Can I Send My Puppy Away to Be Trained? A Complete Guide for Pet Owners

Deciding whether you can send your puppy away to be trained is a big choice for any pet owner. Many people wonder if professional training is the best way to teach their puppy good behavior. This method involves sending your dog to a trainer or a boarding facility for a few weeks. During this time, experts work on skills like sitting, staying, and walking on a leash. However, it’s not always the right option for every dog or owner. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits, challenges, and other options to help you decide what’s best for your furry friend.

Understanding the Concept of Sending Your Puppy Away for Training

When you think about whether you can send your puppy away to be trained, you’re looking at a method called board-and-train. This means your puppy lives with a professional trainer for a set time, usually two to six weeks. The trainer works on teaching your dog basic commands and fixing bad habits. For example, they might teach your puppy to stop barking at strangers or to walk nicely on a leash. This method is popular because it promises quick results. Owners like it since they don’t have to do the hard work themselves. But, it’s important to understand how this process works before deciding.

Board-and-train programs are often held at a boarding facility or the trainer’s home. Your puppy stays there full-time, like at a doggy camp. The trainer spends many hours each day working on skills. They might focus on things like potty training or stopping your puppy from chewing shoes. These programs can cost a lot, often between $500 and $2,000, depending on the trainer and the length of the program. While it sounds great to have a well-behaved dog fast, there are some things to think about. For instance, your puppy might miss you, and the training might not stick when they come home.

Why Do Owners Consider Sending Their Puppy Away for Training?

Many pet owners wonder if they can send their puppy away to be trained because they feel overwhelmed. Puppies can be a lot of work, especially if they bark a lot or chew things they shouldn’t. Owners might have busy lives with jobs or kids, leaving little time for puppy training. A board-and-train program seems like an easy fix. It lets someone else handle the hard parts while you focus on other things. For example, a family with a new baby might not have time to teach their puppy to sit or stay, so they look for a professional trainer.

Another reason is that some owners want fast results. They see their puppy’s bad habits, like jumping on guests, and want them fixed quickly. A boarding facility can offer intense training that might take months if done at home. Trainers often work with the puppy every day, so the dog learns faster. For instance, a trainer might spend three hours a day teaching your puppy to stop pulling on the leash. This can be helpful if your puppy’s behavior is causing stress. However, owners should know that quick fixes don’t always last. The puppy might behave well with the trainer but act differently at home.

Benefits of Sending Your Puppy to a Board-and-Train Program

One big benefit of choosing to send your puppy away to be trained is the expert help you get. A professional trainer knows how to teach dogs in a way that works. They understand dog behavior and can fix problems like biting or barking. For example, if your puppy doesn’t listen when you call them, a trainer can teach them to come every time. This can save you a lot of time and stress. Trainers also work in a controlled setting, so your puppy can focus better. At home, there might be distractions like kids or loud noises that make training harder.

Another advantage is the structure a boarding facility provides. Puppies thrive on routine, and these programs offer a set schedule. The trainer might feed, walk, and train your puppy at the same time every day. This helps your puppy learn faster. For instance, a trainer might take your puppy for a walk at 7 AM, train them at 9 AM, and play with them at noon. This routine can make your puppy feel safe and ready to learn. Plus, when your puppy comes home, they might already know basic commands like sit, stay, and down. This can make life easier for you.

Challenges of Sending Your Puppy Away for Training

While it might seem great to send your puppy away to be trained, there are some challenges to think about. One big issue is that your puppy might feel scared or stressed. Being away from home in a new place like a boarding facility can be hard for a young dog. They might miss you and feel lonely. For example, a puppy who is used to sleeping near you might cry at night in a new place. This stress can make it harder for them to learn. Some puppies even develop new bad habits, like chewing more, because they feel anxious.

Another challenge is that the training might not work when your puppy comes home. A professional trainer teaches your puppy in a specific setting, but your home is different. For instance, your puppy might learn to sit at the boarding facility, but at home, they might not listen because the environment has changed. You also need to keep up the training after they return. If you don’t practice the commands, your puppy might forget them. This means you still have to put in effort, even after spending money on the program. It’s not a complete fix for all behavior problems.

Is Your Puppy Ready to Be Sent Away for Training?

Before you decide to send your puppy away to be trained, you need to think if they’re ready. Puppies should be at least 12 weeks old before going to a boarding facility. Younger puppies might not handle being away from home well. They need time to bond with you and feel safe. For example, an 8-week-old puppy might get too scared if sent away. It’s also important that your puppy has their basic shots, like for rabies and distemper. Trainers often ask for proof of vaccines to keep all dogs safe. This protects your puppy from getting sick while they’re away.

You also need to think about your puppy’s personality. Some puppies are shy and might not do well in a new place. A professional trainer can help, but a shy puppy might feel more stressed in a board-and-train program. For instance, a timid puppy might hide instead of learning when they’re in a new setting. On the other hand, a confident puppy might enjoy the experience and learn quickly. You know your puppy best, so think about how they act in new places. If they get scared easily, you might want to train them at home instead.

How to Choose the Right Board-and-Train Program for Your Puppy

If you decide to send your puppy away to be trained, picking the right program is very important. Not all trainers are the same, so you need to do some research. Look for a professional trainer who has good reviews from other pet owners. You can check online or ask friends for suggestions. For example, a trainer with five-star reviews on Google might be a good choice. Make sure the trainer uses kind methods, like giving treats for good behavior. Some trainers use harsh methods, like yelling, which can scare your puppy. You want your puppy to feel safe and happy while learning.

It’s also smart to visit the boarding facility before you decide. See if the place is clean and safe for your puppy. Ask the trainer how many dogs they train at once. If they have too many dogs, they might not give your puppy enough attention. For instance, a trainer with 20 dogs at once might not have time to focus on your puppy’s needs. You should also ask what the daily schedule looks like. A good program will have time for training, playing, and resting. This helps your puppy learn without feeling too tired or stressed.

Alternatives to Sending Your Puppy Away for Training

If you’re not sure about choosing to send your puppy away to be trained, there are other options to think about. One idea is to train your puppy at home with the help of a professional trainer. Many trainers offer private lessons where they come to your house. They can teach you how to train your puppy yourself. For example, a trainer might show you how to teach your puppy to sit using a treat. This way, your puppy stays with you, and you learn how to handle them. It can also be cheaper than a board-and-train program.

Another option is to join a group puppy training class. These classes are held at a local pet store or training center. You and your puppy go together, usually once a week, to learn with other dogs. For instance, a class might teach all the puppies to walk on a leash without pulling. This is a great way for your puppy to learn while also making friends with other dogs. It’s also good for you because you get to practice the skills with your puppy. Group classes are often less expensive, costing around $100 to $200 for a few weeks. This can be a fun way to bond with your puppy while training them.

Final Thoughts on Sending Your Puppy Away for Training

Deciding whether you can send your puppy away to be trained depends on your needs and your puppy’s personality. A boarding facility with a professional trainer can offer fast results and expert help, but it’s not always the best choice. Your puppy might feel stressed, and the training might not work at home if you don’t keep practicing. On the other hand, training your puppy yourself or joining a class can be a great way to bond while teaching them. Think carefully about what’s best for you and your puppy. With the right choice, your puppy can grow into a well-behaved dog you’re proud of.