Benefits of our Virginia Board & Train Program
board & train in a home environment
One of the reasons our board & train program is so attractive to dog owners is that we train dogs in our home, not in a facility. We live on about 7 acres in Nellysford, Virginia. Our property includes a large fenced yard, a smaller fenced yard, several acres of hiking trails, a cleared non-fenced yard, and tons of mountain views! There’s plenty of room to practice new skills and have safe, fenced playtime with other dogs, and then once each dog’s off-leash skills are up to par, there are lots of opportunities to practice those skills while playing and hiking.
All trainees reside in our home, not in a separate kennel or warehouse-style facility. We have a room in our home designated as the “training room” where lots of training takes place and many crates are kept. We also have crates elsewhere in our home to help dogs who have more specialized crate training needs (such as dogs who have trouble being alone, or dogs who have trouble being crated while there is activity in the house).
we are a dog training family!
The fact that dogs learn and practice their new skillset and good behavior in a home environment is significant. When dogs learn in the sterile environment of a facility, they associate those skills and behaviors with the facility environment, which makes their transition home much more difficult. We train dogs right here in our home and all new skills and behavior patterns are practiced and proofed in the midst of regular family life. This makes the dog’s transition back to their home and their family much easier. (We also expose dogs to lots of new environments and distractions through field trips. Click here to see a field trip in action.)
My family is also involved in the training, which means each dog is exposed to children as well. Children have a different energy than adults, and it’s beneficial for dogs to learn to behave around children and also to take directions from children. My kids help with age-appropriate dog-related duties such as dog walking, giving obedience commands, etc. and they also serve as a “real world” distraction.
This video shows me teaching my daughter Laila (age 11) how to work with a newer trainee.
We train both ends of the leash
Toward the end of this video you’ll see some clips from the second go-home lesson that takes place in the dog’s home (when possible).
Board & train programs fail when the trainer does not adequately teach and support the dog’s family. All owners receive two go-home lessons with me (Jess) at the conclusion of the board & train (or one lesson at the end of the puppy program). These are very hands-on lessons! I will teach you everything from practical skills like how to communicate with your dog, how to call your dog, etc. to strategies that will ensure your dog’s new, better behavior returns home with them! Each owner also receives a detailed 30-day go-home plan to assist with the transition home.
Beyond those lessons, you’ll have lifetime email support from me. Reach out to me anytime questions come up or if your dog starts to struggle with something. Dog behavior is heavily influenced by their environment and relationships, so when life changes (you move, get married, get a new job with a new schedule, etc.) your dog’s behavior may change as well. This is why long term support is so important! I’ll be here to help you troubleshoot and walk you through any challenges you face.
Long-term benefits of our board & train programs
One of the reasons our board & train program is so successful is the long-term benefits of our board & train program. Each of our graduates receives:
Boarding in my home. We offer boarding only to graduates of our board & train programs. All the dogs are are on the same page in terms of manners, behavior, and communication, which makes it much easier to facilitate safe group play. Each boarding dog receives a daily structured walk, daily playtime, and of course, the reinforcement of all training protocols. [Note: Puppy training graduates are not eligible for boarding since that program is only a foundational program.]
Invitations to our exclusive alumni-only pack walks. These walks are a great opportunity to practice your skills in a supportive environment with other like-minded dog owners, and of course, receive guidance and feedback from me.
Long-term support. I’m the last dog trainer you’ll ever need to hire for two reasons: first, our training is comprehensive and successful, and second, I’m here to support you for the long haul. Email me any time and if we need to, we can set up a Zoom session or even a private lesson to help you through any challenges that come up.