Positive Reinforcement Puppy Foundation Training – Essential for Every Puppy Owner!
Let your puppy Board, Train and have Fun!
What is Puppy board and train?
Puppy board and train, also known as “puppy boot camp,” is a program specifically designed to jumpstart puppy training and establish basic foundational skills for puppies aged 10 weeks to 6 months. With our puppy board and train programs, owners gain a solid understanding of puppy basics, making it easier to continue training at home once the puppy returns.
What sets our program apart from others in Maryland is that puppies live in our home environment with our trainer. This allows us to develop essential puppy behaviors, provide structure, and teach basic obedience commands.
We like to refer to our puppy board and train program as a “puppy camp.” Our trainer exclusively utilizes positive reinforcement techniques for puppy training, ensuring a positive and supportive learning experience.
During your puppy’s stay, we will identify and address any early behavior problems using positive reinforcement training methods. Whether you call it “Puppy boot camp” or “Puppy board and train,” our program is designed to help your puppy overcome various behavior issues such as resource guarding, shyness, early aggression, and more. Our goal is to ensure your puppy grows into a well-socialized and well-adjusted adult dog, equipped with proper structure, basic manners, and impulse control.
Our Property
- We have a large area for play during inclement weather.
- Your puppy will have an acre of securely fenced grassy play area to enjoy during his / her stay.
- During relaxation time your puppy will take naps and rest time in his or her crate within our home environment.
Puppy board and train covers:
Housebreaking: We initiate a basic potty schedule to teach your puppy to go potty outside. It is highly beneficial for the owner to maintain a similar schedule when the puppy returns home.
Crate Training: We introduce the fundamentals of crate training, enabling your puppy to find comfort and relaxation in their crate, using it as their designated resting place.
Biting and Nipping: We work on reducing puppy biting behavior by facilitating socialization with other puppies. This interaction allows them to learn appropriate bite inhibition, as puppies provide valuable feedback to one another that owners may not be able to achieve.
Impulse Control: We focus on teaching your puppy how to remain calm and control their impulses, such as resisting the urge to chase, jump, or exhibit excitable behavior at inappropriate times. This results in a more composed and relaxed puppy.
Basic Commands: We cover essential commands including sit, lay down, stay, leave it, drop it, name recognition, and come when called. These commands establish a foundation for obedience and communication between you and your puppy.
Leash walking – teaching your puppy to walk nicely on a leash.
What about puppy socialization?
- During our program, we cover various aspects, including:
- Playing and interacting with other puppies of similar age.
- Socializing with well-behaved adult dogs.
- Providing a significant amount of socialization and playtime for all puppies.
- Ensuring your puppy plays and socializes within our home environment.
- Utilizing 100% positive reinforcement training techniques.
- Strictly refraining from the use of shock collars, choke collars, or prong collars.
- Remaining dedicated to the physical and emotional wellbeing of your puppy at all times.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Our puppy board and train camp is not the traditional boot camp! We do not aim to create a trained robot.
Instead, our focus is on providing your puppy with foundational training during their early stages to ensure they grasp the basic fundamentals. This will greatly benefit your puppy as they develop into adolescence and adulthood.
It is important to note that once your puppy returns home, the owner assumes 100% responsibility for continuing the training we have started. This requires routine and repetition to reinforce the lessons learned.
Please be aware that puppies do not easily generalize their training from one location to another. Therefore, helping your puppy understand how to apply the training learned at the puppy board and train camp in your home environment is crucial. We will guide you on how to achieve this successfully.
Our trainer will follow up with you once your puppy returns home to assist with the readjustment process in your home environment. We will also provide support and guidance to address any challenges you may encounter, ensuring that you feel confident and comfortable continuing the training process at home.
What is unique about our puppy board and train?
Apart from the obvious commands such as sit, stay, lay down, and leash walking, our training program goes above and beyond the 
basics. We understand that many puppy owners seek more comprehensive training solutions.
Most puppy owners are looking for assistance in teaching their puppies to settle, relax, refrain from jumping on people, exhibit impulse control, reduce excitability, and develop excellent social skills. These skills are vital for their success as they transition from puppyhood to adolescence.
We prioritize creating a comfortable and nurturing environment for your puppy. Unlike sterile warehouse facilities, we do not kennel dogs. Your puppy will utilize their crate for relaxation and nap time, and all training sessions will take place within the trainer’s home environment.
Additionally, your puppy will have ample time to play outside in our spacious grassy area, where they can interact with various stimuli that occur in everyday life. This exposure helps them become well-rounded and adaptable companions.
How long is puppy board and train?
A minimum of: 7 days, however 10 days, 14 days and 21 days are available depending on puppy training goals.
We will carry out an initial 1hr puppy “intake” consultation at our location here in Silver Spring to determine the best camp duration for your puppy.
How to qualify for our puppy training camp?
- You will be required to carry out an initial puppy “intake” consultation session at our location in Silver Spring MD.
- All puppies MUST be under 24 weeks old. Older puppies are accepted on a case by case basis.
- Your puppy must be healthy and not have any medical conditions which could place your puppy or others at risk.
Our trainer qualifications and training techniques:
- Janet Oquendo is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT-KA) and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC)
- Member of CCPDT – Council for professional dog trainers
- Member of IAABC – International Association Animal Behavior Consultants
How much does it cost?
Click HERE For more details of our “Puppy board and train”
How long is the board and train program?
The duration of our board and train program can vary depending on the individual dog’s needs and the desired level of training. Common durations range from two weeks to several months.
What training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement-based training methods, which focus on rewarding desired behaviors to encourage learning and cooperation. Our methods are gentle, effective, and designed to build a strong bond of trust between you and your dog.
What behaviors can be addressed in the program?
Our board and train program can address a wide range of behaviors, including basic obedience commands (sit, stay, come, etc.), leash manners, house training, socialization, and behavior issues like jumping, excessive barking, and more.
Will I be involved in the training process?
Yes, absolutely! While your dog stays with us, we will work closely with them, but we also emphasize owner involvement. After the program, we provide you with training sessions and guidance to ensure a smooth transition and continued success at home.
How do I know if my dog needs a board and train program?
If your dog is displaying behavioral issues or struggling to respond to basic training at home, a board and train program can be an excellent option. Additionally, if you lack the time or experience to address specific training needs, this program can help your dog make significant progress.
How do I enroll my dog in the board and train program?
To enroll your dog, simply contact us to schedule a consultation. During this meeting, we will assess your dog’s needs, discuss your training goals, and provide you with all the necessary information to get started.
