1. What types of dogs do you accept for a Board & Train program?

We welcome most breeds and temperaments — puppies, adolescents and adult dogs — except those with separation anxiety (we do offer alternative options).

• For puppies, they must have completed their second round of vaccinations and be dewormed.

• For older dogs: they must be crate- or puppy-pen-trained (where applicable) and ready to engage in a structured program.

• If you’re unsure your dog qualifies, book a consultation and Carey will assess fit.

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2. What does a Board & Train experience include?

Your dog stays overnight in Carey’s home/farm environment (not a commercial kennel) where they receive:

• Reward-based training multiple times per day (not punishment or e-collars).

• Daily enrichment: brain games, impulse-control exercises, socialization, calm time.

• After the stay: a Zoom handover session for your household + a written training plan so you know exactly how to continue at home.

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3. Why is overnight boarding necessary for results?

To get meaningful behaviour change you need consistency and structure. Overnight stays provide multiple training sessions, enrichment and rest in a controlled environment where we can capture calm, focus and engagement — which then transfers to your home. Your dog will still come home playful, confident and eager to learn. Never changed into a robot.

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4. Where do the dogs sleep at night?

Dogs sleep in a safe, supervised home environment:

• Adult dogs get extra-large crates (for comfort) in a quiet, calm space.

• Puppies use appropriate smaller crates or pens and rest in the living room or trainer’s bedroom.
  Our goal: rest with ease = better learning + better return home for you.

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5. How is Puppy Boarding School different from the standard Board & Train?

While core training methods (reward-based, enrichment, clarity of communication) are the same, Puppy Boarding School emphasizes foundational skills:

• Potty training

• Crate/pen training

• Socialization
  This helps prevent early nuisance behaviours — jumping, mouthing, biting — before they become habits.

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6. Will my dog listen to me at home, or just the trainer?

Yes — absolutely. The daily training is done with the dog, but after the program we spend time with you to transfer skills. You’ll get:

• A 1-hour Zoom handover where Carey shows how to cue and build on what was done.

• A written plan that you can review anytime.
  Your dog will be just as responsive to you — if not more — once the structure is in place.

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7. What is “Canine Enrichment” and why is it part of the program?

Enrichment is about engaging your dog’s mind. We design experiences that make dogs think, choose calm behaviours and feel confident.
This includes games, problem-solving activities, safe exposure to farm elements and social variability. It all supports the learning of good manners in real life.

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8. What are “Learning Games”?

These are fun, short exercises that aren’t about commands — they’re about decision-making, focus, engagement and impulse control.
Failure is not punished; instead, we shape calm, correct choices. That’s how confident dogs are built.

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9. What is “Body Handling & Husbandry”?

This component teaches your dog comfort around touch, grooming and vet/human handling.
We help your dog learn to tolerate — and even enjoy — things like nail-trimming, grooming, ear-cleaning and veterinary checks.
Because you want a dog that lives in confidence, not hides from the vet.

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10. What are the training principles at CareyTrainsMe?

• Reward calmness

• Reward focus

• Reward engagement

• Reward patience and impulse-control

• Always keep training fun and frustration-free

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11. What dog-training methods are used?

We use only positive-reinforcement methods: food, praise, toys, play and clear communication.
We do not use punishment, shock/e-collars or fear-based techniques.
Why? Because learning requires safety, curiosity and trust — not fear.

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12. Why don’t you use e-collars or punishment?

E-collars and aversive tools may show short-term compliance, but in the long run they create avoidance, fear and breakdown of trust.
We build focus, engagement and constructive behaviour by rewarding calm, correct choices.
Your dog will naturally offer eye-contact, default to sit/down and have fewer nuisance behaviours because we built those good habits carefully.

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13. Will my dog lose their playful personality?

No way. Because we never use punishment or fear, your dog remains eager, playful and curious.
Training = structure + confidence, not suppression of personality.

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14. What if my dog eats raw food or has allergies?

Bring their regular food & treats, clearly labelled.

• Dogs on raw diets are welcome — just portion meals so we can incorporate them safely as high-value rewards.

• If your dog has allergies, we train using only the treats you provide and respect your protocols.

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15. What if I miss my dog while they stay?

We’ve got you.

• You’ll receive updates via email: 24-hour, 72-hour, then weekly.

• You can also check our Instagram or Facebook stories for live farm-life snapshots.

• We can arrange a FaceTime/Zoom check-in if requested.

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16. Can you guarantee training results?

There are no guarantees when working with living animals (they have minds of their own!).
What we do guarantee: a carefully designed training plan, full commitment from our team, and ongoing support. And although no guarantee, we’ve never had a dissatisfied board-and-train client.

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17. Does my dog need vaccinations?

Yes. We require all dogs to be in good health and current on:

• DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, parainfluenza)

• Rabies

• Bordetella
  Also: free of fleas/ticks/lice and illness-free for 30 days.
  Puppies must also be dewormed and complete their second vaccination.

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18. How much do board and train programs cost?

Board & Train: 7 days $1,250 · 14 days $2,500 · 21 days $3,600 · 30 days $4,500.
In-Home Boarding (referral only): $90/night standard or $125/night reactive.
Prices may vary; book a consultation to discuss your goals: Book Here!
Payment: Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, debit (via Square), cash, or e-transfer to carey@careytrainsme.com

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19. Does Carey Train Separation Anxiety? 

Unfortunately, we do not board or train dogs with separation anxiety.
It’s a complex condition that needs a home-based program.
You can read more about why here: https://www.careytrainsme.com/post/board-and-train-and-separation-anxiety

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20. Who should consider a Board & Train?

Board & Train is ideal for:

• Busy families or professionals who want structured, reliable results.

• Owners struggling with hyper-arousal, inconsistent recall, impulse control or fearful/rescue dogs. If you are frustrated with your dog it is time for professional help. 

• People who want a confident city-dog lifestyle — polite off-leash walks, calm home behaviour, joyful companionship.

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Need More Info? Ready to find out if your dog is a fit?