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At A Glance
This 6-month-old Mastiff puppy completed a 2-Week In-Home Board and Train with Off Leash K9 Training under the care of Michelle Guarino. Michelle has trained five dogs for this family over the years, and this newest program focused on building early obedience, discipline, and structure for a large-breed puppy—paired with frequent owner communication and ongoing support.
Breed: Mastiff
Age: 6 months
Location: Sterling, VA
Program: 2-Week In-Home Board and Train
Trainer: Michelle Guarino
Main Focus: Obedience foundation, discipline, structure for a large-breed puppy, owner involvement
Outcome: Improved obedience and discipline, better structure at home, and owners kept informed through frequent updates
The Challenge
Large-breed puppies need structure early. Even when they are sweet, their size and strength grow quickly, and without obedience and discipline, everyday life can become difficult fast.
This family wanted:
- Early obedience and discipline before bad habits formed
- A structured program designed for a powerful puppy
- Clear communication throughout the program
- A trainer who cared about the dog’s well-being, not just commands
They had trusted Michelle before and wanted the same high standard of results and support for their new Mastiff puppy.
The Training Approach
This Mastiff puppy completed a 2-Week In-Home Board and Train designed to create early structure and reliable obedience for a growing dog.
Training focused on:
- Teaching foundational obedience commands with clear expectations
- Building discipline and follow-through through consistency
- Creating structured routines that translate into calm daily behavior
- Frequent owner updates with photos and videos to show progress
- Owner education to ensure results continued after the program ended
Michelle’s approach balanced obedience training with kindness and genuine care, helping the dog learn in a supportive, structured environment.
The Results
After two weeks, the family reported excellent results and continued confidence in the program.
What improved:
- Stronger obedience foundation and discipline
- Better structure and clearer expectations
- Owners felt connected through frequent communication and updates
- Dog remained happy and well-cared-for throughout training
A strong base was established for long-term success as the puppy grows
Owner Reflection
“We can’t say enough good things about Michelle and the OLK9 program.”
Ready to Train Your Large-Breed Puppy the Right Way?
If you have a big puppy and want real structure, reliable obedience, and clear communication throughout the process, a Board and Train program can set your dog up for lifelong success.
Early training prevents big problems later.
Schedule a free consultation to choose the right plan for your pup.