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Ask Yvette

Dear Yvette,

We have run into some problems with our dog and are looking at options to get things corrected. Between kids and work, our time is limited. Some places offer to train a dog for us. They are expensive. We don't mind paying the money if it works.

Andrew

Had you asked me this question a year ago, my answer would have been a flat out, “never.” Facilities that train a dog for you are often referred to as, “board and train,” and the services have severe limitations that one needs to be aware of.

The most pressing concern in my opinion is that one is never really aware what is happening to an animal behind closed doors. Pet training is unregulated. Cases exist where professionals have been charged and or convicted of animal abuse. Because the laws are so poor, it is possible for an individual with a history of offences to still work in the industry. That concerns me.

Of course, there is also the, “If it's too good to be true, it probably is,” warning. Sending an animal off for a couple weeks of board and train for a considerable amount of money with guaranteed cures smacks of scam. Trainers spend considerable time working animals. There really are no shortcuts. Selling cures in miracle time frames sounds a lot like promising a parent that their child can go from Kindergarten to high school in 2 weeks. It's just not reasonable.

When you trust someone to take possession of your dog, you are entrusting that individual or business with the care of your animal. Unless you can monitor the situation, you have no idea what is being done to the dog.

And this is where technology can make the difference between a stark, “no,” and a “maybe” response to your question.

It is now possible for businesses to install video surveillance. The video is transmitted to a website. Owners can view live coverage of your animal 24 hours and day, 7 days a week. This means that you can monitor the actions of the trainer. If you see anything that appears inhumane, forceful or cruel, you have the ability to immediately remove your dog.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend any board and train facility that did not invest in this technology. The cost of board and train is so high that there is no reason for a facility to not invest in an open door policy. No video surveillance as part of the package, then run the other way. Those that have nothing to hide – hide nothing.

Just how much does this type of technology cost? Burglar Guard Ltd., a local alarm company states that a good colour system can start from about $3000.00.

As a client, you probably should also be extremely wary and cautious of legal ramifications. If your dog has developed aggression issues, you need to be clear on who is legally responsible should your dog bite during or after training. Any agreements should be in writing. Read legal contracts carefully and don't accept terms that you are not willing to accept. If in doubt, see a lawyer for a second opinion.

Yvette is an award winning pet writer and pet behavior columnist. She also is the author of Meeting Milo, a North American dog bite prevention program to reduce the approximately 2 million children bit by dogs annually. She is the owner of AwesomeDogs.ca and works as a behavior consultant in London, Ontario.

This column was originally featured in The Londoner
See more of Yvette... www.awesomedogs.ca
www.meetingmilo.com

Yvette has 2 dogs of her own, KIKI and KAYA. Take a look...

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