What to Expect When You Send Your Dog to Boot Camp

dog boot camp

Sending dogs away for boarding school or boot camp has become an extremely popular choice in recent years. Not only does it allow the dogs to socialize and grow, but it gives them a chance to work with professional trainers who can help teach them manners, obedience, and other desired behaviors. 

However, before you send your dog off to boot camp, it’s important to understand what to expect. This way, you can be sure that the program is right for your dog and that you’re setting reasonable expectations.

What Dog Boot Camp Can Do

Dog boot camp can be an extremely effective way to train your dog. In most cases, dogs that attend boot camp will come out more obedient and better behaved than when they went in. Boot camp can also be a great way to socialize shy or anxious dogs, giving them the opportunity to interact with other dogs and people in a controlled environment.

What Dog Boot Camp Can’t Do

Dog boot camp is not a magical cure-all for all dog behavior problems. If your dog has serious behavioral issues, such as aggression or separation anxiety, it’s important to seek professional help from a certified behaviorist or dog trainer. Boot camp can also be ineffective if the dog’s owners don’t follow through with the training at home. In order to make boot camp successful, owners need to be willing to put in the work after their dog comes home.

What Happens Behind Closed Doors?

When you send your dog to boot camp, you’re entrusting them to the care of strangers. It’s important to do your research and choose a reputable camp with certified trainers. Once you’ve found a camp you’re comfortable with, take a tour and ask lots of questions. Be sure to ask about the trainer’s qualifications, how the dogs are confined, how many dogs are in each class, and what happens when a dog gets it right or wrong.

Navigating the Weeks After Boot Camp

The first few weeks after boot camp can be challenging for both dogs and their owners. Dogs may be tired from all the training and need some extra rest, or they may be full of energy from all the socializing. It’s important to be patient and consistent with your dog during this time, continuing with the training you learned at boot camp. If you’re having trouble, reach out to your dog’s trainer for guidance.

Questions to Ask the Trainer

Before you send your dog to boot camp, be sure to ask the trainer some important questions.

  • How and when will my dog be confined?
  • How many dogs do you take at a time?
  • What happens when my dog gets it right?
  • What happens when my dog gets it wrong?
  • Do you use corrective collars?
  • Do you require vaccine records for the dogs in your care?
  • What are your training qualifications?

Asking these questions will help you get a better understanding of the trainer’s methods and philosophies. It will also help you determine if the trainer is a good fit for your dog.

How Rocky Mountain K9 Can Help Train Your Dog

If you’re looking for a dog boot camp in Utah, look no further than Rocky Mountain K9. We are a dog training and boarding facility that offers a variety of services to help train your dog. We offer obedience classes, private lessons, and dog boot camps, all of which are taught by our certified professional trainers. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you train your dog.