Lorenzo's Dog Training Team operates a board-and-train facility in Oklahoma City where dogs stay on-site for the duration of their training program, typically ranging from two to eight weeks depending on behavioral goals. This model differs fundamentally from group classes or drop-in trainers; the dogs live at the facility during training rather than returning home each night, allowing trainers to work with dogs across multiple daily sessions and real-world scenarios. The business focuses on obedience, aggression management, and off-leash reliability, serving owners who need measurable behavioral change rather than introductory puppy socialization.
In a board-and-train program, your dog arrives at the facility and remains there throughout the training duration while trainers work with the dog daily in controlled and progressively more challenging environments. Lorenzo's approach uses positive reinforcement methods combined with correction techniques; the specific balance depends on the dog's temperament and the owner's stated goals. Dogs are typically exercised, trained in structured sessions, and socialized with other dogs on-site. Owner participation typically begins in the final week or two, when handlers learn to execute commands and reinforce behaviors the dog has already learned. This differs sharply from in-home private training (where a trainer visits your house once or twice weekly) and from group classes (where you attend classes and do homework between sessions). Board-and-train suits owners whose dogs have serious behavioral problems, require intensive focus in a distraction-free environment, or whose owners lack time for daily training at home.
Program packages typically start at the two-week level and extend to eight weeks, with pricing reflecting duration and intensity. A two-week foundation program ranges from $2,400 to $3,200; a four-week intermediate program typically costs $4,500 to $6,000; longer programs for aggression or advanced off-leash work run $7,000 to $10,000 or higher. Pricing often varies by dog size and the specific behavioral issues being addressed. Always request a detailed contract before enrolling; pricing should specify what behaviors are addressed, how many sessions per week the dog receives, what happens if training goals are not met, and what follow-up support is included after pickup. Verify current rates directly with the facility, as board-and-train pricing changes based on trainer availability and market demand.
Oklahoma City has several training models available. Group obedience classes at facilities like Petco Training or PetSmart run $150 to $400 for a six-to-eight-week series and suit owners with well-socialized puppies or dogs needing basic manners; they require consistent owner participation and homework. Private in-home trainers (by the hour, typically $75 to $125) work well for owners who want to modify their own handling and can dedicate time to daily practice but do not suit dogs with severe aggression or owners who cannot commit to three-to-five hours weekly of reinforcement. Board-and-train programs like Lorenzo's are the intensive middle ground: more expensive upfront but faster results, no owner time investment during training, and best suited to dogs with serious behavioral issues or owners with unpredictable schedules. Choose Lorenzo's if your dog has aggression issues, refuses recall, or requires weeks of focused work in a structured environment. Choose group classes if you want affordable basics and have time for weekly attendance. Choose private training if you want to learn handling skills yourself and your dog's issues are mild to moderate.
Board-and-train works best for owners of adult dogs (typically one year and older) with specific behavioral problems: leash aggression, reactivity to other dogs, resource guarding, or unreliable recall. It also suits owners with busy schedules who cannot attend weekly classes or practice daily at home. Dogs that are not yet housetrained, very young puppies, or dogs with medical or anxiety conditions requiring owner presence may not be ideal candidates. Dogs with severe fear-based aggression sometimes benefit from board-and-train but should be evaluated in person first; trainers will refuse dogs they assess as unsafe to handle. Owners should also be honest about their own ability to maintain training after pickup; a well-trained dog will regress if the owner does not reinforce commands consistently at home.
The intake appointment typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. You will complete a detailed behavior history form covering the dog's background, medical history, trigger situations, and what specific behaviors you want changed. The trainer will observe your dog in person, noting body language, reactivity level, and how the dog responds to commands or redirection. You will discuss the proposed program length, outline specific goals, and review the training contract including what is guaranteed, what follow-up support is provided, and cancellation or refund policies. Ask about the trainer's certification or background; Lorenzo's trainers should be able to describe their experience with the specific behavioral issues your dog has. Ask whether there is a trial period or money-back guarantee if your dog does not meet agreed-upon benchmarks. Always ask to see the facility where your dog will stay: kennels should be clean and sized appropriately, there should be space for exercise and socialization, and the environment should not be overly loud or stressful.
Board-and-train facilities operate during business hours for intake and pickup but dogs are cared for seven days a week. Typical hours for owner appointments are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with Saturday morning appointments sometimes available. Confirm the facility's specific address in Oklahoma City, parking availability, and whether you need to schedule pickup in advance. Ask whether the facility can accommodate special dietary needs or medications, how often you will receive updates (photos, videos, phone calls) while your dog is enrolled, and what the hand-off looks like at pickup (a training session with the trainer present, a written guide of commands, or both). Verify current hours and intake availability by contacting the facility directly, as scheduling can shift with trainer availability.
For owners dealing with serious behavioral problems or lacking time for weekly training classes, Lorenzo's Dog Training Team offers an accelerated alternative that removes the owner from the training equation during the critical learning phase. The focused, full-time environment produces faster measurable results than group classes or sporadic private sessions, and the cost, while substantial, is often lower than years of ongoing private training or the liability of an untrained reactive dog.
