What is a pet sitter?

From the Team at SMP PAWS, LLC. Pet Concierge

An Adult Dog "Behavior Modification" Board & Train is more than just "fixing" a dog; it’s a lifestyle reset. To achieve the best results for your pup, we ask you to keep these four principles in mind during their stay with us:  

While your pup is with us, our focus is entirely on their rehabilitation and environment. We will provide scheduled updates, but please remember that we are often "in the trenches" working through behavioral breakthroughs. If you don’t hear from us every hour, it’s because your dog is busy learning!

Dogs are mirrors. If you are anxious about the training, they will be too. By trusting the SMP PAWS methods, you send a signal of confidence to your dog. When you are calm and certain, your dog feels safe enough to change.

During a minimum 3-week stay, we break down old habits and build new foundations. However, the "real" training begins when your pet returns home. You are the leader of their new life. Following the post-training homework is the only way to ensure the progress we make here sticks for a lifetime.

When your pup returns, they will be excited to see you! However, it is vital to immediately implement the new boundaries we’ve taught. It may feel "strict" at first, but clear boundaries are the greatest gift you can give a dog with anxiety or fear-based history.

Our Goal: To return to you a dog that is not just "obedient," but truly joyful, confident, and balanced.

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A Board & Train program is a training service where your puppy stays with a professional dog trainer for a specified period (usually 2-4 weeks) to learn potty training skills, essential obedience skills, manners, or address behavioral issues. During this time, your trainer works on your puppy's training in a controlled environment, and your puppy receives 24/7 care. 

The Training I provide includes: potty training (as needed), basic obedience commands (manners on leash) like sit, wait, stay, no, come, heel, leave it, off, and lay down. Off Leash Skills may be incorporated as long as you request this during the initial Board & Train Evaluation Process.

I also cover essential skills which include leash walking, crate training, impulse control, socialization to society (with lots of triggers), and behavior modification for issues such as chewing, barking, or separation anxiety. 

If you qualify, you may get offered specialized training, such as off-leash control or aggression management (as needed). 

Depending on the age and requested goals you have, a customizable training plan will be designed (per dog) that suits the needs of their life stage and each pet parent's expectations. In other words, it will vary from one dog to another. After I assess your dog's needs, a recommended amount of time will be given at your Board & Train Evaluation.

Puppies as young as 13 weeks old can begin this program, as long as they have had at least 3 rounds of vaccinations. Please check with your veterinarian for more information on your pet's vaccines.

The duration of a Board & Train program typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your goals, your puppy's temperament, and the program itself.  You may get offered an extended training program with more sessions if your puppy presents with more complex issues during the Board & Train Evaluation.

Your puppy will learn essential commands, manners, and behaviors, including impulse control, socialization with the world, including environmental triggers, other dogs and people. 

Your dog may also learn more advanced skills like walking on a loose leash, leaving dangerous debris on the ground, or staying and waiting in one spot. It depends on the program’s focus and your puppy’s needs. 

Yes! While your dog is in my Board & Train program, you'll receive updates, progress reports, and sometimes video sessions to see how they’re doing. Once the program is complete, you will also be given follow-up sessions to ensure you know how to maintain the training and continue reinforcing the lessons at home. 

The cost of my Board & Train program varies widely depending on the length of the program I've developed for your dog, my training experience, and location. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. It's important to note that I will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs before enrolling your dog. 

Yes!  My program includes socialization as part of the training. Puppies will have opportunities to interact with other dogs in various controlled environments.  However, it’s essential to discuss your specific concerns or needs with me at your Board & Train Evaluation, to ensure socialization is incorporated into the training plan as you would expect. 

It's essential to check each trainer’s credentials, experience, and reviews. It's not necessary for Dog Trainers to be Certified, since the industry is not regulated, and has not undergone Licensure as of yet. However, you may want to look for/ask me about certifications from reputable organizations such as the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), Association for Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), American Kennel Club (AKC), Accredited Schools such as Animal Behavior College, or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Also, I encourage you to ask me for references from past clients and inquire about the methods I use to ensure they align with your values and expectations. 

After completing my Board & Train program, your puppy will be returned to you with a detailed progress report, and you will be given follow-up sessions (1 for every week completed; included in the fee). The follow-up sessions help ensure that you understand how to continue reinforcing the training at home. Consistency on your part is crucial for maintaining the behaviors your puppy has learned. 

Sometimes, despite training, a dog may not progress as expected. As a reputable trainer, it is crucial for me to be upfront with you about the challenges I've met, yet alternative solutions will be offered. This might include additional training or I may need to modify the training approach based on your dog's temperament. There are no guarantees that your dog will be 100% trained. Although additional training will most likely be needed if your dog doesn't show sufficient progress within a reasonable amount of time.

You will find a clean, safe, peaceful, and well-maintained cozy home environment for your dog, with an experienced and certified trainer. My home has ample space for exercise, play, and training. Myself and all pet handlers that your dog will be exposed to, are attentive and professional. Make sure to visit my home environment in person before enrolling to ensure it's a good fit for your dog.

Puppies as young as (8-12 weeks) typically are not ready for long stays in a Board & Train program. However, puppies (8-12 weeks) should begin basic training (privately 1:1 with me) in their own home. Most puppies who are approximately 13-14 weeks old are eligible for enrolling in my Board & Train Program. You'll have a better idea after completing a Board & Train Evaluation with me. Older puppies or dogs (up to 1-2 years) can benefit from my training as well. However, for older dogs, training may be more challenging if they have developed undesirable habits. 

Before enrolling, make sure your puppy is in good health and up-to-date on vaccinations. It’s also helpful to start introducing them to basic commands (privately in your home environment) and socialize them with many triggers including: loud noises, various sights, unusual smells, dogs, and people. This helps the transition to a new environment be smoother. 

My Board & Train program can accommodate puppies and adult dogs with special needs or behavioral issues, such as anxiety, fearfulness, or aggression. However, it’s essential to communicate with me about your dogs' specific challenges ahead of time (during your Board & Train Evaluation), in order for my training approaches to be tailored accordingly. 

Brief visits are allowed. However, to set your dog up for success, the influence of distractions, can be counterproductive to their learning process. Therefore, video calls are preferred, to check on your puppy. You may prefer to refrain from visiting at all, to help your puppy fully adjust to my training environment. Be sure to clarify your visitation requests with me beforehand at your Board & Train Evaluation. 

There are three types of training programs of which I offer. They differ mainly in where your dog stays during the training and the structure of the training process. 

Here’s a breakdown: 

 1. Daytime Board & Train (at your home)

• Where your Dog Stays: Your dog stays at its own home, and your trainer comes to the your home to provide training for a few hours per day.
• Training Focus: This program typically targets puppies or dogs with a need to learn basic obedience skills (Manners Training) and modify behavioral issues. It can include potty training, socialization, crate training, or leash walking. Training sessions happen during the day while you are still present in your home or you may be gone and are expected to return after each daily session has ended. It should be agreed that Home Access will be granted, in this case.
• Trainer's Role: Your trainer works with your dog in the dog’s natural environment. This can be helpful for addressing behavioral issues that happen in the home setting, such as excessive barking, separation anxiety, or chewing.
• Pet Parent’s Role: Pet parents are usually not involved during the training sessions. A lesson plan (inclusive of photos and live videos) will be provided to make it easier to learn how to reinforce what the trainer is teaching.
• Duration: the training takes place during scheduled daytime sessions. Training will typically last 2-4 hours per day.

2. Reverse Board and Train (Trainer Stays in the Pet

    Parent's Home)

• Where your Dog Stays: In this case, your dog stays at  home, and your trainer stays in your home as well.
• Training Focus: Similar to a regular board and train; your trainer will focus on obedience/Manners training, behavioral issues, or specific goals for your dog. Your trainer can work on both home environment behavior and general commands.
• Trainer's Role: Your trainer stays in the home, allowing them to directly influence your dog’s routine and behavior over an extended period. This method is particularly beneficial for deepening the bond between the trainer and dog in the home environment.
• Pet Parent’s Role: The pet parents are not involved in the day-to-day activities, as the trainer is staying in the home. However, after the Board & Train Stay ends, you can expect to receive guidance and follow-up instructions to ensure progress continues.
• Duration: Your dog stays in its own home, and your trainer may live there for the duration of the program (which could range from a few days to a few weeks, or even multiple months). Your trainer works with your dog intensively during this time.

3. Traditional Board & Train: (Dog stays at Trainer’s Home)

• Where your Dog Stays: Your dog stays at the dog trainer's home. Your dog is removed from its home environment for the duration of the training.
• Training Focus: This program offers more intensive training, as your dog is fully immersed in a controlled environment. It can include a wide range of behavioral training, from puppy training basics, to obedience commands (Manners), to more complex commands or resolving serious behavioral problems.
• Trainer's Role: Your trainer has full control over the dog’s environment, allowing them to tailor the training to your dog’s needs. With fewer distractions and a dedicated space, your trainer can implement consistent routines and approaches.
• Pet Parent’s Role: Pet parents usually do not have direct involvement in day-to-day training (except for initial consultations or progress updates). You will be given instructions on how to maintain progress once your dog returns home.
• Duration: Your dog stays at your trainer’s home for the entire duration of the program, which can last from a few weeks up to several months, depending on the dog’s needs, and what is agreed upon beforehand.

Key Differences: 

• Location:
  • In-Home Daytime Board & Train has your dog staying at home and your trainer comes to the dog’s environment. 
  • Reverse Board & Train has both your dog and the trainer in the dog’s home.
  • Traditional Board & Train has your dog staying at the trainer’s home.
• Trainer's Presence:
  • In-Home Daytime Board & Train: Trainer visits for daytime sessions.
  • Reverse Board & Train: Trainer stays at the dog’s home for full immersion.
  • Traditional Board & Train: Trainer provides full immersion in their own environment.
• Involvement of Pet Parent:
  • In-Home Daytime: Pet parent is usually more involved in the training.
  • Reverse Board & Train: Pet parent’s involvement is minimal while the trainer stays at their home.
  • Traditional Board & Train: Pet parent is usually not directly involved during the training process.
• Intensity of Training:
  • Traditional Board & Train is typically the most intensive, as the dog is fully immersed in the training facility.
  • Reverse Board & Train also provides a high level of immersion with the trainer living in your home.
  • In-Home Daytime is less immersive but still effective for addressing home-based issues.

Each of these programs has its benefits depending on your goals for your dog and yourself. The best fit would depend on your dog’s needs, your desired level of involvement, and the environment that would be most conducive to learning.

To book a Board & Train Evaluation with me: Step #1 start by calling me to inquire: (424) 424-2882. Step #2 Book a Initial Consultation HERE.