The Dog Board and Train Boot Camp
Instead of generic one hour group classes that are often ineffective, our Dog Boot Camp/Board and Train Programs are customized to your dog. They are tailored both to your training goals and your dog’s personality. This training method ensures your dog's training is much more effective since the plan is created based upon you and your dog!
What's a board and train?
With a board and train our expert trainers bring your dog inside their home. They teach them a variety of commands depending on the package you select. They will also work on ensuring your dog behaves well around the home. Your pup is then returned to you and you are taught everything they have learned and how to maintain the training and behaviors moving forward.
Is there a difference between Dog Boot Camp and Boarding and Training?
Dog Boot Camp and Boarding and Training are terms often used interchangeably in the dog training industry. Both refer to programs where dogs stay at a facility for an extended period while receiving intensive training. These programs aim to address behavioral issues, obedience, and socialization through structured routines and professional guidance. At Suburban K9, we use both terms to describe our comprehensive training services that provide a consistent and immersive experience for your dog. Whether you call it Dog Boot Camp or Boarding and Training, the focus remains on delivering effective and lasting results.
Ideal age for boarding and training
We offer our Dog Boot Camp Program for dogs of all ages. We see a lot of young puppies and we also frequently train older dogs as well. The idea that you cannot teach old dogs new tricks is definitely not true! If your puppy is very young we generally recommend waiting until 16 weeks before sending them to us for training. We can cover so much more with a 16 week old dog than we can with a 12 week old dog!
Professional trainers to board your dog
When looking for a dog trainer, experience matters! Every dog is different and it takes a trainer that is truly an expert to understand your dog’s unique personality. Our experienced trainers help thousands of dogs every year—each exhibiting different personalities and traits. They can handle anything from shy submissive dogs all the way to excitable dogs who are always pressing your buttons and trying to run the household! If your dog has aggression or extreme fear issues we generally recommend In-Home Training in your house as a better fit.
Board and train tailored to your dog
Here’s how we go about tailoring our Dog Boot Camp program around your pup’s needs:
Learn your dog's training needs
The first step in our Dog Boot Camp program is when you fill out our custom dog behavior questionnaire. We want to know about all of their good and bad behaviors and habits as well as your training goals. This gives us a lot of insight on your dog and allows the trainer to start creating a training plan before they even meet you!
Observe your dog in their environment
The next step is when your trainer comes to your home to pick up your dog. This way, the trainer has the opportunity to see your dog in its home environment and discuss the specifics of what you are looking for. This works so much better than the trainer first meeting your dog in a kennel environment when you drop them off. The place where your dog is most comfortable is where the trainer can get the best grasp of who your dog is. The more the trainer knows about your dog, the better they’ll be able to help address your needs. We often see things during the pick up that were not on the questionnaire and we then modify our training plan accordingly. Our goal is to have a complete understanding of your dog’s behavior in your home so that we can deliver the best training results possible!
Starting your board and train
After the pick up, your trainer takes your dog to their home and truly starts the Dog Boot Camp training process! This is a lot of fun and a lot of work for your dog and the trainer. They start working on each obedience command (heel, sit, stay, down and come) and work at the proper pace for your dog. If your dog doesn’t know any commands then they start at the teaching phase. If your dog already knows certain commands then they will immediately move to working around distractions (also known as proofing an obedience command).
The trainer also works to reinforce new behaviors with your dog. This includes things such as stopping jumping, stopping barking, stopping chewing, and teaching your dog how to live in a human household without anyone being stressed or frustrated. We address potty training/housebreaking and use our in house potty log/schedule to get your puppy or dog on the right track! This is where the dog behavior questionnaire comes in extremely handy. Your trainer will know what your goals are and will make sure to address each of your problem areas and goals. For example, if you mentioned jumping on guests as an issue, your trainer will spend a lot of time working around the front door to ensure your dog learns how to behave!
Dog Obedience Training
Dog obedience training is a crucial component of any successful Dog Boot Camp or Board and Train program. This type of training focuses on teaching dogs essential commands and behaviors that promote good manners and a harmonious relationship with their owners. At Suburban K9, our obedience training covers commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel, among others. Through positive reinforcement techniques and consistent practice, we help dogs learn to respond reliably to their owners' cues. This foundational training not only enhances your dog's behavior at home but also ensures they can navigate various social situations with confidence and ease. By enrolling your dog in our Dog Boot Camp Board and Train program, you can expect significant improvements in obedience and overall behavior.
Using board and train obedience with daily life
Your trainer will also tie obedience commands into daily life. They will practice having your dog obey commands even during heavy distractions such as the doorbell ringing, guests coming in, dinnertime and being around other dogs.
Board and train socialization
Our board and train programs are great for socializing your dog. During the board and train your trainer will make trips that will be fun for your dog. These will include places like dog parks, pet stores, and other public places where you might want your dog to behave. Plan on having a lovely brunch at a dog friendly restaurant? Tell your trainer and they can work on adding this type of trip into your board and train.
Personalized go home lesson
After your dog has learned and proofed their obedience commands and learned how to behave properly in the house it is time for them to return home! Your trainer will drive your dog back to your house and stay for 2 hours for your go home session. This session is incredibly important because this is the start of your training! You will see everything your dog has learned and be taught how to maintain their new good behavior!
Training follow ups in your home
Luckily, your dog's training doesn’t stop after the go home session! With our two and three week programs you will receive two additional 1 hour training sessions in your home in the next few weeks to ensure you are fully trained! Please be aware that if you send your dog for our 1 week Boot Camp they will only receive 1 follow up training session in your home. If you want even more training, read about our board and train plus program.
Live happily with your dog
After your follow up training sessions have been completed, you and your dog will both be well trained and ready to live a happy life together. That being said, if you have any questions or concerns, we are available by phone for the life of your dog at no additional charge!
Board and train money back guarantee
We are extremely proud of our Dog Boot Camp program and know that you will be happy with the results. We stand behind our work, and our 2 week, 3 week and Plus Programs all come with a money back guarantee! We offer this guarantee because we know we have the right mix of dog training skills, experience, and customer service to make you a customer who is satisfied for life!
Should you worry about sending your dog for a board and train?
Many of our customer's feel like their dog is a member of their family. Our trainers feel this way too and will treat your furry best friend like a member of their family. We've found that it helps customers to align board and trains with vacations. This is a time that many people will be boarding their dog anyway. In addition being on vacation gets you out of the house and staying occupied. During your dog's stay our trainers will send you updates and pictures of your dog. Helping assure you that your pup is in the safe hands of a professional. These training updates help even if you are staying home while your dog is away. Furthermore, unlike many smaller dog trainers our company is insured and has years of happy clients to back up our reputation. Still not convinced? Our In-Home training is a great option where your dog stays at home with you and you can decide how involved in each lesson you'd like to be.
