InkenneltrainingFAQ

Bed and Biscuit Training
aka Board and Train
FAQ hopefully answered

While we do offer this at the BARKING LOT, we do not normally encourage owners to do take this option for many reason.

We feel the B&B training is sort of like sending your car of to driver's school without you. Good manners in a family companion takes
both involvement as well as a relationship with in the family structure. This is more than the ability to walk on a lead or sit when asked it
involves developing a respect between both family members AND the canine member.

While a dog is in a B&B training program they are learning the motions of good behaviors, however, the relationships are being built
with the trainers, not with the family that need those relationships to grow stronger. We feel very strongly that it is the respect that comes
of the relationship that nurtures the desire and willingness of a dog to continue *good behaviors*.

And simply put while a dog may very well understand commands in one situation with one person, if the next person does not know how
to *push the right buttons* the dog may not be able to understand or respond. Often this leave the owner, the dog and the trainer almost
as frustrated as they were at the start of the program.

We understand that there is often a very real need for B&B training for many different reasons. Todays world often leaves many people
to short of time, energy, and focus to allow the ability to *start from scratch* in dog training.
In some cases simple frustration is a very serious and real need. Often we see dogs and owners very much un-matched in size, strength,
or energy. On occasion we find illness of owners a stumbling block for allow total owner participation in training.

SO, after many years of developing our B&B training program we have settled on the following strategy for making this program work for
everyone.

All owners considering Bed & Biscuit (B&B) training should read fully understand the following. If
you still have question please ask before you start your dog on this program.
We follow this program to the letter with VERY FEW exceptions.

All dogs and owners must attend a per-acceptance evaluation session. The cost of the session is $75.00 (deductible from tuition if dog is accepted)
this session is @ 1-2 hours long and will cover out training methods, behaviors dog needs to learn and how it will be achieved. If after this session the
instructor, trainers, and the owners agree that dog and owner will benefit from B&B training the dog will be enrolled at the next available opening.

Owners understand the B&B training program and dog will stay with the trainers during this entire time, no home visits are allowed. Dog will often take
*road trips* to parks, craft fairs, over night trips, training seminars, or dog shows. These are purposely scheduled while dog is in training in order to offer
the most diverse training location and environment possible for your dog.
After trainer feels dog has achieved the basic skills of focus and behaviors, usually after @ 3 weeks, owner understands the family will be scheduled for
*learning* session where they will work one on one with the dog with the instructor/trainer. These sessions are vitally important to the success of this
program. While there is time to spend visiting these sessions are aimed at learning to develop respect and build relationship and handling skills. These
sessions last @ 1 hour, and will include at least two after dog has left training facility. Again it is of the utmost important that these session appointment
be kept for success of the program.

Dog will often be very distracted during the first learn session with family and family members must understand it is important to follow the greeting *rules*
set by the trainer/instructors. These will have been discussed when the learning session appointment was make. While we all understand the desire to
run and hug your dog might be very strong please try to follow the rules. Play time will come later in session.

While dog is still at the Barking Lot, and after the learning/play session is over trainer dog will be re-kenneled to allow for discussion with family members
about the progress and further discussion as needed. Keep good-bye low keyed, quiet and short. Please no emotional partings, these only confuse the
dog and make us feel like bad guys.

A minimum of two learning session are required after dog leaves the Barking Lot, at least one home session is suggested if at all possible. This is enable
us to re-enforce learning to both dog and family members and head off any potential regressions in behavior or family interactions.

Owners understand the dog will spend time during the day as well as all night in a kennel or crate dependant on dog, and behavior problems being
worked on. Training session may be as short as 5 minutes, many time a day or intense 30-45 minute session. Often with in the same day. Dog will
receive adequate exercise required to keep dog mentally and physically healthy. Training is often very exhausting and dogs usually enjoy the down time
to rest and contemplate. . Dogs will be walking several miles daily, as well as playing very energetic games, and because of the extra exercise, while most
don't, some dogs may loose weight, this is normal

As Dog will be exposed to many different dogs and people, of all sizes, ages, and sexes. It is very important to be open with trainer if dog has had prior
aggression issues with dog or people or if owner suspects it may be possible. Leaving these facts out will not protect the dog, but could harm your dog
as well as other others or endanger the people exposed to your dog. Past aggression will not exclude dog from B&B but will require special care and
handling. Dogs show aggression after being excepted into B&B training that owners have not advised trainer of may be expelled from programs.

Tuition will not be refunded if dog is removed from program early for any reason.

We do not use electric training collars (shock collars), aversive methods, or other hash training methods. While many trainers do our years of experience
has shown us that training with fear does not build respect or relationships. While it takes longer, the results last a lifetime and we just feel better after
training session and so do the dogs.

Most dogs at some point in training become part of the family unit, living in the house with the other family member and dogs alike. Our dogs are allowed
free range on the furniture, if you do not wish this please let us know, we will work on this is the program. We have no problem, we just need to know.

We use sinful amounts of treats in early shaping & training, if your dog has allergies please advise us during your per-acceptance session so we can
make adjustments in treats.

B&B training requires family involvement after leaving the training situation, while there are no guarantees we are available if you have problems or need
to ask questions. Please feel free to contact us if and when you need help.