Training a dog can be stressful and time-consuming. Depending on its breed, age, and history, your dog may take a few weeks or months to get trained. Hiring a professional trainer can benefit you and your dog while saving you time. You can find out more about Boise Board and Train programs here.
Advantages of Dog Board and Train Programs
Below are a few advantages of dog board and train programs:
Helps with Learning
Board and train programs help accelerate your dog’s learning process. This is because your dog will always be with its trainer. The program helps create a routine for the training. And this set routine will reinforce the new behavior. The program enables your dog to participate in training sessions more actively compared to traditional classes.
Convenient to Dog Parents
If you are a dog parent with a busy work schedule, board and train programs can benefit you. These programs give you more flexibility as your dog will be cared for during the duration of the program.
Gives Your Dog A Different Environment for Behavior
A board and train program exposes your dog to new environments. This helps them feel secure in different places when they are away from home. The boarding facility will reduce distractions that can be present at home. Like people, your dog will do well when it has a dedicated space to learn new things and behaviors.
Individual Focus on Your Dog
One of the main advantages of a dog board and train program is that the professional trainers will dedicate ample time to your dog. They will work according to your dog’s requirements and provide commands as per the dog. Your dog will get good attention and care while learning new techniques. The training sessions will be consistent, resulting in higher chances of success. The board and train program will also help resolve behavioral issues because of the dedicated time the trainers give to each pet.
Allows Your Dog to Socialize with Other Dogs
Animals also need to mingle and socialize with other animals like human beings. However, socializing should be in controlled environments with proper guidance. With board and train programs, the trainer can spend time with your pup and observe its behavior. This will enable the trainer to understand your dog’s behavior and predict its reactions to other dogs.
Types of Board and Train Programs
There are two primary types of board and train programs:
In-Home Board and Train: The trainer keeps the dog at their home for this type of program. It becomes a part of the trainer’s family. The boarding in such a program is cage-less. Your dog will learn the basics of indoor living and house training and will respect invisible boundaries. The trainer will teach the dog basic manners and behavior modifications. They will create an exercise program for the dog, which includes daily walks, playtime in a fenced area, and socializing with other dogs.
Kennel Board and Train: Your dog will stay outside in a kennel in a kennel board and train program. It will stay with other dogs who are a part of the program as well.
Types of Training at a Board and Train Program
There are two types of training at a board and train program. They are:
Basic Training
Basic training is the most common thing covered in board and train programs. Your dog will be taught basic commands like down, sit, heel, stay, come, and watch me. The dog’s behavior issues will be addressed, and it will be taught how to stop jumping, running out of the door, stop pulling its leash, and counter surfing. In some programs, the trainer will also teach your pet extra commands like leave and drop, along with other tricks.
Behavior Modification
Some board and training centers also address behavior issues in your dog. These include anxiety, aggression, and other problem behaviors. The dog will be exposed to a stimulus that it is reactive towards. The intensity of the stimulus will be low. The dog will then undergo desensitization, behavior adjustment training, and counter-conditioning to modify its behavior.
Requirements for a Board and Train Program
Your dog has to adhere to several requirements to qualify for a board and train program. Some of them are:
- Vaccination proof. This includes vaccination for kennel cough, rabies, and DHLPP.
- The dog must have a leash, appropriate name tags, and a collar
- You must provide your dog’s food to prevent digestive stress
- You should provide a list and schedule for any medications that your dog is on
- You must give feeding directions
- You must sign a contract and agreement with the training center.
Pet board and train programs can be extremely beneficial if you have a busy schedule or if your dog has severe behavior issues. You can contact a training center like Momentum K9 Dog Training. They offer professional board and train programs and will teach your dog appropriate ways to interact with you and the world.