There are numerous ways to train a dog, whether you choose at-home training or to hire a professional. Many owners start with a professional, while others only choose this route when their at-home efforts are proving unsuccessful. If you are having problems training your pet, then seek help. If someone mentions a doggy boot camp, then be wary. Not all boot camps are bad, but you should be extremely careful when choosing one.

A doggy boot camp is intended to introduce strict and intense training to the dog in a short period of time. The camps can last anywhere from a week to several weeks. Sometimes, the sessions only last during the day and the pooch returns home at night. Other camps keep the dog for the entire length of the training program, only allowing the owner to visit at certain times.

If you have researched training online, then you are probably familiar with the move toward positive reinforcement training. Positive reinforcement goes over well with both dogs and owners; the dogs are unharmed, and the owners do not have to partake in severe punishment. Many training organizations have adopted this method, eliminating negative methods from their programs. Boot camps have received negative publicity in the past, because of facilities practicing not-so-humane treatment of the animals. Such camps have been known to “train” the dogs through harsh treatment and cruel punishment. Using shock collars, prong collars, and other forms of cruelty, the trainers practice negative reinforcement methods. A few years back, one facility in Atlanta was caught abusing an animal with the use of a choke collar. During the abuse, the trainer was laughing as the dog vocally showed its suffering.  

Not all boot camps are necessarily cruel to dogs, so you shouldn’t rule out the possibility before you check into things. Before you ever drop your pup off at such a camp, you need to make sure that the camp you choose is known for its humane training methods. You should ask to visit a session to see exactly how the animals are treated. If you are refused a visit, then move on and find another facility. While you are there, pay attention to how the animals are housed. Are the quarter’s close and cramped? Find out how many trainers are present in the facility, and how many trainers will be working with your dog. Since the dog will be learning obedience training in a short, yet intense, amount of time, it wouldn’t make sense for the dog to be with a different trainer each day. Instead, look for a facility that uses one or two specific trainers per dog. Don’t forget to consider your dog while you are searching for a camp. If your pooch is uncomfortable around other animals or people, then sending him to a camp full of animals and people may not be the best idea. Don’t think that doggy boot camp is your only or last option. There are tons of ways to train a dog; you just have to find one that’s right.

If you are looking for an out-of-the-ordinary training program where the two of you can work on things together, consider a boot camp designed for people and animals. Although there are not many around, the popularity of this type of program is on the rise. These programs offer obedience training for your dog (using you as the handler) followed by an intense workout. Not only will the two of you practice obedience, you will also get to exercise together. Often, the obedience is based around the type of workout you will be completing. For instance, if you are going on a run down a fairly busy street, then you may work on commands to keep your pet safe during the run.

Boot camps are one option in training your dog. If you are considering using a boot camp, then choose carefully. In the past, boot camps have been known to use negative techniques, putting your dog’s wellbeing in danger. Do a little research before you choose to use a camp, since there may be a better option out there. If you are lucky enough to have one in your area, consider joining a dog and owner boot camp.