CHECK
Ask these before the stay
- Where will the dog sleep and who is present when training ends for the day?
- What exact behaviors are being worked on, and what is outside the promise?
- Which tools and methods are used, and can the owner observe or learn them?
- How are food, medication, rest, heat, social contact, and separation handled?
- How often are progress updates sent, and what counts as evidence?
- What owner lesson happens before the dog returns home?
CHECK
The handover is part of the service
A dog may behave differently in a trainer's routine than in the owner's home. The handover should explain the cues, reinforcement, boundaries, and maintenance schedule in a way the owner can actually follow.
QUESTIONS
Short answers
Can a board-and-train program guarantee a permanent result?
No honest program can remove the need for continued practice and owner participation. Ask what support exists after the dog returns home.
What is the biggest hidden question?
Who is responsible for the dog outside the training session. The answer should cover nights, breaks, transport, emergencies, and handover.