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  1. #1
    Senior Dog zd262's Avatar
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    Board & Train Recommendations

    In October I have to go out of the country for two weeks. I have a lot of different options in terms of what to do with Bubba (boyfriend, friends, coworkers, etc), but one option I was considering was a board & train option. It could be for 3 weeks preferably, or 4 if need be (it seems like a lot of places do monthly). He'll be 6 months at this time.

    While Bubba is field bred, and his pedigree is full of MH titles, I personally don't hunt or intend to do any competitive sport with him. I would like it if he brought back a ball, stick, etc when I throw it but that's the extent of my retrieving wishes! My main end goal for him is to be 100% solid on all basic commands (sit, down, come, stay, go to bed, in your crate, leave it, and loose leash walking) when in a high distraction environment & off-leash.

    Has anyone used a longer-term board & train option when it is just for obedience? And does anyone have recommendations for places in Central-Northern California (feel free to PM me with these)?

    I've been looking at LOTS of places, but it is so hard to tell and there are SO many options that I can't possibly contact & go to them all. Also the ones that are in the immediate bay area where I live are exorbitantly priced in comparison to places in more central or more northern California (that's what I get for living in San Francisco), so I am okay with a bit of a drive for the right trainer.

    Thank you everyone!

  2. #2
    Senior Dog voodoo's Avatar
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    Most boarding places I have researched arent all that. The one I used gave me a nice written report and a video along with couple hrs on pickup of showing what chili learned. It was OK. a couple months later I called the trainer for followup lessons that handled my chili at that facility. And she dropped some bombshells to me. She got fired due to complaining too much(in my words) to make the place better. The big eye opener for me was she said my dog only got 2-3 hrs a day training and rest of time was locked up. and most weekends just got fed with no training. I dont see how to know any better, especially if you are out of town. This was a highly rated dog boarding in the state with indoor pools and fancy commercials/highest price.

    Do your research, maybe you can find a family member/friend that can babysit.

    edit to add: my chili isnt neutered, so that was a problem in my area and may be why he was always locked up. They did tell me he would be in a separate play area and had to swim in pool by himself. I live in a very aggressive neuter city.
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  3. #3
    Senior Dog kelsyg's Avatar
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    When my girls wre young, whenever I boarded them, asked their trainer (which is where I board) to work with any behavior she identified as needing work.( jumping, pulling, sit nicely, ) So she would work in short sessions and charge for 10 minutes a time.
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  4. #4
    Senior Dog Shelley's Avatar
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    I know someone excellent that boards in Acampo California, its near Lodi. She is a long time Labrador breeder, active in the breed, and does obedience too. I sent her a message, and I am waiting to hear back from her.

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    Maxx&Emma (09-02-2015)

  6. #5
    House Broken SoSiouxme's Avatar
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    When Satchel was 9 months, I sent him to the obedience training at Hightest Kennels in Oroville, CA. I got a transformed dog when I got him back and the training stayed with him, but they used an e-collar. A lot of people are opposed to that. If you are open to an e-collar, it may be a good fit. I can't argue with the results.

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    Fish (09-02-2015)

  8. #6
    Senior Dog zd262's Avatar
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    Thank you for all the replies!

    Voodoo - you're basically describing my major fears. unless I get a personal recommendation, how can I really know what is going on? I hadn't even though about the neutering aspect, since Bubba won't be neutered at that point either. I'm going to keep researching, but have family & friends to fall back on.

    Kelsyg - this is another option I'm looking into, basically finding a trainer who also occasionally does board & train on a small scale. I've only been able to find one such person so far and will be meeting with them once I get back up to SF (i've been away this whole summer).

    Shelley - thank you so much for taking the time to contact someone for me! personal recommendations is really something I was hoping for when starting this thread because I feel like it's one of the only ways that I would really feel confident about Bubba's care

    SoSiouxme (just got your name haha) - Hightest Kennels is one place that I've actually heard good things about and have on my list. I'm not generally opposed to e-collars, but would prefer that it wasn't used as the first training option for a 6 month old. I also think he would still qualify for their "Puppy Headstart Program" and it's not really clear exactly what obedience he would get out of that in the end. I'll definitely contact them!

  9. #7
    Senior Dog Shelley's Avatar
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    Sending you a PM with her contact information.

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    Fish (09-01-2015)

  11. #8
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    Hello Shelly,

    Would you mind sending me the contact info for the trainer/boarder in Acampo? I'm also in the central CA area looking for a good board and train option for my 5 month old female.

    Thanks!!!

  12. #9
    Senior Dog Maxx&Emma's Avatar
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    If Shelly recommends someone to you, you can rest assured your pup is in good hands!
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    Ozzy - 10/2002 - 06/2011 - Rest well my sweet boy. You are forever remembered, forever missed, forever in my heart.

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    Fish (09-02-2015)

  14. #10
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    zd262, what did you end up deciding? Are you going with the person in Acampo that Shelly recommended?

    I think I'm going to go with Hightest Kennels in Oroville (north of Sacramento). I've heard good things and liked the way my conversations have been with them. Anyone else familiar with them? Looking for anything that would comfort me leaving my pup there for an extended period of time

 



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