1.Where is your dog going to stay? 

More and more dog owners are realizing that the typical board and train facilities are not the right fit for their dog. When dropping your dog off at a commercial style facility, you can expect large numbers, noise and an environment unfamiliar to your dog.  Unsuspecting dog owners are running the risk of contributing to over-stimulation, anxiety, and even worsening their dog’s reactivity just by trying to be a responsible owner. Even puppies or dogs without reactivity can develop these issues from becoming overwhelmed and exhausted at the constant noise, exercise, and unfamiliarity!

For this reason, my number one suggestion for dog owners is to search for a trainer that offers board and trains from their own home. Your dog lives comfortably in your home, so you should seek to have his training environment mirror his home as much as possible. Reality-based dog training will not only give you better results, but your dog will be less stressed, enjoy his time, and not at risk of developing additional issues associated with overstimulating environments. The bottom line is, dogs learn best when their needs are met, when they feel safe, and when their environment is designed to help them succeed.

2. Pick a trainer that is prioritizing your dog as well as YOU! 

Dog training is not one size fits all. Your dog and your goals for training are so vastly different than your neighbor's. If your dog trainer is not spending the time to get to know you and what you need, you might be getting a cookie-cutter program instead of a tailored program. Will you get results? Sure! But there is such a benefit when your trainer understands why their typical suggestion (taking your dog for a 3 mile run) is not going to work for a mom of four kids who is struggling to get rest in for herself. There are creative solutions to meet everyones needs when it comes to dog ownership, so make sure your dog trainer is making suggestions tailored to your life style.

3. Pick a program that doesn’t end at the dog trainer’s door step. 

So many are rightfully concerned about whether the dog will listen to just the trainer and not the owner. Unfortunately, many trainers nowadays have not yet mastered teaching the owner in addition to teaching the dog. Does your board and train program come with accessible client education options like online courses, text message coaching, and follow sessions done in your home? Then you might just be paying for the dog to listen to the trainer and not yourself. Board and trains are incredibly effective and will have lasting results when the owner is equipped with the knowledge to continue being the leader in their dog’s life for years to come.