaging toys like kongs, but the underlying anxiety only worsened, causing them immense guilt and stress every single time they had to leave their peaceful Gridley home. This pervasive pattern made it impossible to have reliable control, as the dog associated alone time with panic, often leading to fearful or avoidant behavior even when they were together on walks near the park. Our intensive Board and Train Chico residency, held at the specialized Durham facility, offered the necessary reset needed to build confidence, independence, and an entirely new, calm outlook in the dog. We systematically introduced alone time using our reliable 'place' command, focused on building duration and distance, and successfully desensitized the dog to the "leaving cues" that previously triggered panic, ensuring the dog learned how to relax when confined or left alone. Now, this once-anxious dog can calmly settle on their place mat near the front door in their Gridley home, waiting peacefully and confidently for their family to return, showing the remarkable, lasting power of a structured residency program.
These profound success stories are the very foundation of what we do and why we love serving the entire Chico community and surrounding areas. We take immense professional pride in successfully tackling the deep-seated issues that often prevent dogs and owners from truly enjoying their life together, whether it’s separation anxiety, chronic leash pulling, or overwhelming environmental reactivity. If you are currently struggling with a complex behavioral pattern like the one this Gridley family faced and are ready for a systematic, proven solution, let's talk openly about how the Board and Train Chico program can create a positive and reliable future for your dog.
Get your free quote today and discover the profound relief that comes with reliable, expert training.
Local Experts, Total Peace of Mind: Trust in the Northstate
Sierra Canine Training is proudly based in Durham and has been dedicated to serving Chico and the entire Northstate region for over 16 years. Our exclusive Board and Train Chico residency consistently runs at our secure, professional Durham facility to guarantee consistency, quality control, and the highest standards of care. All owner handoff lessons are held on site so you can practice in a controlled setting, and we can also schedule a follow-up visit right in Chico when transfer support is helpful to ensure success in your neighborhood. We maintain active insurance and strictly adhere to written safety and emergency protocols, giving you total peace of mind during your dog’s stay. With sixteen years of devoted service to our community and a prestigious A+ BBB Accredited standing, local families know exactly what excellent service to expect and who they can trust to call when they have questions about their dog's long-term behavior.
Ready to Reset Habits and Gain Reliable Control... Let's Talk
If your dog is repeating the same stressful problems every day, you absolutely do not have to fix it all on your own. Your first step is simply starting with a friendly, no-pressure phone call, and we promise to listen carefully to what is truly going on in your home and on your walks. We will immediately outline exactly how the Board and Train Chico program works within our Durham facility, what precise skills your dog will learn, and how we continuously support you after the exciting pick-up day. Clear steps and professional guidance will permanently replace all the frustrating guesswork you’ve been doing, and real progress will finally become easy to see and measure. We treat your goals as seriously as you do.
Contact Sierra Canine Training to schedule a free, in-depth consultation and talk through specific dates, training goals, and crucial next steps. We will happily share what you’ll need to pack for your dog's stay, how daily updates work while they are in Durham, and what the first two weeks back at home will comfortably look like. When the program ends, you will know exactly what to practice and, more importantly, how to practice to keep the results strong and lasting forever. Families all across Chico trust this path when they truly want professional structure and real, measurable change that completely transforms their daily lives.
Canine Training Frequently Asked Questions
How is Board and Train Chico different from private lessons?
Board and Train Chico provides an immersive, full-day experience with a carefully structured schedule at our Durham facility that includes many short training sessions, periods of rest, and essential real-world proofing throughout the day. This intensive structure means your dog gets dozens of repetitions daily under expert guidance. Private lessons, in contrast, teach you the handler how to build the same foundational skills at home with less frequent, weekly repetitions, meaning you are responsible for the daily heavy lifting. Many successful families choose to start their journey with our residency program to create a strong, reliable base of obedience first, and then they strategically use follow-up private lessons to maintain and expand those skills over time. Ultimately, Sierra Canine Training is committed to helping you honestly decide which path, residency or private lessons, best fits your current goals, your family’s schedule, and your available time for practice at home. We ensure every client makes an informed decision about their dog's future.
Where does my dog stay during the program?
During the entire Board and Train Chico program, your dog stays safely and comfortably at our dedicated Durham facility, living in clean, secure housing that is specifically designed to promote rest, relaxation, and focused learning. A dog’s day here is carefully planned and includes multiple short training blocks, periods of fun enrichment activities, short, focused walks, and plenty of quiet crate time to help them process all the new skills they are learning. We closely monitor eating habits, sleep patterns, and any signs of stress so the routine remains incredibly steady and beneficial to your dog’s well-being. You can rest assured that you will receive regular, detailed photo and text updates so you always know precisely how things are progressing and that your dog is happy and healthy. Sierra Canine Training treats every dog that comes through our doors with the utmost care, deep respect, and the level of attention we would give our own personal dogs.
What behaviors do you focus on in Board and Train Chico?
The primary focus of the Board and Train Chico program is building core life skills that ensure public safety and home harmony. These non-negotiable skills include perfect loose leash walking, settling reliably on a 'place' command, having a strong and immediate recall when called, greeting people politely without jumping, and calm, predictable door manners. For dogs who show signs of reactivity or anxiety, we meticulously add custom, positive steps designed for safe and systematic progress toward better behavior. We dedicate time to practicing neutrality to daily life distractions so that people, bicycles, and even other dogs become simple, background events that your dog can safely ignore. The ultimate goal is for you to have a dog that truly responds the first time you give a command and for you, the handler, to know exactly what to do and how to communicate effectively in any situation.
How do you transfer results to my home in Chico?
The effective transfer of results back to your home in Chico starts long before your dog's scheduled pick-up time. We spend significant time during the program preparing you, the owner, by teaching you the exact, consistent handling patterns and giving you a comprehensive, easy-to-follow written plan for the crucial first few weeks at home. You will practice extensively during the detailed handoff lesson with our trainer until the techniques feel completely natural and automatic to you. We solidify this transfer with a mandatory follow-up session included in the package and continuous messaging support to keep your momentum strong and to quickly troubleshoot any minor hiccups. Most families are thrilled to report that the structure and clear communication provided by Sierra Canine Training makes their everyday life easier and calmer immediately after their dog's return.
Is Board and Train Chico right for my dog?
The Board and Train Chico residency program is typically a fantastic fit for dogs who are repeating the same frustrating behavioral problems every single day and desperately need a clean, intensive reset of their habits. It is also an ideal solution for busy Chico families who simply cannot fit long, consistent practice blocks into their already packed weekly schedule, but still demand a reliable, well-behaved companion. However, some very specific dogs with complex medical needs or those experiencing extreme, debilitating fear may need to start with private, in-home lessons first to ensure we manage their stress appropriately. Rest assured, during your consultation, Sierra Canine Training will evaluate your dog’s unique needs honestly and thoughtfully, guiding you directly to the best, most effective training option for your specific dog and your home environment.
