At Highland Canine, we are proud to be able to offer a variety of dog training programs to suit the needs of our clients. Over the years, we have been able to develop several different programs to get the best results for dogs and their owners. Whether it is obedience training in an individual setting, group classes out in public, or specialized skill or trick training, we always strive to provide our clients with best-in-class training to meet their requirements.
One popular type of dog training we offer is our Board and Train Programs. These have been a staple of our training programs at our facility in Harmony, North Carolina, but as our business has expanded, we are able to offer Board and Train programs in various locations around the United States.
We offer three different types of Board and Train programs:
- Basic Board and Train – an on-leash program lasting three weeks, during which our trainer will teach your dog the basic obedience commands, in addition to resolving any unwanted behaviors.
- Advanced Board and Train – this program also lasts for three weeks, but our trainer will teach your dog to perform the basic obedience commands off-leash and with several distractions.
- Boot Camp – our most popular Board and Train program, our Boot Camp programs last for six weeks. This combines the Basic and Advanced programs and is the ideal option for dogs with severe behavioral issues and no previous training.
In this article, we’re going to summarize four of the major benefits of enrolling your dog in a Board and Train program.
Dedicated time for one-on-one dog training
Perhaps the biggest benefit of a Board and Train program is the sheer amount of time our professional dog trainers are able to spend training your dog.
When your dog stays with a trainer for a Board and Train program, the trainer is able to work on their commands multiple times per day. Day in, day out, your dog will get the care and attention they require to learn their new skills. This consistency of training provides a very solid framework for success, as the commands can be reinforced during multiple training sessions per day to benefit the dog.
The amount of time can also be extremely beneficial when it comes to resolving significant behavioral problems. If your dog is spending three or six weeks in the supervision of a professional dog trainer, there is no better place for the dog to learn how to behave, and provides perfect opportunities for the trainer to be able to resolve these issues fully.
Finally, at a dedicated training facility, the trainer is likely to have access to a wider range of equipment than you would at your home. Your dog may have the opportunity to try out agility equipment when exercising, for example. These opportunities provide the dog with additional physical and mental stimulation.
Socialization opportunities
Previously, we have discussed the numerous benefits of socialization for your pup. In fact, this is often one of the most overlooked aspects of dog training – ensuring your dog can behave safely and reliably around other dogs and humans is an important part of proofing their behavior.
So what does socialization mean as part of a Board and Train program? Well, it is important to note that any socialization should be controlled and overseen by an expert, particularly if a dog exhibits aggression or dominance towards other animals. In this context, socialization does not mean a free-for-all like you’d see at your local dog park.
Instead, your trainer should consult with you beforehand about your dog’s behavior towards fellow canines to ensure you are comfortable with your dog socializing with others. After meeting your pup and seeing their behavior up close, the trainer will then be able to establish what appropriate – and safe – socialization looks like for your dog. This can be based on several factors, but will primarily be influenced by your dog’s behavior, their size and their gender.
Useful if you have a busy schedule
As our day-to-day lives have become busier – whether it’s work, childcare, or any combination of factors – the time some of us have available for dog training is minimal.
Board and Train programs remove this level of stress for dog owners. For a Board and Train program, all you need to organize is your dog’s food for the duration of their stay, their vaccine records, and you’re good to go. There is no need to worry about keeping up with weekly training ‘homework’ in between appointments – the trainer takes care of all the hard work for you.
Now, make no mistake, Private Lesson programs are a great option for many people – but if you’re pushed for time already, adding something else to the schedule can be a burden. Knowing that your dog will get the training they need with a trainer you can trust – and literally all you need to do is pack up their food and drop them off – is a load off your mind!
A great option if you’re heading out-of-town
If you’re heading out-of-town for a work trip or vacation, instead of leaving your dog at a boarding facility, a Board and Train program can be the perfect solution for you.
With everything we’ve seen over the past twelve months, it’s likely that the number of people going on vacations (either in the United States or internationally) has fallen. However, as optimism regarding the pandemic continues to grow, the summer will hopefully see things return to ‘normal’ – which will hopefully mean the anticipation of long-awaited vacations!
If you’re booking a vacation and know that you’ll need to board your dog, why not take the opportunity to combine this with some quality training? Your dog will not only be in safe hands whilst you’re enjoying your vacation, but you’ll return home to a well-behaved, well-mannered pup. What’s not to love about that?
Where does Highland Canine currently offer Board & Train programs?
Highland Canine currently offers a range of Board and Train programs for dog owners in the following locations (accurate as of March 31st, 2021):
If you are interested in our Board and Train Programs, please contact the trainer in your location by visiting their page (links above) or going to our Contacts page!
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