The Ins and Outs of Our Board and Train Programs

Kaycee and Lab mix Ace

When most dog owners begin looking for training options, they usually consider group classes or private lessons. While both are great solutions, there’s another highly effective option that’s growing in popularity: the board and train program. 

This type of program can be a game-changer for dogs and owners alike–especially if you’re short on time, struggling with behavioral issues, or simply want a jumpstart on long-lasting results. 

What Is a Board and Train?

A board and train is a program where your dog lives with a professional trainer for an extended period of time–typically one to several weeks. During their stay, your dog receives daily structured training sessions, consistency in routine, and work on both obedience and behavior. 

A board and train may be the right fit if:

• You don’t have the time to dedicate to consistent daily training

• You’re dealing with behavioral challenges

• Your dog struggles with anxiety, reactivity, or a lack of confidence

• You want to build a strong foundation for obedience and focus

These programs allow us to go beyond basic obedience and work on mindset. For example, if your dog has trouble settling we teach them how to relax. If they’re reactive around people or dogs, we work on desensitization and calm engagement. We also teach them impulse control, spatial boundaries, and proper social behavior.

What Makes Our Board and Train Program Different?

Many board and train programs require your dog to stay with the trainer for 2+ weeks straight, with limited communication during the stay and just one go-home session at the end. Some may include follow up support–but others do not. 

Our program is built to be different. We focus not only on your dog’s transformation, but on empowering you as the owner to continue the progress at home. 

Here’s how we do that:

• Alternating Weeks: Your dog stays with us one week, then goes home with you the next. This allows you to practice the training in your real-life environment, with guidance from your trainer every step of the way. 

• Go-Home Lessons Every Week: At the end of each training week, we meet for a one-on-one go-home session. You’ll learn what your dog worked on and receive personalized homework to implement over the next week.

• Ongoing Support: Throughout the program, you’ll work directly with our trainer–averaging around 5 hour of hands-on coaching. You’ll also receive follow-up sessions to reinforce everything and ensure continued success at home. 

  

Our goal is to give you the knowledge and confidence to become a mini dog trainer yourself. That way, the training sticks and your relationship with your dog only gets stronger.

How the Alternating Week Schedule Works

Here’s what a typical board and train cycle looks like:

• Drop-Off: You’ll drop your dog off with us on Sunday evening or Monday morning. 

• Training Week: During the week, we focus on your dog’s personalized goals–whether it’s obedience, reactivity, leash manners, confidence building, or more.

• Go-Home Session: On Sunday, we’ll meet for your weekly lesson to go over progress, demonstrate the training, and give you homework for the coming week.

• At-Home Week: You’ll implement the training at home while staying in close contact with your trainer. At the end of the week. We regroup to answer questions, troubleshoot, and move on to the next phase. 

This alternating structure gives your dog time to learn, practice and generalize their skills in real-world settings, while giving you regular guidance and feedback. 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to take control of your dog’s behavior, improve your relationship, and become the leader your dog needs–our board and train program may be the perfect fit. 

Click below to book your free consultation, and let’s start building the dog-human bond you’ve always wanted.

Book Consultation!