Whether it's basic obedience, problem-solving or advanced skills, training a dog at any level requires time and repetition. For pet owners who find it difficult to provide the consistency and time needed to help a pet develop good skills, Board and Train at Best Friends is the perfect alternative.

"Summer is prime time for the Board and Train program," says Elizabeth Shulman, professional trainer at Best Friends in Chestnut Ridge , New York . "While a pet's owners are away on business or vacation, we're taking care of him, teaching him what's expected of him and generally helping him become a better pet and housemate."

Live and learn

Each day during his boarding stay, the dog receives a private lesson with a Best Friends professional trainer, focusing on the skills that need to be learned. The program is customized to meet the needs of each client, and the length of the sessions may vary, depending on what is being taught. Shulman usually conducts two sessions a day with each dog, and allows at least a half hour per session.

Board and Train is especially beneficial in the early stages of puppyhood, say trainers, although the program is useful for dogs of any age. In general, younger dogs learn basic obedience commands, while older pets focus on specific problems, advanced obedience (being off-leash, obeying commands at a distance), Canine Good Citizen Training, and even Show Ring training.

How much can be accomplished during the boarding stay depends on the dog's personality, prior experience with training and the length of the pet's stay. "The longer a pet is with us, the more we can teach and reinforce what he learns each day," says Shulman.

Before and after

The Board and Train experience begins with a consultation between trainer, owner and pet a few days before the boarding stay. During this important meeting, which is included in the fee, the trainer will obtain information about the pet, the family and the home environment, and discuss specific training needs and goals. He/she will also evaluate the dog to gauge the amount of training he's already received.

A key component of the Board-and-Train program is the follow-up session at the end of the pet's boarding stay. The trainer meets with the owners to review the pet's training and to teach the owner the exact commands the dog has learned during his stay, as well as appropriate techniques for working with and correcting him.

"It is imperative to practice and reinforce at home," says Brie Huddleston, professional trainer at Best Friends Cincinnati. "Training requires a level of commitment on the owner's part as well, so the dog retains what he has learned."

Trainers also suggest following up with a group obedience class to perfect newly acquired skills and develop new ones. "Training helps build trust and confidence in a dog," Huddleston says, "and participating in a class also teaches social skills." Dogs feel comfortable and ready to learn when they recognize a strong, fair human leader controlling a situation.

For further information on the Board and Train program, please contact the Best Friends location near you.