Great dog training isn’t about perfect behavior in a quiet room—it’s about skills that hold up in everyday life. From neighborhood walks and family gatherings to vet visits and a coffee shop sidewalk setting in town, dogs need guidance that prepares them for real-world situations.
That’s where the professional dog training programs at Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center in Doylestown, PA stands apart from basic group training classes.
Designed as an immersive, comprehensive board-and-train experience, our Stay & Learn program, gives dogs the individual training sessions, daily structure, and professional consistency they need to truly understand—and reliably perform—essential skills in the environments that matter most.
Custom Training for Real Dogs & Real Homes
Every dog—and every family—is different. That’s why our Stay & Learn program is not a one-size-fits-all program.
Our dog training team customizes each plan based on:
- Age, breed, and learning style
- Energy level and temperament
- Household routines and goals
- Challenges specific to home life
The result? Training that feels natural, practical, and sustainable long after your dog returns home.
What should pet parents understand about their dog and a training program before getting started?
Pet parents should understand that true progress starts with the right foundation—and that means looking at their dog, not just the behaviors they want to “fix.” Age matters, and while there are exceptions, most dogs are best suited to start formal training around 5–6 months old—once teething and house breaking are finished, so they’re physically and mentally ready to learn.
It’s also important to consider what a dog was genetically bred to do, because instincts can strongly influence everyday behavior—what looks like “stubbornness” may actually be their natural drive. Many common habits are shaped by environment and learned patterns, but at the core, canine behavior is often powered by basic drives like Prey, Defense, Flight, and Pack/Social. Our training team includes their extensive knowledge of breeds and canine behaviors to better understand motivation and temperament from the start.
Professional dog training works best when pet parents have clear, realistic goals—not only for behavior at home, but for how their dog should confidently navigate the outside world, too.
“Before we begin training, I always encourage pet parents to take a step back and look at the full picture—your dog’s age and readiness, what their genetics and natural drives are telling us, and what you truly want life to look like together. When we understand why a dog does what they do—and we match the training plan to the dog in front of us—that’s when training becomes meaningful, effective, and lasting,” said Mark Berkowitz, training director with Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center.
How does the program address obedience skills and confidence building for everyday situations?
To build real-world obedience skills and everyday confidence, our program starts with a temperament evaluation to understand each dog’s strongest natural drives and what truly motivates them.
“Obedience isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s about teaching communication. We evaluate each dog’s temperament, use the right motivators, and build skills with clear direction, gentle guidance, and structured training sessions so behaviors hold up in real life. When a dog understands what’s being asked of them a nd experiences consistent success, their confidence follows—and that’s how we create a well-mannered dog who can thrive in everyday situations,” explained Mark.
Client testimonial: “My dog and I met with Mark for a training evaluation…He took the time to assess my dog, worked with her, and taught me valuable lessons. Together we come up with a plan of how to best help my dog. I appreciated the individualization of a care plan and how I was included in the decision-making process.” ~ Dinah G.
Why Immersive Training Works
Unlike weekly lessons—either privately or in a group setting—an immersive training program allows learning to happen every day, across multiple situations, distractions, and environments.
Key benefits of an immersive, board-and-train program:
- Consistency and repetition that reinforce learning faster
- Professional guidance through distractions like noise, movement, and new surroundings
- Structured routines that build confidence and predictability
- Mental enrichment that supports emotional balance and focus
Dogs don’t just practice commands—they learn how to think, regulate themselves, and respond appropriately no matter what’s happening around them.
Obedience That Translates to Real Life
True obedience isn’t about rigid commands—it’s about reliable communication.
“Teaching your dog verbal “markers” (Yes, No, Good) is the first-step in the learning process, and then consistently applying those markers to all the commands and tasks you ask of your dog,” added Mark.
The skills focused on in our Stay & Learn program include:
- Sit, down, stay, and heel that work amid distractions
- Loose-leash walking in active environments
- Polite greetings and impulse control
- Door manners
- Calm behaviors around people, dogs, and everyday stimuli
By training in varied, realistic settings, dogs learn that cues mean the same thing whether they’re at home, on a walk, or visiting friends.
Client testimonial: “…Mark worked diligently with JoJo to shape her behaviors and help her fit into our human world. His kindness and consistency have given her the foundation she desperately needed. Plus, he has given me the confidence and skills to enjoy her.” ~ Demaris F.
A Language Between You and Your Dog
One of the most powerful outcomes of professional training is the relationship it builds between dog and pet parent.
Training becomes a shared language:
- Dogs gain clarity and confidence
- Pet parents learn how to communicate clearly and consistently
- Expectations become fair, predictable, and achievable
This two-way communication helps dogs feel secure and understood—making them calmer, more engaged members of the household.
How do you transition skills from the training environment to success at home with the family?
“Training doesn’t end at pickup—it goes home with the dog. At the completion of Stay & Learn, we provide an in-depth family lesson on communication, handling skills, markers, timing, and leash work, along with guidance on how to address and extinguish unwanted behaviors. Throughout the program, we share progress videos and a final reference video, and we support long-term success with post-training follow-up visits to work through any challenges,” said Mark.
Family Member to Companion in the Community
Well-trained dogs don’t just thrive at home—they become welcome participants in the community.
When dogs understand expectations, they can:
- Join family outings
- Greet guests politely
- Navigate public spaces safely
- Represent their families confidently in the neighborhood
Training empowers dogs to belong—not just in the home, but in the world around them.
Training That Lasts Beyond the Stay
At Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center, Stay & Learn isn’t about temporary results—it’s about lifelong success.
By combining immersive training, professional expertise, and pet-parent education, we help dogs return home better prepared to navigate life—and help families enjoy a stronger, more connected relationship with their canine companions. The right training doesn’t just teach commands—it builds understanding, trust, and confidence for years to come.
Ready to start working together to achieve your training goals? Call 215-345-6960 to schedule a training evaluation for you and your dog with Mark.