Board & Train
Pawsitive Pathway Programs
R+ Board & Train at The Better Companion
The Better Companion’s Pawsitive Pathway Programs are our new, positive-reinforcement–based Board & Train options for dogs who are ready to build real-life skills in a calm, structured environment.
This program was developed to give families an ethical, science-based alternative to traditional board and train: one that protects the dog’s emotional wellbeing and emphasizes long-term success at home.
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Program Overview
Pawsitive Pathway Programs are designed for companion dogs who need:
• Consistent daily training using reward-based methods
• Clear structure and predictable routines
• Confidence-building enrichment and body awareness work
• Real-world practice in a safe, supportive setting
Each stay includes:
• A customized training plan based on your dog and your goals
• Multiple short, focused training sessions each day
• Daily enrichment, rest, and decompression
• Progress updates during the stay
• A go-home lesson to transfer skills to the owner
• Written follow-up recommendations to maintain behaviors at home
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Program Options - Length of Stay
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7 Days
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14 Days
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21 Days
Who This Program Is For
Pawsitive Pathway Programs are ideal for:
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Adolescent and adult dogs needing better daily manners
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Families wanting a strong foundation or a “reset” on skills
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Owners who prefer an R+ (positive reinforcement) approach only
Common training focuses include:
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Basic manners (sit, down, stand, polite greetings)
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Recall foundations
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Loose leash walking
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Crate training and household routines
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Focus and engagement with the handler
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Muzzle conditioning (R+ based)
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Confidence building and body awareness
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General household and life skills
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Eligibility Criteria
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all dogs and humans involved, Board & Train participants must:
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Be 16 weeks of age or older
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Be current on required vaccinations
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Be medically fit for training and boarding
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Have no history of:
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Human-directed aggression
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Dog-directed aggression
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Bite incidents or bite-risk behavior requiring behavior modification
Dogs exhibiting significant fear, reactivity, or aggression are not candidates for this Board & Train program and are better served through behavior modification lessons where the owner is actively involved.
Why We Do Not Use Board & Train for Behavior Modification
Many people look to Board & Train as a quick solution for serious behavior concerns such as reactivity, fear, or aggression. While board and train can be helpful for teaching and rehearsing skills, it is not an appropriate primary tool for behavior modification.
Effective behavior modification requires:
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The dog and owner learning together in real time
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Careful coaching of the human half of the team
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Repeated practice in the dog’s actual environments
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Management and safety strategies tailored to the household
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Consistency in handling, body language, and reinforcement
When a trainer works with the dog in isolation and then sends the dog home, the most important piece—the owner’s skills—often remains underdeveloped. This can create unrealistic expectations, incomplete progress, or even unsafe situations for dogs with serious behavior challenges.
For these reasons, The Better Companion:
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Uses Pawsitive Pathway Programs for obedience, manners, and life skills
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Reserves behavior modification (reactivity, aggression, severe fear, bite history) for owner-involved private lessons and behavior consults
This separation allows us to protect safety, set realistic expectations, and support better long-term outcomes.
What to Expect as a Client
When you enroll in Pawsitive Pathway Programs, you can expect:
1. Pre-Program Intake
• Detailed history and goal-setting form
• Review of medical and behavioral information
• Confirmation that your dog meets program criteria
2. Customized Training Stay
• Daily R+ training sessions
• Enrichment, rest, and structured routine
• Handling consistent with our force-free philosophy
3. Go-Home Lesson & Support
• In-person transfer session to teach you what your dog has learned
• Written homework and practice plan
• Guidance on how to maintain and grow skills at home
Owner follow-through is essential. Board & Train provides a strong boost, but behaviors last only when the family continues the training and management plan.