An immersive training program where your dog lives and works on-site to establish clear structure, reliable obedience, and improved emotional regulation. This program is well-suited for behavioral concerns such as aggression, fear, or significant reactivity, as well as for owners who want a strong training foundation established before taking the reins at home.

Includes weekly progress updates, structured private lessons to transfer handling skills back to you, and guided reintegration support so the work holds once your dog returns home.

**Dogs completing four or more weeks receive continued access to group training and pack walks for four months following completion.

• Slip collar

• One private lesson for each week your dog is enrolled in Board and Train (e.g. 4 private lessons for 4 weeks, 5 for 5, etc.)

• Weekly email updates, plus text and Instagram progress updates

• For 4+ week programs: a post-program support package including three months of group training, pack walks, and Ranch field use following completion, along with lifetime support* (please see contract for further details)

• Drop-off and pick-up dates are scheduled in advance based on the agreed training duration.

• You will receive a confirmation email for your private lesson support package that includes your scheduling link and package code. You are responsible for using that link to book your included lessons.

• Please note that all included lessons and support services have clearly defined expiration dates listed in your confirmation email. These timelines are an intentional part of the program structure and can not be extended.

• Two lessons should be scheduled during your dog’s final week:

  • One observation lesson where you primarily watch me handle your dog to better understand timing, mechanics, and handling

  • One transfer lesson, which can be scheduled either before pickup or at the time of pickup, depending on availability

• Lesson timing and pickup scheduling are subject to my availability and preset lesson days. Pickups may occasionally occur on a non-lesson day.

• If choosing to pick up early to accommodate a lesson time, the full program fee still applies and is not prorated.

• Cost is $1,100/week

• A deposit of 50% is required to reserve your Board and Train spot. This deposit is non-refundable.

• The remaining balance is due before or at drop-off.

• An invoice will be sent for all payments.

• Cash, check, or Zelle are preferred. Checks can be made payable to Kourtni Guzanowski and mailed or delivered to:
  3048 F 3/4 Road
  Grand Junction, CO 81504

• If choosing to pay online through the invoicing system, a 3% processing fee will be applied.

• Your dog’s regular food (raw diets are welcome) in an enclosed container

• Treats

• Any current training equipment (e.g., prong collar, e-collar, muzzle)

• Any medications with clear instructions

• One favorite toy

Optional but helpful: written feeding and medication instructions for dogs with a specific routine.

Please do not bring:

• E-collar chargers or boxes

• Kennel

• Food or water bowls

• Bedding or large personal items

• If you arrive early, please remain in your vehicle. I may be working with another client, and additional activity on the property can interfere with sessions, particularly when addressing reactivity, aggression, or fear. I will come out to you at our designated time.

• Owners are responsible for utilizing the ongoing support provided. Text and email support are available throughout the life of your dog, but it is up to you to reach out when guidance is needed.

• Owners are responsible for scheduling and using any lessons or services included in their support package.

• Consistent follow-through at home is required to maintain progress. This includes practicing skills, maintaining structure, and upholding boundaries discussed during training.

• Long-term success depends on the owner’s commitment to continuing the training plan after the dog returns home.

Where will my dog stay?
Your dog stays in an appropriately sized kennel with a kennel pad within my home environment. Kennel time is structured and balanced with training, rest, and appropriate activity throughout the day.

What does a typical day look like?
There is no single “typical” day. Each dog follows an individualized training plan and is never moved faster than they are capable of progressing. Dogs rotate in and out of the kennel for training, rest, and appropriate exposure to people, dogs, and real-life environments. Time outdoors and in natural settings is prioritized whenever appropriate, as this is a key component in building resilience and rehabilitation.

Will my dog be socialized with other dogs?
Only when appropriate. Social exposure is intentional and carefully managed. Not all dogs are suitable for direct interaction, and neutrality and calm coexistence are often more important than play.

Will training hold once my dog goes home?
Board and Train creates the foundation, but long-term success depends on owner follow-through. The included lessons and ongoing support are designed to help you maintain and build on the progress made during the program.

Will my dog forget me?
No. Dogs do not forget their owners during training stays. The goal is not to replace the owner, but to return the dog with clearer communication, better coping skills, and a stronger working relationship for you to continue developing.

Why do my support package services have expiration dates?
Expiration dates are built into the program to support consistent scheduling and steady progress. Training outcomes rely on regular follow-through; spacing lessons too far apart slows momentum and reduces the effectiveness of the work completed during Board and Train. These timelines help ensure the training plan is carried through as intended.

What’s the difference between a 3-week and 6-week Board & Train?

It depends on the dog’s starting point, genetics, history, and the goals we’re working toward.

A started dog has a clear understanding of the core skills. They know the commands, can perform them in structured settings, and are beginning to make better choices, but still need guidance, consistency, and continued practice to become fully reliable. When a started dog goes home to a green owner, things will often look a bit messy at first while the handler learns how to apply the training.

A finished dog is safe, reliable, cooperative, behaviorally sound, and capable of making good decisions with a high level of off-leash reliability. This doesn’t mean perfect, but it does mean the dog can function well in real life, not just in training scenarios.

Three weeks is the minimum timeline to produce a finished dog when starting with the best possible circumstances and straightforward goals.
Six weeks is more appropriate when we need additional time to build lasting habits, address deeper behavioral concerns, and create stronger reliability across different environments.