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Board & Train - Training Options Requirements for Board & Train Important Details for Board & Train Application
 
 
Overview:   
 
     
  You do not have to be an engineer or mechanic to drive a car.  And, you don't need to be a seasoned dog trainer to own or handle a well trained dog.  But, in the same way that owning a car requires some routine maintenance and upkeep, so does a professionally trained dog require your continued support and proper management.  For folks who are willing to participate in their dog's continued education, our Board and Train option is exceptional.  We do the hard part, and you reap the benefits.  
     
  Let Tammie & Robert train your dog while it comes for a visit to DarnFar Ranch.  Your dog will receive ample exercise and play breaks along with extraordinary training, management and socialization.  Upon pick-up, the complete training methods will be explained to you.  Your dog's training skills will be demonstrated (often including some video clips we recorded during his stay) and we will make certain that you can handle your dog, and that he takes the commands from you, prior to your departure.  That's the most important part!  Your pick-up appointment will last approximately three - four hours and we won't send you home until we see that your dog will take direction from you.  
     
  At the end of two weeks of professional training with Tammie & Robert, most dogs will have the expertise of dogs that attend an 8 week Obedience class with their owners, many will be well beyond that level of training.   But, they will also have experienced impeccable management and comprehensive socialization which is not possible for dogs attending a Beginner Obedience class.  Follow-up training sessions are available as necessary (in your home or here at the ranch), but are very rarely necessary.  This training option requires a level of commitment on the part of the owner to continue the training once the dog returns home, but is highly successful if appropriately managed.  
     
  More is better.  Although we offer a two week, basic board and train option, a third week in our care with our training and management program can make a huge difference in your dog's overall education.  The dogs that are with us longer are almost always superior in their skills and socialization than dogs that are here for just two weeks.  Of course, two weeks with us is much better than no time at all (people often say things like, "it's a miracle" or "is this really my dog?").  But, if you are contemplating whether two weeks or three would be better for your pet, we will always recommend the longer stay.  It's really not about the money - because we are booked out several weeks in advance and a kennel with a dog is bringing in income, whether it's here for two or three weeks.  We can actually accommodate more clients if we circulate dogs through our program faster.  But, that's is not our goal.  When we say that "more is better", it's truly about the dog and making it easier for the owner to take over the training and management of the dog once it goes back to its home.  Some dogs simply need longer stays, and we will let you know our requirements for these dogs which include dogs with aggression, fear or anti-social problems.  Older dogs and toy dogs tend to require a longer stay, as well  
     
  Making the commitment to become your dog's leader.  If everyone had the presence and skills to be their dog's respected leader, there would be no need for our service.  It's very important to understand that a dog's behavior is almost always a direct reflection of how he feels about his relationship with his humans.  Our Board and Train program will help your dog become more centered, calm and relaxed.  It will also make him much more obedient and happy to comply and follow your leadership.  However, if he goes home to the same unbalanced environment he came from, he will not stay content very long.  Choosing our Board & Train program must come with the commitment that you will practice leadership with your dog on a daily basis.  The most critical time will be the first month after he is home with you.  Do not schedule training that will back up to a very busy time of your life when you cannot meet the obligation you will have to your dog's training and transformation.   At the Owner Education session (when you pick up your dog), you will received three to four hours of personal, one-on-one instruction along with ten to twelve pages of written materials that will support the verbal communication.  This is our best shot at convincing a dog's owner how important it is that he transforms into his dog's revered leader.  If you are up to the commitment, then our Board & Train program is for you!  
     

     
 
Training Options
 
     
  Basic 2 Week Plan
  • Typical "lack of self control" issues and lack of general training can be accomplished in this time frame
  • Most exercises performed on a 6 foot lead, albeit many dogs are moving towards some off-lead work in this time.
  • Dogs receive Socialization & proper Management plus these Trained skills: Heel, Sit, Down, Stay, Come.
  • Manners are addressed: jumping up, nipping issues, charging out doors, excessive barking
  • Resolving cat or other animal chasing is initiated during this period.  
  • Dogs with aggression or other social issues are not suited for this two week session.  
  • Minimum age:  6 months.
  • Two weeks minimum.  
  • $350/week (which includes a bath & nail trim on day of pick-up and training collar)
  
     
  Extended Plan (three or more weeks)- 
  • Basic, two week training (above) plus additional education.
  • Resolution of cat and other animal chasing, and more serious nipping / biting issues.
  • Some exercises are performed off lead. 
  • Many psychological problems can be accomplished in this period, as well. 
  • This training time is more appropriate for some older dogs that have more ingrained bad habits and a subset of toy dogs that seem to believe they are the rulers of the universe (as toy dogs often take time to absorb the idea that they are not, in fact, top-dog). 
  • Minimum age:  6 months.  
  • $350/week (which includes a bath & nail trim on day of pick-up and training collar)
  
 
 

PLEASE NOTE: There is a $25/week additional fee for intact males (those not neutered) that are 12 months or older.  This is because they are typically more challenging to train and maintain.  Testosterone is a potent hormone which often causes a dog to have a quicker trigger for aggression and stronger physical strength.  Intact males can also present a challenge during the dog/dog socialization training, requiring heightened supervision during that training.

  
     
 
 

Anti-social, Aggressive, Special Needs Dogs

  
     
  We specialize in working with dogs that have serious aggression and severe psychological issues, or have special needs (such as handicapped or deaf dogs).  Our training, management and socialization program lends itself well to these sorts of dogs.  We consider it our specialty. We must work more intensively with these dogs on a daily basis.  Dogs that are required to enter the Anti-social /Aggressive program are:
  • Dogs that believe they can control people or dogs with intimidation or force
  • Dogs that have learned they can bite humans
  • Dogs that are aggressive with other dogs or animals
  • Dogs that display serious fear behaviors, which could include fear-aggression

The training includes all of our basic canine education, plus exceptional re-programming / rehabilitation / socialization in the presence of distractions which would normally trigger the dog's anti-social behavior.

  •  Minimum age:  6 months. 
  •  The minimal stay is three weeks and we reserve the right to assess the dog's progress and recommend additional time if necessary. 
  • $400/week (which includes a bath & nail trim on day of pick-up and training collar)

Please be honest with us when describing your dog's behavioral problems.  If your dog believes that he can use his teeth to get his way, we need to spend time with intensive social reprogramming before we can begin standard training.  Let us know about your dog's aggression problems so that we can help your dog.  Many trainers will not take aggressive dogs and other canine "experts" may even suggest euthanasia because they believe the dogs cannot be saved.  We haven't met a dog that we cannot rehabilitate.  But, it takes time, proper training, management and extensive socialization.  It may also takes a significant shift in the owner's attitude, management or interaction with the dog, which we will explain in detail at the Owner Education session during the pick-up appointment.   We can help your troubled dog, but we will do that most efficiently and effectively if you inform us of your dog's issues so that we can schedule appropriate resources towards his care.  

 
     
  Puppies under 6 months old  
     
  We do not usually recommend the Board/Train options for puppies under 6 months old.  This is because they are growing very quickly and spending much of their nutritional energy developing their bones, muscles and especially cutting their adult teeth.  If you do not know the age of your puppy, check his mouth.  If you do not see any new, adult teeth, your puppy is probably still under 4 months old.  A puppy with most of his adult teeth is 5-7 months old.  Puppies under six months are more distracted and have a shortened attention span because, well, they are babies and need to be managed differently.  Additionally, the period during which they are cutting their adult teeth is a stressful and sometimes painful time for them.  So, although a puppy can be taught to sit and lay down and come as early as 7 or 8 weeks old (using positive reinforcement like foot treats), demanding absolute compliance is more fair once the puppy has the attention span and ability to meet high expectations of performance, and is over the teething period.  Adult dogs do not interact with young puppies the same way that they do with adolescent pups.  Our methods emulate the manner in which we believe dogs communicate with each other.  So, we do not expect as much from a younger puppy as a pup over 6 months old.  
     
  On occasion we do take young puppies, specifically for basic manners training (including nipping and jumping up) and house-breaking issues.  Because a puppy demands so much additional attention, often late night (or even midnight) outings for potty breaks, we charge more for this service. 
  • The minimum time for puppy training for manners and socialization is 2 weeks. 
  • If housebreaking is the main reason for the training, the minimum is 3 weeks. 
  • With housebreaking, the owner must agree to continue our method once the puppy is back in their own home.
  • $400/week (which includes a bath & nail trim on day of pick-up)
  
     
 
 
     
 
Important Details: 
 
     
 

Our hours of operation are by appointment, only

  
     
 
Drop Off Appointments Drop off appointments are around 20 minutes long.  You MUST bring your dog's proof of vaccinations (a copy that we can retain) or we cannot accept your dog into our facility.  Please do not forget this important information. Drop off appointments are scheduled by appointment, only.
   
Pick Up Appointments Pick up appointments are 3-4 hours long.   Any family member who will be managing the dog should attempt to attend the pick up appointment.  Final payment, in full, is due at this time. Pick up appointments are typically scheduled in the afternoon, in order to accommodate our schedule for kennel care and training.
   
Sunday Premium We do not hold Sunday hours of operation.  However, there are times, especially when a client is coming from a long distance, when a Sunday appointment is requested.  At our sole discretion, we may accept a Sunday drop off appointment to which we will add a $30 premium.  A Sunday pick-up appointment /Owner Education Session will require an additional $150 Sunday premium.
   
Availability We limit the number of dogs in our facility for Board & Train and during our peak times, we are usually booked out two to four weeks.  So, call ahead to schedule your drop off date.
   
Payment Methods A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to schedule training.  50% of the total Training Fee is due at drop off (which will include your $100 deposit).  We accept cash or check.  If you prefer to pay by Credit Card, you may use PayPal even if you do not have a PayPal account.  Use this link to find our PayPal option page.
  All remaining fees are due at pick-up (cash or check)
   
NOTE: If you fail to arrive for your scheduled drop off appointment (or call to cancel under 24 hours), a non-refundable deposit of your first 50% of the training fee must be received prior to your rescheduled drop off appointment.
   
Why A Deposit? Why do we require a deposit to make an appointment?  In order to give every dog the attention it requires, we typically have only 6 dogs in our care at a time.  Since training is usually scheduled in 3 week blocks, we sometimes must ask a client to delay the start of training three or four weeks out.  When a client abruptly cancels training (or does not arrive for their scheduled appointment), we can sometimes contact a person who has a later start date of training to see if they want to move up their drop off date.  But, mostly, folks cannot quickly change their schedules - especially since many of our clients come from 3 or more hours away to bring their dogs for training.

Not long ago, we experienced a "no-show".  So, we contacted someone who was waiting to get into training.  We were told that they had euthanized their pet because they simply could not wait the three plus weeks that we needed to get their dog into our training program.  It was heartbreaking to know that we could have received their dog earlier - but were holding a spot for someone who cancelled at the last minute.  It's a significant business and scheduling challenge when we get a last minute cancellation or worse, a "no-show".  But, it is part of many businesses, and we used to absorb the loss of our time and income as an unfortunate part of doing business.  However, we really took it personally when we discovered a dog was killed that we could have taken in had someone not chosen to simply not show up for their training session.   So, we now require ALL appointments to be confirmed with a $100 non-refundable deposit in order to schedule a drop-off date for training.

 

  
 
Requirements for Board & Train 
 
     
  1.  Contact us via email, telephone (618) 427-3333,  or via our on-line application to set up a training date.  
     
  2.  A $100/dog non-refundable deposit is required to hold your training slot.    It will be applied to the first 50% of your training fee, which is required on the day of drop-off.  Please use our PayPal option to make your deposit.  If you prefer, you may send a money order or personal check, so long as it arrives prior to your drop-off appointment.  Your training start date will not be confirmed until we receive your deposit.  
     
   
$100 use this button to submit the training deposit
  
     
 
   or send a check payable to "DarnFar Ranch" to:
  DarnFar Ranch  
  RR1 Box 114  
  Brownstown, IL 62418
 
     
 

3.  You must provide proof of your dog's rabies, distemper, parvovirus and bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccines (current titer results are also acceptable for Distemper/Parvo and Bordetella).  BRING A HARD COPY THAT YOU CAN LEAVE WITH US PERMANENTLY.  This must be on your veterinarian's letterhead. WE CANNOT ACCEPT DOGS INTO OUR FACILITY WITHOUT THIS INFORMATION
 
     
  4.  Please make certain your dog is free of internal and external parasites.  Infested dogs will receive a flea/tick bath at the owner's expense  
     
  5.  Most clients prefer to bring their dog's current food to reduce the chance of gastric upset during their stay here.  We feed Purina brand dog food if you do not bring your dog's food.  There will be a $1.00/day charge if you do not bring your dog's food.  Do not bring your food in a container that you absolutely must have back.  Our preference is that you bring the dog's food in its original bag.  We will put it into an air-tight container that fits in our storage shelving and discard the bag.  We cannot return loose dog food  
     
  6.  You may bring treats and washable toys.  We prefer to use our own blankets / bedding so that we can keep things laundered on our own schedule.  Do not bring your dog's food or water dishes.  
     
  7.  50% of the training fee is due at drop off and the remainder is due in full at pick-up time.  Your $100 deposit will be applied towards your training fee, unless you fail to arrive for your prescheduled appointment  
     
  We accept cash and checks, or you may use your credit card via the options.  We do not accept credit cards on site, so if you desire to use your credit card, payment in full is required before you arrive with your dog via the PayPal on-line payment system.  If you would like any of our "extras" like transport from the airport or a custom DVD, we can create a PayPal money request to cover your dog's entire training fee so that you can pay, in full using your credit card, or you can use the payment buttons found on this page and pay for your extras in cash or check on the pick-up date  
     
  NOTE: Although we will make every effort to maintain control over them, any personal items left at the facility, such as toys, bones or blankets may be chewed, destroyed or soiled to the point that we discard the item.  Please do not leave items that you absolutely expect to have returned.  
     
 
Custom DVD
 
     
  PURCHASE A CUSTOM VIDEO OF YOUR DOG'S TRAINING:  You may request that we record many of your dog's training sessions that we will compile onto a CD or DVD.  It will include an explanation of the training methods that we use to train your dog as well as recordings of your dog's training sessions.   It serves as a great reminder on how to handle different problems that are specific to your dog.   Fee:  $160 due at drop off  
     
 
Do not be discouraged if you live too far away:
 
     
  You may take advantage of our exceptional training regardless of where you live.  
  We are located just off Interstate 70 (90 miles from Terre Haute, IN and 75 miles from St. Louis, MO)  
  Many of our clients make the easy, all-interstate drive from Chicago-land.  
  We have many clients that drive up to six or more hours to bring us their dog for board & train.  
  We also have folks fly their dogs in for training.  
  If you choose to fly your dog to us, we will pick up the dog at the St. Louis, MO airport and provide it our high quality, professional training  
  Then, you have two options:  
     
  1.  You may fly / drive in to get your dog and take advantage of the standard, 3-4 hour transfer session where we demonstrate what your dog has learned, explain all the methods and then make certain that your dog will work for you.  
     
  2.  You may receive a DVD or CD that will show your dog's training in progress as well as explain the training methods in lieu of coming to get your dog in person.  And, we will ship your trained dog back to you. THIS IS NOT THE PREFERRED OPTION.  
     
 
  Service Fee
  Airport Pick Up $100
  Airport Delivery $100
  Custom Made CD or DVD  Recording of your dog's training $160
  fully explains the methods as well presents many of your dog's training sessions  
  The custom recording is required if you are not in attendance to pick up your dog to make certain you can continue your dog's training

 

  
  Note  For air shipped dogs:  Airport pick up and delivery charges and CD/DVD recording fee is due in full prior to the dog's arrival.  In addition, 50% of the total training fee must be paid in advance prior to the shipment date and must be accompanied by the dog's vaccination records as well as a signed contract. All outstanding fees must be received, in full, before we ship your dog back to you.  If final payment is not received by the scheduled shipping date, the dog will be boarded at a rate of $45/day until the payment is received.  The dog's owner is responsible for all shipping arrangements and expenses  
     
     
 
Credentials 
 
     
 
Tammie is a certified PetTech Pet First Aid/CPR instructor Robert is certified in Pet First Aid /CPR
 
     
     
 
Your Dog's Stay 
 
     
  Training:  Our unique approach to learning results in a highly trained, confident dog  
     
 
  • Your dog will learn traditional commands such as heeling properly on a lead (we have a zero tolerance policy for pulling humans - your dog will not pull you).  Sit and stay as well as down-stay and come when called are critical lessons for all dogs, too. Your dog will learn to perform these tasks quickly and willingly with out the need for food bribery
  
 
  • We believe that a dog must learn to behave in the distractions found in the "real world".  We employ a variety of visual and auditory distractions during training (such as cats, other dogs, noises , visitors, training classes)
  
 
  • We build a dog's confidence  by asking him to trust our leadership, and allowing the dog to learn how it feels to have self restraint, then getting praised for that behavior.
  
 
  • Learning to obey commands for their human leaders is accomplished in combination with sound management and socialization.
  
 
  • Traditional command training offers  you a method of communicating with your dog during the transition period when you take over the leadership role that we begin with your dog during his time at DarnFar Ranch
  
  Socialization:  Social training helps your dog become a calm, self controlling animal that is confident and happy and centered  
     
 
  • Dog exercise times provide a "Dog Park" atmosphere, where dogs learn social skills from other, well mannered dogs.  Once your dog recognizes that there is a strong, fair, highly communicative human leader calmly supervising the playtime, he will quickly learn to behave appropriately with other dogs.  We believe this is a critical distinction to our training method.  Where most trainers maintain your dog in a separate kennel and work it alone, we use social exercise time as a very important learning and training period.  We also believe that good play helps dogs relieve stress as well as offers exercise that a dog would not probably do if left in a yard all alone, and which would certainly not be possible for a dog left in a small kennel run.
  
 
  • Proper socialization also involves demanding appropriate behavior in the human society.  Social training includes resolution of nipping and jumping up behaviors which are clearly not tolerated by leaders in a canine social group, so they should not be tolerated from humans, either.  Excessive exuberance (or a general lack of self control) is also a socially unacceptable behavior which is addressed during a dog's stay at DarnFar.  Truly, a dog cannot really be trained until it is psychologically balanced through proper socialization.  That's why our Board & Train option is so successful and your dog will be calm, relaxed and exhibit self-restraint when you come to fetch him after the exceptional educational experience.
  
     
  Facilities:  
     
 
  • Our indoor kennels are heated and air conditioned.  Each individual indoor kennel is 5'x4', the adjoining outdoor run is 5'x10'.  Dogs are exercised at least twice daily in a fenced yard.
  
 
  • Dogs that feel most comfortable in the comfort of their crates, or puppies that are in the crate-training phase, can be managed in the kennel suite and taken outdoors several times per day for exercise.
  
 
  • We have security cameras in the kennels and exercise yards so that we can keep an eye on the dogs at all times.
  
 
  • Because all client dogs are housed within earshot of our living room, we can address training and management issues immediately
  
 
  • We bring dogs into our home, when necessary, to make certain they learn important lessons in natural settings
  
 
  • If requested, we take dogs in the car, through drive-through windows or into shops that accept dogs in order to provide critical social training
  
     
 
 
     
 

 
     
 
 Training Options:
 
     
 
Board & Train New Puppy Consults Service Dogs Classes
Telephone Consultation Workshops Private Lessons 4-H Class
 
 

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