Little Puppies the Long Way Academy - Board and Train Program for Small Breed Puppies (Under 6 Months)
At Little Puppies the Long Way, we offer a specialized Board and Train Program designed to provide your puppy with the foundation they need to thrive in your home. Our program focuses on basic obedience, manners, and communication for puppies under 6 months old, using positive reinforcement methods to build trust and cooperation between you and your puppy.
Why Choose Our Board and Train Program?
Individualized Attention
Each puppy has their own unique personality and learning style, so we create customized training plans tailored specifically to your puppy’s needs. Whether it's extra socialization, leash training, or focusing on communication, we adjust the program to ensure your puppy’s success.
Positive Reinforcement
We use only positive reinforcement techniques, fostering a strong bond with your puppy while encouraging them to learn in a calm and loving environment. No prong collars or e-collars—just gentle, effective training methods.
Home Environment for Real-World Training
Your puppy will learn in a real-world environment, ensuring they are exposed to everyday distractions and situations. This allows for more reliable, transferable training that works in your home and beyond.
Safe and Secure Socialization
We provide safe and secure puppy outings with a wagon and pop-up playpen for potty breaks, giving your puppy much-needed socialization while keeping them safe from illnesses like parvo, especially if they are not fully vaccinated yet.
Post-Training Support
Our commitment to your puppy’s success doesn’t end when they leave our program:
One 30- Minute Training Session: When you pick up your puppy, we want to make sure you have the skills to continue their training at home.
30 Days of Email Support: We provide continued support via email to help you reinforce training at home and address any concerns.
Discounted Follow-Up Sessions: If you need additional training or have questions after the program, we offer discounted rates for further sessions.
One 30-Minute Video Call Session: Use this session anytime in the 30-day period after returning home.
What Your Puppy Will Learn
Your puppy will be introduced to essential skills, including:
Basic Obedience: Sit, Stay, Come, Down, and more.
House Training: Potty training and crate training.
Leash Training: Walk calmly on a leash and learn good leash manners. limited based on vaccine status.
Button Board Communication: Introduce your puppy to button boards to express needs like Outside, Play, Scratches, and more.
Manners and Socialization: Polite behavior around people, other animals, and new environments.
What’s Included
While in our care, your puppy will be provided:
Food, Vaccines, and Health Care: We offer Victor Hi Pro Plus - for active dogs and puppies. You may provide your own food if you’d like. We will ensure your puppy is up-to-date on vaccines (as applicable) through our trusted vet.
Training Treats, Toys, and Button Board: To support their learning, we provide treats and toys they’ll enjoy while training. We’ll also introduce the button board as part of the communication process.
Clicker for Training: Helping reinforce positive behavior.
Take Home Package:
When your puppy graduates from the Board and Train Program, they’ll leave with essential training skills and a Take Home Package that helps ensure continued success at home. This package includes everything you need to continue your puppy’s progress.
Training Guide: A comprehensive guide with all the techniques your puppy has learned, tips for maintaining their progress, and advice for continued training at home.
Medical Records (if applicable): Your puppy's medical records, including vaccinations and any health checks during their time in the program.
Training Treats: High-quality, puppy-safe treats to help with reinforcement during training at home.
Chicken Sticks: A healthy, protein-packed snack your puppy will love.
Yak Cheese: A long-lasting, natural chew perfect for teething puppies.
Minnows: A protein-rich snack that supports your puppy’s healthy development.
Familiar Toys: Toys with the scent of their time here to help ease the transition to your home.
Training Clicker: A clicker for reinforcing positive behavior during continued training.
Bell for Going Outside: A bell that helps your puppy communicate when they need a potty break.
Toothbrush and Nail Clippers: Grooming tools to help with your puppy’s dental care and nail trimming.
Poop Bags: Convenient, (often overlooked) poop bags to make potty breaks easier.
What to Bring for Your Puppy’s Stay
To ensure your puppy’s comfort and success during their training, please bring the following items when dropping them off:
1. Food (Optional)
Victor Hi Pro Plus is provided for all puppies in our care. However, if your puppy is on a different food or you’d prefer to supply your own, please bring enough food for the entire duration of their stay (4 weeks minimum).
If you're supplying your own food, please bring it in a clearly labeled container or bag.
2. Vaccination Records
Please bring a copy of your puppy’s vaccination records to ensure they’re up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations (e.g., DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies). All puppies must have at least one up to date vaccine and a current clean bill of health from their vet.
3. Favorite Toys
Bringing one of your puppy’s favorite toys can help them feel at ease in their new environment. Familiar items help reduce anxiety and make the transition smoother. Please do not bring any toys with stuffing. Sometimes we have super chewers in the group. Stuffing from a toy can become an emergency blockage.
4. Bedding or Sleeping Mat
A familiar sleeping mat or bedding can help your puppy feel secure and comfortable during naps and bedtime. It’s helpful if the bedding carries your puppy’s scent from home.
6. Grooming Tools (Optional)
If your puppy is used to a specific grooming routine, you can bring any grooming tools such as nail clippers or a toothbrush. We'll use these tools as part of their training.
7. Special Instructions
If your puppy has any specific dietary restrictions, allergies, or medical conditions, please bring this information with you. It’s important for us to know if your puppy requires any special care or handling.
8. Medications (if applicable)
If your puppy is currently on any medication, please bring the prescribed medication along with detailed instructions for dosage and timing.
Bringing these items ensures that your puppy is comfortable, well-cared for, and able to continue their training without any disruption. Let us know if you have any specific questions about what to bring, and we’ll be happy to help!
What Not to Bring
Excessive toys or bedding: We recommend bringing only a few items, as your puppy will be introduced to a variety of new toys and bedding during their time with us.
