Short answer, yes! But before we leave you with a one-word response, let’s dive in!
Follow-up questions we often get related to sending a puppy to a board and train program are often, “will my puppy forget me?” or “what will happen when they come back, will they remember this is home?”
These questions are totally valid, and we understand the anxiety you may face as an owner to make the decision to send your puppy to a board and train program. There are a number of considerations to make to determine if this type of program is best for you and your new furry addition!
- You are trying to balance a busy lifestyle (kids, work, and other major life events)
- You are looking for extensive help with puppy behaviors such as manners, housebreaking, or obedience (whether that is immediately from a breeder/shelter or after you bring your little one home for a few weeks)
- You are going on a trip, and you can’t bring your new companion with you
There are a number of benefits to sending your puppy to a board and train program beyond convenience and obedience goals. Puppies that stay with trainers and behavior consultants for board and train programs get ample socialization around other dogs, new people, and new situations. Additionally, because we see your puppy for more than just a short training session, we can help identify if there are additional concerns with your puppy’s behavior and reach out to you to address. We are also able to work with your puppy in everyday environments like dinner and bedtime.
Another thing to consider when thinking about if a board and train program is right for you is understanding that CONSISTENCY IS KEY. Our job at the return lesson for your puppy is to teach you all of the skills needed to continue success. However, it is important that you and your family are working with your trainer on expectations upon return and you are ready to continue practicing with your puppy. It will be important to communicate with your trainer about your lifestyle so we can help prepare your puppy for a seamless transition back home and you will need to be ready to pick up where we leave off (e.g., potty training).
If all of this sounds great so far but you are still feeling anxious or nervous about the emotional attachment of your puppy, let’s chat a little about a puppy’s development. First, they will remember you! The puppies and young dogs crave environmental enrichment, especially between 3-6 months and so it feels more like summer camp to them than anything else. Although they definitely love being with you, the training program is often harder for owners than the puppies because their days are filled with fun and learning. They also tend to jump right back into feeling at home once they are back with you! Your trainer will have plenty of recommendations and strategies to keep your puppy on the right track after they settle in!
If you are interested in learning more about a board and train and how they are structured for your success, you can look at our board and train program details here.
