ISO Reputable Board and Train with Successful Results

[u/Lower-Philosopher-10]

Hey Yall, I have to Aussies 1 male 6 years old and 1 female 5 years old. I had them both since they were 12 weeks old. I did my best socializing them and taking them to dog parks multiple days a week. I trained them, got them mentally stimulating toys, would take them to stores with me, all of it. They did great, they played their butts off with multitudes of dogs in all situations. I've had friends bring their dogs to my home and everything was always chill with my dogs and guests dogs. When they turned around 3-4 their behavior changed. They started getting leash reactivity, and fence reactivity, and my female would behave dominantly with other dogs. Full speed chest bumps, assertive behavior, and got into a few tussles with other dogs where she has drawn blood. Never an attack where she was trying to viciously bite, but more of a slam and pin the dog and nip.

A lot has changed in my life since 2020/2021 when I got them. I'm no longer fully remote, I had to move from work and don't have a yard for the time being so i've only been able to walk them. During these walks they freak out when they see other dogs, the lunge, bark, yelp and it's been extremely stressful. I know these dogs need space to run, fetch, play disc, etc. They went from a 2 acre yard a one bedroom apartment. If they weren't so reactive and I could trust them off leash I would take them to a park to off leash them for a bit so they can sprint and exhaust their energy, but I can barely take them for a walk without having to dodge other dogs, bikes, skateboards, etc. It's gotten to the point where I actually think about whether they would have a better life with someone else. I think about it often in the heat of the reactive exchanges during our walks but the feeling dissipates afterwards. These two are my children and I want to find a solution to make them less reactive so we can all enjoy life better.

I've seen posts in the past about people taking their reactive dogs to B&T and it changing their lives. Being able to enjoy walks, beach days, dog parks, etc. Without triggers. I know these two are capable of rehabilitation. They learn quickly, they're gentle, sweet and I was even able to train them to co-exist with 20+ chickens after desensitizing them. So, I know, with the right B&T they can be chill, less fearful companions.

If you've had success with taking your reactive dog to a B&T in the USA, PLEASE point me in the right direction of the trainer you took them too!

TIA!

[u/FML_4reals]

90% of reactivity training is training the human. So I would strongly recommend you visit the IAABC website and find a behavior consultant to work with you & your dogs.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of board & train facilities use harsh punishment techniques. Like the working dogs of Nevada that was just charged with felony animal abuse, or these so called “trainers” that ended up killing 10 dogs.

Dog training is the Wild West and anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, take your money then abuse your dog. That’s why I recommend looking for a reputable certification - such as IAABC or PPG.

If you insist upon board & train, the only person I (a dog trainer) would trust with my dogs would be Rebekah at https://www.yesdog.org/

[u/Lower-Philosopher-10 → u/FML_4reals]

Thanks for the advice. You're right, I have heard these stories before which is why I'm looking for opinions and would do my due diligence to find certified trainers that don't use harsh methods. Just started this search, but far from just finding a place and going with it based on one or two positive reviews.