Welcome to the very first FluentDog blog! To kick things off, I thought it would be good to address a very common question owners have. When should you choose private in-home dog training versus a board and train?
Either type of training can be effective; it just depends on how involved you want to be in the initial teaching phase of training. No matter what type of training you choose, you will have to be consistent at home in order to be successful over the long term.
Should I choose a board-and-train for my dog?
With a board-and-train program, I am able to teach dogs their basic obedience commands in a short amount of time. If you are new to dog training, a board and train makes the learning curve easier when you get home, because the dog already has some knowledge of the commands, and I will teach you how to maintain them for life. It’s the difference between learning algebra from a tutor versus your friend in algebra class. Board and trains cost more than individual lessons because you are paying for me to treat your dog like my own–3+ walks a day, mealtimes according to the dog’s usual routine, and many, many short training sessions per day. I also video my training sessions and provide daily updates to owners to keep owners in the loop on our progress.
Board and trains are great if you need to board your dog anyway for a trip you have planned, and you want her to learn some obedience skills while at puppy camp. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Board and trains are not magic. If you don’t maintain the training at home, the dog won’t either.
Should I choose private in-home training for my dog?
Private in-home dog training is a great option if you want to train your dog from start to finish. I create lesson plans based on your individual goals, and I teach you how to teach your dog. It is an incredibly rewarding process–but it is certainly a new skill to learn. Remember, dog training is not only about teaching the dog…it is also about teaching the owner a new way of communicating with their dog. It involves body language, proper timing and how you structure your day with your dog. Private lessons are less expensive than board-and-trains, but the timeline is longer.
Having taught dogs and owners in a variety of settings, either type of training works for the dog. The option you choose depends on what works for you!
Interested in training? Find out what is included in FluentDog training packages, or schedule a call to tell me about your goals for your dog!