Will My Dog Listen to Me After Board and Train Dog Training?
The Question Every Board and Train Client Asks
If you are thinking about a board and train program, you probably have one big question. "Will my dog actually listen to me when they come home?" It is the most common thing I hear from new clients. And it is a fair question.
The short answer is yes. But let me tell you a story that explains why.
A Trip to France Changed How I Explain This
For our 25th anniversary, my husband and I traveled to France. Before we went, I worked hard to learn some basic French. I wanted to be able to get around, order food, and have simple conversations without embarrassing myself too badly.
Here is what I noticed once we got there. My French did not only work with my instructor back home. It worked with real French people, in real French places. A waiter in Paris. A shopkeeper in the Latin Quarter. Even a very patient wine seller who helped me find an un-oaked Chardonnay when I was not quite sure how to ask for it. True story.
Was it perfect? No. Some conversations took a little back and forth. Sometimes I had to ask someone to slow down or use simpler words. But we got there. And the longer I was in France, the more confident I became. I started picking up on little things just by watching and listening to the people around me. My French got better every day.
What France Has to Do With Your Dog
That is exactly how board and train works.
During Phase One, your dog lives with us and learns new skills. They learn what the words mean. They learn what is expected of them. They learn how to make good choices.
Then you come into the picture. Just like I had to practice my French with real people in real situations, you and your dog have to practice together too. It can feel a little awkward at first. That is completely normal. You are both learning a new language together.
But here is the important part. The skills your dog learned do not disappear when they come home. Just like my French did not vanish when I left France. The knowledge is there. It just takes a little practice to become fluent together.
What Happens If You Get Stuck?
When I was in France and hit a wall, I pulled out Google Translate. It saved me more than once.
For our Fresh Start Elite clients, Google Translate is our lifetime group training outings. If you and your dog hit a rough patch, we are here. Our group outings give you a chance to practice with your dog in real situations, with guidance from me, alongside other clients who are on the same journey.
If you are a past client, check our Facebook page for the current outing schedule. We would love to see you and your dog again.
What to Expect in the First Few Weeks at Home
When your dog first comes home, give yourself some grace. You are learning too. Here are a few things that will help:
- Practice the new skills every day, even for just a few minutes
- Use the same words and cues your trainer used
- Stay consistent so your dog knows what to expect
- Reach out if something feels off — that is what we are here for
The awkward phase does not last long. Most owners start to feel confident within just a few weeks of practice at home.
If you are not yet a client and you are wondering whether board and train dog training might be right for you and your dog, I would love to talk. Think of us as your translator. We help you and your dog learn to understand each other, and we stick around to help long after the lessons are done.
Visit us at beaconbaydogtraining.com to learn more or reach out to start the conversation.
Au revoir, Meghan
