Will my dog forget me while away for boarded training?
Absolutely not! Regardless of the length of the boarded training program, your dog will be excited to see you at the completion of the program. Dogs process the world differently from humans - their number one sense is smell, meaning that they'll remember who you are a soon as they give you a good sniff!
Is there a training guarantee?
There are so many variables involved in creating a well-balanced, neutral, obedient dog that it would be unethical for us to offer a 100% training guarantee. We do, however, go to great lengths to ensure our clients are truly committed to their dog's success and are willing to maintain the results post-training. Communication with NCA post-training and attending your follow up sessions are absolutely imperative for the long term success of your dog. Some believe that when the dogs go home from boarded training or from sessions, that he/she will be "fixed". This couldn't be further from the truth, as this is where the process truly begins and the owners must get involved to maintain the training. Because we understand this, we encourage an open line of communication even well after your dog goes home. We are always a phone call away if our clients have any questions.
Will I get to see my dog during boarded training?
A large part of the training philosophy is "immersion". It is important that we can control every aspect of your dog’s life while they are with us. 2-4 weeks is not much time to accomplish a large amount of training so it is important that we keep your dog calm and focused during the training process. If your dog gets visits from you, it will send them into an excited state which will likely set us back. To comfort owners, we make sure to send training pictures and videos throughout the training. You may also call or text whenever you would like to check on your dog. With that being said, if you have cause for concern, please let us know and we will schedule a visit for you. For dogs enrolled in the behavior modification program, your participation in a series of hands-on training sessions may be required prior to your dog going home. If that is the case, we will contact you to schedule your sessions.
To keep owners busy and productive during the boarding training process, we require all to go through Northshore Canine Virtual Academy. NCVA will help owners understand the process of training their dogs are going through and prepare mentally for their dog's return home.
To keep owners busy and productive during the boarding training process, we require all to go through Northshore Canine Virtual Academy. NCVA will help owners understand the process of training their dogs are going through and prepare mentally for their dog's return home.
What does a day of training at NCA look like?
Every dog is housed indoors, in their personal crate. This is a part of the crate training process, which is included in all boarded training programs. Your dog is let outside every couple of hours when not training, into one of the private exercise areas. This is not only time for a restroom break but also time to run around and stretch their legs. The dogs are continually monitored and are not left alone when outside. All crates and exercise areas are cleaned consistently to meet the highest standards of cleanliness.
Your dog will be placed on a rotating training schedule from 8:00am to 5:30pm. Feeding and final restroom breaks begin at 6:00pm. During extreme heat or extreme cold, the training scheduled will be modified to assure your pup’s safety, and will often include later evening hours. The only day we do not train is Sundays. If your training program goes over a weekend, extra days are included to make up for any off days.
Your dog will be placed on a rotating training schedule from 8:00am to 5:30pm. Feeding and final restroom breaks begin at 6:00pm. During extreme heat or extreme cold, the training scheduled will be modified to assure your pup’s safety, and will often include later evening hours. The only day we do not train is Sundays. If your training program goes over a weekend, extra days are included to make up for any off days.
What tools or equipment are used during the training process?
We first start all training programs with "positive reinforcement" meaning that treats are utilized to mark behaviors! We make this a very fun, exciting process for the dogs as we build focus and engagement! This is called marker training.
We also utilize prong collars, which are an excellent tool when introduced and used properly. These collars are much safer and more reliable than traditional collars, which can cause trachea damage, or harnesses which can cause damage to the spinal cord if your dog is constantly pulling. We use a "pressure on/pressure off" method of training, which is taught with minimal pressure. Each dog is introduced to the collar very gently and they typically learn how to respond to pressure quickly.
Remote collars (also known as E-collars) are another tool in the training toolbox. Contrary to popular belief, e-collars do not deliver a "shock" to your dog but are instead a muscle stimulation device. In fact, it is the same thing as a TENS unit, which many people pay good money to use at a chiropractor's office. The tool is designed to communicate with your dog, not hurt them. When introduced and utilized properly, it is an amazing tool that will help improve your relationship with your dog and serve as a life-long line of communication.
We also utilize prong collars, which are an excellent tool when introduced and used properly. These collars are much safer and more reliable than traditional collars, which can cause trachea damage, or harnesses which can cause damage to the spinal cord if your dog is constantly pulling. We use a "pressure on/pressure off" method of training, which is taught with minimal pressure. Each dog is introduced to the collar very gently and they typically learn how to respond to pressure quickly.
Remote collars (also known as E-collars) are another tool in the training toolbox. Contrary to popular belief, e-collars do not deliver a "shock" to your dog but are instead a muscle stimulation device. In fact, it is the same thing as a TENS unit, which many people pay good money to use at a chiropractor's office. The tool is designed to communicate with your dog, not hurt them. When introduced and utilized properly, it is an amazing tool that will help improve your relationship with your dog and serve as a life-long line of communication.