5 Good Reasons to Consider a Portland Dog Board-and-Train Program
Is enrolling your furry friend in a dog board-and-train program a smart decision? For many Portland pet parents, the answer is yes.
Also known as dog boot camp or immersion training, dog board-and-train services can provide immense value in in regards to changing and shaping canine behavior. After spending a few weeks in the care of professional dog trainers, your fur baby can come home with the knowledge and skills they need to be a happy, well-adjusted member of the family.
Below, you’ll find five good reasons why you may want to send your dog to boot camp along with advice on how to make sure the Portland dog board-and-train program you choose is right for you and your pooch.
No. 1: You Want a Well-Trained Dog
While at dog boot camp, your tail-wagger will work with the professional trainer several times a day. These programs are typically customized, and training will geared toward meeting your particular needs. From basic commands, manners and general obedience to potty training, leash walking and more, your pooch can learn a great deal. And with the right Portland dog board-and-train program, you’ll know how to put their new skills into practice at home.
No 2: Your Pooch Has Bad Habits
Chewing on the couch cushions, begging at the table, jumping up on people, grabbing food from the counter, barking at the slightest sound – bad canine habits like these can be difficult for Portland pet parents to break. Experienced professional dog trainers have tricks and techniques that can work to address destructive and annoying habits. When your fur baby comes home from boot camp, the bad habits they previously had will no longer be a problem.
No 3: Your Dog Has Behavior Issues
If your furry friend is anxious or insecure, a dog board-and-train program can help build their confidence. Boot camp can also be a good option for an aggressive dog or a pooch with phobias like a fear of strangers or fear of thunder. Seasoned professional dog trainers understand how to get to the root of the problem and how to curb unwanted behaviors – and after completing immersion training, your tail-wagger will be a well-behaved family companion.
No 4: You Have a Busy Schedule
Are you always on the go? If you don’t have much free time, a dog board-and-train program can be the ideal solution. Simply drop your pooch off at the training facility and let them learn from professional dog trainers for four to ten weeks. When boot camp ends, your fur baby will be transformed into a well-behaved family pet. They’ll be much happier because they won’t be getting into trouble all the time – and you’ll love living with a pooch that is no longer a source of frustration.
No 5: You’d Like Advanced Dog Training
Any canine can become a certified therapy dog with the right training, and a boot camp program can be the best way to teach your furry friend the required skills. The same is true for other types of specialty training, as an immersive approach works to help dogs lean the key skills needed for performance sports, agility competitions, obedience trials, dog shows and more. If you’re interested in any sort of advanced training, you’ll want to consider a Portland board-and-train program.
What to Look for in a Portland Dog Board-and-Train Program
If you decide to go with a boot camp program, you won’t be there when the professional dog trainers are working with your pooch. You have to trust them to treat your fur baby well – and that means you need to do your due diligence and look for a reputable training facility. To evaluate the suitability of a Portland dog board-and-train program, look for the following:
Expertise – Some professional trainers learn their skills through apprenticeships and years of experience. Others seek out certifications and continuing education. Both routes are acceptable; the point is to make sure the dog board-and-train facility you choose has trainers who are qualified to help your furry friend.
Approach – The methods used at a training facility can make a major difference in the results. To find a Portland dog boot camp where your tail-wagger can achieve your goals, look for professional dog trainers who use a balanced approach, one based on positive reinforcement and clear communication.
Environment – You’ll want your beloved pooch to be comfortable and safe while they’re getting trained. To that end, make arrangements to check out the dog board-and-train facility. As you take a tour, inspect the sleeping and training areas to ensure they’re up to standard on sanitation, security and comfort.
Don’t be afraid to ask for references from former clients – and follow up by contacting those clients to get their opinion on the dog board-and-train program. Talk to a few people, and you’ll have a much better idea of whether you can trust the professional dog trainers.
Also, be wary of any dog training facility that offers guaranteed results. When dealing with canines, there’s no way to guarantee good behavior – training isn’t like programming a robot. Experienced professional trainers can teach dogs to readily behave and comply with commands, but no one can ethically say that their training programs get results all of the time.
If you’re interested in immersion training and you live in Portland or the surrounding northwest Oregon area, reach out to Blackwood Canine. Our professional trainers have been working with dogs for over a decade, and we know how to train puppies and adult tail-waggers of all breeds and temperaments.
To learn about our training methods and our dog board-and-programs for Portland pet parents, contact Blackwood Canine online or give our office a call today.
