Behavior Camp (Board & Train)

Overview

Behavior Camp at Partners Dog School is our comprehensive, immersive pathway for dogs with significant behavior concerns—for example leash reactivity, anxiety, resource guarding, or a bite history. We combine reward-forward teaching with clear structure and fair accountability to replace unsafe or unmanageable behaviors with calmer, reliable habits. Training happens in a controlled environment first, then transfers to you through lessons, DayCamp practice days, and Pet Parenting Classes so the results stick at home and in public.

Key Benefits & Features

Behavior-first plan: Custom protocols for reactivity, anxiety, resource guarding, stranger danger, and similar concerns.
Controlled setups: Safe exposure plans with distance, timing, and thresholds designed for your dog’s learning pace.
Daily connection: Pupdates every day—photos/videos + a short note in your dog’s “voice” describing what they practiced and how they did, plus periodic trainer context.
Transfer that sticks: 4.5 hrs of private training, 16 Days of DayCamp, and 8 Pet Parenting Classes to generalize your dog’s calm choices in the real world.
Balanced approach: Reward-forward teaching + clear structure; safety and clarity are always the priority.
Graduate perk: After any camp graduation, Pet Parenting Classes are $10 for your dog’s lifetime (50% off).

Training Phases & Steps

Stabilize & Assess — safety, engagement, clarity

Install daily structure (crate/place, leash language, reward markers).
Identify triggers and thresholds; set up safe distances and patterns.
Goal: lower arousal, increase handler focus, establish predictable routines.

Behavior Change — systematic exposure & alternatives

Controlled setups for triggers (e.g., dogs/people at distance, handling, doorways, food/space).
Teach alternative behaviors (watch, place/settle, heel patterns, disengage/“out”).
Goal: replace rehearsed reactions with calmer defaults and handler check-ins.

Generalize & Proof — real-world reliability

Progress distraction, duration, and distance; vary surfaces, spaces, and contexts.
Rehearse public manners (approaches, thresholds, polite passing, recovery after stress).
Goal: predictable first/second-cue responses under increasing challenge.

Transfer — handoff to the family

Transition Lesson at pickup: cues, leash skills, reinforcement schedules, home rules.
30-day home plan and training milestones so improvements last.

Parent Training & Transfer

On-demand learning: Access to the Pet Parent Guide and 8+ hours of video lessons.
Private lessons (4.5 hrs total):
- Intro (1 hr): goals, house rules, safety plan.
- Working Demo (1 hr): see progress and practice mechanics.
- Transition (1.5 hrs): hands-on handoff at pickup with your trainer.
- Follow-Up (1 hr, ~week 4): troubleshoot + advance the plan.
After-care practice: 16 Days of DayCamp (controlled reps with trainers) + 8 Pet Parenting Classes (handler skills in a group).

Program Value & Involvement

Immersive start, supported finish: Intensive boarding phase to reset patterns, then substantial training so you can maintain progress.
Clarity for the household: Unified cues, predictable routines, and safety-first guidelines.
Everything you need in one bundle: Training, coaching, practice days, group classes, and at-home resources.

What’s Included

21 nights of immersive boarding & behavior-focused training
4.5 hours of private lessons (intro • working demo • transition • follow-up)
16 Days of DayCamp + 8 Pet Parenting Classes (post-camp practice)
Parent education: Pet Parent Guide + 8+ hrs of on-demand videos
Daily Pupdates: photos/videos + a dog-voiced summary of the day
Graduate perk: Lifetime Pet Parenting Classes at $10

Cost & Payments

Behavior Camp — Standard: $5,964
Behavior Camp — Suites: $6,279
To reserve dates (most reservations): $100 nonrefundable deposit
At check-in (camps/long-term): 50% due
At pickup: Balance must be $0
Private Lessons: Single sessions are paid in full at booking (nonrefundable; not financed). If you’d like financing, choose a package of lessons and finance the package.

Financing Options

Coaching Financial — Compare offers from multiple lenders.
LendingUSA — Popular for ~36-month installment plans (subject to approval).
PayPal Credit — Promos like 0% if paid in 6 months (upon approval; terms apply).

Approvals, rates, and terms are set by the lender. Financed services are not refundable. Extras not in the financed amount are due at checkout.
See our Financing Options article for step-by-step details.

Behavior vs. Foundation Camp

	Behavior Camp	Foundation Camp
Primary goal	Behavior change (reactivity, anxiety, resource guarding, bite history)	Everyday manners & obedience
Boarding length	21 nights	14 nights
Total timeline	≈12 weeks	≈10 weeks
Private lessons	4.5 hrs	3.5 hrs
Day program + classes	16 Days of DayCamp + 8 classes	16 Days of DaySchool + 8 classes
2025 price	$5,964 Standard / $6,279 Suites	$3,276 Standard / $3,486 Suites
Fit	Significant behavior issues; PD360 review required	Puppies/adolescents; basics & manners

How we help you choose: We start with a PD360 (Partners Dogs 360) assessment—history, triggers, daily routine, medical context, and your goals. Based on PD360, we’ll recommend the right program, outline timeline/inclusions/cost in a written estimate, and map next steps.

See more information on Foundation Camp, here.

Welfare, Daily Routine & Communication

We design Behavior Camp around learning + welfare + safety so dogs feel secure, regulated, and engaged.

Daily rhythm (example):

Morning: Potty → engagement drills (watch, name, leash warm-up) → breakfast & settle.
Mid-day: Controlled behavior setups (distance work, thresholds, polite passing), place/settle duration → rest.
Afternoon: Real-life scenarios (door greetings, handler swaps, resource routines), decompression walk → rest.
Evening: Light practice → dinner → bedtime routine.

Care & oversight:

Trainers monitor stress signals, appetite, stool, energy, and sleep; plans adjust to your dog’s pace.
Calm, clean spaces; crate/quiet time builds the “off switch” for home life.
We follow your feeding/medication instructions; tell us about sensitivities upfront.
If concerns arise, we’ll contact you; for health issues we coordinate with your veterinarian as appropriate.

How you’ll stay in the loop:

Daily Pupdates: encouraging, dog-voiced updates with photos/videos from that day’s work.
Trainer context: periodic notes on progress, sticking points, and what’s next.
Transition Lesson: see the skills live, practice with a trainer, and leave with a 30-day home plan.

Onboarding Process

Quick consult & estimate → align goals and confirm Behavior vs. Foundation (via PD360).
Reserve dates → pay the $100 nonrefundable deposit (most reservations).
Prepare → verify vaccinations, complete Parent Portal, and pack labeled food, meds/instructions, flat/buckle collar, approved leash (no retractables).
Check-in (camp) → review safety plan, triggers to target, and home rules you want trained; 50% due.
Training phase (21 nights) → controlled behavior setups, enrichment, and structured rest; you receive daily Pupdates with photos/videos.
Transition & pickup → hands-on lesson, receive your 30-day home plan, and finalize payment ($0 balance required).
After camp → use 16 DayCamp days + 8 classes, plus your follow-up lesson, to keep momentum and troubleshoot.

Common Questions & Answers

What problems is Behavior Camp best for?
Reactivity (barking/lunging at dogs or people), anxiety (can’t settle, destructive when alone), resource guarding (growling/freezing over food, toys, or space), and related safety concerns. If you’re unsure, the PD360 assessment will clarify fit and priority goals.

How is this different from Foundation Camp?
Foundation targets manners/obedience for everyday life. Behavior Camp adds behavior-first protocols and controlled exposure plans to unwind rehearsed reactions and install calmer defaults. It includes 21 nights boarding, 4.5 hrs of private lessons, 16 DayCamp days, and 8 classes for robust transfer.

How will I know my dog is okay—and that training is working?
You’ll receive daily Pupdates (photos/videos + notes), periodic trainer context, and a hands-on Transition Lesson at pickup. During boarding, we monitor welfare markers (stress, appetite, stool, energy, sleep) and adjust plans to your dog. We’ll contact you if concerns arise.

What happens if my dog needs safety equipment (e.g., muzzle)?
Safety comes first. If a basket muzzle or specific handling protocol is appropriate, we’ll introduce it with positive conditioning so it feels predictable—not scary—and show you how to use it at home when needed.

Do I have to pay upfront? Can I finance Behavior Camp?
To reserve dates, most reservations require a $100 nonrefundable deposit. For camps, 50% is due at check-in and the balance is $0 before pickup. Many families use third-party financing (see Financing Options). Financed services are not refundable.

What should I bring for check-in?
Labeled food, any medications with written instructions, a flat/buckle collar, and an approved non-retractable leash. We’ll confirm vaccination requirements in your Parent Portal.

Is training guaranteed?
No training program can guarantee outcomes. Results depend on your dog’s history, health, and follow-through at home. We design a clear plan, coach your handling, and support you with DayCamp and classes so progress is sustainable.

What if things slip after coming home?
Regression can happen as environments change. Follow your 30-day home plan, use short daily reps, and tap your follow-up lesson, DayCamp days, and Pet Parenting Classes. We’ll help you troubleshoot and get back on track.

Glossary

PD360 Assessment (Partners Dogs 360): Structured assessment covering history, triggers, routines, medical context, and goals used to place and plan training.
DayCamp: One-on-one day training environment used post-camp to rehearse calm behaviors with trainer oversight.
Pet Parenting Classes: Progressive group classes that generalize skills around dogs/people and build handler timing.
Pupdates: Daily photo/video updates with a short note in your dog’s “voice,” plus trainer context as needed.
Place/Settle: Defined station (cot/mat/crate) where your dog relaxes on cue to lower arousal.
Thresholds: Doorways/boundaries where impulse control and safe passing are trained.
Balanced approach: Reward-forward teaching paired with clear rules and humane tools for clarity and safety.
Reinforcement schedule: How often and when rewards are delivered to maintain behavior (continuous → variable).
Disengage / “Out”: Cue to stop engaging and turn away from a trigger, toy, or space.
Generalization: Taking a behavior learned in training and making it reliable in new places with distractions.

Additional Resources

Financing Options: How to apply and coordinate payments.
Vaccination Policy: Required vaccines and health guidelines.
Pet Parenting Classes: Ongoing group training after camp.

Behavior Camp at Partners Dog School is built for meaningful behavior change—not quick fixes. By pairing a focused boarding phase with robust parent training, DayCamp practice, and group classes, we help your dog swap reactivity and anxiety for calmer, more reliable choices—and give you the skills to keep it going.