Board and Train: Learning the Basics with Zoe

Every dog that comes through our board-and-train program starts in the same place: the basics. In this video, Shawn works with Zoe, a Chocolate Lab puppy, on three of the foundation behaviors we expect from every well-trained dog.

We're practicing 'heel'. Zoe learns to walk calmly at Shawn's side, matching his pace and paying more attention to him than to what's happening around her. Heel isn't a trick; it is proximity in motion and the foundation of all on-leash behavior.

Next is 'hup'. We use this one command for anything a dog needs to climb onto or over, whether that is an obstacle on a walk, the back of a car, or a grooming or exam table at the vet. We start simply, with a low dog jump, so the dog learns the word before the situation gets harder.

Finally, Zoe practices 'place'. On 'place', the dog goes to a mat and stays there no matter what, even when Shawn walks away and out of sight. 'Place' can give you a calm, peaceful dog when guests arrive, when dinner is on the table, or when you just need a few quiet minutes.

Zoe picks this up quickly and happily, and you will notice there are no treats, no clickers, and no e-collar anywhere. She is working because of her relationship with Shawn, which is exactly what we build during board and train, so it carries over to her family when she goes home. Our board and train programs run four to six weeks and include pickup, delivery, and reintegration sessions at your home. To see how this would work for your dog, call (401) 536-7982 for a free phone consultation.