Sadie’s Rules offers a comprehensive board & train experience like no other. There is a lot that makes us different! Below I’ve listed a few of the big differences, but definitely follow our daily stories on Instagram or Facebook to see our program for yourself! Finally, browse the images below to read more about what makes our board & train worthwhile.
permission-based training
Our training style is “permission-based”, which means that dogs are learning to expect human guidance in general, and to look to us when they’re unsure. This mindset shift makes a major difference in the long term outcome of a training program. Good behavior isn’t just about the skills a dog has learned, it’s about the way they relate to their humans.
comprehensive training
We teach obedience, yes, but that’s not all we do. We also get to the root of the behavior issues by addressing the dog’s state of mind. We help each trainee return to a more balanced state of mind, which is calm, confident and more at-ease. An imbalanced state of mind is always at the root of behavior issues like aggression, resource guarding, leash reactivity and more. The behavior is really just the symptom, not the cause. Many trainers know how to address symptoms, but few understand how to get to the cause.
we train owners, too!
Board & train programs MUST include lessons for the dog’s family! It’s an absolute must. And these lessons need to go far beyond just teaching them how to use the remote—families also need to learn how to use the dog’s skills in real life situations in order to get better behavior. We do lessons with each dog’s family here at Sadie’s Rules, in public places, and in the dog’s home (within a certain distance) so that each family feels confident maintaining their dog’s good behavior for the long haul. We don’t disappear after the dog returns home either. Every graduate of our board & train program receives lifetime email support from us, a commitment we take very seriously. Questions always come up, and when they do, we are here to help!
We’re honest with our clients
The truth about dog behavior is that lifestyle and relationships have a MAJOR impact on it. In all cases, lifestyle changes at home and changes to the dog’s relationship with its owner are necessary. Sometimes these are small tweaks, and other times they are big changes that can be challenging for the dog’s family. A lot of trainers shy away from these conversations and recommendations because they’re hard, but we believe it’s our job to be honest with our clients about what it will take to maintain good behavior over the long haul. We do NOT blame or shame owners for their dog’s behavior, but we will have a kind, compassionate, honest conversation about what needs to change moving forward.
