A Dog’s Life Camp and Spa

Training programs include puppy (8–16 weeks) and adult (16+ weeks) board-and-train options. Puppy programs focus on housebreaking, handling, socialization, and basic obedience commands. Adult programs start with leash-based obedience and progress to off-leash commands with distractions. All programs include a return demonstration and a follow-up lesson within two weeks. Free phone consultations are available for ongoing support. Programs are tailored to breed, age, and owner lifestyle needs.

Pricing Summary

Private lessons: $150/hour at home, $250/hour in NYC. Puppy training: 2-week board-and-train at $3,800; 4-week at $6,500. Basic adult training: 2-week program at $3,200. Intermediate training: 2-week program at $3,200. All packages include pickup/drop-off, training equipment, return lesson, and follow-up within two weeks. Payment due at end of stay; accepts check, cash, credit cards (not American Express).

Policies

Must provide up-to-date vaccination records, including bordetella, at least two weeks prior to arrival. Dogs cannot have visited any other boarding or daycare facility within 14 days of stay to prevent disease spread. Medications must be in original containers with dosing instructions. Clients may bring one familiar toy or small bed, but not treasured items. All medical expenses incurred during stay are the owner’s responsibility. Training is conducted at a climate-controlled facility. No American Express payments accepted.

A Dog’s Life Camp and Spa is a small private dog training facility located in the Hudson Valley, New York, offering loving, individualized training for dogs of all ages. They provide both private lessons and board-and-train packages, with training designed to be fun and fair while catering to each dog’s unique needs. Owner Carla Barbano is a CPDT-KA certified trainer with a strong background in animal behavior, and the facility includes therapeutic pet massage services. Dogs in board-and-train programs receive daily supervised playgroups, personalized care for dietary or medical needs, and are returned freshly bathed, with cleaned ears and trimmed nails. Transportation is provided throughout the Tri-State Area for all training packages, and daily photo updates are shared via Facebook for boarding clients.

Private lessons are conducted in the client’s home and include a full evaluation followed by a customized training plan. Puppy training programs focus on housebreaking, handling, socialization, and foundational obedience during the critical 8–16 week developmental window. Advanced programs build on these skills with off-leash commands and distraction training. All packages include a return lesson and a follow-up within two weeks, with free phone consultations available for ongoing support.

Accomplishments

Owner Carla Barbano is a CPDT-KA certified trainer with extensive experience in animal behavior. The facility has been operating since at least 2004 and maintains a strong reputation for individualized care, with numerous client testimonials praising the quality of training and compassionate service.

How to Get Started!

Begin with a free phone consultation. For private lessons, schedule an in-home evaluation to create a customized training plan. For board-and-train programs, complete the intake sheet and health care release forms, submit vaccination records, and schedule pickup/drop-off.