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(Board & Train) Foundation Camp

A comprehensive guide to Foundation Camp at Partners Dog School, designed to establish essential obedience and behavior foundations.

Foundation Camp at Partners Dog School is a structured program aimed at building the fundamentals of obedience and positive behaviors. The program focuses on developing essential skills that form the basis of a dog’s good manners, ensuring a strong partnership between dog and owner. Through a combination of training techniques, consistency, and owner involvement, Foundation Camp sets the groundwork for a happy, obedient, and well-adjusted dog.

Topic Sections

  1. Overview of Foundation Camp
  2. Key Benefits and Features
  3. Training Phases and Steps
  4. Owner Training Phases
  5. Program Value and Involvement
  6. Who is Foundation Camp for?
  7. Onboarding Process
  8. Common Questions and Answers
  9. Additional Resources

Overview of Foundation Camp

Foundation Camp is designed to establish a solid relationship with your dog as they learn obedience, manners, and the structure necessary for long-term success. Our goal is to guide your dog through essential skills like staying focused, following commands, and understanding boundaries. Foundation Camp is centered around three primary phases: Build, Train, and Transition.

Key Objectives:

  • Build: Establish a bond and foundational skills through structured initial sessions.
  • Train: Reinforce behaviors and obedience, equipping your dog with necessary skills for daily life.
  • Transition: Transfer training success to the owner, supporting long-term results through ongoing lessons and resources.

Key Benefits and Features

Foundation Camp offers several unique benefits for both dogs and their owners:

  • Structured Progression: Each phase builds on the previous, ensuring that your dog’s learning is gradual, solid, and retained.
  • Tools for Success: We use specific equipment, rewards, and positive reinforcement methods tailored to each training phase.
  • Owner Involvement: Owners participate in lessons and are provided with ongoing resources to reinforce training at home.
  • Reliable Obedience Skills: The program covers core obedience commands and manners, including commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and leash walking.

Training Phases and Steps

Foundation Camp is structured around a series of progressive training steps to ensure consistent and effective learning.

  1. Build Phase

    • Objective: Create a strong bond with the dog while establishing foundational obedience and good manners.
    • Activities: Basic obedience commands are introduced, focusing on respect and mutual understanding between dog and handler.

  2. Train Phase

    • Objective: Strengthen the foundation with consistent obedience training and development of good habits.
    • Activities: Focus on core commands, structure, and protocols to support obedience in various scenarios.

  3. Transition Phase

    • Objective: Transfer training results to the owner to maintain consistency and progress at home.
    • Activities: Provide tools, resources, and follow-up classes to ensure long-term success in the home environment.

Owner Training Phases

Owner involvement is essential to reinforce and maintain the training outcomes. Our program includes dedicated training phases for owners:

  1. Online Resources (Immediately upon enrollment)

    • Objective: Equip owners with foundational knowledge for reinforcing training.
    • Activities: Access to 8+ hours of video lessons, Pet Parent Guide, and structured resources.

  2. Lessons (Weeks 1-3)

    • Objective: Actively involve owners in the training process.
    • Activities: Participate in a series of guided lessons, including a 1-hour intro lesson, weekly demo videos, and a 1.5-hour transition session.

  3. Pet Parenting Classes (Post-camp, Weeks 4-12)

    • Objective: Reinforce training in a group setting.
    • Activities: Weekly group classes to practice behaviors with other dogs and owners, solidifying the skills learned during camp.

  4. DaySchool (Optional, Post-camp)

    • Objective: Continue reinforcing skills and socialization.
    • Activities: Participate in DaySchool for additional practice and reinforcement of training, enhancing social skills in a supervised environment.

Program Value and Involvement

Foundation Camp emphasizes the value of a partnership between dog and owner, involving both in every step for effective and lasting results.

  • In-Person Training: Dogs begin their training in person, focusing on foundational obedience and behaviors under professional guidance.
  • Homework: Owners receive resources and homework assignments to reinforce behaviors at home.
  • Support: Our program includes ongoing support and resources, ensuring owners have everything they need to maintain and build on their dog's training.

Who is Foundation Camp for?

Foundation Camp is ideal for dogs of all ages who need to establish or reinforce basic obedience skills. It is especially beneficial for:

  • Puppy Behaviors: Managing behaviors like jumping, mouthing, and hyperactivity.
  • Home Behaviors: Addressing common issues such as crate training, chewing, and boundary setting.
  • Manners Training: Teaching essential commands like “heel,” “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and more for everyday reliability.

Onboarding Process

  1. Pre-Check-In

    • Objective: Ensure all requirements are in place before starting.
    • Activities: Verify vaccinations, update Pet Parent Portal, and pack necessary supplies.

  2. Check-In

    • Objective: Set goals and review the training plan with the instructor.
    • Activities: Meet with the instructor to discuss your dog’s needs, review protocols, and clarify owner responsibilities.

  3. Training Sessions

    • Objective: Focus on core obedience skills and foundational behaviors.
    • Activities: Dogs participate in both active and passive training sessions, learning commands and practicing social skills.

  4. Transition Lesson

    • Objective: Prepare the owner to maintain and continue training at home.
    • Activities: Attend a transition session, where trainers review the dog’s progress and provide tools for ongoing practice.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What commands are covered in Foundation Camp?
A: Foundation Camp focuses on essential obedience commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” leash walking, and boundary setting.

Q: How does owner involvement work in this program?
A: Owners are involved through hands-on lessons, online resources, and group classes to reinforce training at home.

Q: Are there follow-up options after Foundation Camp?
A: Yes! We offer Pet Parenting Classes and optional DaySchool sessions to reinforce and build on the training.

Q: What if my dog has unique behavioral challenges?
A: We tailor our approach to each dog, and Foundation Camp provides a personalized structure. We can also recommend additional services if needed.

Additional Resources

  • Guide to Positive Reinforcement: Information on rewards and reinforcement strategies.
  • Understanding Training Phases: Detailed explanation of each training phase and its objectives.
  • Contact Support for Foundation Camp Details: Our support team is available to assist with any questions about enrollment or training progress.

Foundation Camp at Partners Dog School offers a structured, effective approach to foundational training, ensuring dogs develop obedience and good manners that last a lifetime. By building a strong foundation through a combination of in-person training, owner involvement, and consistent follow-up, we support the lifelong success of every dog in our care.