Bo is an eighty-five pound English Labrador. He was nine months old when he came to Off Leash K9 Training Southwest Missouri, and his owners were in their mid-sixties. Those two facts together are the whole story.

You can read Bo’s owners’ full review on Google.

Where Bo Started

Bo pulled his owners around, in their own words, like rag dolls. He would not mind at all.

For a household where a sudden lunge is a genuine fall risk, that is not a manners problem. His owners needed him gentle and obedient, and they were clear-eyed enough to know that a dog that size was not going to get there on his own.

The Training Journey

They did their research before calling anyone, watching the training videos and following up on other customers. Bo then went to trainer McKenzie for our two-week board and train.

They were kept informed daily with video and a full report of what Bo had learned that day, and they could reach McKenzie at any point with a question. Their description of how she worked is one we would put on a wall: professionally, and with affection. Both halves are required. A dog this strong needs clear rules, and a nine-month-old puppy still needs to be a puppy.

Bo’s Wins

Two weeks after he came home, Bo knew all of his commands and was working completely off leash.

His owners can now take him anywhere, around other people and around other animals, with confidence rather than bracing for it. For them the word that matters in that sentence is confidence, not commands.

Bo, a white English Labrador, standing on a sidewalk and looking up at the camera after board and train in Springfield, MO

What It Changed at Home

An eighty-five pound dog either fits into your life or slowly shrinks it. Bo’s owners went from being pulled down the street to taking him out on purpose.

They called it, plainly, the best investment they could have made.

Why This Story Matters

At Off Leash K9 Training Southwest Missouri we work with a lot of owners who are not going to out-muscle their dog and should not have to try. Size and strength are handled with training, not with grip.

Bo is also a reminder that nine months is a good age for this. He was old enough for the full program and young enough that nothing had hardened into a habit.

Ready to Start With Your Own Dog?

If your dog is stronger than you are, that is a good reason to call rather than a reason to wait. You can read what a stay with us involves on our board and train page, and every program and price is on our plans and pricing page. Payment plans are available. Call us today to learn more about payment options.