What to Expect When Signing Up for Lee’s Dog Training: Your Guide to Preparing for Our Board and Train Program

Quality Over Time

You may be a busy person, and you may be worried you don’t have time to maintain training for your dog, but I want you to know that you will be able to maintain training with the time you’re already currently spending with your dog. Training a dog is about quality over quanitity. You should not need to spend hours per day drilling with your dog. I will teach you how to incorporate my techniques into your daily life – so that you can spend less time drilling and more time living!

Overview of the Program

The program is a one week board and train experience where your dog will live with me and undergo intensive training. Unlike a lot of other training businesses, I don’t offer different styles of training like in-home training or group classes. I love the board and train process because it’s the fastest and most effective program for changing behavior. It gives me an opportunity to really get to know your dog and let you know what you’re dealing with, things to watch for, and I’ll be able to coach you with more personlized advice. With 24 hour supervision, fewer mistakes, and optimal clarity – your dog will learn more in a shorter period of time with me than they would with any other program.

What to Expect at the Training Drop-Off

Drop-off usually takes 15-20 minutes, during which time I will set up your phone with an app with training videos so you can watch how to perform commands and get general concepts about training. And I send daily emails making sure you are getting all of the information you need to ensure you know what you’re doing. After all, knowledge is power. If you don’t know how to maintain training techniques, your dog is sure to take advantage of that and they likely won’t listen to you. You’re welcome to stay longer and chat during the drop off session if you’d like. We will be sure to cover all of your questions at some point throughout the week through the videos, emails, and then at our hands on session at pickup.

What Happens During the Training Week

During the time your dog is with me, I will work with your dog on commands and behavior. The list of commands is – but not limited to – stick around, sit, down, stay, come, heel, no, quiet, relax, back, bed, and off. Behavior expectations would be things like: no jumping, no digging, no bolting, no whining, etc., and to have self control at all times without becoming overly excited and look more mature. It’s also expected to walk calmly on and off a leash. They should stay within a few yards of your area whenever you drop the leash and tell them to “stick around”. If there’s a concern about aggression with dogs, people, or other animals, this will also be addressed in the program through teaching the dog not to bark, growl, and generally have a nice disposition. While aggression may not be completely gone when you pick up your dog, you should see significant improvement that is far superior to other training techniques and that will make you want to continue the steps to keep going until it’s completely resolved.

Picking Up Your Dog: The Transition Begins

When you come to pick up your dog, we will spend as much time as we need going over your questions and making sure you are executing the drills correctly. I can usually tell if you’re going to have success at home based on what I’m seeing in person through your skills. This process typically takes around an hour and a half, but I don’t have a limit on it. I want you to stay and ask questions until you feel like you know what you’re doing when you go home. This will optimize the chances of your success.

While training boot camp is intended to help you create a dog who is completely off leash obedient and free of any and all bad behavior, training boot camp is not intended for that to happen immediately at pickup. You should see significant improvement and amazing results right away, but you will want to continue working with your dog for 3-6 months to ensure the dog maintains their respect for you. They will never forget what they learn and they should never need any further training after the 3-6 months, but it’s a step-by-step process to get there.

What to Expect at Home: 3-6 Months of Consistency

Dogs are sentient beings who can choose when they want to listen. They cannot be compelled to listen, like magic. While your dog will have made substantial progress, maintaining that behavior takes consistent reinforcement over the next 3-6 months. Your dog may appear completely trained, but you still want to adhere to the training principles until that 3-6 month mark. But not to worry, this is usually much faster, easier, and more enjoyable than people are expecting. 

Continued Support: Training Materials and Ongoing Access

If questions or challenges come up during the transition at home, reach out! I’m here to help you keep the progress going and I’m 100% confident training will work no matter how difficult your case may be. The training videos and materials I provide don’t expire, so you’ll always have access to reference them as needed.