Training Camp

Levels	Pricing
Availability/Openings	Frequently asked questions

Is your dog a good candidate for Training Camp?

• Does your dog need to learn basic and/or advanced obedience commands, Such as Heel, Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Back to Heel (Finish), Stand for Exam, Leave It, Off, Sitting Politely for Petting, Distraction Proofing etc. ?

• Does your dog have common problems such as jumping, housebreaking, mouthing, chewing, pulling on the leash, crate training etc.?

• Does your busy schedule not allow you to train your dog yourself?

• Does your dog need additional socialization?

• Would your dog benefit from learning how to behave in a "pack"?

We require a training evaluation or behavior evaluation prior to enrollment. The evaluation will help us determine if your dog is suitable for this program, as well as which level and length of camp is necessary in order allow for the best progress to be made.

Please contact our office for more information or to get started today and set up an evaluation!

Can I just bring my dog for a few days to get him trained?

We understand that 4 weeks away from your dog might be tough for you. However, to get the results you are desiring, 4 weeks is the absolute minimum in order to teach and enforce any commands and behaviors. 

People go to school for an average of 10-16 years. Although most dogs are very intelligent, dogs do by far not possess the mental capabilities that humans do. Therefore, it would be impossible to expect for any dog to be able to absorb training properly in less than 4 weeks. Most dogs learn rather quickly, but it takes time and repetition to retain new skills. 

How do I know which Level of training my dog needs?

We require a training evaluation or behavior evaluation to determine if your dog will benefit from camp, which level is appropriate and to determine the necessary length of the camp to achieve your goals. 

Camp Availability

Pricing

*Prices are subject to change without notice.

Reservations are made on a first come - first serve basis. 50% non-refundable deposit is required in order to make reservations. 

Dogs must be a minimum of 4 months of age and current on their vaccinations.

Required vaccinations for camp are:  Rabies, DHLPP, Bordetella

What you and your dog get out of Training Camp:

• You receive progress updates once weekly so you know how your dog is progressing.

• You get customized training instructions for your dog (20-30 pages). 

• Your dog will have a minimum of 2 training sessions a day, which last 30-45 minutes each (depending on your dog's age and attention span).

• Your dog will have a minimum of 2 play sessions a day. If your dog does not get along with other dogs and cannot be in playgroups, he/she will be exercised separately. 

• You will have two hands on lessons included with your 4-week camp (included in the enrollment fee). The first lesson is on the 3rd week and the 2nd lesson on pick up day (on the 4th week).

• You have the option of having your dog prepared for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification.

• You're Training Instructions will include various information (whatever may be appropriate for your dog), i.e. crate training, housebreaking, nutrition, problem solving etc. 

• We work on house-manners in addition to the training sessions. During these your dog will learn not to jump on any furniture, not jump on your guests, be calm and well behaved in the house, not running out of doors etc. 

• Your dog will have great socialization opportunities while staying with us!

Ready for Camp? 

Please call our office to make reservations: 

(703) 369-9912

Reservations are taken on a first come, first serve basis. From March - September, camp spaces book up very quickly and the waiting time might be 6-8 weeks or longer. 

Check Camp Availability & Openings

Frequently asked Questions

Q: When does camp start?

Please check our Availability/Openings Pages. Master Training Camp can start at ANY time if space is available and you are not restricted to set start dates. All other camps (Levels 1-5, Refresher & Socialization) are restricted to what is available on the Availability/Openings Pages. At times, we will be able to offer start dates other than those listed on the availability page. Please contact our office if the available start dates are not suitable for you.

Q: What do I need to do to make reservations for training camp?

Your dog will have to be up to date on his vaccinations (Rabies, Bordetella, DHLPP). You or your vet can fax us (703-369-9913) your dogs current vaccine records. A 50% deposit is required to book camp space and is non-refundable. Once we receive the deposit AND vaccine record, we will reserve the space for your dog and confirm the drop off date and time. Our staff will advise you if your dog is missing any required vaccines. You will then receive your Camp Information package either by mail, email or we can fax it to you.

Q: Will my dog remember me after camp?

We have never had a dog not remember their owners! Dogs are known to even remember a person they have met 12 years ago, so of course they will remember you. 

Q: Where will my dog (s) stay while at training camp?

Depending on your dogs needs, he/she may be staying with one of the other trainers and come to the office with us during the day. We do not use indoor/outdoor runs or keep dogs in a separate building as it is the case at most boarding facilities. Therefore, we are able address any and all problems that normally occur in a family environment, such as counter surfing, housebreaking, excessive barking etc. 

Q: Will my dog (s) have to stay in a crate at times?

Yes. In order to assure a controlled environment, dogs will be crated at night-time and a couple of hours during the day-time. All dogs should be crate trained, not only for housebreaking or training purposes, but also to avoid your dog from becoming anxious and stressed in case they ever have to hospitalized. If your dog is not already crate trained, we can certainly crate train him while at camp. However, if your dog is already a nervous or anxious type of dog, it may be stressful for him to be crated at first. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have already accustomed your dog to a crate before he/she attends camp.

Q: What is the routine going to be for my dog (s)?

A good routine allows for good habits to develop. Dogs are animals of habit, therefore a consistent schedule is important to allow for the best progress to be made.

The following schedule may vary slightly, depending on how many dogs are enrolled for different camps, age of dogs and different problems which need to be addressed during your dogs stay.

In order to keep your dog accustomed to your schedule at home, we adjust your dogs individual potty and exercise needs. You will be completing a camp questionnaire on the day of drop off. 

The following schedule is just a general scheduled, that we found most beneficial for the majority of dogs staying with us for training, socialization or boarding. 

6:00-7:30 AM    1st Morning Potty Walks and Breakfast (all dogs).

8:00-10:00 AM   2nd Potty Walks; 1st round of training for all camp dogs. Trainers are assigned depending on the level of 

                        camp your dog is enrolled in and based on the specific problems needing to be addressed. 

9:30-10:30 AM  Exercise and Play Time for boarding dogs as well as camp dogs suitable to be in playgroups.

10:30-1 PM     "Nap Time" so your dogs will have adequate quiet times. Socialization camp dogs will be going on field trips during

                       this time.

1:00-2:30 PM   3rd Potty Walks and Mid-day Snacks (all dogs).

2:30-5:30 PM   4th Potty Walks; Exercise and Play time. We also use this time to distraction proof advanced dogs.

5:30 PM          Dinner (all dogs).

6:00-8:00PM   5th Potty Walks, 2nd round of training for all camp dogs.

Depending on whether your dog is staying with us for behavioral problem solving or simply to learn basic and/or advanced obedience, we may add training sessions, adjust play-times or have your dog with us at the training center all day. If your dog has housebreaking problems, more Potty Walks will be necessary and added to your dogs daily schedule. 

Q: What do I need to bring when I come to drop off my dog?

1. Your dogs food (enough for 4-6 weeks).

2. Monthly Heartworm prevention 

3. Monthly Flea & Tick prevention 

Q: What can I NOT bring when I come to drop off my dog?

For sanitary and safety reasons we do not accept any of the following items on drop off:

• Blankets, Pillows or dog beds

• Food and Water Dishes

• Toys (few exceptions apply, please ask our staff)

Q: What if my dog is not progressing as expected? Will you call me or send my dog home?

If for whatever reason, we feel your dog is simply not going to do well at camp, we will call you and let you know what other options you have. If your dog is becoming stressed or is not making progress we will also inform you of any problems immediately. 

Q: My dog is aggressive and I'm afraid he might try to bite you or your staff while with you. Will I be liable?

No. While your dog is in our care, it is our responsibility to take any necessary precautions. If your dog is so aggressive that our general staff is not able to care for your dog, additional staff will be required and additional charges will apply. If our Behaviorist decides your dog is too aggressive or feels your dog is too stressed, we will inform you immediately and may request immediate pick-up. 

Please do not hesitate to call our office with any questions! 

(703) 369-9912

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