What Is A Boot Camp For Dogs?

A dog boot camp is a board and train facility where you send your pooch off for intensive training. Essentially, it builds upon the concept of frequent one-on-one training, offering an intensive programme that includes aggressive dog training if needed. The aim of intensive training is to get your pet up to speed at a faster rate. However, this does not mean compromising on quality; we use a well-developed curriculum to ensure that your dog gets the most out of the time they have with us.

Why Does My Dog Need Boot Camp?

To Help Solve Behavioural Issues

Dog boot camp is incredibly beneficial in helping to solve a range of behavioural problems. Areas we will work on include:

Manners Training

Boot camp training often focuses on the behavioural and social development of your dog. Depending on your objectives, they can help polish your pup’s manners. Dog manners include teaching them to say please in response to something they want. This habit helps to short-circuit their belief that barking and begging will help speed up aspects of their routine, such as breakfast preparation. This helps with their impulse control and self-control.

Hyperactivity

If your furry friend is hyperactive, boot camp-style training is ideal for their self-control and impulse control.

Hyperactivity can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Breed drive
  • Lack of appropriate physical and mental stimulation (exercise, puzzles, new tricks etc)
  • Poor diet

If you are concerned about your dog’s activity level or have noticed a sudden behavioural change, we would always recommend speaking to your vet for advice.

Stalking Or Predatory Behaviour

Firstly, it is important to understand that stalking and predatory behaviours are quite complex. Dogs are naturally predatory in some situations due to their prey drive, or hunting instinct. For the most part, this behaviour can be channelled into chasing a ball, tugging games or ripping stuffed toys. Additionally, some breeds, such as Lurchers, Collies, Terriers and Greyhounds, have a higher prey drive.

Generally, it is not a major problem that necessitates sending your dog to a facility for training. However, if they are leading to problems, accidents, or incidents for your dog and other animals, this is when it is time to seek expert help.

Boot camp training can help teach your dog vital skills, such as recall and lead training, as well as the “leave” command.

How Long Does It Take?

Typically, boot camp is carried out over a period of a few weeks. However, this depends on the level of training your dog needs. Like our residential training programmes, boot camps are a great chance for you to go on holiday while your pup is having fun and learning at the same time.

Does Dog Training Boot Camp Work?

Yes! A period of intensive training helps to cement the encouraged behaviours so that they will be more likely to repeat them. When you return to collect them, we will give you a detailed handover to get you up to speed on what they have learnt and how you can help reinforce the new behaviours.

What Behavioural Issues Are Dog Training Camps Not Good For?

If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, a long time away from you may cause them further distress. In this case, it may be beneficial to ease them into it with smaller, one-off training sessions until they are more comfortable being away.

How To Pick The Best Dog Training Camp

With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which training camp is right for your dog. Here are a few things to look out for in your search:

Look For Certifications & Trained Staff

Anyone can call themselves a trainer, even if they do not have sufficient knowledge or skills. That is why it is important to know what to look for.

It is recommended that you choose instructors that have been assessed by appropriate animal authorities. This will ensure that they have the required level of skills, experience, and knowledge to care for your pet.

Pick The Right Environment

When looking for the perfect bootcamp for your pup, it is important that you consider the location of the training facility. We would recommend searching for a facility like ours that has a range of environments for your dog to explore.

This will not only help make sure that your dog gets used to new experiences, but that they will have plenty of fun and dynamic countryside walks as well.

When you drop your dog off at any training location, watch out for excessive barking, as this can indicate high-stress levels. A calm, quiet class promotes the best learning experience.

Ask About Their Training Methods

Similarly, it is vital that you make sure that the training method is tailored to your individual dog. Generalised training may not work for every pet, as different dogs are motivated in different ways and progress at varying paces.

Additionally, you should never join a class using training techniques that rely on pain, fear, shouting, hitting or choke chains. Instead, look for reward-based classes using play, toys, or food.

Learn About Their Emergency Procedures

It is always good practice to establish the process a facility has in case of an emergency. This is especially important if your dog suffers from any medical conditions that put them at risk while they are away.

What Is The Best Age To Send A Dog To Training?

Generally, the best time to train dogs is between the ages of 4 and 12 weeks. This is because things that they learn at this stage, such as socialisation, will impact their future behaviour. However, in the case of boot camp-style training, this can be undertaken at any age to help address any prevalent behaviour issues.

Pre-Boot Camp Checklist

Before you bring your dog to us for training, here are a few things you should prepare:

Up-To-Date Vaccinations

Our top priority is that your dog learns and has fun while doing it; they will be sure to meet new friends in their time with us. That is why it is essential that your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date, as this will protect not only your dog, but also other dogs training at the facility from ticks, fleas, and other contagious ailments.

Any Medications

If your dog is currently on any medication, it is important that you bring their prescription medication with you so that our expert staff can administer it for you throughout their stay.

Bring Bedding

Bringing familiar items such as bedding or a toy from home can be a great source of comfort for your dog while they are away.

Our Lancaster Dog Training Boot Camp

Does It Involve Boarding?

Yes, the most effective way to provide your dog with intensive training is to have them stay with us. This allows us to regularly reinforce positive behaviour so that your dog can create good habits before returning to you. We will advise you on how to continue their training after the boot camp, and we are always on hand to answer any queries you may have.

We know you will likely miss your furry friend, but rest assured that we check your dog’s well-being every morning and evening. Additionally, we will make sure that they are bathed and groomed before collection so that they come back looking their best!

Ultimately, intensive training combined with boarding both saves you time and improves your relationship with your dog. You can even go away on holiday with peace of mind and come back to a whole new dog!

How Much Does It Cost?

Our training prices start from £750; the price of your training will vary depending on the amount of training your dog requires.

What Your Dog Will Learn

Essentially, this will depend on the needs of your dog. Following your initial consultation, we will develop a personalised plan based on key areas for improvement. Our expert trainers will be on hand to teach your dog foundation skills such as recall, as well as helping their manners. We can even teach them how to walk on a loose leash. Examples of focus areas include:

  • Lead walking
  • Basic commands
  • Obedience training
  • Trigger response (in cases such as aggression)
  • Impulse control
  • High-level/ competition-level training
  • Search on detection training
  • Therapy dog and protection training
  • Behavioural issues

Aside from their training, your dog will also be able to enjoy our state-of-the-art facilities, with indoor and outdoor environments for walks and off-lead play.

Reserve Your Slot

If your dog has a persistent behavioural problem, and you are unsure of what to do, call us or fill in our contact form to reserve your slot today.

Our Payment Plans

At A&T Trained Dogs, we offer finance plans for a minimum of £500 up to £55,000. Please visit https://shorturl.at/fitER for more information. Terms & conditions apply.

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