Board and Train Columbus

Boarding with Training in Columbus: Our Dog Training Programs

At Dog Dynamix Ohio, we put a lot of effort into ensuring that dogs and their owners achieve the best results through our selection of dog training programs. Our off-leash Board and Train options as well as our Puppy Training programs come with extensive owner counseling after graduation and have evolved over the years to get the greatest results possible.

Our Board and Train is a very popular program for dog owners in Columbus and Dayton looking to get high quality training results for their dogs on an expedited timeline.

We provide a few different Board and Train programs:

Our Ohio dog trainer will teach your dog how to walk properly on a leash, go to their bed (and stay there), come when you call them, behave correctly on field trips to various dog-friendly establishments, parks, trails, and more throughout our three-week off-leash focused training program.

If off-leash training isn’t a goal, we offer a two-week program that focuses on walking nicely on leash around distractions, bed-stay, and basic house manners.

We also off a Dog Bootcamp that aims to treat troublesome behaviors in dogs like aggression, barking at other dogs or people on leash, separation anxiety, fear and phobias, and other issues. The two different stays included in this program allow you to work with your dog halfway through and provide feedback on what needs to be adjusted for the greatest results.

We have a puppy to adult Perfect Puppy Program for puppies that consists of two weeks of on-leash puppy foundation training (name recognition, crate games, beginning leash walking, wait at the door, leave it, confidence building, and handling for grooming), and three weeks of off-leash training when your puppy is at least seven months old.

Finally, we offer a two-week puppy training program that starts puppies off on the right track but does not get into the advanced off leash training when they are older.

So, why choose board and train for dogs?

The biggest benefit of a board and train program may be the amount of time that our experienced Columbus dog trainer can commit to training your dog. In a Board and Train program, your dog’s dog trainer gets the chance to put the training techniques to use every single day. We’ve been doing this for a long time, and our system works (and has been proven via many dogs each year!). While in training, your dog receives repetitions every day as well as deliberate introductions to new dogs, people, and environments intended to serve as distractions.

The daily training for a prolonged length of time can be quite helpful when trying to resolve more serious behavioral difficulties. Due to frequent exposure to long-term triggers, lack of consistency, and the fact that dog owners don’t have the skillset of a dog trainer, things can move more quickly with a trainer than they would at home.

At a specialized training facility, the trainer is also likely to have access to a wider variety of people, dogs, and other significant distractions than you would at your house. It can be quite challenging to locate neutral dogs and people to work with frequently enough to make significant progress if your dog is overly thrilled to meet new people or other dogs. Dog trainers are able to set up your dog for success by using their own well-trained dogs, other dogs in training, dog trainer friends, and coworkers as everyday distractions. One of the most important aspects of dog training—and one that can be the most difficult—is teaching your dog how to behave consistently and securely around people and other dogs. In a dog training setting, socialization does not entail a free-for-all, overly enthusiastic greetings, improper conduct from the new human or dog, or anything else. We manage the atmosphere so that your dog learns how to act in a thoughtful and shrewd manner.

Some of us have very little time for dog training because our everyday lives are so busy, whether it’s because of work, kids, or a mix of things. Board and train programs can assist dog owners teach their dogs effectively on a tight schedule. In most cases, all you need to get ready for a Board and Train program is the food your dog will need for the duration of their stay and their vaccination documents. You don’t have to worry about keeping up with your weekly training “homework” in between appointments because the trainer will handle all the tiresome repetitions. Private Lesson programs are without a doubt a fantastic choice for many people, but if your schedule is already full, adding another commitment may be challenging. Knowing that your dog will receive the necessary training from a trainer you can trust and that all you need to do is pack up their food and drop them off removes your tension.

If you’re heading out of town for vacation, boarding and training programs are a terrific option. A Board and Train program may be the best option for you if you don’t want to board your dog while you’re away on business or vacation in an unstructured way that can create more bad behaviors. If you’re planning a trip and know you’ll need to board your dog, why not take advantage of the chance to combine excellent training with doing so? Your dog will behave better when you return, in addition to being in good hands while you’re away.

Dog Dynamix provides board and train programs for dogs and their owners in Ohio (Dayton and Columbus) and Colorado (including the Denver Metro area).

If you’re interested in our Board and Train Programs, please contact the trainer in your area by visiting their page (which is listed above)!

A Cattle Dog plays fetch during her Board and Train program near Columbus

Pros and Cons of Boarding and Training Programs for Dogs

What exactly is a “Board and Train” for dogs?

With a board and train program, you leave your dog for a set period of time to stay at a dog training facility or a dog trainer’s house. Your dog’s day is spent developing new skills or addressing other behavioral problems. A professional dog trainer does the repetitions (generally daily, but every company is different) and then helps you learn how to maintain the skills once your dog graduates from the program.

What Is the Duration of a Dog Board and Train?

Depending on the behaviors you want to address, and the trainer’s service options, the length of your dog’s board and train will vary. Most boards and trains have a duration of two to five weeks. Some dog trainers will offer shorter board and train programs for learning fundamental skills, while others may be longer for dealing with difficult behavioral problems (aggression, lunging and barking at dogs or people, high levels of anxiety, separation anxiety, phobias, or otherwise).

While your dog is enrolled in a board and train program, you could be required to regularly attend lessons so you can become familiar with the human side of the training equation. Other programs might choose to forego this, and the owner education piece comes in when your dog graduates from the training program. At Dog Dynamix Ohio, we provide regular video updates that keep you up to speed on the program and send you a PDF packet of training homework to study while your dog is in training. Then, you have private lessons to utilize, beginning the day you pick up your dog, where you learn how to keep up with the skills at home, how to use any prescribed dog training equipment, and how to begin introducing your dog to more difficult situations/distractions using the new training skills. The owner coaching portion of a board and train program is critical, and you should only consider programs that put a heavy emphasis on training you as well as they train your dog.

What is the price of board and train?

The price of a board and train program varies depending on where you live and how long your dog will be staying. Costs each week could range from $500 to more than $2000. This cost takes into consideration daily boarding, regular obedience training on site and on field trips, behavioral modification if the dog is having issues, follow up lessons, dog training equipment, and the general daily care such as feeding, brushing, exercising, and rotating to potty. Dog board and train programs involve way more than just dog-sitting with some training if you’re working with a reputable dog training company. Reputable board and train programs should include daily exercise, enrichment, and playtime in addition to providing a safe environment around-the-clock to prevent the rehearsing of undesirable behaviors and decrease physical risk to the dog.

CHOOSING A BOARD AND TRAIN PROGRAM

Regrettably, a high price tag does not always mean that a board and train program is being offered by licensed or morally upright professional dog trainers. Anyone can use the title “dog trainer” and offer board and train. When enrolling your dog in a board and train program with a prospective dog trainer or training facility, it is crucial that you conduct a thorough background check on them to avoid becoming one of the tragic stories of dogs being abused, stolen, or lost during a board and train program. You should do your research thoroughly by checking google reviews, visiting social media pages, and touring the training facility whenever possible prior to enrolling in a program. You’ll want to ask the dog trainer what their qualifications are, what continued education they pursue, and what methods and techniques they use to train dogs. Make sure you are comfortable with what methods and tools are used with your dog.

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a board and train facility. Does your dog stay in a kennel or dog run when not training? Or do they stay in a home environment? Is the facility or home clean and safe? Are proper cleaning products used to lower the risk of illness transmission? Are there any potential dangers present that indicate an area is not fully dog-proofed (proper containment areas, etc.)? Are dogs required to be up to date on vaccinations and on flea and tick preventatives? If board and train staff notice your dog not eating or losing weight, what do they do to combat that problem? How many dogs can enroll in a program at one time? How is barking controlled? How much human interaction will your dog get every day? What types of enrichment and exercise does your dog get each day? Will there be any playtime with other dogs (if appropriate) or with people?

Board and Train Programs: Benefits and Disadvantages

Convenience is a major benefit of a board-and-train program. It takes a lot of work to train a dog. Your schedule might not provide much time for training because of your work schedule, kids activities, travel plans, or other obligations. For busy folks who simply do not have the time to get in the necessary training repetitions required to teach new skills, a board and train option can be an excellent option.

Your dog will receive a lot of repetitions for training skills with a daily training schedule, and those repetitions will be performed by a dog trainer who has better timing, a deeper understanding of dog behavior, and sharper training skills than you do. Faster learning results from quality, repetitive practice. A good board and train program will also provide an atmosphere where your dog won’t engage in naughty habits that can impede their training, such as pulling on the leash in between training sessions, jumping on the counter, getting into the trash, or practicing aggressive behavior.

Board and train programs change the dog’s environment, which can make learning easier. There are instances when a dog’s environment at home naturally causes undesirable behaviors, and it can be challenging to alter the environment to stop the behavior from happening. For example, it is difficult to get a dog to stop counter surfing, jumping on guests at your front door, or from chasing joggers down the fence line if those triggers exist in your daily environment. At a dog training facility, the environment is easier to control and dog trainers can introduce those types of distractions strategically without them being practiced during “Downtime” outside of training. Environmental management and prevention of poor behaviors are essential for accelerating learning! It can be beneficial to take a dog to a different Nonetheless, home follow-up instruction and upkeep are crucial for long-term success.

Stress can be a big disadvantage of a board-and-train program. Many dogs find traveling away from home to stay somewhere new to be distressing. They don’t have a trusting relationship with the new folks running the show, the routine is different, and the setting can be a lot to take in. A dog must adjust to a new environment and routine for at least a few days to a week; tense or fearful dogs may take longer. The acclimatization period, often known as the transition time, is important. Learning is not facilitated by stress. So, sending a dog to board and train means that, at minimum, the first few days are focused on acclimating a dog to their new environment and building a relationship with the trainer. This is why we do not offer programs shorter than two weeks at Dog Dynamix Ohio — we want dogs to have a few days to settle in before the training begins.

Dogs are not very good at generalizing. It is crucial to train them to respond to cues in various contexts. A trainer’s home or a board and train facility will be set up in a way to prevent unwanted behaviors from happening. It can be challenging to transfer this to your house without consistent follow up and owner education. Your dog has a learned history of what works in their home environment and a different learned history in the board and train environment. It is important that any board and train program you enroll your dog into takes their in-training dogs on regular field trips to new spaces so that they can generalize the behaviors around a lot of distractions, including new people, dogs, and environmental distractions (cars, bikes, joggers, stores, trails, etc.).

We cannot emphasize this enough: in a board and train, your dog will be learning and practicing with a professional trainer or training staff — not you. You are the one who will be living with your dog full-time. The way you communicate with your dog — how you move, how you give cues, how you reward, and how you respond to undesired behaviors — is what affects their training and behavior the most. You are one of the most important antecedents in the dog training equation! If you don’t put in the effort to learn how to maintain the training at home (or you do not have a dog trainer who is willing to take the time to teach you how to act like a dog trainer) your dog will soon revert back to what they used to do. This can be frustrating for people who did not get the proper follow up instruction after investing in a board and train. They see how well their dog performs for the trainer, but then feel like it didn’t “stick” or that somehow they’ve failed. Owner instruction has to happen for long term success.

Board and Train for Puppies

If you have a new puppy in your life, it can be overwhelming to make sure they get lots of positive experiences in a variety of environments during their critical socialization period. A board and train program can be ideal to provide appropriate socialization to different people, other dogs, and other important experiences. This requires a dog trainer who knows how to raise a confident puppy, because bad experiences during this socialization window can have lifelong effects on a developing brain.

While a board and train can be very helpful for socialization with appropriate dogs, people, and places the average dog owner doesn’t have access to (or time to access), a Board and Train Program for a puppy isn’t generally that helpful for potty training. Housetraining is probably one of the most exhausting parts of raising a puppy. And while you might feel that passing this task off to a trainer at a board and train program sounds like a good idea, it doesn’t tend to help much. Potty training is incredibly location-specific for young puppies. They may be housetrained quickly at a board and train where the routine and the potty spot are consistent, but once they return home, they have to relearn where they are supposed to go potty. It might not be starting at square one due to physical maturity that takes place during a training program, but it certainly won’t be done.

Board and Train for Aggressive Dogs

There are different types of aggression in dogs, and a board and train for aggressive dogs will not cure aggression (nor will any other type of dog training program). Management and safety are key components for addressing a dog’s aggression and requires the dog owner to learn proactive and defensive handling, dog body language, and how to effectively manage their dog’s environment.

A board and train will benefit a dog struggling with leash reactivity, as your trainer will be able to quickly teach the reactive dog obedience skills (leash walking, coming when called, bed stay) and then expose the dog to a lot of new dogs, people, places, and things to help move the process forward as a faster pace than they would be able to with an inexperienced dog handler. Then, just like a regular board and train, the dog trainer will coach the dog owner how to be successful at home.

Aggressive behavior can either exacerbated or suppressed in an unfamiliar environment with a new handler (the dog trainer). A dog may shut down in the new environment, or they may exhibit more aggressive behavior than usual. Either way, the aggressive dog needs time to unwind and settle in as stress makes it difficult to practice counter conditioning methods (which is used to help change a negative emotional response to a positive one).

Are Board and Train Programs Worth It?

Sending your dog off to a board and train near you is worth it if your expectations match what’s actually possible in a short time period. While three weeks seems like a long time to be away from your dog, it is a very short time in the grand scheme of things. Dog trainers are not magicians and a board and train program still requires intensive owner commitment, daily repetitions to upkeep behavior, and a long-term dog training plan. Behavior change does not happen overnight. It doesn’t happen in one or two weeks. Training your dog is a lifelong commitment. A board and train program can certainly jumpstart your dog’s learning and get where you want to be faster than group classes or private lessons, but you need to be committed to the training program for the long haul.

Overall, board and train programs for dogs can be a good option for those dog owners who are committed to continuing training for long after the program ends. Because a board and train can be a major financial investment, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing the right program to meet the needs of you and your dog.

Finn, a daschund puppy from Columbus, Ohio, in training.

Is Hiring a Local Dog Trainer Important?

The reality is, unlesss you have a real knack for animal behavior and leash handling, most dog owners will need the help of a professional dog trainer in order for them to make fantastic household pets. When the doorbell rings, most dogs will bark. Other dogs will pull hard on leash to visit the neighbor or practice doggy parkour in order to harass the household cat. While barking, jumping, digging, pulling on leash, and chasing prey items are normal canine behaviors, it can be really helpful to get a professional dog trainer on your team to help you figure out how to best live with your dog and avoid problematic behaviors from occuring.

Dog trainers can be extremely beneficial for dogs of all ages who may have a variety of problems, such as fear, aggression, and difficulties learning advanced (or even simple) obedience commands. If you want your dog to join you on off leash adventures, it is critical they are reliably trained under heavy distraction. Dog friendly patios can be a blast… unless your dog spends the entire time barking and trying to visit other patrons. Hiring a dog trainer doesn’t make an owner a failure, nor is it a sign that there is something wrong with the dog. Hiring a dog trainer should be a proactive move made to help better your relationship with your dog.

Finding the pet expert who is best for you is the first step in strengthening the link between owner and dog. Check out this guide on how to get in touch with the best dog trainer for you and your dog.

Dog training can begin at any age. Beginning with a trainer as soon as a new puppy comes home can start them off right; it’s a lot of work raising a puppy, and there is a lot of conflicting information out there! Hiring a puppy trainer can help you learn how to properly socialize your new friend, create an appropriate potty training schedule, and help you deal with pesky, but normal, puppy behaviors such as jumping, biting, and barking in the crate.

Get the tools you need to practice at home. Consider the tools you’ll need to reinforce excellent behavior at home after consulting with a trainer. Learning simple training skills like “sit,” “down,” and “leave it” can be done at home with minimal effort, with just a leash and some yummy dog training treats. You should have a short leash as well as a long leash for practicing coming when called out and about, and a properly fitted collar that won’t slip over your dogs head. A dog kennel helps puppies learn to respect other people’s property and facilitates housebreaking. We love Ruffland Kennels and KBC Kennels for solid crates that will last you years.

While working with a trainer, you can get into the habit of incorporating training exercises into your daily routine with your dog or puppy. Each walk should be spent reinforcing excellent leash manners, rather than teaching your dog to drag you around the park. You can practice leave it during dinner, and work on your bed stay at night while watching TV (while also paying attention to your pup, of course). Every time you let your dog outside to go to the bathroom is a time to practice “wait at the door”. Being consistent and keeping your dogs brain active goes a long way in future good behavior!

In the end, hiring a reputable dog training professional and devoting time to training will help your dog succeed and open up your world to more adventures together. We would love to discuss training options with you if you are local to Ohio or Denver. Our dog trainers specialize in Boarding and Training programs for dogs and puppies.

A black and white dog lays calmly out at a busy park during a dog training field trip.

4 Helpful Tips to determine if a board and train is right for you and your dog. 

Is a Board and Train right for you and your dog?

  1. Taking classes and learning to train your own dog is a worthwhile endeavor, however, most dog training classes last a minimum of 6 weeks, and in that time, barely cover leash walking and other basics. In addition, private dog training and group dog training classes require the owner to practice (daily) what they’ve learned in class that week. Do you have the time to commit to teaching your dog the skills every day? While a board and train still requires owner commitment and practice, you are working on skills that your dog has a solid understanding of. Dog training is all we do, and we love it! Our programs are designed to meet your training goals in a condensed period of time. 
  1. Convenience – If you are planning a trip, or have an event (remodeling, work conference or project, etc) that necessitates the dog needing daycare or boarding, it may make sense to make the most of that time away from your dog teaching them great life skills! Most boarding facilities are too full and busy to control barking, jumping, pulling on leash, and other nuisance behaviors. Our Board and Train Programs. exercise your dog’s mind and body through teaching polite greetings, proper leash manners, stay, waiting at doors and more. Out of control play groups create out of control dogs. At Dog Dynamix, your dog won’t pick up bad habits. Our emphasis is better behavior, and happily obedient dogs. 
  1. Dog and Owner limitations – Some dog behavior issues require special attention. Dog training requires precision, patience, perseverance, and knowing the right technique for the moment. If the dog presents a danger to the client or the public, it’s best to let a professional step in. Additionally, some clients might have mobility issues or may be elderly and aren’t physically capable of practicing the training techniques. Leave it to the pros. We will take excellent care of your dog and be sure that you get the training you need. 
  1. Board and Train is Perfect for New or Expecting Parents – Managing your dog while trying to establish a new routine and care for your little one can be quite a challenge. Who will watch the dog when the Baby is on the way? Board and Train is the perfect place for your dog to learn obedience and baby-manners in a short amount of time. Let us give your dog the one-on-one attention it deserves, while allowing peace and time to settling in to your new life and family.  
A border heeler enjoying swimming time at an Ohio pond

Training Tips From Experienced Dog Trainers in Columbus

Dog training in Columbus is an important part of dog ownership! Dog training helps your dog learn good habits and live a more fulfilled life. Whether you’re looking for basic obedience training or more advanced off leash dog training, local trainers near you can help guide your pup on the path to becoming a well-behaved companion.

Start With the Basics.

Before you move on to more complex skills, take time to really focus on the basics: name recognition, wait at the door, sit and down. Then, you can start more advanced skills such as walking on leash without pulling, coming when called, and stay. If your pup isn’t yet obedience trained, then it’s really important to start by teaching him foundational commands that serve as the building blocks for more advanced commands later on. Skipping out on important basics will make things much harder when your dog has developed bad habits!

Use a Positive Reinforcement-Based Training System.

Understanding and appropriately applying all four quadrants of learning is key when trying to teach advanced dog training cues. Positive reinforcement should be the building blocks set when it comes to successfully training your pup. Experienced dog trainers in Columbus know how to use all quadrants of learning properly, but should always teach using positive reinforcement, only layering over positive punishment to skills that your dog knows and understands. Dog Dynamix Ohio is well-versed in (and very passionate about) balanced dog training, which begins by using a liberal foundation of positive reinforcement, then uses negative reinforcement, negative punishment, and positive punishment as your dog progresses in their training.

Create Realistic Goals for Your Dog’s Training Progress

Creating realistic goals will help you and your pup progress in a timely manner. It is important to remember that teaching your dog or puppy new commands can take time, so don’t be discouraged if it takes your pup longer than expected. Overloading your dog with more tasks when they are not ready for them has the potential to make them confused or frustrated. So, start off with simple commands, master them in areas of low distraction, and then gradually increase the distance, distraction, and duration of the tasks as they get better.

Practice Your Training During Walks and Other Activities.

Walks, playtime and other day-to-day activities are major opportunities for practicing your dog’s training. For example, instead of just letting your pup run free at the park, try asking them to “sit” or “down” for their favorite toy, and then throw the toy when they do so. If you’re taking a hike, practice “place” on tree stumps, and work on coming when called (on a long line, of course!). Inserting training drills in your every day life not only keeps things interesting but helps your do anticipate their obedience commands anywhere and anytime.

Dog Trainer Shaina Zimmerman at the 2022 NARA National Championship

How to Find the Best Dog Training Near Me

Searching for a qualified dog trainer near you?

Whether you’re new to dog training or want to advance your pup’s current obedience skillset, finding the right person for the job can be an overwhelming task. This guide will help you find the perfect local dog trainer for you and your dog.

Research Different Training Options and Techniques.

Before you choose a local dog trainer, it’s important to learn about the different techniques and methods used in dog training. This can help you make an informed decision about which technique works best for your pup and lifestyle. Consider the differences between balanced dog training, traditional dog training, and force free dog training and the limitations of each option. You should also have a basic understanding of various training program options; cost and benefits will vary drastically between boarding and training programs, private dog training lessons, in home dog training, and group dog obedience classes. It’s also very important to research the qualifications of any potential trainers to ensure they have the experience and credibility needed to be successful.

Ask Friends, Family or Veterinarians for Recommendations.

A great way to find the best dog trainers near you is by asking around. Talk to your family and friends who live nearby to see if they have any advice. Or you can ask your veterinarian or other local animal professionals for recommendations. Their is SO much power in word-of-mouth recommendations – asking around can help you gain significant personal insights into the performance (or shortcomings) of a specific trainer.

Check Reviews of Potential Trainers Online.

It’s always a good idea to do your research online before settling on a trainer. Visit the websites of potential trainers and read their reviews. Also, search for their business names on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where you can get a more detailed look at their qualifications and reputation, and where you should be able to see the dog trainer working with client dogs or dog owners in video format. Finally, ask on forums or other dog-related communities to get insights from other owners who have worked with them in the past.

Consider Your Dog’s Needs and Your Budget When Making a Decision

When selecting a dog trainer, be sure to consider both your pet’s needs and your budget. Some trainers specialize in certain breeds or ages (for example, some trainers specialize in puppies, while others may take on more aggression cases), and others may work with all types of dogs. Additionally, some program types are more affordable than others. Once you have narrowed down your choices based on these criteria, contact the trainers you are considering to make sure they are available and find out more about their methods and experience.

Choosing a dog trainer can be a difficult task, but hopefully these tips make it easier for you! If you are looking for a Dayton Dog Trainer or a Columbus Boarding and Training professional, contact us for more information today. We’d love to help you on your dog training journey with your pup.