Residential Training Questions, Answered
Choosing a residential programme is an important decision. These answers explain how suitability is assessed, what happens during your dog's stay, how programme length is chosen and how we help you continue the work at home.
Is Residential Training Right for My Dog?
What is Residential Training, and is it the same as Board & Train?
Residential Training, also commonly known as Board & Train, is an intensive, individual programme where your dog stays with Flurina in her licensed Berkshire home. Our programmes combine structured training with play, walks, appropriate social experiences, rest and everyday life. It is much more than boarding with occasional obedience training added: our approach is about understanding each dog as an individual and working on the emotions and patterns underlying their behaviour, alongside the practical skills they need. The aim is to create meaningful, lasting change that can be continued when your dog returns home.
Is Residential Training only for dogs with serious behaviour problems?
No. We work with everything from everyday reliability to complex behaviour modification. Some dogs come for help with recall, lead walking, manners, confidence or overexcitement, while others need support with more established problems such as reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, anxiety, vet or handling/grooming difficulties.
What problems can you help with?
Problems include lead pulling, poor recall, reactivity, dog or human aggression, separation anxiety, resource guarding, anxiety and fear, overexcitement, jumping up, poor impulse control, confidence issues, and vet, grooming or handling difficulties.
Is my dog suitable for Residential Training?
Suitability depends on your dog's history, health, behaviour, safety considerations and the goals you would like help with. Dogs with complex behaviour or a bite history are usually considered, but acceptance is always individual. We ask for a full and honest history so Flurina can assess whether the home environment and Residential Training format are appropriate for your dog.
My dog has already worked with other trainers. Can you still help?
Yes. Many of the dogs we work with have had previous training, and some have worked with several trainers before coming to Canine Sense. That does not mean your dog cannot make progress. Sometimes a different approach, more time and greater consistency are needed.
Your Dog’s Programme and Stay
Why choose Residential Training instead of 1-to-1 training?
One-to-one training can be very effective, but meaningful change can sometimes take many sessions over several months and requires a significant commitment from the owner between sessions. Residential Training provides the time and consistency for focused daily work with your dog. For some dogs, stepping away from the environment where unwanted behaviours and routines have become established can also make it easier to introduce new patterns and ways of responding. Most importantly, the programme allows Flurina to really get to know your dog and work on the emotions and patterns underlying their behaviour, rather than simply what you see on the surface. Your dog then returns home with their training already established, ready for you to continue and maintain.
Why are your programmes three to six weeks long?
Because meaningful change takes time. A dog can learn a command relatively quickly, but developing reliable habits, improving confidence and working on established behaviour patterns takes longer. The longer format allows training to develop and habits to build alongside play, exercise, rest, decompression and normal everyday life.
How do I know whether my dog needs three, four or six weeks?
You do not need to choose the programme yourself. Tell us about your dog and what you would like to change. Following an initial conversation and, where appropriate, a 60-minute assessment from £100, Flurina will assess suitability and recommend the programme she believes is most appropriate for your dog.
Where will my dog stay, and how many dogs stay at one time?
Your dog stays with Flurina in her licensed Berkshire home rather than a large commercial kennel environment. We accommodate a maximum of three client dogs for training at one time, keeping numbers deliberately small so that training remains individual and each dog's routine can be managed around their needs, personality and progress. Any interaction between dogs is carefully managed according to suitability and safety.
What will my dog's days be like?
There is no one-size-fits-all schedule. Each dog's days are structured around what they need and include individual training, play, appropriate social experiences, walks, exposure to everyday environments, rest and downtime. Flurina lives directly opposite Swinley Forest, so beautiful forest walks can also form part of their routine, providing exercise, exploration, mental stimulation and decompression.
Do you train through play?
Play is an important part of our work with many dogs. It can help build relationship, motivation, confidence, focus and impulse control while giving the dog an appropriate outlet. Training is always tailored to the individual dog, using what is meaningful and appropriate for the dog in front of us. We do offer ‘food games’ too.
What training methods do you use?
Our modern, science-informed approach is grounded in canine behaviour, biology and learning theory, with a strong emphasis on clear communication, motivation and play. The goal is to help dogs learn with confidence, clarity and enthusiasm. Every dog is different, so we use a range of training techniques and equipment where appropriate, depending on the individual dog and the behaviour being addressed. During the handover, Flurina will explain exactly how she has worked with your dog, so you understand how to continue and maintain their training confidently at home.
Who will train and care for my dog?
Flurina personally oversees the training and day-to-day care of every dog throughout their stay. This allows her to get to know your dog properly and adjust the programme as she learns more about their behaviour, motivation and progress. Where appropriate, trusted people will also be involved in parts of your dog's training, helping them learn to respond consistently to different handlers rather than only to Flurina.
Will I receive updates while my dog is with you?
Yes. You will receive a weekly progress update from Flurina, together with photos and videos, so you can follow your dog's training and see how they are developing. Additional photos, videos or updates may also be sent between reports where appropriate.
Training Results and Returning Home
Will my dog only behave for Flurina?
The aim is for your dog's training to be established before they return home. Your consistency still matters, which is why the handover is such an important part of the programme. Flurina will show you what your dog has learned, how to work with them and how to continue and maintain their progress confidently at home.
What happens when my dog comes home?
Your dog comes home with their training already established, ready for you to continue and maintain with confidence. You will receive a comprehensive 2-hour personal handover with Flurina, where she will show you what your dog has learned, how she has worked with them and how to continue the training at home. Continued support is also included afterwards.
Can you help with separation anxiety?
Yes. We can work with separation anxiety and separation-related behaviour as part of Residential Training. The work may include confidence, independence building and changing the emotional and behavioural patterns associated with being left.
Can you work with aggression, reactivity or a bite history?
Yes. We work with complex cases including dog aggression, human-directed aggression, reactivity, resource guarding and dogs with a bite history on a regular basis.
Can you help with vet visits, grooming or handling difficulties?
We can work on handling and cooperation around situations such as vet care and grooming. The exact goals will depend on the individual dog and what can be safely and realistically worked on during their stay.
Is Residential Training guaranteed to fix my dog's behaviour?
No dog trainer can guarantee a specific outcome for every dog. Behaviour is influenced by the individual dog, their history, environment and what happens after training. Our aim is to create meaningful, lasting progress, establish the training before your dog returns home, and give you the knowledge and support needed to continue it.
Costs, Travel and Getting Started
How much does Residential Training cost, and what is included?
Residential Training is £3,250 for three weeks, £4,300 for four weeks and £5,800 for six weeks. Programme length is recommended according to the individual dog, their history, goals and the complexity of the work required. Each programme includes an individual training plan, daily training and structure, appropriate training equipment where required, weekly progress updates with photos and videos, a comprehensive 2-hour personal handover, and continued support after your dog returns home.
Do you accept dogs from outside Berkshire?
Yes. Canine Sense is based in Berkshire and we welcome suitable Residential Training enquiries from London, the South East and across the UK. Because dogs stay for a three, four or six-week programme, travelling from further afield can work very well.
How do I get started, and can I book online?
Start by telling us about your dog and what you would like help with. Flurina will review the case personally and advise on the next step. Where appropriate, this will include a 60-minute assessment from £100 to determine suitability and recommend the most appropriate three, four or six-week programme.