When it comes to training your dog, there are several different options such as group classes, one to one lessons, online lessons, video libraries, walk and train courses with trainers as well as residential stays. All of these have their benefits and may be a perfect option for you helping with different challenges but there are lots of ways a residential stay can be a better option for you and your dog.
The first huge benefit of in-home residential training courses is the amount of hands-on time your dog gets with a professional trainer. Your dog will generally receive 2-4 hrs per day of walking, training and play sessions. This is more time than most owners are able to dedicate to training their dogs in a day and certainly more than the average 1 hour one to one lesson.
In addition to this, while your dog is living in their home, the trainer will spend lots of time getting to know your dog and their personality, what they like and need and what motivates them. This means that the trainer is able to get a much more in depth understanding of your dog and what drives their behaviour as opposed to the limited contact with a trainer you may get in a group or one to one lesson setting.
Being handled every day by a professional trainer means that your dog will benefit from a trainer's more precise timing in reacting to behaviours. Your trainers extensive knowledge and practical skills can mean they communicate more clearly to your dog and behaviour change and getting rid of bad habits can often occur more quickly than with other training options.
Another way in which residential training can offer greater benefits is in the change of environment. Dogs learn very contextually, which means that behaviours being performed are very dependent on the context in which they usually occur, for example a particular environment, time or situation. Changing the environment during residential training can help with building new neurological pathways if your dog has some less than desirable habits. When habits are strong, they can be challenging to change, but changing the context can make this process faster and easier. Then, the new habit will be in place for when your dog returns home, for you to work on in the original environment.
*Please always check individual residential training companies - how experienced and qualified the trainers are, how much time they spend with their residential dogs and if the stays are home based or kennel based. You want to choose the best option for you and your dog!
Emma R. & Poppy
TNT Team