Overview & FAQs
Welcome to the boarding at Way of Life Dog Training homepage, a service available only to training clients at this time. You will find here an overview of the unique Way of Life® Method boarding experience, frequently asked questions, and the boarding application portal.
The boarding services offered by Way of Life® Dog Training assist in accurately
evaluating client dogs and coaching their owners. There is inevitable vulnerability when a client dog is separated from their family and handled by someone else.
Therefore, our boarding goal is to stabilize and strengthen the dog by offering a safe, structured, and yet challenging experience that includes a predictable schedule,
exercise, solo time, and time in the crate or outdoor kennel.
As dogs gain experience with boarding at Way of Life Dog Training, they are gradually included more with us in outings, playdates, and mat time. The Way of Life Method of boarding is simple, positive, and ensures that the dog’s time away from home is a success.
We look forward to boarding your Way of Life dog!
1. Which dogs are eligible for boarding at Way of Life Dog Training?
As Way of Life Dog Training is not a boarding facility, boarding services are offered primarily to clients receiving coaching and training. However, we encourage clients whose dogs have reached Stage 2 of the Way of Life Method to consider alternative boarding options.
2. Would we consider boarding non-coaching clients?
Boarding non-coaching clients poses greater risks, incurs greater stress for both human and animal household members, and increases our liability. Non-coaching clients will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with higher boarding fees charged also on a case-by-case.
3. How is the duration of boarding calculated?
Boarding duration is calculated by calendar day, inclusive of drop-off and pick-up days. For example, if you dropped off on September 14 and picked up on September 21, this would be 8 calendar days.
4. How soon must we reserve boarding for our dogs?
For non-holiday reservations, booking and payment in full must be made three (3) weeks ahead of time. For holiday reservations, booking and payment in full must be made six (6) weeks ahead of time. Holidays include New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
5. How soon is payment for boarding required?
Payment must be made at time of booking, without exception. A reservation will be cancelled if payment is not received within three (3) business days.
6. What is the boarding cancellation and refund policy?
Reservations followed by cancellations are extremely disruptive and prevent others from booking. Cancellations up to one (1) week prior to the boarding start date will be refunded in full. Cancellations during the week prior to the boarding start date will be refunded at 50%.
7. What are the windows to drop-off & pick-up our dogs?
We can accommodate an hour window of arrival within the following time frames:
Weekdays Monday-Friday: 7AM-10AM
Weekends Saturday-Sunday: 7AM-9AM
Please take this information into account when planning your boarding dates. Drop-off and pick-up appointments must be adhered to without exception.8. What are the drop-off and pick-up instructions?
We have a protocol for owners dropping off and picking up their boarding dogs to ensure a smooth transition at the beginning and end of the boarding experience.
Drop-off: Leave the dog crated in the car until all boarding luggage is unloaded to the side door of the house. Calmly remove the dog from car by leash and proceed to crating or kenneling the dog on location, at the trainer’s direction. Please refrain from saying goodbye to minimize the dog’s anxiety or stress.
Pick-up: Pick-up procedures vary with stage; please await instructions for your dog.
Stage 1 Dogs: Load all boarding luggage found on the side door of the house first. Then return to your vehicle and allow the trainer to fetch and load the dog into their travel kennel. Please refrain from greeting the dog and quietly depart.
Stage 2 Dogs: You will be informed of where to find your dog and their boarding luggage on the property. Collect and load all boarding luggage first. Then collect your dog and immediately crate them in your vehicle. Please refrain from greeting the dog and quietly depart.9. What items are required for boarding?
• Food & Feeding Schedule
• Ready-to-serve Add-ons (if applicable)
• Ready-to-serve Meals (if applicable)
• Medication and Directions (if applicable)
• Treats, Chews, Toys
• Blanket and/or Towel
• Veterinary Information
• Emergency ContactThe following items are NOT required:
• Crate
• Leashes
• Food Bowls
• Poop Bags10. What is the cost of boarding at Way of Life Dog Training?
Boarding is calculated per calendar day as follows:
Coaching Clients (beginning January 2025): $95 per diem + HST
Non-Coaching Clients (beginning January 2025): $135 per diem + HST