Why is a Board and Train Program right for my pup?
Sending your dog to training may have a major influence on their behavior at home. While your baby is with us, our skilled dog trainers will put in all of the repetitions necessary to ensure they have a clear understanding of how to execute key life skills in a range of situations and scenarios. Our trainers make certain that they get enough daily training, playtime, and one-on-one attention while in the comfort of a more home-like atmosphere.
Do you offer private lessons or group classes instead of Board and Train Programs?
We currently do not provide personalized or group training. Private classes, on the other hand, are included in your Board and Train package to help you learn the fundamentals of dog training and continue your pup’s growth! We’ve found that these programs are the most effective way for dog owners to reach their goals with their dogs, and we want to provide them the best service possible by not overworking our trainers.
How do you make sure my pup will behave for me when they come home?
Trainer support is included in our Board and Train Programs to guarantee that you and your dog are properly trained. We support you by giving you written instructions, offering in-person coaching, and providing follow-up assistance after graduation since understanding how to connect with your puppy and reinforce their new talents is crucial for success. We even offer a performance guarantee, which means that if you follow your dog trainer’s instructions, you will have access to advice and help from your dog trainer after your pup graduates from the program to maintain the skills covered in the training program (including one-on-one lessons and refresher training).
Are there any exclusions for your performance guarantee?
Because dogs and puppies are living, breathing animals, not robots, our guarantee has certain limitations. We will provide ongoing follow-up and refresher training to ensure that your pup retains the skills covered in the program as long as you keep your end of the bargain (that is, you actively try to be the best pet-parent you can be by following our advice, using the recommended training equipment, and attending your follow-up lessons). Our guarantee does not cover problems that arise outside of the scope of the training program, thus any extra problems that your puppy may have later in life are not covered. But it doesn’t mean we won’t help you get through it! We offer previous clients privileges such as future training refreshers at a set boarding fee and would be happy to help you with anything that may arise with your dog.
What are your dog training philosophies?
We recognize that each dog is unique and needs to be treated equally, compassionately, and affectionately. We are a balanced training facility, which means that we use both large positive reinforcement and fair punishments over recognized signals and instructions. We utilize least intrusive, least uncomfortable ethics, and we are upfront about tool use. We are well-versed in positive and negative reinforcement (marker training, shaping, and so on) and want all of our training dogs to have fun and be motivated, but we also recognize that training is not optional for their own safety or the safety and comfort of others. Our goal is to raise happy, eager-to-please dogs who, with constant training, can achieve more with their owners.
What type of training collar do you use in your programs?
When a dog performs the right thing, pet owners are usually pretty effective at communicating it (for example, by using food, toys, praise, and pets!). Many of us, though, struggle with saying “no” clearly. At Puptown, we employ low sensory level tactile stimulation collars (also known as electronic collars or e-collars) to re-engage our dogs’ attention and pair them with our negative behavior markers to help boost communication between ourselves and our pups! Having open lines of communication with our pups and being able to immediately advise them when they’re doing something good or bad helps us develop life-saving behaviors such as returning when called, avoiding running into traffic, relinquishing hold of dangerous objects, and much more.
While we do not send them home with clients as part of their program, we do encourage their use at home to keep the training going and provide a link to where they may be bought, along with all other recommended training equipment, prior to graduation.
Will there be updates on my pups progress?
Yes! Your dog trainer will contact you with updates, including images, throughout the program!
Can I visit my pup?
Yes! We strongly encourage dog owners to attend their pup’s session on a weekly basis. We put into practice the skills your dog is learning throughout those “visits,” such as how to settle down when they’re excited to see you! You may also bring your dog home on weekends if you choose. We feel that owner involvement is an important part of the training process and seek to include it wherever feasible.
What age can my new puppy begin training?
Puppies must receive two rounds of vaccinations before they may join our Puppy Program. This is for your puppy’s health and safety, as well as the health and safety of the other puppies in the program. While we do our best to keep puppies safe, healthy, and in sanitary conditions, we must take every precaution to avoid illness, just like we do with human babies. We highly recommend pet insurance for “just in case” scenarios (not only for the Board and Train program, but for the rest of your puppy’s life!).
What is the process for signing up for a Board and Train program?
- Check out our Board and Train programs, HERE.
- Contact us and let us know what program you’d like to enroll in.
- We’ll send you available dates and confirm your booking.
- Pay the 50% deposit, send us vaccination records, and prepare to send your pup off to camp!
Do you offer financing options?
We do have financing available! If you need any further information, please contact us. Otherwise, we need a 50% payment and the remainder when you pick up your dog after training.
Are there specific program start dates?
Saturdays are often used for drop off and pick up. If you want coverage on certain dates and Saturdays are not available, please notify us and we will try our best to accommodate your schedule needs.
Do you use crates during their stay?
Yes! We feel that crate training is an important part of teaching a puppy impulse control and calm behavior. Crate training will begin with puppies, and grown dogs must be secure in their crates (not a risk to themselves).
Can I see where my pup will be staying?
We do not provide visits since our Board and Train programs are held at the trainers’ homes. However, before to enrolling in a program, we provide optional meet-and-greets, and we can also give photographs and videos of the space’s dog-specific elements (potty areas and sleeping areas).
