We train The Dog In Front Of Us.
Your dog’s personality, history, confidence, and responses guide the work. We strive to understand your dog, uncover their strongest positive motivators, and use that understanding to teach effectively.
ObedienceBoard & Train
Better habits.
A bigger life together.
Play-Based Board & Train for calmer walks, a more dependable recall, and a bigger life together. We build everyday skills through games and real-life walks, guided by the dog in front of us.
- Format
- Board & Train: your dog stays and trains with our team
- Owner lessons
- Three full lessons: around 2½ weeks, around 3–3½ weeks and Go-Home day
- Where we train
- Parks, busy downtown areas, dog-friendly stores and everyday places
- On film
- We record the majority of each dog’s training sessions
- First step
- A free in-person consultation, about 1 hour
The difference
What families saw change.
Four Board & Train families, in their own recordings. Tap “Watch” to see each moment.
- Finn · BeforeCouldn’t be walked without pullingNowNo longer pulls on the leash Watch ↗Read Finn’s story →
- Apollo the Sharkie · BeforeAmped up, then not listeningNowCalled off his ball, no e-collar needed Watch ↗Read Apollo the Sharkie’s story →
- Kali & Kane · BeforeTrained one at a time, never yet togetherNowOff leash together, downing as a cyclist passed Watch ↗Read Kali & Kane’s story →
- Mazi · BeforeUsually tired by the end of the blockNowFarther than his owner had ever walked him Watch ↗Read Mazi’s story →
Play-Based training
Built for
your dog.
Find the joy in learning.
Play is central to how we train. Chase & Catch, Possession Games, Flirt Pole, Personal Play, and other games help us discover what your dog loves and bring that motivation into the lesson.
Let the walk become the lesson.
A large part of the learning happens on walks: parks, busy downtown areas, dog-friendly stores, and other everyday locations. We choose the setting and level of distraction around your dog’s needs and readiness.
What we build
Useful skills.
Real situations.
The program develops practical communication alongside the skills your dog needs.
- Sit
- Down
- Place
- Stay
- Recall
- Heel
- Let’s Go
- Out
Verbal markersOk!Ah-Ah!
- Loose-leash walking and handler focus
- Door, crate, and household manners
- Confidence, impulse control, and public neutrality
- Appropriate off-leash work as the dog progresses
Additional commands and skills are sometimes taught, depending on the needs of the case. We shape the practice, priorities, and pace around your individual dog.
Included in every program
Three full
owner lessons.
Learning starts during training. We teach your dog’s commands, handling, equipment, expectations, and daily maintenance so the skills make sense in your home, and how to use play, your dog’s positive motivators, the verbal markers and practical walks to keep teaching the dog in front of you.
These are approximate milestones. We coordinate lesson dates with you during the program.
- 01
Owner lesson one Around 2½ weeks
Your first full owner lesson takes place while your dog is still in training.
- 02
Owner lesson two Around 3–3½ weeks
The second full lesson continues your hands-on learning before Go-Home day.
- 03
Go-Home day
Your final full lesson connects the training to the routines and practice you’ll continue at home.
- 04
A line that stays open After Go-Home day
When something stops working at home, you call or text, and it’s answered by a trainer. There’s no end date on that.
In the families’ words.
I’m amazed because I’ve not been able to get him on a leash without pulling in so long.
I was watching the videos. I feel pretty confident in everything.
Very informative… super helpful.
Family stories
Real families. Real results.
Watch the work on film and hear what changed, in each family’s own words.
“I could never.”FinnFrom major flight risk to a first family walk.
Called off his ball.Apollo the SharkieSame dog. Now he listens.
She used to growl.PennyFrom growling at strangers to being petted by them.
Two dogs. One family.Kali & KaneTwo dogs, off leash together in their own yard.
“That was a nice walk.”Pepper & RosaA walk with both dogs.
A kiss through the cage.Rocko & KodakRoom for each other.
Support with no end date
The line
stays open.
Your Board & Train includes three full owner lessons, recorded training to revisit, and free ongoing support with no end date.
How training support works- Three full owner lessonsHands-on practice while your dog is still with us, then again on Go-Home day.
- The footagePublished sessions are collected in your dog’s playlist, so you can revisit the cue, the timing and the response.
- A line that stays openWhen something stops working at home, you call or text, and it’s answered by a trainer. Nothing to pay, and it doesn’t expire.
Before you begin
Good questions. Clear answers.
Still wondering about something? Read every answer, or call or text (919) 578-2734.
How is the plan chosen?
We assess temperament, behavior history, your goals, and the dog’s learning needs. The plan and timeline are discussed individually; a single package does not fit every dog.
What does Board & Train cost?
Every Board & Train is planned around the dog in front of us, so the investment depends on your dog: their needs, your goals and the length of the program. At your free, in-person consultation we recommend a plan and walk you through the cost for your dog before anything is decided. Monthly payment options are available.
Will I see my dog’s progress?
Yes. Training updates help you follow what your dog is learning and understand the process. Current families can use the Client Updates page to find training footage.
What if my dog is reactive or anxious?
Tell us during the consultation. Some dogs need focused behavior modification in addition to obedience. We’ll discuss the appropriate training path and management needs.
What tools are used?
Equipment and communication are matched to the dog and training plan. Where appropriate, this can include e-collar communication. We explain the tools and teach owners how to use the agreed system.
What payment options do you offer?
Monthly payment options are available. Ask about All Pet Card promotional financing: qualifying plans waive interest only when the full promotional balance is paid within the offer period; otherwise interest is charged from the purchase date. Credit approval and minimum payments apply. See All Pet Card details ↗.
Your next chapter starts here
Start with a conversation.
Tell us about your dog, your daily life, and what you want to change. We’ll help you understand the next step.
