Puppy Head Start™ Board & Train FAQ
“Sending our puppy to the Puppy Head Start program at Valor K9 Academy was the best decision we could’ve made. The transformation in just a few weeks was incredible—our puppy came home confident, calm, and crate trained! We felt fully supported the entire time, and the follow-up training gave us the tools to keep it going. Highly recommend.”
— Matt R., Boise, ID
Top Puppy Board & Train Program in Boise, Idaho
Looking for a reliable puppy board & train program in Boise? Our Puppy Head Start™ FAQ answers your top questions and explains why this proven program sets puppies—and owners—up for success!
What Is Puppy Head Start™ Board & Train?
Puppy Head Start™ is our most popular puppy board & train in Boise. It offers an immersive, all-inclusive approach that fast-tracks potty training, crate training, basic obedience, socialization, manners, and confidence-building. The result? Puppies that come home calm, focused, and ready for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where does my puppy stay?
Your puppy lives with the trainer in their home, becoming part of their family and training routine.
2. How many puppies training at once?
We keep small group sizes—typically 1–2 puppies per trainer—to ensure personalized attention and optimal learning.
3. How often does my puppy train?
Puppies have 10–15 short sessions daily (2–10 minutes each), plus additional outings, social time, and structured play.
4. Will my puppy be socialized?
Absolutely! Puppies interact with calm adult dogs and peers in a positive, structured environment to build healthy social skills.
5. What commands will my puppy learn?
Your pup will learn:
- Name recognition
- Sit/stay, down/stay
- Intro to heel & place
- Recall, leave it, crate, and marker words (“good,” “no,” “free”)
- Plus default behaviors that support manners and structure
6. Do you teach manners like no jumping or biting?
Yes—your puppy will learn appropriate behaviors, including reducing jumping, play-biting, counter-surfing, and barking in the crate.
7. What training do owners receive?
We include owner lesson sessions to teach you everything your puppy has learned—making the transition home seamless.
8. Can I check in?
Yes—we send photo and video updates, and for programs of three weeks or more, we include a mid-program lesson to keep you fully informed.
9. Can children be involved?
Yes, the whole family—including kids—is encouraged to participate in training lessons.
10. What’s the ideal age to start?
Our program is designed for puppies 10–24 weeks old (approximately 2–6 months). The ideal age to start is between 2-4 months of age.
Why Choose Puppy Head Start™ in Boise?
- Experienced Trainers: Learn from Valor K9 Academy’s certified trainers using the balanced Valor K9 Method™ for proven results.
- Boise-Based Focus: Training in familiar environments like homes, parks, and dog spaces around Boise.
- Online or In-Home Prep: Brush up before board & train with our virtual lessons or in-home consultation.
- Low Ratios, High Quality: We limit classes to maintain safety, focus, and personalized learning.
Helpful Links
- Learn more about our other board & train programs like Good Dog™ and Custom Board & Train here: Board & Train Programs
- Want to dive deeper into puppy socialization and early training? Check out our blog post: [What is Puppy Socialization?]
Ready to Get Started?
If Puppy Head Start™ sounds like the perfect next step for your puppy, we’d love to help. Fill out the Training Application on our Contact Page, or call us directly at (208) 577‑0744. Our team will reach out to schedule a call and find the best program for your pup.
Written by Amy Pishner
About the Author:
Amy Pishner is the Founder of Valor K9 Academy, a veteran-owned dog training company in Boise, Idaho. With over a decade of experience training thousands of dogs, Amy specializes in balanced dog training that builds trust, obedience, and lasting results.