Board and Train

[Cscallan]

This seems to be an appealing option to my husband. Eliana is about 7 months now and unfortunately we have done zero training classes. We underestimated finding the time to do so with work schedules, kid activities and training classes being in the evenings has made it hard. Especially with having an autistic son who’s schedule needs to be consistent. We have done a lot of training within the home via research and watching videos but struggling in many areas, mostly manners with the kids and having a hard time teaching them to be more dominant to her. We continue to work on it with Eliana and the kids. Trying to balance a life with the doberman addition is more challenging than I anticipated but I am not willing to give up. I’m looking for opinions and personal experiences (including prices). I have looked into quite a few places today, finding a few reputable trainers. One over $2k for a two week program with impressive before and after videos. After videos are always with the owners. Another is half the price, same length of program and before starting does a free consultation in home. Both include a transitional training period with owners for when they come home. I have more research to do and questions to ask trainers from lack of specifications on their sites. Some trainer sites show owners coming to help train twice a week and hope that this is an option for all and hopefully encourage more involvement from owners. Now that I’m thinking about it I’m sure these trainers offer day time training but considering their pricing that I’ve also looked at, I feel like the board and train would still be a more bang for our buck and quicker turn around. Continuing training with who ever we choose is something else that is taken into consideration when choosing who to go with. Again looking for opinions and personal experiences. Thank you in advance!

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Board and train works for some people. I'd say the better the trainer, the better success you'll have. I know that sounds obvious.

It's not the best option, but I understand your situation. There will still be time needed to be invested by you and your family in order to take over the reigns so to speak.

 

[Cscallan]

The second one I mentioned is becoming more of the top contender for me as I’m continuing to look at their page. Not because of price but because I sense passion. It’s a tiny bit further from home.

Home

Board and train works for some people. I'd say the better the trainer, the better success you'll have. I know that sounds obvious.

It's not the best option, but I understand your situation. There will still be time needed to be invested by you and your family in order to take over the reigns so to speak.

I am only considering the best within our budget, which still needs to be discussed with the hubby. After I figure that out I’ll be calling the trainers, asking about owner involvement during the board (which will be important to me) and also how flexible or able they are to work with my family’s busy schedule. Ideally after the board and train I would really like a few visits in home to help teach the kids and us of course on maintaining obedience. Something else I like about this specific trainer is that he offers additional training options, including bite work. Something I have thought about and think Eliana would enjoy and strive in but obviously we need a foundation to work on before that’s considered

 

[Cscallan]

This is higher priced one. They seem to have different locations throughout the states

Dog Obedience Trainer Fayetteville Arkansas | Dog Training Fayetteville AR | Dog Obedience Training Fayetteville | Off Leash K9 | Fayetteville Offleash K9 Dog Training

Another one but lacks a lot of information on the site about this type of program so would have to call

Dog Obedience Trainer Fayetteville Arkansas | Dog Training Fayetteville AR | Dog Obedience Training Fayetteville | Off Leash K9 | Fayetteville Offleash K9 Dog Training

And last one I’m looking at is in Joplin, at least an hour away. They were recommended by someone local and they do travel to your home afterwards. Just not sure I want to consider Her being that far. Also lacks information but offers service dog training specifically for autism and special needs. Something else I’ve thought about but we’re still training our autistic son Too I don’t want him to be dependent to a dog and we got Eliana to be family pet.

Service Dog Training | Training Fees - Joplin, MO

If anyone cares to look. Or has heard anything about these places would be appreciated.

 

[Kaiser2016]

I love this idea! I have heard that they do behave differently for a trainer than they do with us so I can see that there would be a transition period, but that's fine. Just think how exciting it will be for you to discover all the words and actions that she will already know!

Doing the Training ourselves does take a lot of time and we are not even hardcore like some of the ppl here. When we took K for puppy obedience it was an hour away from us on a Saturday morning! I couldn't even enjoy Friday night drinks Now we do Rally classes and go to a place that does weekday evening classes about 20 mins away from home. Makes a big difference.

My advice is more about the feel-good factor of the trainer. Having a trainer that you both like right from the start, is passionate and communicative will really matter so that you can keep a longer term relationship with them for future training. I love when there is consistency and familiarity for a dog. It makes them get comfortable faster. I gave up 1 trainer because although she had a lot of experience with dominant dog breeds, she lacked passion and couldn't explain things. Another one was awesome - she was tough as nails and was almost scary in her discipline levels but I loved that about her and so wished we could have stayed with her but my hb is afraid of her haha. I didn't mind being corrected by her but the man just couldn't take it.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Good advice, Kaiser's Mom.

I will interject, though, that training does not have to take a lot of time. The way I have things streamlined (see, I need plenty of time to lounge around and watch TV at night and drink beer) is I incorporate training into everyday activities. With Oji, I have set aside very few periods of time in his life that were a dedicated training session.

 

[Cscallan]

I love this idea! I have heard that they do behave differently for a trainer than they do with us so I can see that there would be a transition period, but that's fine. Just think how exciting it will be for you to discover all the words and actions that she will already know!

Doing the Training ourselves does take a lot of time and we are not even hardcore like some of the ppl here. When we took K for puppy obedience it was an hour away from us on a Saturday morning! I couldn't even enjoy Friday night drinks Now we do Rally classes and go to a place that does weekday evening classes about 20 mins away from home. Makes a big difference.

My advice is more about the feel-good factor of the trainer. Having a trainer that you both like right from the start, is passionate and communicative will really matter so that you can keep a longer term relationship with them for future training. I love when there is consistency and familiarity for a dog. It makes them get comfortable faster. I gave up 1 trainer because although she had a lot of experience with dominant dog breeds, she lacked passion and couldn't explain things. Another one was awesome - she was tough as nails and was almost scary in her discipline levels but I loved that about her and so wished we could have stayed with her but my hb is afraid of her haha. I didn't mind being corrected by her but the man just couldn't take it.

I wish I could rate your reply with multiple ratings, I agree and appreciate as well! When I started doing research on the breed 4 years ago, it Seemed like a perfect fit at the time with me being a stay at home mom at that time, but the kids were young and didn’t seem manageable to have a dog then, also considering therapy bills it wasn’t finically the time. They got older and although our schedules got busier we felt it was time, plus my begging needed to cease . I have had pit bulls all my life and trained them with ease. What I didn’t factor in was the energy and the physiological stimulation this breed needs as well as factoring in the kids placing in the pack. I knew it. But reading it is waaaay different then handling it. And would be something I would urge anyone considering the breed to really comprehend and understand. I feel like board and train is a great option for my family. Two weeks would be hard not having her home but a quick turn around and a foundational obedience is the goal. We will continue training of course. I think finding the right place and trainer that is flexible and available within our needs after the boarding is really ideal and what I will be looking for when choosing. Passion is a must, experience is a must and being completely comfortable with our trainer is a must. I realize I am not the dog whisperer I thought I was and I’m ready to turn to a pro for help. Eliana will strive, she really is a great dog and wants to learn, I just don’t have enough training experience.

 

[Cscallan]

Good advice, Kaiser's Mom.

I will interject, though, that training does not have to take a lot of time. The way I have things streamlined (see, I need plenty of time to lounge around and watch TV at night and drink beer) is I incorporate training into everyday activities. With Oji, I have set aside very few periods of time in his life that were a dedicated training session.

This is something I agree with, trying to do and am failing at. Training her in everyday activities. NILIF is something I’ve been trying to work on and for the most part she listens to me very well, compared to everyone else at home. When it’s just her and I at home it’s easier but when I have kids and husband home she is over stimulated and all over the place or not listening at all. Something I’ve struggled a lot with her is rewarding. For example, when we are walking she drags me. I tried bring treats with us to reward her when she had a loose leash, but she would go ape sh*t and start jumping. So I stopped bringing treats because I didn’t want to reward her after jumping like a crazy kangaroo. Tried praising, same thing . (currently using a prong and wish I didn’t wait so long, it’s going very well) Also our kids will rile her up, they’ll run from her, she chases them jumps on them and will mouth at their ankles or arms, never biting down but we always intervene immediately. My husband is losing patience and although I’m not willing to give up, I don’t want him to force me to find her a new home. I need a quick turn around and a foundation that I can maintain. It would be a huge waste of money if I didn’t learn to continue her training.

 

[JanS]

It sounds like you have good options there and I like the fact that they will work with you and the dog together too.

 

[Kaiser2016]

Good advice, Kaiser's Mom.

I will interject, though, that training does not have to take a lot of time. The way I have things streamlined (see, I need plenty of time to lounge around and watch TV at night and drink beer) is I incorporate training into everyday activities. With Oji, I have set aside very few periods of time in his life that were a dedicated training session.

I think your Dobe experience helps a lot. I honestly feel like I don't know anything about this dog until I read about it. Digest it. Sometimes even regurgitate and digest again. Gross right. Like a dog. K threw up once and tried to eat it. I was mortified because from a distance I thought it was poo! It was really his kibble. Thank heavens. Anyway, was it so easy with your first Dobe?

 

[Oh Little Oji]

I think your Dobe experience helps a lot. I honestly feel like I don't know anything about this dog until I read about it. Digest it. Sometimes even regurgitate and digest again. Gross right. Like a dog. K threw up once and tried to eat it. I was mortified because from a distance I thought it was poo! It was really his kibble. Thank heavens. Anyway, was it so easy with your first Dobe?

Good point. At this stage, I have things set in my mind. I have experience. I know what I want, at a minimum, out of my Doberman and I know just how to achieve it.

To answer your question: With my first Doberman was it so easy? Hmm. Not exactly apples to apples but I would answer: No. With him I decided shortly after getting him, and being inspired by some old Doberman books that I read, to jump into obedience training full bore. I read and read about it. I believed a Doberman was capable of some of the most, if not the most, amazing feats in the dog world. I was a man possessed. I was also a man who was a bachelor and had not much else going on but my job.

So, good point, Kaiser's Mom. I hope I didn't sound pompous earlier.

 

[Kaiser2016]

we felt it was time, plus my begging needed to cease . I have had pit bulls all my life and trained them with ease. What I didn’t factor in was the energy and the physiological stimulation this breed needs as well as factoring in the kids placing in the pack. I knew it. But reading it is waaaay different then handling it. And would be something I would urge anyone considering the breed to really comprehend and understand.

Yes, reading is so different from experiencing the breed. Here's a business idea: Rent a Dobe!

My hb had an adult/senior rottie before we met so he always talked about having a dog. He had a cat as a kid so I was agreeable to that because cats are so chill and fit perfectly in our lifestyle - and I figured it would satisfy his pet itch. Then he started with all this dog talk and he thought I would enjoy it too because the cat totally favours him over me. He attributed this to her being female. Well K is a fantastic little boy if I do dare admit but he also does not favour me! So it's been a lot of extra pressure on my hb but hey he asked for it. That said I begin to understand when he says he underestimated the velcroness of this breed. It's been a hard adjustment for both of us.

 

[Kaiser2016]

I read and read about it. I believed a Doberman was capable of some of the most, if not the most, amazing feats in the dog world. I was a man possessed. I was also a man who was a bachelor and had not much else going on but my job.

So, good point, Kaiser's Mom. I hope I didn't sound pompous earlier.

No, not pompous at all I am all about learning - whether it's from my one Dobie daycare lady to the many Dobie enthusiasts on this forum - I very much appreciate all Doberman-related experiences and advice. There is something to be learned from everyone.

It's a unique breed, and I won't deny that Donkey Kong puts us to the test But the Dark Knight often rewards our efforts

 

[Kaiser2016]

I realize I am not the dog whisperer I thought I was and I’m ready to turn to a pro for help. Eliana will strive, she really is a great dog and wants to learn, I just don’t have enough training experience.

Half the battle is realizing when to ask for help. Dobes are the star student sitting at the front of the class. Maybe not at the first class but give it a class or two (or three for my boy!) You will be amazed when they show you

 

[Kaiser2016]

When it’s just her and I at home it’s easier but when I have kids and husband home she is over stimulated and all over the place or not listening at all.

Hm, this is like listening to my hb He has been training Kaiser for many things which apparently all go out the window when I'm home. So maybe...you're probably...right in your assessment lol. Just don't tell my hb I said that

 

[Drogon]

I did 'day training' with my boy when I first got him. It is similar to board and train but my pup would come home with me every night. I'd drop him off before work and pick him up after work. I did it for a 5-day work week. IMHO it was great for him. I just wanted a jump start on training but it also gave him a great deal of confidence and independence. When I first got him he was afraid of automatic doors like many stores have. After only 3 days of 'day training', he walked right through those doors like he had done it a million times. Not sure exactly why since the day training place didn't have them.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

Not sure exactly why since the day training place didn't have them.

That confidence and independence was being instilled in him and most likely trust.

 

[Cscallan]

I did 'day training' with my boy when I first got him. It is similar to board and train but my pup would come home with me every night. I'd drop him off before work and pick him up after work. I did it for a 5-day work week. IMHO it was great for him. I just wanted a jump start on training but it also gave him a great deal of confidence and independence. When I first got him he was afraid of automatic doors like many stores have. After only 3 days of 'day training', he walked right through those doors like he had done it a million times. Not sure exactly why since the day training place didn't have them.

Maybe this would be a better option. I found one place I believe that listed this as an option but I have shied away from it just because of a busy schedule. Taking the kids to school, taking the dog to boarding, making it to work on time and then picking dog up, being home in time for the bus. Not to mention meetings for kids, having time to goto store plus the traffic here is ridiculous. ect... I am infamous for over thinking. Lol. I need to look into it more, hopefully find a place that is worthy enough and in an area where I wouldn’t be driving every which way in the morning and afternoon. I will keep it in mind. Thanks everyone super much!

 

[Pudding]

...looking for opinions and personal experiences.

I have a son with autism also. Ruger (Dobe) is only a couple months younger than Eliana. My son (human) is 15.

I've found that my son sometimes models whatever training he sees me doing with Ruger! So my son is actually helping to reinforce the training, which is great. We have not paid for classes because I'm a stickler with dogs although puppies are a pain. Ruger readily responds to come, sit, lay, take and heal. He also knows not to bite or nip. We'll soon begin teaching him the command "stay" and to either walk beside us or stay based on which foot we lead with. My wife and I want Ruger to be impressively trained such that other people are wowwed by his responsive behavior and obedience.

That said, it looks like I have a lot more time for dog training than you do. And I agree with Oh Lil Oji that training is built into everyday activities.