The Home Grown Dog

Programs include Puppy Board + Train (2+ weeks), Adult Board + Train (3–5+ weeks), Puppy Pre-K (2+ weeks with owner education), Now & Later (2-week puppy board + 2.5-week adult board), and Puppy Lesson Package (4 private sessions at facility). Virtual lessons are 1-hour remote consultations. Board and train includes mid-program owner session and a “Go Home” session for transition. Crate training is mandatory for all dogs. Updates are provided during stays.

Pricing Summary

Board and train programs range from $3,600 for 3 weeks to $5,500+ for 5+ weeks. Puppy Pre-K starts at $2,900, and the Now & Later program is $5,200. Puppy Lesson Package is $650 for four 45-minute sessions. Virtual lessons are $100 per hour. All programs require a consultation before enrollment.

Policies

Puppy Lesson Package expires 2 months after purchase or at 6 months of age, whichever comes first. Board and train clients must provide dog food, favorite toys, and leash/collar. No refunds mentioned; consultations required before program enrollment. No cancellation policy specified.

The Home Grown Dog is a dog training business based in Sarasota, Florida, founded by Emily Preston, a certified dog trainer with a background in communications and hands-on experience raising her own challenging puppy. The business offers relationship-based training focused on improving communication between owners and their dogs, with an emphasis on building confidence and calm in dogs. Services include board and train programs for puppies and adults, private puppy lesson packages, and virtual consultations. The trainer uses tools such as e-collars, prong collars, and slip leashes, tailored to each dog and owner’s needs, while always incorporating crate training as a foundational skill. Training is designed to be a jump-start, with lasting results requiring consistent practice at home. Emily provides ongoing support, scheduled updates during board and train stays, and personalized guidance to ensure long-term success.

The business specializes in puppy and adolescent training, addressing issues like potty training, leash pulling, biting, fearfulness, and reactivity. They do not work with dogs exhibiting human or dog aggression, extreme resource guarding, or severe separation anxiety. Clients receive detailed recommendations for equipment, including Herm Sprenger prong collars and recycled rope slip leashes, and are encouraged to continue training after program completion.

The Home Grown Dog also offers a unique “Now & Later” program that combines puppy and adult board and train phases to support dogs from puppyhood through adolescence. Virtual lessons are available for remote clients, and all programs require a consultation to assess goals and dog needs before enrollment.

Accomplishments

Emily Preston is the founder and head trainer, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Advertising from Radford University. She apprenticed under two experienced mentors in board and train settings and continues her education through webinars, seminars, and workshops. She has successfully trained numerous dogs from puppyhood through adulthood, including challenging cases with high energy and anxiety.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must fill out a contact form detailing their dog’s name, breed, age, weight, behavior issues, and training goals. After submission, The Home Grown Dog schedules a phone consultation to determine the best program fit. A free initial consultation is offered.