Frequently Asked Questions: Board and Train

What is a Board and Train?

A Board and Train requires that your dog be left with us at Denver Dog Works for the duration of the training. Our programs enable your dog to learn commands quickly, efficiently, and effectively. Boarding your dog while it undergoes intensive training is the key component to a Board and Train at Denver Dog Works. Commands are given to the dog in a consistent repetitive way so that it becomes like second nature to the dog. Because this is what we do, we are able to undertake the training of your dog like you do in your eight hour a day job.

Why consider a Board and Train for your dog?

A Board and Train program is the most consistent and efficient way of training your dog. Training a dog, at any age, is time consuming and although you may be thinking, "I'll have the time," in reality there's never enough time in the day to get enough training done for your dog. In our three week program, your dog will be trained in 3 sessions per day. That's 63 sessions. It would take 16 months of and $4,095.00 to complete the same amount of training in weekly private sessions. In our six week program, your dog will be trained 3 sessions per day. That's 126 sessions. It would take 32 months, and $8,190.00 to complete the same amount of training in weekly private sessions.

Why are your prices higher than other trainers in Denver?

As in the previous question, the price of a board and train is much more cost effective than if you were to attend private lessons. Also, we are a premiere training school and do not offer a cookie cutter approach to training your dog. Each dog training program is based on a complete evaluation, your training goals and your dog's temperament and needs. If you were to research training schools of similar demographics and training programs our costs are right in line with them.

Another way to look at it is you would pay approximately $30.00 per day at a quality and professional boarding center without any training sessions. With your dog in our board and train program he will receive several hours on intensive training and one-on-one attention.

How early can I enroll my dog for training?

Puppy Works (Imprinting) - 10 weeks to 6 months

Camp Works - 6 months and up

Obedience Works - 6 months and up

Advanced Obedience Works - 6 months and up

Where will my dog be kept while in training at Denver Dog Works?

Your dog will stay in our boarding suites in Aurora, Colorado. Each dog will stay in its own private kennel with a private crate. Between training sessions each dog will have supervised socialization opportunities to socialize, learn structure, and how to play. Unlike some boarding facilities with potential health risks and the stress of barking dogs, Denver Dog Works' boarding suites are completely fenced and gated and set in the country. Denver Dog Works' boarding suites in Littleton are also completely fenced and gated. Denver Dog Works has two locations to accommodate clients south of Denver as well as north of Denver. Both locations have on-site 24 hour caretakers. We want our guests to feel at home, while living in an environment conducive to dog obedience training.

If Denver Dog Works does the training, will my dog still perform the commands at home?

Yes. Just as service dogs are trained over a two year program by several handlers and eventually placed with their permanent handlers, we complete the training and turn your dog over to you. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a DVD demonstration of your dog performing the commands, plus you will receive two follow up handler training sessions.

Will my dog ever misbehave after it completes the Board and Train?

Dogs will be dogs. No form of dog training can guarantee that your dog will NEVER misbehave again. However, our methods of training are effective, yet simple and easy for you to follow. We guarantee follow up assistance for the life of your dog. We stand behind our training!

How will I be able to find out about my dog's progress?

We use email as our primary method of communicating with owners. We send weekly updates that include photos, and a short narrative describing how your dog is responding to training.

What training methods does Denver Dog Works use?

At Denver Dog Works we use a style of training referred to as operant conditioning, and transition the dog through three phases; acquisition, proofing, and generalization. Through hands-on training and experience, we have developed a variety of ways to teach commands to dogs and use their diverse personalities and temperaments. We start by finding out what motivates the dog. Then we create conditions for the dog to be encouraged to follow commands that occur naturally (sit, down, heel). We focus on timing positive reinforcement, with the dog intuitively offering a response to a command.

What is clicker training, how is it different from your training?

Clicker training is a method of marking behavior with a clicker, which is followed by secondary reinforcement (treat). Clicking a clicker or offering a food treat simply will not stop your dog from chasing down a squirrel. We do not use clickers for training. In the early stages of training, we mark proper behavior with release and reward, however as we transition into phase two the dog learns to perform on command. Our training program is effective regardless of clickers or squirrels.

What is needed to confirm my dog's immunizations are current?

We need veterinarian records confirming your dog has received the distemper combination (DHLPP), rabies, and bordetella (kennel cough) shots. If you do not these records, they can be easily obtained by contacting your veterinarian. Please note that we are required by State Law to have these records on hand and bordetella is required every six months whenever you board your dog.

What if my dog is not ready to graduate by the end of the three, six, or 12 week program?

If your dog is not ready to graduate, we will continue dog obedience training at no cost to you. We guarantee our training 100 percent.

Can I visit my dog during the Board and Train process?

It is not recommended. Once your dog is dropped off at our site, it is normal for your dog to go through an adjustment period. Visiting your pet may prolong transitioning and cause further separation anxiety. In order for the program to succeed, we do not schedule visits for you and your dog until graduation or final pick up.

Why Denver Dog Works?

Your dog will be trained one-on-one by a team of certified trainers and under the supervision of Dr. Robert Forto who is a certified canine behaviorist. Each custom-tailored program, whether it is obedience works, camp works, positive behavior modification, puppy works, or working/sports training, is centered in repetition, consistency, and reward for dogs of all ages and personalities. We are certain you will bring home a canine obedient to your commands and prepared to participate in your life.