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1. Why Summer Is Prime Time for Dog Training

Summer offers the consistency and flexibility that make behavior training more successful than during other times of the year. Here’s why:

• Extended daylight hours give you more time for walks, structured play, and reinforcement.
• Consistent weather supports routine, which is essential for building new habits that stick.
• Vacation season creates a natural opportunity for board and train, allowing your dog to progress while you take time for yourself or your family.

Instead of leaving your dog with a friend or paying for a sitter, you can use this time to invest in long-term behavior improvement.

2. Common Summer Training Struggles, And How to Fix Them

Summer fun can also bring summer frustration if your dog isn’t listening well. Here are a few common issues we help clients tackle:

• Leash pulling that turns daily walks into a battle
• Poor recall at the beach or dog park
• Distraction and overexcitement in stimulating summer environments

These plateaus are normal, especially when dogs are exposed to more activities and stimuli during summer months. But they don’t have to be permanent.

Our board and train dog program uses structured days, focused lessons, and one-on-one attention to make progress on even the most stubborn issues. Most dogs show noticeable improvement in just one to two weeks.

3. What to Expect from a Board and Train Program

If you’re new to the idea, a board and train program is an immersive training experience where your dog lives and trains with a professional for a set period—usually one to two weeks. It’s not just about commands. It’s about creating lasting behavior change.

Here’s what your dog receives during their stay:

• Daily training sessions customized to your dog’s needs
• Routine and structure from morning to night
• Low-distraction environments to build new habits before testing them in real-world settings
• Socialization and exposure to new situations and people, if appropriate
• Ongoing support to help you maintain progress after your dog returns home

It’s an ideal solution if you’re planning a trip, but also incredibly effective for busy local owners who want results without having to do it all themselves.

4. 3 Easy Training Hacks to Try at Home This Summer

Not ready for a board and train just yet? Here are three simple exercises you can try at home to support better behavior starting today:

Hack #1: Surprise Recall
Randomly call your dog to come throughout the day, during commercial breaks, while you’re cooking, or just because. Reward heavily to build fast, reliable recall in any situation.

Hack #2: Sit and Wait at the Door
Before each walk, have your dog sit and wait calmly before exiting the house. This reinforces patience and helps create a calmer start to your walk.

Hack #3: Leash Switch-Ups
Vary your walk routine. Change direction frequently, stop and start randomly, or include brief obedience cues. These variations keep your dog mentally engaged and reduce pulling by requiring more focus.

While these tips can help maintain consistency over the summer, long-term improvement often requires a combination of practice at home and professional training support.

5. Why Early Booking Matters

Summer is our busiest season for dog training during vacation, and we intentionally keep our board and train groups small to provide maximum attention and care to each dog. That means availability is limited, especially around holidays and peak travel dates.

If you want your dog to benefit from focused training this summer, now is the time to book. Don’t wait until the last minute only to find our calendar full.

Whether you’re staying local or planning your next adventure, let us help your dog come back smarter, calmer, and ready for anything. Reserve your training spot now while summer availability lasts. Visit our contact page to get started!