Question 1

How long is board and train?

Accepted Answer

The average time for board and train is between 4-7 weeks. This is for what we call a "finished dog." In other words, your dog will be able to follow all basic commands, on top of any other specifc behaviors you specify with our training team.

Question 2

Why is the board and train so long!?

Accepted Answer

There is no fastrack to education. In order for your dog to graduate, he or she needs to take the appropriate courses and study for an appropriate amount of time. Many training companies will try to entice you into shorter board and train programs, and we can assure you that shorter programs are less effective than longer programs.    The first week is typically spent building a relationship with your dog and getting it used to its new environment. Once the dog is comfortable enough with us, then we can start asking him or her to do things for us.     By week 3 or 4, obedience is complete and the bond between dog and trainer is strong. We then introduce the dog to new environments and focus on social manners and anything specific to your lifestyle.    By week 6 or 8, you have a dog with a college education and the only thing left to do is reinforce the obedience and social manners at home.    Each dog is different so sometimes dogs do finish early, but if your dog has severe aggression or

Question 3

Where does my dog stay?

Accepted Answer

Your pet stays in our training facility or at a trainer's house and is taken outside 4-8 times a day for training and potty. Beds are provided.

Question 4

Can I visit my pet while he or she is at board and train?

Accepted Answer

Visitation is discouraged, but limited to 2 visits. We always send plenty of videos to dog parents so you will be updated regularly on your pet's progress.

Question 5

What does my dog do all day?

Accepted Answer

Our schedule for board and trains goes like this:    7am: Breakfast and potty  10am-7pm: Training  7pm-10pm: Dinner/Potty  10pm-7am: Lights out

Question 6

How is my dog socialized? Will my pet socialize with other dogs?

Accepted Answer

We only let your pet interact with our(the trainers') personal dogs. We will never leave your dog unsupervised with any other dogs.

Question 7

How is my pet loved and cared for?

Accepted Answer

The goal of the training is to educate your dog as quickly as possible so we can get it home to you. It is a boot camp where your pet goes through some stress in order to change behavior. We do counteract that stress through affection and treats, or in extreme cases, taking the dog out of the kennel situation and to a trainer's house. That being said, your pet will bond with us and we will become like "aunt and uncle" to your dog.    The kennel staff, in conjunction with the trainers, will be responsibe for the overall care of your dog. The kennel staff will feed your dog and administer medication if needed. Kennel staff is also responsible for potty breaks and water breaks.    The trainers provide structure and affection and evaluate how your dog responds. More reserved dogs need more drive-building through food and lots of affection. Other dogs need more restriction and small amounts of affection and food.

Question 8

What if my dog gets sick?

Accepted Answer

You will be notified immediately and we will take your dog to a 24 hour vet. From there, it will be your decision for next steps.

Question 9

How will the training transfer?

Accepted Answer

Training is repetition. 7x/week.    When your pet is returned to you, simple handling instructions will be given to you. In addition, we offer one on one follow up visits at no additional charge to guarantee you the knowledge and skill to communicate with your pet

Question 10

Can you customize commands?

Accepted Answer

Of course! All you have to do is specify the words you'd like to use when giving your dog commands. If you do not, we will use the following commands:    Sit  Down Stay  Recall(Come) Place    Your dog will also learn social manners with strangers and strange dogs, as well as any lifestyle commands you ask us to implement.

Wilhelm K-9 Services

Board and Train FAQ's