BOARD & TRAIN PROGRAM AT SAMMYE'S DOGS

 

Private one-on-one In-Home Lessons offered here are extremely effective but may not always be available or feasible for your situation. Board & train programs can be a good option for busy owners who do not have the time or expertise to train their dog, or for dogs with behavior issues that require intensive training. The Board and Train Program will not short cut the amount of work you will need to put into your dog. However, your dog will be fully trained upon his return.

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Interested? Please read the ENTIRE content below regarding what to expect!

 

Our board and train program is a specialized program designed to provide obedience skills and behavior modification for a dog while they stay at the trainer's home. As experienced CCPDT Certified Professional Dog Trainers and behavior consultants, we utilize the most up-to-date, scientifically-backed, positive reinforcement techniques, ensuring that dogs are trained using rewards and encouragement rather than punishment or harsh aversive methods. This approach promotes a strong bond between the dog and the owner and fosters a positive (and faster!) learning experience for the dog.

 

Here's an overview of how our in-home board and train program typically works:

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1. Evaluation: The program begins with an initial evaluation which costs $100 (will be credited towards reservation costs, if placed) where the trainer assesses the dog's behavior, temperament, and specific training needs. This helps us create a customized training plan for the dog and see whether we are best fit for your needs. An evaluation is a 30-60 minute in-person meeting (preferably completed prior to reserving dates to ensure a good fit). Current clients do not need an evaluation prior to booking.

2. Boarding: We are not a kennel run-style facility, proudly, as logistically, your dog should learn best how to behave in a home environment. Your dog is then boarded in our trainer's home for a specific duration, which typically is 3 weeks, depending on the training goals and the dog's progress. We utilize crates and playpens at night and during brief resting periods. 

3. Training Sessions: During the stay, we conduct multiple daily training sessions one-on-one with your dog. These sessions focus on teaching and reinforcing desired behaviors using positive reinforcement methods, such as clicker/YES verbal marker, treats, praise, toys, and other individually valued rewards. We may work on basic obedience commands (sit, stay, come, place), leash manners, socialization, problem behaviors, or any other specific training goals identified during the evaluation.

4. Socialization and Enrichment: Alongside the training sessions, the dog is exposed to various socialization experiences and environmental stimuli to help them become comfortable and confident in different situations. This may include interactions with other dogs, supervised playtime, exposure to different sounds, environments, and people.

5. Progress Updates: Throughout the board and train program, we keep dog owners updated text or email. We send an update on the progress made with a mid-program progress report describing the dog's advancements, behavior improvements, and challenges encountered during training.  However, please do keep in mind the time spent sending updates may take away from time available for training which is our top priority, so we appreciate your patience and understanding if there are delays. Think no news is, way more often than not, good news anyways!

6. Owner Training: Towards the end of the program, the trainer typically provides 3 FREE follow sessions IN YOUR HOME (within 30 miles of 77536) where we teach the owner how to maintain and reinforce the trained behaviors. This ensures a smooth transition once the dog returns and settles back in at home. The follow up sessions need to be scheduled in advance due to limited availability for travel. These sessions begin the following week of return, and occur within 14 days of the prior scheduled session. All sessions owed should be completed within a time frame of 60 days of completion of the training program.

7. Follow-up Support: After the board and train program is complete and the dog has returned home, we offer follow-up support, including phone consultations or additional training sessions if needed, to help the owner and the dog continue progressing and addressing any lingering concerns.

 

A board & train program with Sammye’s Dogs is $2,700. A $1,000 deposit per dog is required to reserve program dates and is NON refundable. The remaining $1,700 for program costs is to be paid upon day 1 of the program.

 

Additional charges: Additional charges will be paid when the dog is returned.

 

Medication:

Flea and tick medicine must be provided. If an adequate amount is not provided at the time of drop off, I will provide a topical preventative. The cost will be determined by the weight of the dog.

 

Grooming:

Your dog will receive a bath, at no charge, before being returned at the end of the program.

If the dog is of a type that requires professional grooming, the owner will be responsible for these charges. A dog weighing 10 lbs or more will be charged $70-150 per occurrence of grooming needed.

 

Food:

Owner is responsible for the cost of food for their dog; it is best to keep them on their regular brand to avoid an upset stomach. You can either provide the entire amount upon day 1 of the program, or we will purchase it for you and be reimbursed for costs at the end of the program.

 

Owners should plan to pack to bring:

 

• A list of the items you packed so I can be sure to return them to you

• Instructions of your routine or notes

• Copy of vaccination records

• Emergency contact besides owner

• Dog food (please pack more than needed, sometimes stays are extended, natural disaster emergencies could happen, and sometimes their food kibble is used as treats)

• Harness and collar with ID tags

• Flat leash (nylon, leather, ones that are NOT retractable)

• If your dog likely won't tear it up, pack an old t-shirt, blanket, or some fabric that smells like your home as it may comfort your dog

• Any supplements or medications needed

• Treats if picky eater or have a sensitive stomach

 

**Please DON’T pack anything sentimental or that you’d be sad about if something happened to it!**

 

Please note:

*ALL payments are NONREFUNDABLE

*Dogs will periodically spend short periods of time in their kennel/crate. Since we are home-based and not a facility with kennel runs, a dog who barks incessantly or one with separation anxiety while inside kennels might not be a good fit.

*Dogs may travel for outings off of the trainer’s property

*Dogs need to be free of any veterinary ailments. Dogs with ear infections, sores, upset stomachs, in estrus/heat, pregnant, or recently healing from surgery are not candidates for this service.

*Dogs that require special care or grooming-upkeep may require additional fees. It is recommended to plan for or schedule grooming after the completion of the program.

*If the owner is not able to take the dog on the scheduled return date, i.e. out of town, illness, yard repair, etc... the normal boarding fee will apply from that date until the dog is returned. Normal boarding fees are $100 per day. 

*After evaluation (if applicable), it is recommended that we pick up and drop off the dog at the owner’s home, especially for dogs who have not stayed for an extended period of time in another home, or those who  experience mild stress and anxiety with changes or separation from family