Board ‘n Train
Personalized, In-Home Immersion Training with Valarie
Your dog deserves more than a crowded kennel, stressful facility, or one-size-fits-all training program. Our Board ‘n Training program is designed to feel like a home away from home — because it literally is. Your dog stays in Valarie’s home and becomes part of the daily routine while receiving customized, science-based training rooted in positive reinforcement. No shock collars. No intimidation. No “dominance.” Ever.
This program is ideal for dogs who need intensive support, structured learning, and real-world practice in a calm, home environment.
Available for both adult dogs and puppies.
What Makes My Board ‘n Training Different?
Most board-and-train programs rely on kennel environments, high-volume handling, and aversive tools. That’s not how we do things. Your dog will, live in a real home environment, receive individualized training sessions throughout the day, practice real-life skills in everyday situations, learn through rewards-based methods, receive enrichment, rest, and decompression time, and work directly with Valarie, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and Certified Professional Dog Trainer.
This isn’t “send your dog away and hope for magic.” It’s collaborative, compassionate, hands-on learning designed to create lasting behavior change.
What I Can Help With
We specialize in helping dogs learn how to think, regulate emotions, and succeed in the real world — not simply obey commands.
Your dog’s stay includes a balance of:
Structured training sessions
Enrichment activities
Rest and decompression
Walks and real-world outings (when appropriate)
Household routine practice
Play and relationship building
Daily progress updates are sent to you via the Time to Pet app. Because training happens throughout the day, your dog gets repeated opportunities to practice new skills naturally and successfully.
Human Coaching Matters, Too
Dog training doesn’t stop when your dog comes home. Every Board ‘n Training program includes transfer sessions with you so you can confidently maintain and build on your dog’s progress.
We’ll show you:
What your dog learned
How to continue the training
How to prevent setbacks
How to support long-term success
Because sustainable training happens when the humans learn, too.
Is Board ‘n Train Right for Every Dog?
Not always — and that’s okay.
Some dogs thrive best in their home environment through private coaching or day training instead. We carefully screen all applicants to ensure this program is appropriate, safe, and beneficial for your dog.
Dogs with severe separation distress, significant aggression concerns, or medical issues may require a different training approach.
Why Families Choose Sits ‘n Wiggles
Founded in 2015, Sits ‘n Wiggles has become one of Northeast Ohio’s trusted positive reinforcement training companies. I am committed to humane, evidence-based training methods that prioritize emotional wellbeing alongside behavior goals.
Local dog guardians consistently recommend Sits ‘n Wiggles for compassionate, effective training support and force-free methods.
Ready to Get Started?
Every Board ‘n Training program begins with an initial consultation so I can learn more about your dog, your goals, and whether this service is the right fit.
Spots are intentionally limited 1 to 2 dogs, if they are in the same family, to ensure every dog receives individualized care and attention. Currently there are no other dogs in Valarie’s home, so your dog(s) get to live freely in her home with her. Crated only when they will be left alone. They will sleep in a crate in her bedroom with her. Valarie does in-person Day Training and private coaching session on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays, she works from home on Tuesday and Thursdays. Your pup will be home alone for only a few hours a few days a week, at most. She will have a camera trained on them so she is able to check in while she is away.
Pricing:
Initial Consultation: $320 for adult dogs 6 months, $175 for puppies 2-6 months. Includes: treat pouch, treats, clicker, snuffle mat, 2 lick mats.
1 Week Board ‘n Train: $1,845 includes 7 nights and 1 in-person coaching session
2 Week Board ‘n Train: $3,251 includes 14 nights, 1 virtual check-ins, 1 in-person coaching session
3 Week Board ‘n Train: $4,821.50 includes 21 nights, 2 virtual check-ins, 1 in-person coaching session
4 Week Board ‘n Train: $6,382 includes 28 nights, 3 virtual check-ins, 1 in-person coaching session
5 Week Board ‘n Train: $8,162.50 includes 35 nights, 4 virtual check-ins, 2 in-person coaching sessions
6 Week Board ‘n Train: $9,733 includes 42 nights, 51 virtual check-ins, 2 in-person coaching sessions
Absolutely no human-directed aggression, bite-histories, or separation anxiety cases are accepted.