About Dog Days Training Center

What they offer

Dog Days Training Center is a private training center at 1605 County Road 40 1/2 in Berthoud. Most work starts with a private evaluation: a standard hour-long evaluation for a new puppy or dog, which the site says owner and head trainer Laurie Buffington always handles personally, and longer one- to two-hour sessions for serious behavior issues, bite cases or court-ordered training. The site calls board and train its most popular option; it combines boarding with personalized training around four concepts: learning tolerance, lowering reactivity, increasing impulse control, and appropriate play within a pack of dogs. Initial stays run a minimum of 14 to 21 days and end with a one-hour private session showing you how to keep the training going at home. The site also sells puppy evaluations.

How they train

The site says it trains "beyond commands and obedience" and focuses on the psychology and communication behind a well-balanced dog. Much of its work with people is teaching them to read their dog's body language. Board-and-train days include downtime on the 10-acre property with its pastures, trails and agility courses.

Good to know

The site credits Laurie with more than three decades of experience and says she has passed the national board exam for Certified Professional Dog Trainers. Staff trainers Sally and Haley also work with clients. Not every dog is accepted for board and train. Hours are Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.