At Alamo City Dog Trainers in San Antonio, while we're eager to help you build a strong foundation with your canine companion, we typically recommend starting our more structured dog training programs, especially those involving tools like e-collars, when your dog is at least 5 months old. This age allows for a certain level of physical and mental maturity, making them more receptive to the nuances of training. For puppy training focused on socialization and basic foundational commands, we can often begin earlier, guiding you through those crucial developmental stages. However, for programs that incorporate more advanced techniques and tools, waiting until around the 5-month mark generally leads to a more effective and positive learning experience for your dog. This ensures they have the cognitive ability to understand the training concepts and the physical development to handle certain training methods comfortably.

While your dog is enrolled in our Board and Train program at Alamo City Dog Trainers in San Antonio, they will reside at the trainer's home, within a secure kennel facility. Their comfort and safety are our utmost concern. Each dog stays in a spacious, climate-controlled kennel measuring 4' x 6', providing a secure and comfortable personal space. These kennels are equipped with smoke and fire detection systems, and the entire kennel facility is armed with a state-of-the-art alarm system for added peace of mind. Importantly, each kennel has a dog door, offering them the freedom to go in and out as they please. This means they can choose to bask in the sun outside or retreat to the cool interior for rest and sleep whenever they desire, ensuring they have the best of both worlds during their training stay.

Your dog will benefit immensely from professional dog training at Alamo City Dog Trainers in San Antonio. If your dog is exhibiting unwanted behaviors like biting, chewing, or jumping, these often indicate underlying needs for mental stimulation, physical exercise, and clear discipline. Our tailored obedience training programs directly address these issues, providing your dog with the structure and guidance they need to thrive.

Through our expert dog training, your dog will learn valuable skills that lead to a calmer and more balanced demeanor. They'll receive the mental workout of learning new commands and the physical engagement that comes with consistent training sessions. This can significantly reduce boredom-related acting out.

A key benefit of effective dog training is the increased freedom and trust it fosters. Imagine the joy of being able to safely let your dog off-leash in appropriate areas, knowing they will respond to your commands. This freedom enhances their happiness and allows them to express natural behaviors in a controlled way.

Ultimately, dog training isn't just about your dog's behavior; it profoundly impacts your relationship. You'll enjoy a more peaceful and fulfilling connection with a well-trained dog who understands your expectations. Remember, an untrained dog can become destructive, potentially leading to costly repairs in your San Antonio home. Investing in our dog training program is an investment in your dog's overall well-being and a more harmonious life together.

Once your dog's intensive board and train program at Alamo City Dog Trainers in San Antonio is complete, our training doesn't end there – it extends to you! We believe that your understanding and consistency are crucial for maintaining your dog's newfound skills. Therefore, we dedicate between 1 to 2 hours to thoroughly train you on all the commands your dog has learned and, importantly, how your dog will respond to those commands. This comprehensive "go-home" session ensures a smooth transition and empowers you to confidently continue reinforcing the training in your San Antonio home environment.

To reserve your spot in our effective board and train programs at Alamo City Dog Trainers in San Antonio, a non-refundable deposit is required.

• For our 1-week Board and Train and 2-week Board and Train programs, the required non-refundable deposit is $300, which will be applied towards your total balance.
• For our dedicated 10-day Board and Train program, the required non-refundable deposit is also $300, which will be applied towards your total balance.
• If you opt for our more comprehensive 3-week Board and Train or 4-week Board and Train programs, a non-refundable deposit of $600 is required to secure your spot.

For your convenience, the remaining balance on all of our board and train programs can be split into 6 equal monthly payments. To participate in this payment plan, a valid driver's license and credit card are required. This makes investing in professional dog training more manageable.

This deposit ensures your dog's place in our training schedule. The remaining balance can then be managed according to the specific program terms.

An e-collar, often referred to as a remote training collar, is an electronic device used in dog training. It typically consists of two main components:

1. A wireless remote transmitter: This is held by the trainer.
2. A wireless receiver: This is worn on the dog's neck, usually as part of a collar.

How it works:

The remote transmitter allows the trainer to send signals to the receiver collar. These signals can activate different types of stimulation to get the dog's attention or to communicate a correction. Modern e-collars often offer various levels and types of stimulation, including:

• Vibration: A buzzing sensation.
  
   
• Tone/Audible Beep: A sound to get the dog's attention.
  
   
• Static Stimulation: A mild electrical pulse, often described as a tingle or tap, that can range in intensity.
  
   

The way an e-collar is used in training typically involves:

1. Association: The dog learns to associate a command or a behavior with the stimulation. For example, the trainer might give a "come" command and then use a low level of stimulation to guide the dog. When the dog complies, the stimulation stops.
   
    
2. Interruption: The stimulation can be used to interrupt unwanted behaviors, like chasing or digging. The dog learns that performing the behavior results in the sensation from the collar.
   
    

The goal of e-collar training, when done correctly, is to use the lowest level of stimulation that the dog can perceive to communicate clearly and effectively. It's often used to reinforce commands the dog already knows, especially at a distance or in distracting environments.

It's important to note that the use of e-collars can be a point of debate, with strong opinions on both sides regarding their ethical use and effectiveness. Many professionals emphasize that they should be used as part of a comprehensive training plan that includes positive reinforcement and under the guidance of an experienced trainer.

The utilization of e-collars in training by premier law enforcement, military, and federal agencies, including those involved in patrol, detection, and search and rescue, underscores their effectiveness.!

Looking for intensive and effective dog training in San Antonio? Our Board and Train program at Alamo City Dog Trainers offers an immersive learning experience designed to transform your dog's behavior and build a solid foundation for a lifetime of good manners. When you entrust your furry friend to us, you're investing in a comprehensive program that covers essential commands and addresses specific behavioral goals.

An often-overlooked aspect of successful dog training is public training. While mastering commands at home is a great start, exposing your dog to real-world distractions – the sights, sounds, and smells of San Antonio – is crucial for reliable obedience. Our Board and Train program includes carefully managed outings to acclimate your dog to public environments, making them an all around better k9 for your future.

What Our Board & Train Program Includes:

During their stay with our experienced trainers in San Antonio, your dog will receive personalized, focused training sessions throughout the day. Our program typically includes mastering the following key commands:

• Come: A reliable recall is crucial for safety and freedom, especially in open San Antonio spaces. We'll work to ensure your dog returns to you promptly when called.
• Sit: This foundational command promotes polite greetings and helps with impulse control, whether you're at a local market or relaxing at an outdoor cafe.
• Off: If your dog jumps on people or furniture, we'll teach them a reliable "off" command, ensuring polite interactions with visitors and in public.
• Down: A calming position, "down" is essential for relaxation and settling on cue, useful in various San Antonio settings.
• Place: Teaching your dog to go to a designated spot ("place") on command provides them with a sense of security and gives you reliable control in various situations, both at home and when visiting dog-friendly establishments.
• Heel: Enjoy stress-free walks around San Antonio with a dog who understands how to "heel" politely by your side.
• Stay: Building duration and distance with the "stay" command is vital for safety and control in numerous real-world scenarios.

To enhance our training and provide you with effective tools for continued success, our Board and Train program may also incorporate modern training aids, such as a quality e-collar (retail price around $220), when appropriate and with owner consent. These tools, when used correctly and humanely, can improve communication and off-leash reliability, contributing to a well-behaved dog, potentially seeing progress towards a more obedient dog within a relatively short timeframe. We will educate you on its proper and ethical use.

Beyond these core commands, our Board and Train program also addresses individual behavioral challenges you may be facing, such as leash pulling, excessive barking, and more. We utilize balanced training methods, tailored to your dog's personality and learning style.

To ensure a smooth transition home, we also include a go-home session where we'll teach you the techniques and strategies to maintain your dog's newfound skills. We'll also discuss the "break" cue, signaling to your dog that they are released from a command.

Why Choose Alamo City Dog Trainers' Board & Train in San Antonio?

Our Board and Train program offers:

• Intensive, Focused Training: Your dog receives consistent training from our experienced dog trainers in San Antonio, including exposure to public training scenarios.
• Personalized Approach: We tailor the program to your dog's specific needs and your goals.
• Convenience: Let us do the initial intensive work, setting you up for success and an all around better k9 for your future.
• Long-Lasting Results: We aim to create lasting behavioral changes.

Ready to see a significant improvement in your dog's behavior? Contact Alamo City Dog Trainers in San Antonio today to learn more about our Board and Train program and how we can help you achieve a well-behaved companion who understands commands like "come", "sit", "off", "down", "place", "heel", and "stay", with a clear understanding of the "break" cue, and is better prepared for the real world through public training.