About The DOG

The DOG runs a 130-acre training and boarding campus in Putnam Valley, in the Hudson Highlands, and takes dogs from across New York and southern Connecticut. Pickup shuttles are offered for Westchester and Putnam and for Greenwich and Fairfield.

Training Camp

The signature product is a residential board and train the site calls Training Camp. Its published core disciplines are house training, house manners, basic obedience, appropriate play, appropriate greetings and leash walking. Programs are customized, and the site says expectations rise as the dog's skills grow.

Real-world work

Once the basics are solid, sessions move off the property and into neighborhoods, shopping centers, parks and pet stores, so the dog practices around adults, children and other dogs rather than only on the campus. Each program includes follow-up lessons at homecoming.

Private tutoring

For owners who do not want a residential stay there is a private tutoring program of weekly in-home lessons covering house training, house manners and basic obedience, with the family included in the session. The site says it suits both puppies and adult dogs that need behavior modification for more complex issues.

Method

The published philosophy is positive reinforcement with structure and consistency, using praise and play. Day camp, boarding and alumni access at Woods End continue after a program ends.