Have you ever lost a daycare client after removing his or her dog from group play not for aggression but rather for being too dominant or too hyper or for simply not listening to the handlers? Training can provide an excellent solution to integrate those dogs back into group play, thus retaining your clients.

A strong training program can complement any daycare or boarding program, as it strengthens the bond with your clients, maintains clients you would have otherwise lost, and provides you with an additional source of revenue. Training comes in all forms, such as group classes, various levels of obedience training, and daycare and boarding training, each with its own advantages.

There are many factors that can affect how a dog behaves in daycare, including the dog’s age, knowledge of basic commands (such as sit, come, or simply responding to their name), whether the dog is fixed, and what prior experiences they have with socialization. Training allows dogs that would normally be removed from group play (due to dominance (mounting), bullying/policing, overstimulation (too hyper/crazy), or who have never learned proper acceptable play) to be integrated back into a socialization setting.

Most often these dogs simply need basic obedience training such as “recall” or knowing to come to the handler from across the park while being distracted by other stimuli. Quite often, breaking the pattern or the focus of the dog engaged in the bad behavior through reinforced training will restore peace to the group. Let’s face it, some dogs just need to learn boundaries. Having a full-time trainer on staff is just the trick.

Boarding training is an excellent option for those owners looking for a trainer to “fix” their dog’s bad habits. When the dog is away from the enablers (usually their owners), the trainer is able to break the negative routine the dog has established and replace it with a positive routine owners will appreciate. Who wouldn’t want a calmer, more well-mannered dog? Boarding training is also a great option for dogs with issues more extensive than basic obedience. The trainer is with them for a longer amount of time, allowing for a greater bond with the dog when rooting out and breaking down problems in a timely manner. As they say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

It is important for owners to understand that training is not only about giving your dog a solid foundation of good behavior but also reinforcing that behavior from that point forward. Consistency is the key. Once this is achieved, you can encourage your clients to order periodic “refreshers” from your trainer during regular visits in order to maintain the wonderful behavior they have now grown accustomed to. Trainers will often offer puppy, group, and obedience classes to supplement their training program. This is a great way to introduce an entirely new clientele to your establishment.

Not only will you earn income from the training classes themselves, but clients attending training classes will become acquainted with your facility and your staff. When a situation arises and those owners need to board, they will more than likely return to the facility where they already feel comfortable and have developed a rapport. Training is an excellent tool to set your facility apart from the others and create an even greater bond between your business and your clients. In addition, training provides excellent financial benefits that will enhance your already established boarding and daycare programs.

John Glorieux has owned and operated Pompano Pet Lodge, South Florida’s oldest and largest boarding facility, for 12 years. He is currently building a second location, Lauderdale Pet Lodge, which is set to open Fall of 2012. John is available for consultation regarding most aspects of the pet care industry and can be reached at [email protected]

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