Board & Train

                                                                               


Group Place Exercise



Next Board & Train Opening Available March 29!


*Board & Train candidates must NOT be aggressive with other dogs!

General Information


Our Board & Train Program is  6 weeks long and $2500.00.  This breaks down to about 59.50 per day.  You supply your dog’s food & a few other incidentals. This service includes teaching your dog all commands listed below, feeding, daily exercise and play. Your dog will attend 2-3 group classes per week at a park, have 2-3 individual training sessions per week in the park, as well as daily training sessions in the house.  Additionally, in the last few weeks of the board & train program your dog will go on twice weekly "field trips" to places like Lowes, Tractor Supply, Cabelas, Fountains at Farrah, At Home Decor Store, and other dog friendly public spaces to practice skills with more distractions and in a more public setting.  We do not have runs or kennel facilities - the Board & Train program is offered in Dina’s home, and is designed to integrate your dog into a household from the very beginning.  Your dog will learn to put their skills into practice in the form of household manners so that you can enjoy living with your dog.  Your dog will enjoy social interactions with other dogs in a variety of sizes & ages.

 

It is just as important that we train you as it is to train your dog! Therefore clients are required to come out for weekly training sessions with us so that we can teach them how to maintain what their dog has learned and how to properly communicate and motivate their dogs. These training sessions are included in the Board & Train program and do not cost extra. We give a lifetime commitment with our Board & Train clients....if you ever need help, Dina is there to help you solve problems!


 

WHAT WE CANNOT DO:

Our program is highly successful in teaching and proofing obedience commands and household manners. We cannot change your dog’s natural energy level or temperament.  We cannot make your puppy an adult.  We also cannot "fix" normal puppy behaviors such as digging, chewing, or barking.  We are happy to help you understand these issues and how to manage your dog differently.  We do NOT offer shorter board & train for people who want quick, cheap, or convenient- it takes time to bond with your dog, teach skills, and then proof those skills with distractions. 


  Questions? See FAQ's below, Phone 915-588-2938 or Email K9funworks@gmail.com.

If you think you would be interested in the Board & Train program, please scroll down & click "Apply Now" to complete the Application Form. Serious inquiries only, please. :-)

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As you can see from the photo gallery above,  a variety of dogs of different breeds, sizes and ages can benefit from board & train.  Unfortunately we cannot accept dogs who are aggressive and/or unsafe with other dogs or people. 

In our 6 week board & train program your dog will learn the following commands:

  • Sit
  • Down
  • Stay (sit & down)
  • Come when called
  • Heel/Loose Leash Walking
  • Out (leave this room/space)
  • Place (Go to and Stay on a Dog Bed)
  • Leave it
  • Wait
  • Crate training/housebreaking
  • Off (don’t jump on me/get off furniture on command)

Most dogs/puppies can pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test after completing board & train!

Who Can Benefit from the Board & Train Program?

Board & Train is most useful for busy families who lack the time to put in to initial training, but understand they will have to practice to maintain. Families with young children, people who work long hours, and those who have a work schedule which doesn’t allow them to consistently attend classes. If you have a dog who lives outdoors who you’d like to make an indoor dog, or you have an adolescent or young adult who needs some skills, your dog may be a good candidate. If your dog is difficult for you to handle due a lack of skills combined with your age or infirmities, the board & train program could give you the boost you need.

How Does Board & Train Work?

PHASE 1

Initially, dogs are taught all commands using lots of shaping and luring with food. The focus is on teaching the dogs in fun ways using food, games, and praise. Our goal is to make learning fun and to give the dog a positive association with working. This phase of learning is very reward based and produces a dog who can respond confidently.

 

PHASE 2

Once your dog understands a command, rewards become more intermittent and proofing begins - it’s important to teach & reinforce behaviors in a variety of situations in order for your dog to become reliable at performing in distracting situations & new environments. We will teach your dog that responding to commands is required in any situation (and not optional).

Requirements for Acceptance into the Program

Board & Train dogs are accepted on a case by case basis as space becomes available. Intact male (those not already spayed/neutered) dogs over 6 months are only accepted on a case by case basis and may require an additional fee. Intact females must not be in season (or close to their season). All dogs must be up to date on vaccinations including bordatella and must have a negative fecal check prior to arrival. Rescued dogs should live in your household for a minimum of 4 weeks before starting training, to rule out exposure to contagious disease. Your dog must NOT be aggressive with other dogs, people, or cats. An interview is required for all dogs to be accepted, in which I will determine if your dog is a good fit for the program, and we will discuss in detail your goals and expectations. When reserving a slot for your dog in the board & train program, a $250 non-refundable deposit will be required at the time of the interview.

FAQs

  • Do you accept Board & Train’s for less than six weeks?

    NO. It takes time to teach and proof skills. During the course of six weeks, your dog will attend group classes, serve as a demo dog during private training, and during the last few weeks of training will practice skills in public places such as Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, Cabela’s, The Fountains at Farah, the Outlet Mall, At Home, Academy Sports, Petsmart/Petco.  

  • How does payment for Board & Train work?

    Online payment is not available for Board & Train.  If you apply and are invited for an interview, it is expected that you will pay the $250 non refundable deposit at the time of the interview IF we decide your dog is a good fit, to hold your spot. The remainder of the first half is due at the time of drop off. The remaining balance is due the day of pickup. Payments can be made by cash or check, as well as Apple Pay, Zelle, Venmo, or cash app. A 10% discount is offered for clients who pay in full upon drop off. 

  • What advantages do I and my dog have with Board & Train?

    • Consistent daily training by a professional.  
    • The opportunity to attend many classes and exposure to lots of people, other dogs, and public situations.  
    • Daily play time and interaction with other dogs.  
    • Trips to public places in the last phase of training.

  • What equipment will my dog need for Board & Train?

    None. All you have to bring is your dog's food. All other equipment is provided by the trainer, including training treats!  You may choose to bring your dogs bedding from home to ease the transiton, and I do ask that you provide shampoo if you would like our dog to be bathed. Recommendations may be made for equipment to have for your dog once your dog returns home.  

  • Do you board dogs without training?

    Occasionally dogs who have completed a Board & Train program may return for boarding when their owners need to go out of town for short periods of time, subject to space available. I do not board dogs I have not trained.

  • Do you take aggressive dogs for Board & Train?

    No. If you have a dog with an aggression issue please consider private training. Dogs who come for Board & Train must be friendly with people and other dogs.  

  • Do you take older dogs for board & train?

    Older dogs may be taken on a case by case basis depending on the dog.  Older dogs do tend to miss their families more and take longer to adjust than puppies & young adults, so puppies are preferred.