Why Our Board and Train Program Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

When it comes to dog training, real change doesn’t happen on a clock—it happens with consistency, clarity, and practice. That’s why my board and train programs are results-based, not simply date-based. I prioritize each dog’s individual progress rather than rushing them through a rigid timeframe just to meet a deadline.

What Makes Our Program Different?

1. Timelines That Serve the Dog’s Needs

Every dog learns at their own pace. Some need extra time to build trust, especially if they’re struggling with fear or reactivity. Others may progress quickly with structure and repetition. I keep our timelines flexible to ensure your dog gets what they need—not what fits neatly on a calendar.

2. The Owner-Dog Connection Matters

I don’t just send your dog home and call it a day. Part of the program includes hands-on time with you. Whether that’s weekly sessions during their stay or transitional lessons when they are closer to coming home, I make sure you understand what your dog has learned and how to reinforce it.

This isn't just about obedience—it's about creating a working relationship that lasts long after training ends.

3. Progress-Based Graduation

I don’t "graduate" a dog from the program until we’re confident they’re ready to transition—and that you’re ready to maintain what they’ve learned. Some dogs may be with us for four weeks, others for eight or more. What matters is that the foundation is solid before your dog comes home.

4. Real-Life Training, Real-Life Results

Training happens in-home and out in the real world. Whether it's leash skills in a busy neighborhood, learning how to stay calm during distractions, or practicing place command while life happens around them, your dog learns how to function, not just follow commands.

The Bottom Line

Our board and train isn’t a quick fix—it’s an investment in long-term change. And that takes time, teamwork, and a tailored plan that respects your dog’s individual journey.

If you're ready to start that process, I’m always here to guide both ends of the leash.

Limited Time Offer - Discounted B&T Space!

Get a 35% discount on our Puppy Foundation, Basics, or Off Leash B&T Packages.

You must book by 5/2 to qualify for the discount.

Contact via our contact form or e-mail.

Getting A Puppy?

Check out our latest blog post:

Dog Training Isn't About Perfection

Training isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency.

Your dog doesn’t need to be flawless; they need to understand that you *mean what you say.* Whether you're working through reactivity, refining obedience, or just trying to get your pup to walk nicely on leash, the biggest gains happen when training becomes a part of your daily life—not just something you do *once in a while.*

Start small. One solid rep done right is better than ten rushed ones.

Choose one thing to practice today—just one.

Keep showing up. That’s how progress is made.

Need help figuring out what to focus on? That’s what I’m here for. Shoot me a message or check out our training options!

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I’m working on putting out more educational content and videos weekly. Let me know if there are any particular topics you would like help with or to cover!

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Grateful for Amazing Clients!

I’m actually headed over to see Skippy this afternoon! It’s always great to catch up with clients and watch the dogs continue to grow and develop. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Julie!

“We fostered Skippy from our local shelter as a young pup. Having him from so young we thought he’d grow up like our other dogs - pleasant and easy going. We were so wrong as he reacted to everything. We couldn’t take him in the car as he’d drool and vomit. We couldn’t walk him as he’d bark, leap and lunge at people and go crazy with dogs. We couldn’t leave him in our fenced in yard or he’d bark constantly. Having workmen or visitors in the house was a nightmare as he would be so aggressive.

When we were at our wits end and considering taking him back to the shelter we were recommended Susan’s Animal Minds Behavior and Training.

What Susan has achieved is mind blowing. She has transformed Skippy into a “good boy”! He can now spend some alone time outside without disturbing the neighborhood. Walking is now a pleasure. He still needs a long time to warm up to new people in the house but he lies quietly in his crate when workmen are here.

Susan is available to us for questions and support and classes which had been invaluable.

Susan is very pleasant to work with and our experience exceeded expectations.”

Review from Dakota's Family

“Susan is nothing short of a miracle worker when it comes to training dogs! We recently adopted Dakota, a one-year-old Malinois mix who had been a stray. From the moment he entered our home, it was clear he had no training or manners. He was high-strung and completely out of control – constantly yelping, unable to stay still, jumping on furniture and people, crashing into things, and harassing our other dog. To top it off, he destroyed everything in his path.”

“We were overwhelmed and at our wits’ end when we reached out to Susan for help. She responded promptly and scheduled a time to meet Dakota. From the very first session, Susan immediately recognized the issues we were facing and took control of the situation. Her expertise was evident right away.

After eight weeks of dedicated training, along with several follow-up sessions, Dakota returned home as a completely different dog. He now has manners, follows commands, and is calm and manageable – the transformation has been night and day! We were honestly worried he might be untrainable, but Susan worked wonders.

Susan is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also a joy to work with. She’s friendly, flexible, and a fantastic communicator. We especially appreciated the photos and videos she sent to keep us updated on Dakota’s progress. It’s clear she genuinely cares about the dogs she trains.

If you’re in need of a dog trainer – especially for high-energy breeds like a Malinois – we can’t recommend Susan highly enough. She truly changed our lives and gave Dakota the skills he needed to thrive.”

Thank you so much to Rubi & Art for entrusting me with your guy. It was truly a pleasure getting to work with him and your family!

Group Dates & Fall Program/Boarding Updates

With the weather cooling off I'm planning on the following dates for group. Please RSVP via email (ambehaviortraining@gmail.com) if you would like to attend so I can notify you of any location changes, etc. Check out Boarding and additional program notes below if you're interested in a training tune up or any holiday boarding.

Group 1: Sat. 9/21 @ 11am - Heron Landing Community Park 

This park is extremely busy on weekends usually (kids/playgrounds/tennis courts/soccer fields, etc.) but there is A LOT of room so it's easy to manage space as needed. 

Group 2: Sat. 10/5 @ 11am - Petfood Express Roseville 

Busy store and we will most likely work outside the store around the fountains/store areas as well weather permitting. Lots of close proximity practice. 

Group 3: 10/19 @ 11am - William B Pond Recreational Area

Very large park with lots of space, bike trail, by the river as well but will depend on weather if we stop by. Mainly will be working on recall around distractions and obedience at a distance. 

Program & Boarding Info

Day Training Availability is opening up again for Fall. 

Great for keeping your dogs tuned up and challenged when you're busy. 

Availability Tues-Sat.

Drop off between 7:30-9 

Pick Up between 4 - 5:30

Alternate times may be available depending on days needed

Packages: 

1 Day - $90

4 Days - $325

10 Days - $725

Boarding is super limited this year so please reach out ASAP with your time/dates. 

I will be requiring a 25% nonrefundable deposit to hold spaces. 

$85 per day - No pick ups or drop offs on Sundays/Mondays. 

Look forward to seeing everyone!

Summer spots are filling fast!

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, Lisa. I’m so happy we could help you and Sofie navigate this challenging behavior and figure out a way to make life livable and safe again for everyone.

“Susan and Animal Minds are an incredible training program. I enrolled Sofie, a 90lb 4-year-old german shepherd, in their 8 week behavioral board and train program. Sofie is a very intelligent dog who knew a lot of basic commands and was fairly decent at listening to the commands. Majority of the time she is able to loose-leash walk without any problems, the only exception being when she encountered cats. My biggest issue with Sofie was her reactivity/aggression toward other dogs when it came to her possessions, especially in the household. We live with 2 other large dogs and 1 small dog in the house. Sofie was possessive over her food, toys, the bedroom and at times her owner. Though she has only lived with the other dogs in the house for a little over a year, her aggression had been progressively worsening, especially with the small dog. The last straw was when the small dog wandered too close to my room and she attacked the small dog to the point where there was a cut in the small dog's neck from Sofie biting so hard. I was faced with the decision to either give her up or take her to training.

Sofie did not have ill will toward the other dogs, she just didn't want them touching her stuff. When in a neutral space she got along fine with the other dogs. Susan recognized this when she did our consult visit and recognized the potential that Sofie had to modify her behavior, but she made it very clear that just as Sofie's behavior did not start overnight, it would not go away overnight.

Sofie stayed with Susan for 4 weeks then was gradually re-introduced back to the household. She is now e-collar and muzzle trained which is amazing so that she can still be out around the other dogs and we don't have to worry so much about risk to the other dogs. We are continuing to work on her behavior modification even after completing the board and train, but now we have the skills and resources to effectively communicate with Sofie. We have noticed a great change in Sofie's behavior and now, approximately 3 weeks since she returned home, Sofie is able to stay relaxed in my room even when the other dogs wander close to my room and she can see them through a baby gate. We are hopeful that with time and consistent work on our part, Sofie will be able to remain calm and relaxed even when there isn't a barrier in place.

Susan is an incredible trainer and really knows what she is doing. She continues to keep in touch even after the board and train has finished and continues to give her advice. I would highly recommend Animal Minds Behavior and Training to anyone who is looking to train their dog.”

Group Class Schedule

It’s that time of year!

We are excited to announce our upcoming group training sessions tailored to previous clients who wish to continue their training journey in environments with various distractions. These sessions will provide an opportunity for you and your dogs to practice in well-controlled, directed spaces, ensuring steady progress and reinforcing learned behaviors.

Session 1:

- Date: Saturday, April 27th

- Time: 10:30 AM

- Location: Nimbus Hiking Trail

- Meeting Point: (Directions will be provided via group email)

Session 2

- Date: Saturday, May 11th

- Time: 10:30 AM

- Location: PetFood Express (Loehmann's Plaza)

Session 3:

- Date: Saturday, May 25th

- Time: 10:30 AM

- Location: Rusch Park (Citrus Heights)

Session 4:

- Date: Saturday, June 8th

- Time: 10:30 AM

- Location: William B Pond Park (River trail/adventures)

Session 5:

- Date: Saturday, June 22nd

- Time: 10:30 AM

- Location: To Be Determined (TBD)

Please RSVP for each session by sending an email to ambehaviortraining@gmail.com. This will help us ensure that we can adequately prepare for the number of participants and provide the best experience for everyone involved.

Ms.Mimi doing amazing!

I love cases where I’m able to help keep a dog in their home. She’s the sweetest girl, just needed some clear direction.

“We highly recommend Susan and Animal Minds Behavior & Training.

My parents have a 16 mo old standard poodle Miss Mimi Chanel, who was out of control, excessive barking, jumping up on people and not walking well on a leash. She was becoming a safety concern. My friend highly recommended Susan. I gave Susan a call and she quickly got back to me. I explained the situation and a couple days later Mimi was off to school. Susan took her time to get to know Mimi so she could base her training around her personality. She kept us updated with phone calls, pictures and videos, which was a comfort to my parents to know she was in good hands.

When the time came for Mimi to come home we did day visits to get everyone used to Mimi’s commands. Soon she was home for good. Susan still provided needed support with visits. We couldn’t be happier. As my mom put it, “we always loved Mimi’s joyful spirit, now we have a well trained joyful Mimi”.

A huge thank you to Susan and Animal Minds.”

Graduation!

Jinx’s owner brought along a graduation cap when she picked her up and it totally cracked me up. Loved it! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, Sara!

I adopted a sweet dog whose behavior was so out of control that I asked the rescue to take her back! I had tried, and failed to teach her even basic commands and couldn’t keep her off the dining room table, where she would troll for snacks before curling up to take a nap. I had lost hope until I discovered Animal Minds! Susan’s kind, consistent approach taught Jinx what is expected and how to easily comply. Susan also spent quality time training me to work well with Jinx so we can happily live together. Jinx is now a compliant, well-adjusted dog who is a blast to be around. Thank you, Susan, for helping me keep Jinx!

Learning to relax...

I love getting update pictures like these. Chico is an interesting, stoic kind of guy and it can take a bit to learn to read his true intent in new or surprising scenarios but luckily he has super patient owners who were willing to do the work and learn all they can about him!

We needed help to handle our adult dog‘s reactivity and we found that and more with Animal Minds. Susan is not only a knowledgable trainer who seems to literally be able to handle any type of dog but also truly seems to understand what goes on in their mind and decode it for their owners. She listened to our concerns, explained her methods/qualifications clearly and projected confidence from day 1. We enrolled our dog in the 8 weeks boarding program and if your pup is struggling with any form of behavioral issues, I strongly recommend doing the same.

Before starting training with Animal Minds, my dog showed reactivity toward dogs and people and it was difficult to have guests over cause he struggled with polite greetings and neutrality in general. I didn't know what was triggering him and we were considering using a muzzle. After completing the program, I feel confident taking him out for walks on and even off leash, I take him to restaurants and shops with me and I can tell he is happier too. Oh, did I mention the continuous support she provides even after the program and the group classes to fine tune training afterwards? I am not exaggerating when I say our lives got better because of Susan and Animal Minds. If you are considering training, I strongly recommend her!

Summer is coming!

With summer around the corner get your pups in soon so you can enjoy the outdoors just like Hanna and Roux!

We worked with Susan! We chose the off-leash board and train option for our rambunctious and spunky 10 month old corgi. Roux lacked a lot of manners, was pushy when it came towards other dogs in play time, and lacked impulse control. He was your stereotypical, overly-friendly dog who was too smart for his own good.

Working with Susan has been such a pleasure and my pup came back to me with better manners and impulse control. He also plays very well with others dogs and loves to play tug with them now! Yay! Walking him is a dream. I especially love working and training with him in public because he is a rockstar and does sooooo well now!

We get so many compliments on our daily walks or when I take him out for lunch on how well-behaved he is... all thanks to Susan!

I loved the transition lessons as we prepared for him to come back home. It helped a lot with teaching me what I needed to know to set my boy up for success once he came back. My relationship with Roux is stronger than ever now! So happy we chose Animal Minds and I would highly recommend Susan if you are having similar problems that Roux was having!

Reviews!

Nero visited me for an intensive puppy camp when he was young and I still get to see this big lug yearly. It’s incredibly gratifying to see pups that came through my program grow up to enjoy life and be able to be apart of a healthy, active lifestyle with their owners.

Thank you Susan and Animal Minds for helping us when we were at our wits end! At 12 weeks old, our Giant Schnauzer puppy was hyper energetic, stubborn and over all very difficult to control. Like the naïve puppy parents we were, we initially thought it would be possible to train him based off the material we found on Google/YouTube… Let me just say, the training techniques that may work on a Corgi are NOT going to help you with a working line breed. I knew we had to intervene in our dog’s behavior before he turned into a 100lb problem. I initially was hoping to find a training solution in the Bay Area, but after reviewing the options, it became clear that driving to Sacramento was worth the extra mileage to board our pup in the 4 week sport puppy camp.

Here’s why: Animal minds is not a dog kennel. It’s super hard to leave your baby behind, but for us it was tolerable because Susan kept in constant contact with us sending videos and updates every day. We were also required to participate in 1-on-1 training sessions throughout the month where Susan would teach us how to handle our dog so we could maintain his newly instilled good behavior on our own. Every session we would drive up from the Bay to Sacramento and each time we could see more improvement in his behavior. The puppy camp really gave us time to decompress after the initial very stressful 8-12 week phase.

Bottom line-
Is it easy? Not at first. The training just begins with the boarding process and continues when you’re back home. Susan will give you the tools you’ll need to have an excellently trained dog, but it’s your responsibility to stay consistent with using the tools and building a routine. Also love that Susan kept in contact with us after the boarding camp and we could rely on her advice for any new concerns over the past year.

Is it expensive? Yes. Be prepared to drop a few grand. If you’re uncomfortable with the price tag, then ask yourself if you’re more comfortable with having a problem dog that’ll cause you and your family stress for possibly the next decade.

Our dog just turned 1 years old. Here’s what we were able to accomplish by investing in Animal Minds + maintaining training:
- Completely potty trained by 3 months old
- Stopped biting hands around 3 months old
- No pulling on leash/walks by our side
- Can walk off leash with him by our side
- Doesn’t pull on the leash when other dogs are around
- No aggression towards other dogs (boarding also = socialization)
- Comes immediately when called
- Stays in sit/down even in public
- No tearing up furniture
- No excessive barking

It was worth it for us.

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Updating Reviews

Over the next few weeks we will be updating here weekly with some of our client reviews, that way they can be found in one place and folks don’t have to jump from platform to platform.

First up this week is Claire & Callie…

“I interviewed multiple board and train owners and as soon as I met Susan- there was no looking back. Her direct but smiling manner meant she was all business and most concerned about providing the best possible and most successful training course for me and my dog. I did not want to be the stay-at-home Mom but wanted to be a part of Callie's training. During the last few weeks with Susan, I would go and train with the two of them at local public venues. Which was delightful, I could see Callie's progress and I got to be the proud Mom showing her off. Callie spent a little over 6 weeks with Susan- I was the helicopter Mom- Susan put up with my frequent texting to check-in on Callie- she always responded with a great story and sometimes a picture of their day out and about. She described the relationship between her and Callie as thou it was her best friend-with responses like, "well she did not want to go the river today so we went to visit her friends in the neighborhood." She got and understood Callie immediately- your classic high strung, super bright, field retriever, who needed guardrails. I have a busy career and knew I could not provide Callie what she needed - super solid obedience. To this point we had successfully completed 3 obedience classes a canine good citizen class and she had multiple blue ribbons at dock-diving. I knew that she and I would both be allot happier and enjoy each other allot more our walks, hikes and adventures if they did not involve a battle of the minds. Callie's time with Susan did just that- she came home respectful, a sense of patience, a need to learn, calmer and a joy to hang out with in public, at home and on adventures. Just as Susan described, we are weaning off the e-colllar and now Callie just looks up at me for the next command- she matured. Many, many times I am stopped by people who ask me where we trained- one gentleman was so impressed with Callie on leash- he asked if I could train his children!! (Not so sure they would like the e-collar:):). I used to ask Susan when will Callie come home and she would tell me .."when I am confident I can deliver back to you the best product possible ". We are now in agility, the AKC trainer cannot believe how well she sits, stays, downs and comes on hand commands only- Susan taught her focus and she loves to learn. This was the best investment , I highly recommend Susan and Animal Minds-phenomenal! Thank you Susan!”

Group Classes Starting in July

In this 5 week course, Terra will work with you and your dog on basic obedience and help give you the tools you need for you and your pooch to hit the town for fun. There will even be an opportunity to practice how to have a peaceful meal in public with your dog by your side in a calm state before the final class which will be dinner at Beach Hut Deli located next door.

We will be covering the following skills: 

~ Sit
~ Down
~ Loose leash walking
~ Recall
~ Intro placement training
~ How to build self-control in your dog.
~ A discussion about what to feed your dog.
~ A review of dog training tools and helping you select what’s best for you and your dog. 
~ Troubleshooting behavior problems at home
~ How to reinforce commands on leash when distracted
~ Learning how to teach a trick
~ Q&A at the end of each session

Sign up today!
Cost: $300 for the 5 week course
Contact: (916) 538-0422 or email AMBehaviortraining@gmail.com

NOTICE: This course is for current clients. If you are not already a client, contact us to set up an in-home consult to get you ready for class

Loki Rocking It..

Love watching these little guys put everything together and learn life skills!

We love getting reviews!! Keep them coming!

Susan has been wonderful with our Border Collie, Baxter!  We rescued him from Nor Cal Border Collie Rescue several months ago; he came to the rescue with almost nothing known about his previous training or background.  Over the course of the first month, it was obvious that there were some behaviors that needed corrected, especially in how he interacted with our other dogs at playtime. Leash manners and recall were also issues. We took him to a basic dog obedience class, but their reward (treat)-driven methodology is not a successful approach with a dog as motivated and clever as Baxter.  We were referred to Animal Minds by one of the foster parents at the Border Collie rescue, and what a lucky day that was for us all!

Susan truly understands Border Collies, and what drives them.  We have had 3 of our 4 sessions with her, and the progress Baxter has made is remarkable.  He's now a joy on leash walks, and a trusted hiking, fishing and camping buddy. We are now working on the complex behaviors that a border collie displays when other dogs are playing, and he thinks he needs to herd, nip and corrale them.  He is already showing progress, which is a relief to us all.

Susan is kind, sensitive and respectful in handling Baxter, and even though the sessions with her are tough for him, he's always excited to see her.  It's like he knows she has his best interest in mind, and he can definitely sense that she is a dog lover.  

Baxter isn't the only one learning from the sessions. While he is learning to be an even better dog, we are also learning to be better and more consistent dog parents. There is no doubt in my mind that this is money very well-spent!!  I would highly recommend Animal Minds to anyone dealing with dog behavioral issues!

Cathy C.  (Posted on Yelp)