Sending your dog on an educational vacation this summer could be a lifesaver. According to the Humane Society of the United States, most dogs that are turned in to pounds or shelters are given up because of obedience problems.

Teaching a dog to obey basic commands (sit, stay and come) is an important responsibility of pet ownership. Dogs who know and follow those commands are safer and happier - and so are their owners.

But reinforcing desired behaviors requires plenty of repetition, and many pet owners don't have the time to provide a consistent training regimen. A growing number are turning to Board-and-Train programs to provide a solution to their training dilemma.

Board and train
"Board-and-Train is a bit like boarding school or summer camp for pets," says Konnie Hein, professional trainer at Best Friends in Norwalk, CT. An owner who is traveling on vacation or business will book a training program in conjunction with a boarding kennel stay. During the pet's stay, he will participate in a daily obedience training session with a professional trainer.

There are no age or breed restrictions, and even dogs with prior training can benefit. Programs vary depending upon the dog's needs and owner's preferences and can range from one week to two in length. The pet has private lessons with the trainer each day focusing on the specific skills that the dog needs to learn.

"We can get a lot accomplished in a short amount of time," Hein says. Every day we set goals for the dog, and work until that goal is achieved. The more time we spend together, the better trained the pet will be."

To get the most from a board-and-train program, the professional trainers at Best Friends recommend the following guidelines:

• Schedule an appointment with the trainer in advance -- before the boarding stay. This gives the trainer a chance to evaluate the dog and to discuss specific training needs - like aggression or other problems that need to be addressed. It's also a chance for the dog to get to know the trainer.
• Have realistic expectations. Don't expect an untrained dog to come home ready for national competition. What can be accomplished during the boarding stay will depend upon the dog's personality and prior experience with training. Most dogs will be able to understand and perform most of the basic commands and will go home ready to progress further with consistent follow-up.
• Reinforce the training. If the owner doesn't follow-through and practice at home, the dog won't retain what he has learned. A quality board-and-train program will include a private go-home session during which the owner learns the commands the dog has been taught along with techniques for working with and correcting him. Then it's up to the owner to practice obedience skills with the dog on a regular basis. Taking a group obedience class as a refresher is also a good way to reinforce the training.

For further information on Board-and-Train programs at your local Best Friends, please visit the "Our Centers" section of our website, or call 1-888-FOR PETS.