Bringing your dog home after a boarding and training program is an exciting time. You’re likely to notice new skills, better manners, and a happier pup. But the real secret to long-term success is what happens next: keeping up the training at home. With a little patience, consistency, and teamwork, you can make sure your dog keeps all those good habits for life.
Why Reinforcement at Home Matters
Even after a great board and train experience, about 60% of the progress can be lost if you don’t keep up with the training at home. Dogs are creatures of habit. They learn best when everyone at home follows the same rules and routines. Your job is to help your dog understand that the same expectations apply in your house as they did during training.
Consistency Is Key
The most important thing you can do is to be consistent. Use the same commands and hand signals your dog learned during boarding. If the trainer used “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” stick with those words. Changing the commands or how you say them can confuse your dog.
It’s also important that everyone in your family is on the same page. If one person lets the dog jump on the couch but another says “no,” your dog won’t know what to do. Talk with your family and agree on the rules and commands. This way, your dog gets the same message from everyone.
Create a Familiar Routine
Dogs love routines. Try to keep training sessions at the same time each day. Pick a quiet spot in your home with few distractions, like a corner of the living room or backyard. This helps your dog focus and makes training feel familiar and safe.
Start with short sessions—about five to ten minutes is plenty. Practice the basics first, like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” As your dog gets more comfortable, you can add new commands or make things a little harder by adding distractions, like practicing with the TV on or in the backyard.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward your dog every time they do something right. This could be a treat, a favorite toy, or just lots of praise and petting. Positive reinforcement helps your dog understand what you want and makes them eager to please you.
Try mixing up the rewards to keep things interesting. Some days, use treats. On other days, play a game or give extra belly rubs. The goal is to make training fun for both of you.
Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t expect your dog to remember everything overnight. Practice a little every day. You don’t have to set aside hours—just a few minutes here and there can make a big difference. Practice commands during walks, playtime, or even while you’re doing chores around the house.
As your dog gets better, try practicing in different places. Start inside, then move to the backyard, then maybe the park. This helps your dog learn to listen no matter where you are.
Be Patient and Celebrate Progress
Every dog learns at their own pace. Some days will be better than others, and that’s okay. If your dog forgets a command or makes a mistake, stay calm and try again. Celebrate the small wins—every step forward is progress.
Keep a simple journal or calendar to track your dog’s progress. Write down what’s working and what needs more practice. This can help you spot patterns and celebrate milestones along the way.
Get the Whole Family Involved
Training works best when everyone helps. Have each family member practice commands with your dog. This teaches your dog to listen to everyone and helps build strong bonds all around.
Stay Connected With Your Trainer
Many board and train programs, like those at Top Dog Boarding and Training, include follow-up sessions. Take advantage of these! If you run into challenges or have questions, reach out for help. Trainers are there to support you and your dog, even after you’ve gone home.
Why Choose Top Dog Boarding and Training?
Top Dog Boarding and Training offers a personalized approach. Your dog stays in a home environment and gets one-on-one attention, not just a spot in a kennel. They use proven, balanced training methods that focus on building confidence and real-world skills. After boarding, you get three follow-up sessions to help with the transition, plus ongoing support if you need it.
If you want your dog to keep learning and growing, Top Dog Boarding and Training is ready to help. They offer group classes, private lessons, and support for every step of your training journey.
Contact Top Dog Boarding and Training
Ready to give your dog the best chance at lasting good behavior? Contact Top Dog Boarding and Training today!
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Website: topdogaz.com
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Phone: (480) 650-1650
Visit their website to learn more about their programs and reserve your spot!
Keep up the great work at home, and remember—consistency, patience, and a little fun are the keys to a happy, well-trained dog!
Source: topdogaz.com
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