- TRAINING WHILE BOARDING
Another option you have after making the decision to get your dog trained is sending your dog to “doggy boot camp”. “Doggy boot camp” is just a phrase that is used to describe a kennel where your dog will be boarded for an extended period of time while it is being trained. For those dog owners who do not have a lot of time to commit or just have no interest in participating in their dog’s training, this is a viable option.
I have worked for a number of these kennels in the past and more recently have been sub-contracted to train dogs that are going to be boarded for an extended period of time, however, from a trainer’s or dog owner’s perspective it would not be my first choice. There is a certain level of stress involved when your dog is being trained regardless of how positive of rewarding we make it. The same can be said when trying to teach a kindergartner the alphabet or a second grader math problems, at one point or another stress or frustration does develop. Taking your dog to a strange place for an extended stay is stressful enough, but then having it trained by an unfamiliar person on top of that is really stressful. I like to use treats or toys for a portion of the training, when I have trained dogs that were being boarded at a kennel type facility the majority of them refused the treat or toy. Regardless of how positive or physically praising I was, the majority of dogs still appeared stressed or meek. The dogs still got trained and understood their commands, but there are better and less stressful ways of doing it. With my near thirty years in the dog training business I can also inform you that a lot of the trainers that are training dogs for basic obedience while they are being boarded kennel type facility generally have less experience. The more experienced trainers are teaching the advanced obedience courses and doing private training classes. Less experienced trainers also tend to be harder on the dogs.
This is where Sierra Canine is different We do offer board and train programs, but we only take on two dogs at a time. Our training with your dog is motivational, personalized and relationship developing. Your dog will not be locked in kennel run all day, but in our home instead! We believe that having your dog or puppy living in our home with us decreases or eliminates the stress that can develop. For more information on our board and train program, please click here.
Doggy Daycares have become extremely popular as of late and some do offer training if your dog visits at least a couple of times a week. Basically, all the same negatives as previously mentioned still apply when your dog is being trained while being boarded in a kennel facility. The only advantage to your dog is the fact that they get to go home at the end of each visit.
Remember, training should be a fun experience for you and your dog and when you participate in your dog’s training the bond between dog and owner is strengthened and your dog will look to you as his pack leader!
- IN-HOME OR OWNER PARTICIPATION TRAINING
The last option to discuss is in-home dog training or owner participation training. In my professional opinion, in-home dog training or one on one private training is the best and most effective choice you have when deciding to get your dog trained in basic or advanced obedience. Your home and yard are a familiar and comfortable place for your dog so it makes a great training environment. For the most part, we can control the level of distraction there is as well as making sure its minimal while your dog is learning something new and then increased in the distraction or proofing phase of training. You can observe how your dog is being trained making sure things are done properly and that your dog isn’t being yanked around a yard by an inexperienced trainer trying to meet a dead line. Participating in your dog’s training will ensure that it performs its commands just as or more consistently for you as it does for your trainer. Working and practicing with your dog one on one will strengthen the bond you have together because they will be eager to please you and you will grow ever increasingly proud! Having a trainer come to your home also ensures that the behavioral problems that it is displaying can be witnessed and corrected. After your dog has learned all of its basic obedience commands they then can be incorporated into your everyday life, such as having your dog sit and stay off to the side when guests enter your home, not running out any open doors or being told to “down stay” on your living room floor while you eat. This control cannot be achieved by participating in a group training class.
Sierra Canine works differently! In most cases, I will personally answer your questions and set an appointment upon your initial call. Once the appointment is set, I will legitimately evaluate your dog and discuss any behavioral problems and training goals and should you decide to enroll, I will be personally training you and your dog.
There are other good dog training companies out there, just make sure your comparing apples to apples. The person evaluating your dog should be a trainer. If they are, but are not the one who will be doing the training, make sure you know who will be.
