Board and trains can be a difficult commitment - not only is it emotionally challenging to send your pup to camp for weeks, but it’s also difficult as a trainer to be able to be fully transparent about what you can expect at the end of their stay. It is unethical, and irresponsible, to guarantee results from any training service. Dogs are individuals, and like any other individual, respond to unique environments with unique behaviors. Their behavior is influenced not only by their training but also by genetics, emotions, physical sensation, and many other factors that cannot be unilaterally controlled for.

What you can expect from a board and train is that your dog will receive consistent, kind, clear training to improve their skills and be successful in the situations and behaviors you are looking for changes with. You can expect that you will receive feedback on that progression - what skills worked best for them in what scenarios, how they developed those skills, and where they currently still need handler support - throughout and at the end of their stay. You can also expect support from your trainer after their stay in the form of follow ups and feedback to allow you to transition those behaviors to your home environment. I have a general curriculum included in my stays but these skills can of course be tailored to your specific goals.

Let me know what you’re looking for and we can have a more personalized discussion about what fits your dog’s needs and your training budget!

Absolutely! Before arranging a board and train program, I’ll likely direct you to a Session Zero behavior and training consultation. During this virtual session we’ll discuss your training goals to determine the best program for you and to introduce a few behaviors to get you started.

In addition to that virtual meeting, Session Zero includes a complementary meet and greet where we can do just that - have you bring your dog out and and meet me in person and let them get to know me.

Due to the nature of my board and train and to ensure a calm environment for the dogs currently in my care, I cannot offer tours of the space they will be staying in, however you’re encouraged to review my social media for photos and videos of the space - and please ask any questions you have about their stay to ensure you feel entirely comfortable!

The primary requirement is that your dog is up to date on all vaccinations, and will be comfortable (not vocal or distressed) crating during their stay.

There is very little that is “required” for the dog to enjoy during their stay. If they would prefer to be left alone, they can hang out while I do administrative work and if they want to play or snuggle, I’m all about doing that one on one - they do not need to meet anyone else (human or canine) during their stay. If they are social, there are resident dogs and often other boarding dogs who would like to play with them. My family would be happy to spoil them as well if that’s something they would enjoy.

I do not offer board and train programs for seriously human aggressive dogs, but have welcomed dogs with stranger danger and with bite histories. Please reach out if you have questions specific to your individual dog!

Dogs are crated when they are not directly supervised. This is both to ensure that they have appropriate rest time and for their and other dog’s safety.

During the day, they most likely spend their indoor time in my training office (which is also where I spend most of my indoor time). Out and about, they are transported in crash tested crates in the car (Rufflands) and may spend the day at club training, sporting events, or hiking spots.

No worries! We are very familiar with the crate and rotate life here. I am selective with both of my dogs and who they are paired with, and equally careful about introductions between boarders.

My German Shepherd Fig, is happy to play with the rowdier gang but may be too much for a nervous pup. She is however an excellent neutral dog when asked to be and is great for dogs building their confidence or reactivity skills.

My youngest, Riz, is 3 lbs and will happily play with social dogs 20x his size - provided they are happy to watch where they put their paws. He isn’t shy about telling them they almost stepped on him!

If your dog prefers to hang with humans solo, that’s exactly what they will get! While dogs are crated nearby, they are always covered and space is given for each dog to be out on their own without other dogs visible.

Food! They will need meals for the duration of their stay. Up to you if you’d like to separate them by meal (always appreciated) or provide a bag and scoop. If your dog eats refrigerated meals, please be cognizant of fridge/freezer space.

Everything else - crate, crate pad, treats, leash for walking - will be provided for them. I always appreciate a harness or collar provided, and if you’d like to send your dog along with a comfort item (blanket/toy/etc) from home, they are welcome to that in their crate assuming it is not an ingestion risk for your pet.

Much like childen’s summer camp, please do not send along items of sentimental value as everything that enters this house is at risk for being lost, dropped, or chewed up.

As a dog trainer, I’m able to enjoy a good amount of flexibility in my schedule, so there are some days where the routine doesn’t apply. That said, there’s a general shape of the day you can expect to see with your pup:

I am usually up with the dogs (both my house dogs and boarders) around 7:00am. We will do short bathroom walks along the creek behind my house, and will have breakfast/supplements/medication for the dogs who receive them.

After breakfast they will generally be back in their crates for a bit while I have breakfast myself and prepare for the day. Typically dogs will cycle out during the morning while I address emails, work on course development, or other bookkeeping tasks, and we will go on hikes and training sessions through the afternoon.

In the evening, your board and train dog will receive another training session or two with their dinner, and enjoy some more play or enrichment time before last potty breaks between 10:00 and 11:00pm.

Especially for longer stays, I’m happy to look for a time where you can visit your dog.

I don’t subscribe to the idea that seeing family during a board and train disrupts training. I’ve seen as much success with offering weekday board and train programs where the dog goes home every weekend as with the more traditional board and train programs where they are with me for several weeks at a time. The difference generally lies more in what set up and training approach works better for the human learner.

However, as much as I know you miss your pet, please be cognizant that I have multiple clients as well as family who expect to see me at some point during the day and that schedules may not be able to feasibly line up, especially for shorter stays. I am always happy to send photos or videos if we can’t make an in person visit work!