A Day at Q&A

All dogs that go through the board and train program and the puppy day training program live in the house with us. Dogs will have many training sessions throughout the day. The length and number depend on the age and where the dog is, obedience-wise. Young dogs benefit from more frequent, but shorter sessions, while older dogs typically have a longer attention span. We limit the number of dogs in these programs, so that every dog can get the maximum time and attention needed. Since we limit numbers we’re able to be more flexible with dog’s schedules, so that they don’t differ too much from the one they are used to at home. The one below is the typical schedule we follow.

A Typical Day

Wake up is normally between 6-7 am. At this point everyone is up and out to potty. After, everyone is brought back inside for breakfast, which is either a meal in their crate or a training session to earn it depending on where they are in training. Breakfast is followed by a walk or exercise of some kind depending on what we’re working on with each individual dog. 

After that is relaxation time. Depending on age, obedience level, or what needs to be addressed specifically, this will either take place in a crate or on a climb. This is when we work on learning to be calm and content in the house. 

In the afternoon, depending on the weather, we will typically take a field trip to work on more distractions, as well as appropriate behavior in a vehicle. This could include downtown Traverse City, a trail, or a beach. 

We then return in time for dinner and more relaxation time. This is followed by another walk around the neighborhood and multiple more training sessions before bedtime, which is typically between 10-10:30 pm. Any young puppies that are unable to hold it all night will be crated in the bedroom, so there are no regressions in crate training/potty training.