Our Programs

4-Week Board & Train

The 4-week board and train program is suitable for most dogs and includes:

• obedience (sit, down, come, heel, place, leave it, etc.) both on and off leash

• loose leash walking (heeling)

• general manners (no jumping, mouthing/biting, digging, etc.)

• crate training (comfort in the crate and appropriate crate behavior)

• appropriate socialization and environmental exposure via public access trips

• engagement and clear communication with handler(s)

• appropriate, personalized training equipment and a 4Legs4Pets place cot

• lifetime alumni status with Thompson K9*

*Thompson K9 remains a resource for clients beyond the duration of their dog's training program. Follow-up sessions are included to ensure client success, and we are available to answer questions or assist with issues at any time. Access to boarding, with training refreshers as needed, is also offered to alumni.

6-Week Board & Train

The 6-week board and train program is recommended for dogs that need a little more work, such as aggression cases or those seeking specialized tasks. This program includes:

• everything offered in the 4-week board and train program

• more intensive behavioral modification and/or additional obedience tasks

• increased focus on appropriate socialization and environmental exposure

• muzzle training (if desired or recommended)

Puppy Foundations Board & Train

The puppy foundations board and train program is perfect for young pups (between 8 weeks old and 5 months old) who have little to no training or socialization. Puppy programs can vary in length and content, depending on the puppy's age and specific needs. For very young puppies, the focus would be on establishing a foundation for success, getting them started with:

• crate training

• potty training

• general manners and expectations

• taking food by hand / training for meals

• basic obedience*

• appropriate socialization and environmental exposure

*Specifics of obedience (on-leash or off-leash, which training tools are used, etc.) depends on puppy age and program length (4 weeks, 6 weeks, or alternative options) and would be determined during the evaluation process.

Private Lessons

In-home private lessons are only offered on a case-by-case basis, when appropriate for the dog and client. Thompson K9 will discuss options and recommended programs with clients who request evaluations. Why board & train over private lessons? See our Training Tips section for more information.

Protection Training

Adding protection training to the board & train program is an option for dogs suited to protection work. This is a great way to kickstart a dog's interest in bite work and to begin building their protection foundation in an immersive training environment, while also establishing solid obedience. A 4- or 6-week protection B&T does not result in a finished protection dog, but it does allow a lot more training momentum and progress than bite work sessions a couple times a month or even once a week.

Private protection sessions are offered selectively, when appropriate for the dog and client and depending on client location and training goals. Pursuing obedience training is also recommended and may be offered in tandem with private protection training. 

Training for personal protection or protection sports in our club setting is also offered selectively. If interested in this route, please check out our group, Karma Working Dog Club, on social media and reach out to us via direct message there for more information.

Alumni Boarding

Short-term boarding is offered only to select clients whose dogs have completed one of our board & train programs. When boarding with us, dogs are provided with the same care and structure they received during their board & train. Not only do dogs get to stay in a familiar place with people they know and trust, they also receive training refreshers as needed. The minimum length boarding stay is 1 night (we do not offer day boarding or daycare-style services).  Longer-term boarding (stays lasting multiple months) may be available on a case-by-case basis.