Whether you’re too busy to train your dog or your training efforts haven’t been all that successful, a dog board-and-train program in Tampa could provide you with a solution.
Also known as doggie boot camp, the intensive training program can be quite effective in helping your furry friend become a well-behaved and obedient companion.
However, before enrolling your beloved pooch in a dog board-and-train program, you’re going to know what to expect. For the information you need to decide if doggie boot camp is your best option, take a look at the following.
How Dog Board-and-Train Programs Work
Doggie boot camp involves sending your dog off for training for a period of time, anywhere from two to ten weeks. They’ll be in the care of professional dog trainers, who will create a customized plan to address your specific needs and goals.
Every day, your furry friend will take part in several one-on-one training sessions. With some doggie boot camp programs – including those at Unleash Fido – these sessions are led by multiple professional dog trainers. This not only helps ensure that your pooch learns the proper response to commands, but also keeps them from getting too attached to one trainer.
Between training sessions, your dog will get the chance to play, go for a walk or take a nap. At night, they’ll stay at a boarding facility designed for both comfort and safety. And when their time at boot camp comes to an end, you’ll get a demonstration of the commands and skills your tail-wagger has learned.
Benefits of Dog Board-and-Train Programs
As you might imagine, doggie boot camp isn’t usually a low-cost training solution. But many Tampa pet parents find that a dog board-and-train program is worth the price. Sending a pooch off for training offers a number of advantages:
Helping Dogs Learn Basic Skills
During boot camp, professional dog trainers aim to teach the basics of obedience. Commands like sit, stay, down, come and heel are typically covered, as are skills specified by the pet owner, such as housebreaking, leash training and crate training.
Socialization in a Safe Environment
Dogs need to be exposed to new sights, sounds and situations in a safe, positive manner, as taking that approach helps instill confidence. Board-and-train programs allow for proper socialization, controlled and overseen by a professional dog trainer.
Correcting Bad Habits & Behaviors
Jumping up on people, snatching food from the table, constant barking, resource guarding, running out the door – these are all habits that need to be addressed. With a professional trainer’s help, dogs can learn how they’re supposed to behave.
Training Guidance for Pet Parents
For the skills a dog learns at boot camp to stick, their owner needs to understand how to maintain training at home. The best Tampa dog board-and-train programs include follow-up sessions with a professional dog trainer for this very purpose.
Advanced Dog Obedience Training
Boot camps for canines with aggression, fear issues, separation anxiety and other behavioral challenges are available. Pet owners can also opt for advanced programs where dogs can learn off-leash obedience, non-verbal commands, new tricks and more.
In addition, for anyone heading out of town, a Tampa dog board-and-train program can be an excellent alternative to a boarding facility. The difference in cost may not be all that substantial — and instead of simply whiling away the hours at a kennel while their owner is traveling, dogs spend their time having fun and learning valuable skills. What’s not to like?
Is a Dog Board-and-Train Program Right for Your Pooch?
As long as you choose a reputable doggie boot camp — one with experienced professional dog trainers who employ a balanced approach designed around positive reinforcement and clear, consistent communication – sending your furry friend off for training can be a safe and effective way to change their behavior for the better.
That said, a board-and-train program isn’t the right solution for every dog. Some get stressed by the change in environment and routine, which can affect their ability to learn. If this is the case, a doggie boot camp that lasts just a couple of weeks may not produce results. And for canines that are extremely fearful, shy or aggressive canines, a professional dog trainer may suggest a different training option.
At Unleash Fido, we’re proud to offer a range of dog training programs to meet the needs of our clients. Our professional dog trainers have extensive experience, and we welcome canines of all breeds, ages and temperaments. After learning about your furry friend and your training goals, we can recommend the right solution. Our training options include:
- Doggie boot camp
- Puppy foundation training
- Private one-on-one lessons
- Basic obedience training
- Advanced obedience training
- Behavior modification
For dogs who have attended one of our training programs or doggie boot camps, Unleash Fido also offers graduate boarding that includes refresher training courses. Our pooch parlor provides a free standard bath with a boarding stay of at least five nights, and we have many amenities and specialty add-on services to enhance the dog boarding experience.
To learn more about Unleash Fido, or for details on our Tampa dog board-and-train programs, contact us online or call our office today.