When Is Dog Boot Camp a Good Idea for Portland Pet Parents?

Dog boot camp likely wasn’t even a thought when you first got your furry friend. But now, you’ve realized that your pooch is far from the most obedient or well-behaved in Portland – and you don’t have all that much time for dog training.

So, is a dog boot camp the right solution?

Quite possibly, yes. And at the very least, a boot camp or dog board-and-train program is worthy of consideration. To start, take a look at the following.

When Professional Help Makes Sense

Many Portland pet parents are reluctant to send their dogs off for training, and that’s completely understandable. Board-and-train programs typically last for somewhere between four and ten weeks, which is a long time to be separated. But, if your answer to any of these questions is yes, enrolling your tail-wagger in dog boot camp might be a good idea:

• Do you lack the time to work with your dog on a consistent basis?

• Are your efforts at dog training resulting in nothing but frustration?

• Is your furry friend’s behavior getting completely out of control?

• Do you avoid inviting people over because of your dog?

• Does your pooch have a problem with anxiety, insecurity or aggression?

• Have training issues caused you to think about re-homing your dog?

Boot camps are designed to help pet parents who are going through tough times with their dogs. Reputable board-and-train programs run by experienced professional trainers – like those here at Blackwood Canine – provide results. And once the program ends, you’ll have the support you need to reinforce your tail-wagger’s new skills at home.

What a Dog Can Learn at Boot Camp

Portland board-and-train programs aren’t one-size-fits-all – dog boot camps are customized, and professional trainers focus on the skills and behavior goals set by pet parents. If you’re having trouble with any of the following, sending your pooch off for training can be a smart way to get results:

• Housebreaking

• Leash training

• Crate training

• Basic commands

• In-home manners

• Socialization

In addition, dog boot camp can be an effective means of eliminating bad habits. If your furry friend has acquired any of these problematic behaviors, enrolling them in a Portland board-and-train program might be the best plan:

• Jumping on people

• Perpetual barking

• Nipping and biting

• Running out the door

• Chewing on everything

• Constant begging

• Snatching food

• Resource guarding

• Digging in the yard

• Chasing cars or kids

Boot camps for dogs with fear issues, separation anxiety, aggression and other behavioral challenges are also available in the Portland area. Pet parents can also find advanced board-and-train programs where a pooch can learn:

• Off-leash walking

• Non-verbal commands

• Performance sports skills

• Agility trial techniques

• Skills for obedience trials

• Routines for dog shows

One other point – if you’re going out of town, a Portland dog boot camp program can be an excellent alternative to a boarding facility. The difference in cost is likely less than you think, and instead of simply spending the time you’re away in a kennel, your pooch can have fun and learn valuable new skills.

Is Boot Camp the Right Choice for Your Dog?

As long as you take care to find a reputable dog boot camp -- one with experienced professional trainers who rely on reward-based methods and clear, consistent communication to shape canine behavior – enrolling your furry friend could help them become a well-adjusted and obedient family companion.

However, board-and-train programs aren’t a good fit for every dog. If your tail-wagger gets stressed out by any change in routine or environment, they may have difficulty learning at dog boot camp. And for extremely shy, fearful and aggressive dogs, professional trainers may recommend a different approach.

At Blackwood Canine, we offer a number of dog training programs to meet the needs of Portland pet parents – and our team has extensive experience working with canines of all ages, breeds and dispositions. After learning about your tail-wagger and your training goals, we can point you toward the best training solution. The services our professional dog trainers offer include:

• Puppy jump-start program

• In-home private lessons

• In-facility private lessons

• Board-and-train programs

• Behavior modification training

• Advanced re-conditioning

While every professional trainer in and around Portland claims to be an expert, the Blackwood Canine team has the education and experience to get results. Our dog trainers have completed apprenticeships and achieved certifications, and our entire team is committed to furthering our knowledge through continuing education. We have more than 10 years of experience, and we’re proud to be the preferred choice of local veterinarians, rescues, shelters and breeders.

At Blackwood Canine, we have what it takes to train your dog, and they’ll be in good hands with our friendly team of professional trainers. For an in-person evaluation at your Portland home or at our state-of-the-art dog training facility in nearby Scappoose – or for more details on our dog boot camp programs, contact us today.