Bootcamp Training Program
Bootcamp - Without all of the yelling and screaming
No, it is nothing at all like Marine Bootcamp, but a thoughtfully designed program tailored to your dog’s learning needs. Each day, your dog joins us in a distraction-controlled environment where they can focus on mastering foundational commands without the interruptions of household noise, other pets, or busy schedules. Many dogs struggle to concentrate at home, which is why our structured setting is so effective. As your dog builds confidence and consistency, we gradually introduce real-world distractions to ensure they respond reliably in any situation. With a maximum ratio of one trainer per two dogs, your pet receives personalized attention and expert guidance every step of the way. You can trust that our program delivers comprehensive, results-driven training that sets your dog up for long-term success.
What To Expect From The Bootcamp Training Program
OVERVIEW
We typically welcome clients between 8 A.M. and 5 P.M., but we understand that work schedules vary, so we’re happy to discuss a flexible arrangement that suits your needs. Each day, your dog will receive nine hours of dedicated training, carefully balanced with rest periods to support both learning and recovery. This intensive schedule is designed to accelerate progress, and while your dog may be quite tired during the first week, you’ll notice a steady boost in energy and engagement by the second week as they adapt to the routine.
BOOTCAMP HAS OPTIONS
We proudly offer both e-collar training and balanced positive reinforcement programs, tailored to each dog and owner. Our two-week e-collar program delivers fast, reliable results through clear, consistent communication. For a more gradual approach, our three-week balanced positive reinforcement program builds lasting behavior through motivation, engagement, and rewards.
SUPPORT
Each Bootcamp Training Program includes six months of Group Classes and two In-Home sessions. Group Classes help dogs generalize commands and build reliable obedience—even with distractions. We also provide two daily progress videos for each dog while at Bootcamp, but many clients find that in-person instruction boosts their confidence and understanding. That’s why we include two personalized In-Home sessions to reinforce training in your dog’s home environment.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
Steven’s Bootcamp Dog Training provides all the essential tools to support your dog’s success during the program. Each participant receives a 4-foot training leash and a training cot appropriately sized to match your dog’s estimated adult dimensions. We also supply training rewards; however, if you prefer your dog to be trained using their regular kibble, we kindly ask that you provide it. For programs that include e-collar training, we’ll select and supply an e-collar tailored to your dog’s size and weight. If additional tools are needed, such as a prong collar, plastic prong, or slip lead, we will provide those as well, but only after receiving your explicit permission, ensuring that every training method aligns with your comfort and your dog’s needs.
Come “Recall”
The “Come” command is one of the most essential and practical behaviors a dog can learn. It’s not just about getting the dog to approach, it’s about teaching them to complete the recall by making physical contact, typically through a hand touch. This added step is crucial because it ensures the dog comes close enough for you to safely clip on a leash or secure their collar. Without this clear expectation, many dogs begin to develop what’s known as “drive-by” or “halfway” recall behavior, where they approach but stop short or veer off, because the command lacks a defined conclusion. By incorporating the hand touch, you reinforce precision and consistency, turning a basic recall into a reliable, actionable skill.
SIT and BREAK
“Sit” is one of the most essential commands in dog training, yet it’s often underdeveloped. Your dog should be able to Sit, remain in that position even if you leave the room, and hold that command until you return and give a clear release. That level of obedience isn’t just possible—it’s expected in our training.
We don’t use the word “Stay” because that expectation is already built into every command. “Break” is our release cue, signaling the dog is free to move and return to their natural rhythm. This clarity eliminates confusion and builds consistency across all commands.
To reinforce this structure, we focus on the 3Ds: Distance (your dog responds even when you’re far away), Distraction (they stay focused despite tempting stimuli), and Duration (they hold the command for extended periods). These elements are the foundation of reliable obedience and will be a recurring theme throughout our training. Mastering the 3Ds is what transforms casual compliance into true control.
PLACE
Let’s introduce your dog to the “Place” command using the training cot, a cornerstone of foundational obedience. This command teaches your dog to mount the cot and remain there until released or given a new command, reinforcing impulse control and focus through the 3Ds: Distance, Distraction, and Duration. The cot’s elevated design and defined edges provide a clear physical boundary, making it easier for your dog to understand and respect the designated area. Once mastered, “Place” becomes a versatile tool beyond the cot itself. You’ll be able to direct your dog to settle on a towel, park bench, tree stump, or nearly any object with a defined surface, expanding the command’s utility in real-world scenarios. Whether you’re managing household chaos or navigating public spaces, “Place” offers a reliable way to anchor your dog’s behavior with calm, confident control.
HEEL – More than just a walk
“Heel” is a foundational obedience skill that teaches your dog to walk calmly at your side, typically on your left, with their shoulders aligned to your leg. While it may appear straightforward, Heel is one of the most technically demanding commands in general obedience. It requires your dog to maintain consistent focus on the handler, ignore environmental distractions, match your pace, and respond fluidly to directional changes. Each of these components, attention, impulse control, spatial awareness, and movement synchronization, demands targeted training. At Steven’s Bootcamp Dog Training, we isolate these elements and build them step by step, using clear markers, purposeful repetition, and scenario-based practice. By layering these skills gradually, we create a reliable Heel that transforms walks into calm, connected experiences. Whether you’re navigating busy sidewalks or enjoying a quiet trail, a well-trained Heel enhances safety, strengthens your bond, and sets the tone for respectful, responsive behavior in any setting.
DOWN
The Down command builds on many of the same foundational disciplines as Sit, reinforcing calm, controlled behavior. Again, we never use the “Stay” command because it should be assumed into every command, Down included, so the dog learns that holding the position is part of the command. To strengthen this understanding, we apply the 3Ds: Distance (responding reliably even when the handler is farther away), Distraction (maintaining focus despite tempting stimuli), and Duration (holding the position for extended periods).
OFF and QUIET
At Steven’s Bootcamp Dog Training, we focus on just two correction commands: Quiet and Off. The Quiet command is specifically designed for dogs who bark excessively due to boredom, separation anxiety, or reactions to people. It’s important to note, this is not about taking away your dog’s natural voice. Barking is a healthy, necessary behavior, especially when someone knocks at the door. However, once you give the Quiet command, barking should stop immediately. This command is exclusively taught through our e-collar program to ensure clarity and consistency.
The Off command addresses the remaining 99.5% of unwanted behaviors. Whether your dog jumps on guests, counter-surfs, raids the trash, or digs up the yard, Off is the universal cue to interrupt and redirect those actions. While we can’t replicate every possible misbehavior during training, we do provide targeted support for common issues like jumping, digging, and trash scavenging. For the rest, we’ll equip you with the tools and understanding to continue reinforcing good habits at home.
