What to know before your dog’s board & train.

My programs give owners real control over their dogs, so both of you can live a fuller life. More walks, more adventures, more freedom off leash, and a dog who stays out of trouble.

This article explains a few things about how the programs run, and why.

About photo and video updates

I record video of every dog’s commands and behavior with me, where it makes sense. That’s my record of the work. So why don’t I send updates during the stay?

Photos can mislead

A tucked tail, ears back, or big sad eyes don’t mean a dog is broken or mistreated. They mean the dog is going through change. They’re learning that rules apply to them too.

Many dogs who come to me are stubborn and strong-willed, often made worse by overly gentle parenting. This may be the first time anyone has held them accountable. That’s uncomfortable. It isn’t always fun, and that’s okay. An update saying your dog is sulking about the new rules wouldn’t help either of us.

If you need your dog to be having fun every moment of the day, my program may not be the right fit. Their happiness comes back stronger than ever. But the path there is structure, accountability, and growth, not cuddles and cookies.

I’m a one-man show

I don’t have a staff. It’s just me. Each day I care for and train several dogs, in multiple sessions, while also answering new clients, helping past clients, coordinating drop-offs and pick-ups, and creating new lessons.

People say, “Lee, just hire help.” I’ve tried. Clients want to talk to me, not a middleman. And many of the dogs I work with are aggressive, so having other people around them isn’t safe.

So I don’t always have time to send individual photos or videos every day. If anything concerning comes up, I will absolutely let you know.

When updates become part of the problem

This may be hard to hear. If you feel the need to know, constantly, how your dog is doing, that can be part of what got you here.

You love your dog, and that’s not wrong. But when concern turns into micromanagement, your dog feels it. Rules bend, and emotions run the show.

So instead of worrying about how your dog feels during training, focus on how you’ll feel after, when your dog listens and life gets easier.

Use this time to work on you

While your dog is here, get ready to learn. At pick-up, I’ll show you exactly what to do at home so you can become the calm, confident leader your dog needs.

One request: don’t study other training methods at the same time. No YouTube, no chatbot advice. You can’t mix and match methods, especially when you don’t know if they work. I’ll teach you exactly what I use with every dog I train.

What to bring

• Your dog, with a current rabies vaccination. That’s the only must-have. Rabies is the only vaccine I require. Other vaccines aren’t required, so follow your own vet’s recommendations.
• Any training tools you’ve used. Collars, leashes, harnesses. I’ll tell you whether to keep using them or switch.
• Food, if it helps. Especially for sensitive stomachs. Put it in a sealed container or pre-portioned bags, labeled with your name and feeding instructions. Some dogs eat less for the first few days while they adjust. That’s normal.

What not to bring

• A crate, unless I’ve asked you to.
• Beds or blankets. Upset dogs can tear up and swallow bedding, and that’s a risk I won’t take. My climate-controlled building keeps them comfortable.

If your dog needs them, I’ll provide a prong collar, training leashes, and a muzzle. If you already own some of these, I’ll check the fit and style.

The more organized and labeled your things are, the smoother drop-off goes.

Final thoughts

This training can change your life. Let go of the need to control the process. Let your dog be challenged. Let yourself be challenged too. When you’re reunited, you’ll both be ready for a whole new chapter.

Questions before drop-off? Call or text 260-238-8675.