Bootcamp

A question I get asked on a regular basis is:

Do you offer bootcamp for dogs?

This is a simple question, one would think. There are two ways to reply "yes" or "no." My answer to that is "no, but ..." Principally I don't offer bootcamp, but as with everything in life there are exceptions.

It is very appealing to a lot of dog owners if they don't have to spend the time that is needed for all the repetition work; The owner gets fast results; ...

On the other hand though there are things that are less appealing. The owner has no control over the training methods used; Or, the dog comes back performing perfectly for the trainer, but blows the owner off; ...

It doesn't matter how much you adore your dog, you create a stronger bond when you work with him. Not only does the dog have the sense of accomplishment every time he does something right, but he learns to trust you and to feel safe. However, everyone who owns a dog has at least once experienced the feeling of utter frustration, when it seems like your dog is just not getting it. Handing over the dog to someone else seems like the only way to go at that point in time.

To me it is very important that the owners at least start out with the training. There are a lot little things that can be implemented easily into your daily life without taking too much time. Having the dog sit and wait for his food. Call the dog randomly during the day and give him a treat and let him go. Deciding where your dog should lay down and when he should do that. ... Dogs enjoy to know what it is that is expected from them. Your benefit is that you gain your dog's respect and he sees you as the leader. If difficulties persist with certain behaviors even after a fair amount of efforts from the owner, then I offer "bootcamp" for the dog at my house. I prefer the term pack training though. Having always at least my own two dogs at the house I can use them to help me with the training. The dog observes their behaviors and trusts me faster, because he sees that my dogs fully trust me. Once the trust is established I can start with working on the unwanted behaviors!