How to Be Successful After the Board & Train

A board and train program is an excellent start for getting your dog on the right track with their training and behaviour. However, it’s just the beginning. Many pet owners fail to realize that the work continues when your dog comes home. 

Without continued effort, your dog could regress, falling back into destructive behaviours or failing to follow commands, which is common if owners don’t consistently reinforce the training. 

In this blog, we explain why consistency at home is so important and guide you on how to keep up with your dog's training to ensure long-term success.

The Importance of Consistency at Home

When your dog returns home after a board-and-train program, it’s in a new environment with different distractions and expectations. While it’s learned a lot during the program, maintaining that progress depends heavily on what happens at home, which is why consistency is key. If you don’t continue practicing what it’s learned, it won’t take long for it to slip back into old habits.

Think of it like learning a new skill yourself. If you practice regularly, you get better. If you stop practicing, your skills fade. The same goes for your dog. The training they received is a foundation, but it needs to be built upon daily. This means using the commands, routines, and tools in their training to reinforce good behaviour.

Maintaining Structure and Routine

Dogs thrive on structure and routine. During the board and train program, your dog was introduced to a structured environment where they knew what was expected of them. To maintain their good behavior, it’s crucial to implement a similar structure at home.

Start by setting clear rules and boundaries. For example, if your dog isn’t allowed on the furniture, enforce that rule consistently. The more predictable their environment, the easier it will be for them to follow the rules. 

We also advise that you don’t bend the rules or boundaries. Often, pet owners will prevent their dogs from going up on furniture, only to allow them to be in bed “just this one time.” This is confusing to your pet and can set them up for failure. So, if you’re going to set rules, be sure to maintain them and be consistent.

Daily routines like walks, feeding times, and playtime should also be consistent. This helps reinforce the behaviours they learned and keeps them engaged in a positive way. 

Using the Training Tools Provided

During the board and train program, your dog likely used specific training tools like a crate, leash, or E-collar. These tools are not just for use during the program; they are essential for ongoing success at home.

For example, the crate can continue to be a safe space where your dog can relax and avoid mischief when unsupervised. The leash and E-collar are vital for maintaining control during walks or when reinforcing commands. Using these tools consistently helps remind your dog of their learned behaviours and keeps them on track.

It’s also important to use these tools correctly. If you’re unsure how to use any of the equipment, feel free to contact us for guidance. Misuse can lead to confusion or frustration for your dog, which could set back their progress.

Reinforcing Good Behavior

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in maintaining your dog’s training. Whenever your dog exhibits good behaviour or follows your command, reward them. This could be with treats, praise, or playtime. The more you reward good behaviour, the more likely your dog will repeat it.

However, reinforcement doesn’t just mean giving out treats. It also involves consistently following through with corrections when your dog displays unwanted behaviour. This doesn’t mean harsh punishment but rather a firm and clear response that lets your dog know the behaviour is unacceptable.

For instance, if your dog jumps on guests, you’ll want to use a firm leash correction: gently but firmly pull up on the leash and immediately release it. Follow this with a reward when they stay calm and greet guests politely. This combination of correction and reward helps reinforce the desired behaviour and discourages the bad one.

Involving the Whole Family

For training to be effective, everyone in the household needs to be on the same page. If one person enforces the rules and another lets the dog get away with things, it sends mixed signals and can confuse the dog.

Make sure everyone understands the commands, routines, and rules. Consistency across the board is crucial for maintaining the progress made during the board and train program. This includes children, who should be taught how to interact with the dog in ways that reinforce training rather than undermine it.

Recognizing and Addressing Setbacks

It’s common for dogs to test boundaries or have setbacks after returning home. The key is to recognize these setbacks early and address them promptly. If your dog starts to slip back into old habits, don’t ignore it. Revisit the training techniques you learned during the program and apply them consistently. Or, to ensure you are getting ahead of the setback, promptly schedule your second lesson with iTK9 or use the online platform to help guide you on how to address and correct their behaviour. 

Remember, it’s not uncommon for dogs to regress slightly when they return home., and it may take time for them to adjust. Be patient, but also be proactive in reinforcing the training and consistently working with them on what they’ve learned.

If you’re struggling with a particular issue, don’t hesitate to ask your trainer for advice. They can provide tips on handling setbacks and getting your dog back on track. 

The Importance of Ongoing Learning

Training doesn’t end after the board and train program. It’s a lifelong process. Regularly practicing commands, introducing new challenges, and mentally and physically stimulating your dog are all part of maintaining their training.

Consider enrolling in follow-up training sessions like the iTK9 Refresher Program to continue your dog’s education. These sessions can reinforce what your dog has learned and provide new opportunities for socialization and learning. Options like our Refresher Program can help dogs who have fallen off training due to their owner’s busy schedules or lives get back on track.

Achieving Success with Your Dog in a Board & Train Program: The iTK9 Way

Success after a board and train program hinges on what you do at home. Remember, setbacks are normal, but with the right approach, you can keep your dog on the path to long-term success. 

At iTK9, our expert trainers are here to help you effectively train your dog, focusing on their well-being and building a positive relationship. With the right approach, you can create a safe, structured environment for your dog to learn and grow. We do the hard work for you to attain a happy home and a healthy relationship with your pet.

Included in all of our programs are the following;

1. In-Person Learning: Midway progress training video, two go-home lessons.
2. Online Learning: Owner education course, instructional training videos, iTK9 member community, e-books & additional training resources.
3. Owner Support: Photo updates of your dog training with our team and access to our team for questions & support.

Contact us today for more information on our programs, including Board & Train.