Having a new dog join your family can be one of the most joyful and wonderful experiences a family can have. Everyone dreams of getting a pup that fits right into their family and is a treasured friend of everyone.
Sometimes, though having a dog join the family is not wonderful. The wrong fit can lead to stress, extra expenses and resentment.
Often the difference between a wonderful experience and an overly stressful one is adopting a dog that has already been professionally trained.
In this post, I am going to share about Aly’s Perfect Match Program.
About Dog and Owner Matching
I began matching trained dogs with the perfect human at Aly’s Puppy Bootcamp years ago. It all started when a I was in conversation with a client about the characteristics she should look for in a dog.
After a few minutes of discussing temperament and energy levels– she blurts out,
“I am looking for a dog just like yours Aly, in fact I want your dog!”
Well, my pup was not for sale. But it was no accident that she liked my dog.
I knew my dogs parents. I tested his temperament as a pup. I began training him on my Pillars of Pack Leadership foundation early. I also ensured that he had a lot of positive social interaction—all of these factors helped him be the perfect dog for me.
I knew right then that if I could find a perfect dog for me, I could do it for others as well.
I select special dogs, train them and then match them specifically to the perfect human. It is a process of getting to know the people as much as the dog, I call it our Perfect Match Program.
It doesn’t matter if a dog is bought, found, or rescued, it is essential to find a dog that fits into your lifestyle. Each breed has unique characteristics and each dog is different so it is really important that the match of dog and human is a good fit. The Perfect Match program is so successful, because we really know and understand our dogs and can help you find the perfect pup for your family and particular season in life. There are dogs that should not be in homes with small children, and their are dogs that were made for the hustle and bustle of busy family life. We are experts at knowing the difference and understanding the exact type of home a particular dog should be matched with.
We Train Dogs with the Pillars of Pack Leadership
Our entire training philosophy at Aly’s Puppy Bootcamp, is rooted in forging balanced relationships. The goal is for humans and dogs to live together in a safe, sane and civilized way. We literally GO LIVE life with our dogs. Our dogs live in our homes! Our entire training program is designed to help dogs transition into real people’s lives.
We train all of our dogs with the same training strategies. And we provide our humans with the same education as well. It is imperative that the humans are as trained as the dogs! Many of our dogs have gone on to become certified Therapy Dogs, Services Dogs and Emotional Support Animals. Our Pillars of Pack Leadership foundation produces dogs that have an aptitude for the job to actually do the job!
The Benefits of a Trained Dog
There are many advantages to a professionally trained dog.
- A calm, attentive dog is easier to bond with.
- A trained dog is easier to manage, so they can quickly become part of your lifestyle.
- Getting a trained dog gives you the fun of a dog without the stress of having a puppy.
- A trained dog has measurable skills, both in and outside of the home.
- Families are prepared and trained on how to integrate their dog into their life.
- A trained dog allows you to actually KNOW what you are getting in looks, mind, and behavior. Seeing is believing.
- A trained dog helps to lower the incidence of unwelcome & nuisance behaviors
Buyer Beware…
It should go without saying, but do your due diligence when selecting the trainer or seller. Get as much history on the dog as you can. I only accept RESCUES into my program where I know the background of the dog. Dogs come to me for all kinds of reasons, the death of a spouse, a tragic health issue, being shipped out to another country, and retired breeding dogs from ethical breeders. If the dog was intentionally and ethically bred, the trainer/seller should have extensive knowledge about the health history and temperament of the parents and the breeder too. For example, I have long standing relationships with some of the best breeders of Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, and Sheepadoodles in the country. I’ve been to their places. I’ve trained and known generations of their dogs. You should also make sure you know as much about the health of the dog as possible. Dogs who are matched in our programs have a complete health check, are current on all their vaccinations, spayed/neutered, and groomed.
The length of time and age of the dog in training matters. It is impossible to train a dog in a week! It is impossible to have a ‘fully trained’ 16 week old puppy. It is our commitment to keep a dog as long as it takes to have the foundation we continually produce in our dogs. Our dogs have been exposed to the skills necessary to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizens test and dogs who work through our more advanced programs are exposed to the skills for Therapy Dog International testing.
Finally, it is essential that the person selling the dog, actually trained it and spent intimate time with that dog. You can only know a dog when you live with it and work with it. You should be able to see the dog at liberty, that means observing a dog when it is not being told to do anything by its handlers. Only work with trainers/sellers that can train you too! We have an extensive educational program for our humans with our email reading homework, educational videos, Zoom consultations, IN-PERSON training, and a personalized transition protocol booklet made just for you! And we are here for our Perfect Match families with on-going support in our private online community, so no matter where you live, you have the assistance you need!
Adding a trained dog to your family can lead to a more positive pet experience for all involved. The best kind of program for pre-trained dogs is one that focuses on healthy dogs, thorough support and training for the all the humans in the family and a fantastic personality & lifestyle match.
This is at the core of our Perfect Match Program, if you are interested in learning more contact us today.
To see some of our successful families from our Perfect Match Program, follow us on Facebook.
