Board and train gets a bad reputation sometimes and I understand why. People worry that if they aren't part of the training their dog won't listen to them at home and honestly, that can be true if the trainer doesn't do their job properly. At Paws Down, the handoff is just as important as the training itself. You will learn everything your dog learned before they ever leave my care.

That said, board and train is genuinely the best option for two types of dogs. The first is the busy owner who wants real results but doesn't have the time to train daily on their own. The second is the dog with complex behavioral challenges. Behavior modification is intricate work and there is only so much I can translate to a client in a handful of sessions. Having your dog with me full time means I can work through the layers properly, consistently, and without interruption.

What makes Paws Down different is simple. I am a one woman operation. Your dog isn't going to a facility, sitting in a kennel, or being passed between employees. They are coming into my home, acclimating to my family and my pack, and being worked with hands on every single day by me. It is the closest thing to their own home environment that training can offer, and that matters more than most people realize.

Puppy Foundation Board and Train 2 Week Minimum | $1,000 per week

This program is designed for puppies 6 months and under. The puppy stage is one of the most important windows in your dog's development and what happens during this time sets the tone for everything that comes after. This program focuses on crate training, potty training, socialization, and an introduction to basic obedience and leash skills. We are not expecting perfection at this age. We are building a foundation and giving your puppy the best possible start.

Obedience Board and Train 3 Week Minimum | $1,000 per week

This program is for adult dogs who need foundational obedience, leash manners, and reliable commands built from the ground up or cleaned up and made consistent. Whether your dog has never had formal training or has some skills that need refinement, this program will get them where they need to be. Commands typically include sit, down, place, recall, heel, and leash manners, tailored to your dog's individual needs and your goals as an owner. Training is proofed in real world environments including parks and public spaces because most owners want a dog they can take anywhere, and that is exactly what we are working toward.

Behavior Modification Board and Train 4 to 6 Weeks | $1,200 per week

This program is for dogs dealing with reactivity, fear & anxiety, impulse control issues, arousal, or other complex behavioral challenges. This is the most intensive program I offer and the timeline is determined after an assessment of your dog. We work methodically through the layers of your dog's behavior building reliability and confidence in real world environments so that outings and everyday life stop feeling like something you have to survive. Please note that I do not take aggression cases at this time.

What Every Board and Train Client Receives

You will receive regular updates throughout the entire stay including texts, photos and videos so you always know exactly how your dog is doing. Around the halfway point we will schedule a midway session, held either here at my home, at your home, or in a public space so you can see your dog's progress firsthand and we can start getting you involved before the program ends.

At the end of the program we will do an extensive go home lesson where I walk you through everything your dog learned and teach you exactly how to follow through with it at home. You will also leave with a full written training plan covering all of the information, commands, and expectations so you have something to reference every single day.

Additionally, I offer continued support by text or phone after your dog goes home because I want you to succeed just as much as I want your dog to succeed.

***I only take two dogs at a time. That is not a limitation, that is a choice. It means your dog always has my full attention.