Our In-Kennel Training programs offer professional training for your dog while boarding at our facility. It is available for dogs with specific behavior problems requiring professional attention, but may also be useful for people whose time is limited, and for those who just want their dogs professionally trained. The duration of the programs is four weeks for the comprehensive program, or two weeks for the abbreviated program, during which time your dog will be cared for by our staff in a spacious, climate-controlled, indoor - outdoor kennel run.

Common Scents will first help you decide if an In-Kennel Training program is suitable for your dog. Once accepted, we will ask you to fill out a detailed questionnaire and mail or fax it back to us, with a deposit, prior to your appointment.

Comprehensive Program

The Comprehensive Program includes the following:

- A comprehensive evaluation of your dog and your priorities
- A custom designed program
- Boarding
- Professional training
- All private follow-up lessons
- A book, video and written materials including lesson plans
- All equipment you will need for training
- A "hot line" to us anytime you have a question and…
- A lifetime privilege that allows you to come back as often as you like, for one on one private assistance, covering anything included in the program, at no charge (this does not apply to future boarding and optional “brush up” training). This privilege remains in effect for as long as you own the dog.

To avoid possible upset to your dog and interruption of the program, we will ask you to wait three weeks before coming for a visit. At that time, you will also spend approximately one and half-hours working with us and with your dog. At the end of the fourth week, you will again be given another lesson when you come to take your dog home. At that time, and at subsequent intervals, we will schedule additional private follow-up lessons to ensure that skills and authority are transferred from our trainer to you.

The cost of In-Kennel Training is based on our estimate of time needed to complete the program and will be finalized at our initial two- hour session. The two most important factors are the evaluation of your dog and the program we mutually decide upon.

Abbreviated Program

Because of the shorter time period, the abbreviated program has some limitations. In order to be able to accomplish this program in the time allotted, it is necessary that the dog have no major behavior problems, no significant health issues, and has had prior boarding experience in a commercial facility. These limitations are all necessary to ensure that training can begin with a minimal adjustment period, and can be completed without interruption.

Common Scents will first help you decide if our abbreviated In-Kennel Training program is suitable for your dog. You will be asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire and pet profile and mail  or fax it back to us. Once received, we will then set up a half hour mini-evaluation appointment during which time we will screen to determine that your dog:

- Is friendly and accepting of both people and other dogs.
- Will readily accept food treats from a trainer.
- Exhibits no significant shyness or sensitivity.

This screening is necessary as the abbreviated program does not provide ample time for a prolonged adjustment period, nor is it designed to deal with aggression, shyness, separation anxiety, or other significant behavior problems. Assuming that your dog is accepted for training, a 2- hour check in appointment will be scheduled to more comprehensively evaluate your dog, review a detailed history, discuss your priorities and lifestyle, and explain our positive reinforcement training theory and techniques. At the end of this session, your dog will be left for its two -week stay.

During your dog’s stay, the following exercises will be included in its training program:

- Sit and Sit-Stay
- Down and Down-Stay
- Coming when called on a long-line
- Watch for attention
- Basic manners (jumping, chewing, etc.)
- Walking on a loose line

Not included:

- Proofing
- Distraction training
- Class work and socialization
- Consultation for serious behavior problems
- Other formal training exercises

At the end of your dog’s stay, a 1½ hour check-out session will be provided to begin the process of transferring the skills learned by the dog to the owner. One additional follow up session will also be provided at no charge. Additional private lessons may be scheduled at the owner’s discretion

- A comprehensive evaluation of your dog and your priorities
- A detailed discussion of training theory and positive reinforcement techniques
- Boarding
- Professional training
- A book, video and written lesson plans
- All equipment you will need for training
- A lesson at check-out and one additional follow up lesson

Common Scents Canine Center - Offering professional, common sense dog training, counseling and boarding. We serve residents of Oakland, Genesee, Lapeer, Wayne, Macomb and Washtenaw counties as well as outstate Michigan and clients from coast to coast.

Recommended by:
- Numerous veterinary clinics
- Professional organizations
- Clients