You cross your arms behind your head, wondering why Fido uprooted your freshly planted flowers again! But as you shake your head in frustration, you realize you both need help. Well, Spectrum Canine Dog Training has been helping dogs (and their parents) nationwide for over ten years. Our bay area board and train facility offers comprehensive training to transform dogs into more civilized family and community members.
We also realize that finding a suitable facility for your pup is easier said than done. With that in mind, we’ve created this guide to help streamline the process. Our professional trainers recommend you do the following to ensure your furry companion gets the best training in the Bay area.
Assess Your Pet's Needs
Consider your training goals before deciding on the service to settle on. In other words, determine your pet’s training needs. Are they aggressive towards other dogs or people? Do they have a fear of certain objects? Would basic obedience training suffice?
Likewise, some pups learn best in a group setting, while others require individual attention. That being said, some facilities may not offer the type of training you have in mind. So, do some digging to establish whether the facility in question can meet your pup’s specific needs.
Seek Recommendations
Is your neighbor a dog person? Well, they may know of a reliable board and train service in the area. You may also ask family, friends, coworkers, or your vet for referrals. Likewise, if you frequent a local dog park, fellow pet parents might be forthcoming with suggestions.
Professional organizations such as the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, the Pet Professional Guild, or The Association of Professional Dog Trainers may also offer insights into reputable services. Check them out online to find their recommendations.
Research the Facility
Sure, other pet owners might have glowing remarks about a particular board and train service, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on your research. Hence, look up the recommended facilities online and read reviews from other customers.
Social media can also be a great source of information. Take into account positive and negative reviews while looking for a trend – to determine whether it is worth your time.
You may also visit the facility to get a feel for their service. While at it, be mindful of their training environment. Does the facility look clean and well-maintained? Is there enough space for your pup to move around? Do the trainers have considerable experience? Does the service offer various training programs to accommodate your dog’s needs?
Verify Trainer Qualifications
Since dog training is a long-term commitment, you want to ensure the professional or facility you partner with fits the bill. As such, talk to potential trainers and find out how they acquired their qualifications. Trainers who’ve taken the academic route generally understand animal behavior.
That aside, others have earned their stripes through hands-on experience. Hence, don’t write them off simply because they lack formal accreditation. Just remember to ask appropriate questions and put their credentials under the microscope.
This could mean verifying whether they’re certified by a reputable organization such as the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed CPDT- KA, and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). These certifications require varying degrees of work to acquire. And while certification isn’t a requirement, it attests to a trainer’s commitment to the field. Therefore, look for trainers who hold such certifications.
Assess Training Philosophy or Methods
The trainer’s training methods can significantly impact learning outcomes, including your relationship with your pup. Some trainers rely on traditional methods such as choke collars and coercion, while others use more positive reinforcement techniques.
Ideally, opt for a trainer who utilizes humane, science-based methods with minimal force or fear. For instance, positive reinforcement is a preferred training method for modern board and train facilities. It involves rewarding desired behavior with treats or verbal praise. This type of training encourages dogs to behave appropriately without pressuring them. Steer clear of facilities that use outdated techniques, as they can do more harm than good.
Talk to Past Customers
Is the prospective facility willing to provide references? If not, hightail it to the next potential facility. Reputable services should have no qualms about sharing their previous customers’ contacts.
Call or email the customers and ask about their experience. Among the questions that may guide you include;
Does the facility offer a customized approach to dog training?
Are the trainers happy to field your questions?
Were you satisfied with the results, and would you recommend the facility?
Do they offer follow-up support after the board and train program ends?
What stood out about their customer service?
The answers you get can paint a clearer picture of the facility and how they handle their clients. And considering that you, too, will need clear communication and training, it’s worth taking the time to make those calls. Otherwise, you could be in for a bumpy ride.
Consider Well-rounded Training
It’s easy to assume that all your pup needs is basic obedience training, which isn’t always the case. Wherefore, consider other training aspects. For instance, socialization helps your pup interact appropriately with other dogs or people. Likewise, the training program should include aspects such grooming advice, handling, leash walking, and other life skills.
In other words, go beyond the basics to understand other aspects, such as your dog’s perceptions, the root cause of their behavior, how to communicate with them, their learning styles, and so on. Such a well-rounded training program ensures you and your furry friend are on the same page and are better equipped to handle the ins and outs of daily life.
Follow Your Instincts
To avoid a doggone disaster, trust your instincts. If you walk into a facility and immediately feel like something is wrong, it’s probably not the right place. Put differently, search for a facility that feels more like a waggy-tailed paradise than a haunted house. And if the staff seems more interested in playing with their phones than your pooch, consider looking elsewhere. In regards to your canine companion, trust your dog’s mom or dad’s instincts – they’re paw-some!
Trust us To Deliver on Our Promise
These pointers can help you find a suitable board and train facility to take your dog. And if you’re ready to put them on the path to becoming a master canine citizen, there is no better place to start than Spectrum Canine Dog Training. We’re devoted to helping each pup reach its full potential. You may also explore our site at https://spectrum-canine.com/ or read our customers’ reviews to know what your furry buddy will ‘sign up for.’
Name, Address, and Phone
Spectrum Canine Dog Training, 34060 Rowland Dr. Fremont CA 94555, (510) 629-9498
