There are many different dog training programs available to the public. And almost as many ideas on what program is best for dogs as there are trainers. In this series of posts we’ll discuss the pros and cons of the various types of programs available, particularly group classes, private in home sessions, in kennel/board and train and some variations of these.
I personally offer all of these programs, and sometimes will customize them or tweak them to meet the needs of my clients should I feel the need to. Please note that most trainers may be able to do the same depending on their situation. For instance, I may start a dog with private in homes, then switch to group classes to add distractions, or board and train to maintain training while a family is on vacation, or add further training if I think I can train it faster then most families can. Or I may start a dog out with board and train and allow a handler to bring their dog back through group classes just for maintenance training or practice handling their newly trained dog. So a lot of the success of a program, depends on the individual dog. For purposes of our post however, we’ll break them up and explain them.
Board and Train/In Kennel training programs: Typically this means you will send your dog away to a trainer or training school, and then the dog will come back to you with an understanding of various obedience commands. Programs can last anywhere from 1-8 weeks depending on what the goals for the program are, and what your needs are. Most schools have a predetermined “course” that explains how long the dog will need to stay in order to learn different things. But there are trainers who will do this program on a week to week basis.
Pros: The dog generally comes back trained if sent to a reputable training company. It is much easier and faster for a professional trainer to train your dog, then it is for an amateur pet owner. It also gives the trainer an insight into the dogs personality and quirks, which allows for better help and follow up if there are problems later. This is a particularly useful program for handlers that don’t have the time to put into the initial training of the dog, or who need help getting the dog over the initial hump. For some families it provides training for the dog while they go away on vacation, effectively “killing two birds with one stone” so to speak. It’s also useful if there are different mindsets about the dog in the same household as it provides the dog with clear, consistent rules during the most confusing time during training…the beginning. Most decent trainers will include handling sessions (of various numbers) for the owner after training. In the very least, an owner should get very detailed instructions on how to maintain the dogs training upon arriving home. It’s one of the most effective training options available when done correctly.
Cons: Many owners feel that if they send the dog awhile, he’ll come back a perfect angel. While a good program will send the dog home with some solid training, there is still work left to be done. The handler must maintain the commands, and while this is far less time consuming, it is still required.
Sometimes the time away from the family is a concern to the family (though generally, most people worry that the dog will forget them, we’ve found that this simply just isn’t the case).
Also, it is ABSOLUTELY IMPERATIVE that you consider the school/trainer/program very carefully. I’ve heard stories of people sending their dogs away only to have the dog sitting in a crate for several weeks, then the trainer pulls the dog out for 2-3 days before sending him home and is harsh with the dog, sort of trains him (if the owner is “lucky”) and then sends him home. I’ve heard other stories of neglect and abuse in these situations. It’s vital that you research the trainer carefully before sending the dog away. I’ve also heard wonderful stories where the owner is very happy. Do the research to find a very reputable trainer. Be aware that sometimes it might be better to go through a big facility who has more to lose, but by the same token, if you can find an individual trainer to do it, the dog will get more attention. Many of the large facilities have so many dogs to train that it puts pressure on the trainers to meet the deadlines. When that happens the dogs get very little time spent with them. Ask lots of questions, and be sure you’re comfortable with the person and their references before sending your dog to stay with them. If you ARE comfortable and feel certain that the trainer is trustworthy, ask questions to determine when you can see the dog. Many board and train instructors prefer not to let the owner see the dog for the first week, but they should be willing to at least speak to you about your dogs progress at any time.
Read the training agreement carefully too. Most trainers will not guarantee that the dog will be trained 10 years after the program is finished, but they should care about their work enough to allow follow up later should you need it. The agreement usually includes a liability release, read it carefully and be sure you’re comfortable with it before sending the dog away.
There are SOME behavior problems that may not be fixable in an in kennel environment. For instance, if the dog is staying in a dog run, how can the trainer teach the dog not to dig? Most trainers just would not give the dog the opportunity to practice the bad behavior. Talk to the trainer about problems you’re having and see what is included in board and train. Usually the focus of the program however is basic or advanced obedience commands like sit, down, stay, heel, come, go to your place, etc.
Cost plays a factor for in kennel training. This typically costs more money then some of your other training options. That is because there is more work involved for the trainer, and it is one of the more effective training options. Always discuss money and payment options up front so there are no misunderstandings. What may sound like more money to you (as opposed to other training programs) may actually end up being less in the long run. I’ve had many clients that spent quite a bit of money on training the dog over a few years with various trainers, only to finally give in and splurge on in kennel training and get it done right. If they had just invested in the initial cost they might have saved quite a bit in the long run. Also, remember that time is money. If you are a busy person, you may be saving money by purchasing a board and train option because it will save you time.
(to be continued…next we’ll discuss group classes)
