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FAQ
WHAT IS YOUR TRAINING STYLE?
It is difficult to put our training in a box as we truly do tailor our training to each dog in our program and do not limit the tools within our toolbox. We describe our training as functional, fun, effective, and efficient. We tackle training situations holistically, with knowledge of the dog's diet, exercise, and home life. With all dogs we focus heavily on building a strong relationship of trust with us (the trainers) and with you (the owners) to build confidence in each pup. We also focus heavily on each dog's individual fulfillment needs including tug, fetch, off leash time, and other forms of mental enrichment.
WHAT WILL MY DOG LEARN?
We teach a variety of commands in our Board and Train programs to make living with your pet more cohesive and fun! All dogs in our programs learn sit, down, go to bed, and walking on a loose lead and we teach off leash and high distraction obedience in our longer programs. All dogs learn leash pressure, spatial pressure, and marker words. While we try to teach your dog as many obedience commands as possible in the time we have them, our priority is always to create a calmer mindset and practical leash and house manners.
WHEN SHOULD WE START TRAINING?
Right away! Whether you just brought home a new puppy or a more mature rescue, the sooner you show your dog the desired behaviors the easier training will be.
Puppies as young as 12 weeks are eligible for the board and train program, where we put an emphasis on positive introductions to new people, places, and things while they are in their critical socialization period.
The saying 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks' is a myth, as long as the dog is healthy and physically capable of doing what we are asking they can learn at any age. However, with age comes years of practiced behaviors (good and bad), so building up better habits typically takes longer with older dogs.
Why do older dogs have to do longer programs?
WILL I BE INVOLVED?
Absolutely! Your dog's training relies on cooperation and consistency from everyone who lives in the home. Training is a lifelong commitment, we will give you the tools to success but it will be a constant process. We will provide you with the guidance necessary to continue on with your dog's training once they are back home with you. While your dog is learning with us you will be learning at home through our Go Home Reference Packet and videos and you can follow along on their progress through our Instagram stories and posts. At the end of the program we have a Go Home Session with you where we go over the tools, communication system, and help you practice for the transition back home. In addition to the three follow-up sessions included in the board and train cost, we provide unlimited training support via email.
Can I visit my dog while they are training?
We find that dogs who are older than 1 year generally take a few more days to transition into our environment vs younger pups. Additionally, the longer an unwanted behavior is practiced, the harder it is to break or replace, so training will naturally take longer the more mature your pup is. Hosting dogs over a year in the 4 Week or 6 Week allows us to prioritize building a healthy relationship with your dog to effectively help them reach your training goals.
We understand it can be difficult to be away from your pup for 2+ weeks, but our experience proves that visits by the owners midway through the program can add stress to the dogs stay. You will get almost daily updates from us via our Instagram page and an email three quarters through your pups stay with a more in depth summary of their training so far. We are always available via email should you have any questions or concerns through your pup's stay with us!
My dog hasn't trained with you, can they participate in boarding or walks?
No. We exclusively offer our Continued Education services (walks, hikes, and boarding) to dogs who have gone through our program.
**Crate trained Mother Pupper attendees are now eligible for boarding services through Rascal.**
Where does my dog stay in the board and train?
All dogs stay with us (Zoe and Kyran) at our home. After working in commercial dog kennels, we feel that a home based environment is the best way to for dogs to go through a board and train program and for future boarding needs. Not only is it much less stressful for the pups, but they will be practicing in a realistic and applicable environment to their usual day to day life. Rather than a commercial kennel, which may have anywhere between 50-120 dogs, we have only 3-5 training dogs at a time, so your dog receives truly individualized care to help them best succeed!