If you know all about board and trains, and are just looking for program details and costs, you can head straight to our Fresno dog training programs page or our Dogspring Puppy Programs page. If you want to learn more about board and trains, read on…
You’ve got a dog with a lovely spirit. You love them. They impress you daily with their cuteness. They really have a lot of good qualities.
Their behavior on the other hand…
Oh, my!
You spend much of your time frustrated. Yelling more than you’d like. Replacing things that the dog has destroyed (even though she has plenty of toys of her own). She’s wild and she rarely listens. Maybe on occasion… when she wants to… but not nearly enough for the life you’ve envisioned.
You’ve tried a lot of things but none has worked well enough or fast enough.
You just can’t seem to find the extra time or the opportunities to practice around other dogs and people. Plus you don’t really trust your dog at this point and you’re worried that what you’re doing is making things worse.
You know you need help and you’ve decided this problem has gone on too long.
You’ve heard whispers about sending the dog away for a training camp, but you’re not sure that’s what’s best for your dog. You’re not the first person who’s had these questions or these concerns.
So we’ve put together a little Dogspring guide on choosing a board and train program for your dog.
The board and train was the best thing that ever happened to our family! Now she can be around other dogs and new people. A COMPLETE transformation! – Allison, Clovis
Should I Send My Dog to a Fresno Board and Train Bootcamp Program?
Doggie bootcamps or dog board and train programs can be a quick way to train obedience or resolve behavioral problems. They allow the dogs to work in an intensive environment with professional trainers and other dogs. They take a lot of stress off the owners and give the dogs fantastic opportunities to develop social skills that will benefit them throughout life.
This gives the dog a “fresh start” and gives the people a little break from all the chaos. It allows the trainer to train the dog first and then train the people. (Yes, we generally need to do both and we construct our programs to make sure that both the dogs and the people get all the help they need.)
But you’re a careful researcher, and you still have questions… Let’s see how many of them we can answer!
i’m not sure how nate does what he does. he has done an amazing job with our more-than-a-handful shepard/husky. we did a three week board and train with her and i am SO GLAD we did. she is so much calmer, sweeter, and easier to connect with now then she was before. – Nancy, Mariposa
What is a board and train program and why are they so popular?
- In a board and train program, the dog lives with a professional dog trainer for a period of time, from a few days to a few weeks. The main advantages of this type of training are convenience and quick results. Since the dog is in a controlled environment 24 hours a day, they can make quick progress. We can undo bad habits and teach the behaviors we want.
- The trainer can carefully control what the dog is exposed to, ensuring that the training proceeds at an ideal pace. The trainer can break up the dog’s training throughout the day. Dogs learn more efficiently with multiple short sessions than a single long session.
- These programs accommodate busy schedules. They can be planned around vacations, or can be used to provide some relief if the dog’s issues are causing major stress in the household. It’s okay to need a break.
- Setting a foundation of good behavior requires A LOT of repetition. Some people find this enjoyable or therapeutic, just like some people like prep cooking or weeding a garden. Others find this very frustrating or tedious. A professional still has to put in all these reps, but they can do it more quickly and efficiently. A board and train can save you many hundreds of hours of foundational work. Many dog savvy people have the natural skills to train the dog, they just prefer to spend their time with their dog on more enjoyable activities. Working with your dog is MUCH more fun after they’ve developed a solid base of skills.
My two wild boys went and stayed with Nate for 3 weeks of training!
Nate did a GREAT job with them and I am not hesitant to HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend him! – Su, Fresno
Common Questions:
Will my dog return perfect?
“Perfect” is in the eye of the beholder. We train great family pets, not flawless obedience competitors. I can give you a “new” dog with a “better” brain; but that’s not the same thing as an instantly perfect dog. It is important to discuss primary goals and reasonable expectations before the program starts. Think of this as a transformational jumpstart and hundreds of hours of frustration saved. You will have the tools and support you need for a lifetime of success, but ultimately you determine your dog’s long-term behavior in most cases. We want you to succeed and provide everything you need to make that happen.
What if the dog just learns to listen to the trainer?
Part of the process is that the dog will test you upon returning home. But you’ll respond with consistency and fairness, and the dog will learn the new rules apply in all environments. Make sure to utilize the follow-up sessions to ensure the training transfers to your home environment. A good program will also train you. We will give you the help you need to succeed. If you’re committed to changing your dog’s behavior for the better, it WILL happen. And it will be wonderful to watch.
What if my dog isn’t trainable?
I’ve yet to encounter a healthy dog that’s un-trainable, though some certainly are more difficult (e.g. very fearful dogs often learn more slowly). If in doubt, we offer a free initial consultation and temperament test before taking the dog in. We love to meet with the dogs first to make sure that they will thrive.
Before training:
We have had him to our vet(s) who says he has a strong personality, bossy and not wired right
After training
He lays quietly  in the nook while we eat or on the mat…no nipping rare barking. Mike and Emily say walks are going very well. The mat is a nest. He collects his toys and takes his blanket all on the mat so he can roll on them.
You worked a miracle with Joshua THANK YOU SO MUCH.
God bless the work that you do… – Caroll, Hanford
Will training change my dog’s personality?
We focus on bringing out the best aspects of your dog’s personality, even if this means we have to put in a little more work. We teach the dogs how to be good calm happy family members. Our system brings out the best in dogs. We want to give you the dog of a lifetime.
So many people comment on how sweet she is now. Everyone gets to enjoy her, not just us anymore and she is a happier dog for sure!
How long are your board and trains?
We have a program built around a one-week stay that is a great starting point for most dogs. We also have a longer 3 week off-leash freedom program. For puppies, we most often recommend our 7-day Puppy Camp. If you’re planning around a vacation, we can add on days to accomodate that.
Will my dog get socialization with other dogs during the board and train?
We spend a lot of time teaching social skills to the dogs in training. If it’s appropriate for your dog’s training, they will get lots of exposure to other dogs. One advantage of a board and train is that it gives the dogs chances to interact with other dogs under closely monitored situations.
Do you board and train puppies?
Yes, we often board and train puppies. This can be a great way to get help with essentials like socialization, listening, coming when called, and settling. Puppies need to be up to date on all vaccines and dewormers, and need to have a recent clean fecal sample.
Do you take credit cards?
Absolutely. Checks are also welcome. We also take Zelle, Venmo and Cash App.
Is my dog a good candidate for one of your board and train programs?
We focus on pet dogs and establishing a strong foundation for good behavior. We’d love to meet you to find out. Our main service area is Fresno and Clovis, though some clients bring dogs from several hours away. If you think your dog might be a good candidate, give us a quick call (559-825-7364) and we’ll set up a free evaluation and temperament test.
What does my dog need vet-wise?
All dogs must be up-to-date on shots (or titers), on flea medication, and out of any shelter/humane society/pet store for at least two weeks with no symptoms. All medical conditions and any aggression must be disclosed.
What type of follow-up do you offer after the board and train?
We follow the initial board and train with private lessons to teach the people how to maintain the dog’s training. We also offer a private Facebook group for continued support and a weekly Saturday Rebound Group Handling Class that you can come to as often as you’d like! You will have the support you need, at whatever pace works best with your busy lifestyle.
If you’re interested in finding out if your dog’s a good fit, fill out the form below and we’ll set you up with a no-risk discovery consultation and temperament test. Or call now at 559-825-7364
Nate Hess is the owner of Dogspring Training, which provides premium dog training and behavior consultation services in Fresno, Clovis, Madera and select surrounding areas. He is a graduate of Stanford University, a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and an evaluator for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program.