Board & Training Programs

[Tay_Fam]

Hi All,
My boy is 13 weeks and 4 days. We are contemplating doing a board and training program for him. It's a 3 week program by a highly recommended program. It's fairly expensive but the results seem to be fantastic. He's doing great with his training at home but with 3 boys and 2 of them 6 and under it can be a challenge at times. He plays entirely too rough with the two little ones which is to be expected until he knows better. In all honestly I'm clueless as how to resolve this issue as well. So, my question is what do you think about this type of program and is it worth it? Thanks

[Rosemary]

Part of training process is the bonding between you and your pup. Instead of doing a board and train situation, I'd look into a good puppy class, that teaches you how to train your pup.

As for the playing too rough, do you mean that he nips and jumps on them? For nipping, redirect, redirect, redirect, ad infinitum. For jumping, teach him "off" and also redirect him into something that is appropriate, like sitting.

[Adara]

No, I would not. I agree that part of the training is the bonding AND training the humans. We learn slower then they do sometimes I also don't send my puppy or dogs to people I don't know PERIOD. Especially with puppies. I'm a control freak about what methods are used and how they are socialized.

I wouldn't think the board and train would focus on that particular issue but more regular obedience also.

[GingerGunlock]

Oh my, could you stand to send a puppy that young away?

I agree with the others that I personally am not a fan of the board and train. I admit I am particularly suspicious. You don't know what's happening with your dog, you don't know what situations he'll be in, you don't know what training methods are really being used.

The only way your guy is going to learn how to behave around the little kids is to be trained around them, not sent away from home. A puppy class near you would be a great idea, particularly because (I hear) that they frequently include playtimes amongst the puppers, which blows off a lot of energy and helps them focus.

[Tay_Fam]

Thanks so much for the responses all. We decided its no way we could part with him that long not to mention the other concerns mentioned. We signed up for a training class today so hopefully we can learn to better communicate with the little guy. He's fantastic 90% of the time. House training took no time. Some of the other things we definitely need help with.

[EmilyB]

Are you crate training?

[Tay_Fam]

Yes we are crate training and he's great. No whining or anything. Just wish we only had to use it at night. Have to crate him at times during the day while the kids are out on break. When he gets tired or too worked up he goes right after them with rough play. Then its back to the crate. I've been leaving the leash on him the last two days so I have better control.

[Patches Mom]

Please do not send your baby off no one can train a puppy in 3 weeks sorry training is a life long process the best way is take the pup to a class that you can go along too and be trained to train the pup. Welcome to DT and Good Luck

[alwayshadpets]

I would also look into privates. You can really get more specific training. Also do the classes (very important with a puppy)

[Beaumont67]

Glad you chose the class training route vs. shipped off for 3 weeks.
9 times out of 10, the owners need trained before improvements in the dog are realized.
Family consistenct, timing and bond (once learned) will help create the perfect puppy, that respects rules & boundaries.
And agree, some puppies can be a handfull, but it does get better when the whole family is on the same page, so to speak.
- glad you decided against the "Board & Training Program", not effective if all the expense & work is undone, when the pup comes home

[Cathy43]

Your area has a ton of training classes available. You should have your pick of great places to train you and your pup.