Board and train can be worth it when you want hands-on help with your dog's everyday manners and support bringing that progress home. A stay gives your dog time to practice with a trainer, while go-home lessons help you learn how to keep working together.
- K9 Connections stay and train combines daily practice in Jason's home with coaching for you afterward.
- Your dog works directly with Jason on goals you choose together at the evaluation.
- Go-home and follow-up lessons help you continue the work in your own routines.
- An evaluation helps you choose between stay and train, private lessons, and day training.
Is board and train worth it for your dog?
If walks feel like a tug-of-war or greeting guests turns into jumping and excitement, stay and train gives us time to work on those everyday challenges together. The goal is a calmer, more manageable life with the dog you love.
We'll start by talking about what's been difficult and what you'd like to feel easier, whether that's calmer walks, better greetings, or a dog who settles at home. Then we'll choose goals around your dog.
With my stay-and-train program, your dog lives in my home and trains directly with me. I'm Jason, and I'll be the person working with your dog, keeping you updated, and helping you practice when it's time to go home.
K9 Connections stay and train is for owners who want home-based training with Jason and guidance carrying the work into everyday life.
Training for the life you share
Your dog stays in my home and works directly with me on the things that make everyday life easier: relaxed walks, doorbell manners, car rides, and settling down around distractions.
We'll choose goals together at the evaluation. During the stay, those skills become part of our work together. Then I'll coach you through go-home and follow-up lessons so you know how to keep practicing at home.
That connection matters. The walk you want to enjoy is your walk. The guests you want to welcome are coming to your home. Training should connect to those moments, not feel separate from them.
Calmer walks
If pulling makes walks difficult, tell me what happens when you head outside. Does your dog pull from the moment you leave, or does it start when another person or dog appears?
Those details help us choose what to work on. Relaxed walks and listening around distractions are everyday skills we can discuss at your evaluation.
Better manners around the house
Doorbell excitement, jumping, and difficulty settling can make a busy home feel even busier. We can talk about those situations and how you'd like them to look instead.
Because your dog lives in my home during stay and train, we're working in a home setting as well as practicing individual skills. The plan comes back to what your dog needs and what matters to your household.
More confidence for you
Your part of the program comes with help. When it's time to bring your dog home, I'll show you what we've worked on and help you practice together.
Go-home and follow-up lessons are included, so you're not left figuring it out on your own. You can ask questions, work with your dog, and get coaching from the same person who trained them.
What staying with me means
At K9 Connections, your dog lives in my home, settling in like part of the family. I work directly with your dog rather than handing their training to a different person each day.
We'll begin with an evaluation and a conversation about your dog's age, behavior, and the situations you'd like help with. Bring the little details, too. What happens when you pick up the leash? How does your dog greet someone at the door? What have you already tried?
You don't need to arrive knowing which program to choose. That's something we'll work out together.
A plan built around your dog
Some owners want help enjoying walks again. Others want calmer greetings, better listening, or a dog who can settle while life happens around them.
We'll choose goals based on your dog's starting point. I'll talk through what we're working toward and explain the approach in plain words.
Updates during the stay
I'll keep you in the loop while your dog stays with me. We can discuss updates and your questions at the evaluation, along with anything you'd like me to know about your dog.
Support when you come back
The work continues with you through go-home and follow-up lessons. I'll help you understand what your dog has practiced and how to use it in the situations that matter at home.
Those lessons are part of the program. I'll show you what to do so you feel comfortable practicing at home.
How long does stay and train take?
I recommend at least three weeks for stay and train. That gives us time to work together and practice, with the right length chosen at your evaluation.
Your dog's starting point and our goals guide that conversation. We'll talk about what progress means for your dog and how we'll continue the work through your lessons afterward.
Rather than choosing a stay by the calendar alone, we'll connect the time to the things you want help with. You can bring questions about timing, arrangements, and your dog's needs when we meet.
Stay and train, private lessons, or day training?
Stay and train offers daily, hands-on work while your dog lives with me. Private lessons and day training offer different ways to get help, and we can discuss which one fits your household.
| Program | Best for | How it works | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay and train | Owners looking for home-based training with owner coaching afterward | Your dog lives in my home and trains directly with me | An overnight stay, followed by practice together through go-home and follow-up lessons |
| Private lessons | Owners who want to learn alongside their dog from the start | I coach you and your dog during private sessions | Practice between lessons while your dog continues living at home |
| Day training | Owners who want daytime training and evenings with their dog | You drop off and pick up the same day | Regular drop-offs and continuing the work at home |
If you'd rather keep your dog home overnight, tell me. If you want help getting started before learning how to carry the work forward yourself, tell me that too.
You know your household. I can help you understand the training options. Together, we can choose a plan that makes sense for both.
What will I learn when my dog comes home?
When your dog is ready to come home, I'll show you what they've learned and teach you how to give the same directions. Then you'll practice with your dog while I guide you.
For example, if we've worked on leash walking, you'll take the leash and I'll show you what to do. Go-home and follow-up lessons are included, so you have help continuing the training at home.
Let's start with meeting your dog
An evaluation gives us a chance to meet, talk about your dog, and choose the next step. You can tell me what's been frustrating and what you enjoy about your dog, too.
We'll discuss:
- The everyday situations you'd like help with.
- Your dog's age, behavior, and previous training.
- Goals that fit your dog and household.
- The program and length that make sense for you.
- The training approach and tools I'd recommend.
I use a range of training tools rather than one approach for every dog. I'll explain what I'd recommend and why, and you can ask me anything about the plan.
If your dog has a history of biting, intense fear, or distress when left alone, let me know when you get in touch. That helps me understand your dog's needs before we meet.
FAQ
Is board and train worth it if I have a busy schedule?
Stay and train gives your dog daily, hands-on work with me while they live in my home. We'll also plan for your go-home and follow-up lessons so you have help fitting continued practice into life together.
Where does my dog stay at K9 Connections?
Your dog lives in my home during stay and train, settling in like part of the family. We'll talk about your dog's needs and the arrangements at your evaluation.
Who will train my dog?
I will. I'm Jason, and I work directly with your dog during the stay. I'll also be the person coaching you through go-home and follow-up lessons.
How long do you recommend for stay and train?
I recommend at least three weeks. We'll choose the right length together at your evaluation, based on your dog's starting point and the goals we discuss.
Will you help me when my dog comes home?
Yes. Go-home and follow-up lessons are included. I'll show you what we've worked on and help you practice together so you know how to continue at home.
Can I choose private lessons instead?
Yes. Private lessons and day training are also available. We can talk through the differences and choose the format that fits your dog and household.
Which areas do you serve?
K9 Connections serves Lake County, McHenry County, and beyond, including owners from Crystal Lake, McHenry, Grayslake, Mundelein, Libertyville, and Gurnee. Get in touch to discuss your dog and the arrangements.
A good place to begin
You don't have to have everything figured out before asking for help. Tell me about the walk you'd like to enjoy, the greeting you'd like to feel calmer, or the part of daily life that's become difficult.
You can request an evaluation and tell me about your dog. I'll get back to you ASAP, and we'll take the next step together.
Jason Lareau, K9 Connections. Home-based stay and train serving Lake County, McHenry County, and beyond.