Julie enrolled her 6-month-old pit mix in a board and train program at Ivy League Canine Academy with one clear goal: to build a strong obedience foundation and set her puppy up for future off-leash adventures. While her dog started out nervous and unsure, consistent training and patient guidance helped her grow into a more confident, engaged companion.
At the beginning of the program, Julie’s puppy struggled with confidence and new situations. Working with trainer Alex M., the focus was on building structure while allowing space for play and positive engagement. Through daily training videos, Julie could see her pup learning expectations, gaining confidence, and genuinely enjoying the work.
Alex’s balanced approach of patience, consistency, and individualized attention helped guide Julie’s puppy through difficult moments while reinforcing obedience and emotional stability. Over time, the nervous behaviors began to fade as understanding and confidence took their place.
By the time her puppy returned home, Julie described the experience as “an absolute dream.” She shared how excited they are for the life ahead together, knowing their dog now has a solid foundation and clearer communication.
Julie said, “She was a very nervous gal in the beginning, but his patience and consistency really paid off. Now that she’s home, it’s an absolute dream and we’re so excited for the life she has ahead of her!”
What made this training effective was the blend of structured obedience and thoughtful confidence-building. Instead of rushing progress, the program allowed Julie’s puppy to learn at her own pace while reinforcing expectations through consistency and positive engagement.
This type of board and train program is especially well suited for puppy owners who want to establish obedience early while also supporting emotional development and future off-leash goals. It may not be ideal for those looking for fast results without ongoing involvement once their dog comes home.
For dog owners in San Antonio raising nervous puppies or hoping to build a strong obedience foundation from an early age, professional board and train programs can provide clarity, structure, and long-term confidence. Learning more about this approach can help determine if it’s the right next step for you and your pup.