At Monument City Dog, our board-and-train dogs live in our home and train alongside us every day.This is a structured, thoughtful program designed to reflect real life focused on routine, relationship, and teaching dogs how to navigate the world with more confidence and clarify. We keep things simple, consistent, and clear. Dogs know what’s expected of them, and they learn to handle the ups and downs of daily life with more confidence, better regulation, and less stress.
Here’s what a typical day looks like in our program and why each part matters.
6:00–7:00 AM – First Potty, Manners & Breakfast
The day starts with potty breaks. Dogs practice crate manners, wait at thresholds, and respond to recall in the yard. It’s a simple routine, but it sets the tone: we start with structure. After that, everyone eats in their crate, which gives space, reduces pressure, and helps reinforce calm behavior around food. Once they’re done, dogs stay crated to rest and digest, building the habit of settling and learning to be okay when it’s not their turn.
8:00–9:00 AM – Morning Play & Social Time
Before training begins, dogs get time to stretch their legs and just enjoy being dogs. Some play with a buddy, others sniff around the yard or roll in the grass. We supervise all interactions and keep things appropriate for each dog’s temperament and energy level. It’s fun, but still structured. These sessions help take the edge off and get everyone in a better state of mind before we shift into focused work.
9:00 AM–12:00 PM – Morning Training Sessions
This is where the real work starts. We rotate dogs through short, focused sessions based on their individual needs. That might mean leash work, obedience reps, place and down, or working through triggers. Some dogs go on field trips for confidence-building or exposure to new environments. In between reps, they rest in their crates to recover and process. We’re not trying to cram in hours of nonstop training, we’re teaching dogs how to learn.
12:00–12:30 PM – Lunch & Reset
During our lunch break, one or two dogs might hang out on place to practice calm behavior around food and people. Everyone else gets downtime. Crate rest isn’t just about taking a break, it’s about learning how to settle when life isn’t about them. That’s a huge skill, especially for dogs who are used to constantly being “on.”
12:30–1:30 PM – Midday Social & Enrichment
Midday is a chance to move, play, and take a break from formal training. Dogs might wrestle, explore the yard, or just hang out in the sun with a chew. It’s casual, but still managed. We use this time to meet each dog’s need for fun and fulfillment without letting arousal spiral out of control.
1:30–4:30 PM – Afternoon Training Sessions
This block looks a lot like the morning, more reps, more real-life work. We might add distractions, increase duration, or practice handling pressure. For some dogs, this is when we start pushing thresholds a little to help them grow. Between sessions, it’s back to the crate. That rhythm of work and rest is what builds emotional balance.
Why Downtime Matters
Training doesn’t just happen during the reps, it continues after. Downtime gives dogs the space to mentally absorb what they’ve practiced. Without structured rest, things don’t stick. That’s why crate time is built into the rhythm of the day. It’s not just about giving them a break, it’s about teaching them to be okay when it’s not their turn, to settle without constant engagement, and to process everything they’ve worked through. Dogs that can turn off and rest are more balanced, more focused, and better equipped to handle real life.
4:30–5:30 PM – Playtime & Wind-Down
After a full day, dogs get a final chance to move, play, and decompress. This helps release any lingering energy and prevents dogs from going to bed overly amped or mentally wound up. It’s still structured, but it gives them space to relax.
7:00–8:00 PM – Evening Socials
In the evening, we keep things relaxed. Dogs spend time together in a low-key setting chewing on a bone, lounging side by side, or just enjoying some quiet company. Some hang out with us for a little affection, others choose to rest on their own.
It’s not about training reps, it’s about learning to just be around others without needing constant stimulation. This downtime helps reinforce the ability to settle, share space, and end the day on a calm note.
9:00–10:00 PM – Last Call & Bedtime
Before bed, the dogs head out for one last potty break. They’re still expected to follow the rules, wait at thresholds, come when called, and stay respectful even when they’re tired. Back inside, everyone heads to their crate, practicing patience and good manners at the door. Each dog gets a small treat, the sound machines go on, lights go out, and that’s a wrap on the day.
Why It Works
We’re not just teaching dogs to follow commands, we’re teaching them how to handle the everyday pressures of life with more stability. Crate time, play, structure, and training all work together to build dogs who are calmer, more confident, and easier to live with.
This program isn’t just about obedience, it’s about helping your dog be better at being a dog.