If your dog has some behavior problems you'd like to see fixed, you may want to consider boarding your pet with a dog trainer while you're gone. While a board-and-train arrangement will likely be more expensive than boarding alone, coming home to a dog who's better behaved than when you left can be a wonderful thing indeed.

You'd be surprised what a good trainer can accomplish in a couple of weeks, even if you haven't managed to train your dog in the years that you've had him. While it's probably not the answer for dogs with such serious problems as biting, a couple weeks with a trainer is great for brushing up on or introducing basic obedience — "Sit," "Down," "Stay," "Come," and so on.

Ask your veterinarian for a referral, and be sure to check out the kennel and the references of any trainer you choose. Ask about follow-up lessons, both for your dog, and to help you learn how to handle your pet. Above all, remember that a well-mannered pet doesn't happen in two weeks: A trainer can lay the foundation for good behavior, but it's up to you to follow-through in the home.