Based out of our premier facility in Edgemont, SD we offer multiple Board and Train programs to suit our clients needs here at Black Hills K9, LLC. We look forward to welcoming clients to improve canine behavior and strengthen the bond between humans and dogs.
As you weigh your dog training options, you’ll notice that there are several different training types to choose from. In addition to Board and Train programs, we also offer a variety of private lesson packages. At Black Hills K9, LLC, we offer all of these programs to meet the differing needs of our clients.
There are a variety of factors to consider when deciding upon the best dog training program for your dog. In this article, we’ll look at the factors you should think about when considering a Board and Train program, and then review some of the benefits of this type of training.
What to Consider When Choosing a Board and Train Program
When you’re thinking about selecting a Board and Train program, there are several things to research. These include:
Training Objectives
Your first – and most important – consideration when selecting a Board and Train program is to understand exactly what your dog training goals are. The methodology and aims of puppy obedience will vary significantly from a behavioral modification program designed to resolve or mitigate behavioral problems like biting or aggression. Defining what you’re actually trying to achieve will help as you move through the decision-making process.
Cost
In general, Board and Train programs will be more expensive than a group class or private lesson program. This reflects the increased amount of training time, the responsibility and care undertaken whilst your dog is staying at a facility.
Duration
The duration of Board and Train programs is also something that varies from dog trainer to dog trainer. While some companies offer programs as short as one or two weeks, this is not long enough for the dog to fully comprehend newly learned behaviors. At Black Hills K9, LLC, our programs are either three or six weeks in length.
Six Benefits of Board and Train Programs
You may be wondering about the advantages of Board and Train programs compared with other types of dog training. When leaving your dog in the care of a professional dog trainer for several weeks, you want to make sure you’re confident that your dog will return to you with your goals achieved. So, what are the benefits?
1) More dedicated one-on-one training time
Perhaps the main benefit of a Board and Train program is the sheer amount of one-on-one time that a trainer can spend with your dog. With other training options, you may only have one hour per week, with homework in between. However, those sessions also usually involve coaching for the owner and the dog as well. A Board and Train program allows more hands-on training time with just the dog over the span of several weeks, allowing the trainer to systematically work through a training plan and build your dog’s new skills from the ground up.
2) More flexibility to structure training sessions
With group classes and private lessons, the training time is prescribed – sessions usually last for up to one hour. In group classes, the structure of the lesson is defined by the curriculum. In private lessons, there is more one-on-one time during the hour, however a dog’s learning capacity may be reached after 20-30 minutes of the lesson. A Board and Train program offers trainers the flexibility to work in three to five shorter sessions throughout the day. This not only increases the total learning time, but also increases the potential for the dog to retain the information.
3) Able to expose dogs to different distractions
With our Board and Train programs at Black Hills K9, LLC, we are able to expose the dogs to a variety of different distractions. These can include encouraging the dog to perform their behaviors or commands when other dogs are present, when livestock or farm equipment is nearby, or taking the dog out in public to work around distractions like vehicles and people.
4) Time for socialization
Socialization helps to build a well-rounded, well-behaved dog. A Board and Train program offers sufficient time for trainers to take dogs out in public and work them in busy places. The added time also allows for outings to pet-friendly stores where they can be socialized around everyday objects and people.
5) Great option if you live a busy lifestyle or are heading out-of-town
If your schedule is packed with work, family life and extracurricular activities, you may not have time to commit to private lessons. While ongoing maintenance training is required by your household to keep your dog’s behavior in top shape when they return home, a Board and Train program can build the framework without the commitment of weekly lessons. In addition, if you are heading out-of-town on work or vacation, a Board and Train program can double up your pet care needs with any necessary training needs your dog may have. For a puppy this option can also provide a good foundation for owners.
6) Good trainers will teach you, too
Even if your dog is impeccably trained during their Board and Train program, it is vital to convey to you how your dog was trained – and how to maintain those behaviors. All of our Board and Train programs include a training session when you come to pick your dog up from our facility, where we will teach you how to continue your dog’s training at home. We’ll also show you how to use any training tools that formed part of your dog’s training program.
If you are thinking about signing up for a Board and Train program in the Black Hills area, we would be delighted to discuss your options here at Black Hills K9. Our new, state-of-the-art facility offers a range of exceptional indoor and outdoor training areas for a range of dog training activities.
Please visit our Contact Page on our website at https://blackhillsk9.com/contact/ to get in touch with us today for more information.