Dog training is essential for pet parents and their canine companions to live their best life together, but not everyone has the knowledge, time, or patience to take that on themselves. That’s where dog trainers come in, offering busy humans the option of private training sessions, group classes, or a board and train for dogs.
Our family has personally engaged in one-on-one training sessions, group classes, and board and trains for our dogs.
Every dog has their own needs and learning style and there is a training program available for all of them.
In this article, we’ll be taking a deep dive into board and train programs – what exactly they are, different types of board and trains, what the programs offer, board and train costs, and more!
What is a Board and Train for Dogs?
Board and train programs for dogs are known by several names: dog training camp, boot camp, and boarding school.
In board and trains, your dog stays with a trainer for the duration of its training program (1-8 weeks, or longer, depending on the type of program).
This can be ideal for pet parents with kids, a busy career, or who have dogs facing behavioral issues that need to be addressed by a professional in an immersive training environment.
Board and Train vs Private Lessons
Private dog training lessons can occur at your house or at a training facility, but they are 1-on-1 with you, your dog, and the trainer. Private training sessions range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, and at the conclusion of each session, your pup comes home with you.
Whereas with a board and train for dogs, your pup stays with your trainer at their place of business for the entirety of its training program.
Types of Board and Train Programs
There are multiple board and train programs available to fit your dog’s needs. Depending on the age of your pup, its level of training, and any behavioral issues it may be experiencing, there are many trainers around the United States offering exceptional dog training and boarding courses.
Let’s explore the different types of dog training boot camps, what they offer, and their costs!
Board and Train for Puppies
When you get a new puppy, it’s tempting to want to cuddle and play with him or her all day, but the first thing you should do is focus on training.
While it can be sad to be away from your dog for a couple of weeks during its adorable puppy phase, board and trains are a great way to begin introducing basic obedience commands (such as sit, stay, heel, and more) before the dog has time to pick up negative habits and behaviors.
A puppy boot camp also focuses on other essential components of training including recall, leash walking, potty training, and socialization (to other dogs, people, and environments). These programs also address problem behaviors such as jumping, nipping, and excessive barking.
Having a well-trained pup from the beginning of your time together will make life so much easier and happier for you both. Putting training first is crucial to having a well-mannered puppy that grows into a well-trained dog.
This kind of puppy boot camp is commonly split into two boarding sessions that are 1-2 weeks each. The first board and train session takes place when the puppy is between 12 weeks and 6 months old, and then the puppy goes back for its second session after the age of six months. This helps reinforce what the puppy has learned from the first training so he or she continues those good habits well into its adult dog years.
Some trainers may try to fit all the training into one board and train program when the puppy is very young, but I lean toward the benefits of breaking it into two sessions.
Average puppy board and train cost: $2,500 – $5,000
Basic Board and Trains for Dogs
If you adopt an adult dog or decide to invest in training for a dog you’ve had for a while, basic bootcamps like these are a good place to start!
These courses teach your dog common obedience commands and focus on confidence-building activities, refining their recall, and socializing them with other animals and people. During this program, dogs are also taken to public places to practice the commands they’ve learned so they are confident with you in public. Training with the dog is all done on a leash.
For a basic dog boarding with training program, expect your pup to stay about 3 weeks.
Average basic board and train cost: $3,500 – $4,500
Advanced Board and Train for Dogs
Advanced dog training with boarding programs usually teach the same as basic board and trains, but a dog learns to follow these commands off leash while in public with heavy distractions.
Dogs also learn good manners like waiting at doors to let their humans go through first, the leave it command, and the place or bed command.
An advanced training boot camp for dogs is about 4 weeks.
Average advanced board and train cost: $4,000 – 5,000
Behavioral Board and Train for Dogs
These programs can last 6-8 weeks or longer and are for dogs experiencing severe behavioral issues, including aggression, severe separation anxiety, or fearfulness.
Your trainer will dedicate the first week to getting to know the dog and building trust with him or her. Many behavioral cases may have many triggers the trainer has to learn about so that over the course of the program, the dog can be slowly desensitized to these stressors.
In my opinion, to board and train aggressive dogs is to save their lives. One of the most common reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters is aggression. Many shelters will euthanize dogs if they feel they aren’t adoptable. There are many trainers out there who specialize in working with dogs with major behavioral issues – they can give these dogs a second chance. And also improve the quality of life for pet parents!
Behavior modification board and train cost: $6,000 – $8,000
Refresher Board and Train for Dogs
If you feel your dog hasn’t retained as much of his or her training as you would like, you may want to consider a refresher training course. Refresher training takes place at either the trainer’s facility or sometimes the trainer comes to you. Other trainers may offer 1-2 hour group training refresher classes once a month.
If you decide on a board and train refresher, expect your dog to stay for about 1 week. Many people decide to send their dogs to refresher training while they go on vacation.
Refresher training is also excellent for pet parents needing a few reminders on markers, commands, or how to handle different situations.
Refresher board and train cost: $500 – $1,000
Board and Train Pros and Cons
Board and train dog training can enrich your dog’s life – and your own! I’ve provided a list of pros and cons of boarding your dog with a trainer but know that each person may weigh each one differently than the next person.
Board and Train Pros
Immersive Training – When someone moves abroad and immerses themselves in a culture and language, they can become fluent in this new language much quicker than they would if participating in an online course. The same can be said for a board and train for dogs. They essentially live in an interactive learning environment for the duration of their training program, constantly practicing new skills and behaviors.
Accelerated Instruction – This goes hand-in-hand with immersive training. Living at a training facility with professional trainers allows for consistent training that happens much more frequently than if the dog only attended 1 hour-long training class per week. Learning happens quicker and repetition reinforces those learnings.
Proper Socialization – Socialization is crucial to a dog’s comfort around other animals and new people, ideally from the time it’s a puppy and continued throughout its life. The benefit of a dog receiving socialization while in a board and train is that it’s controlled and overseen by a certified trainer.
Time-Saver for Pet Parents – Many people find it difficult to find the time and consistency to properly train their dog. Between jobs, kids, and other activities, it may be difficult for dog moms and dads to find additional time to train their pup.
Pet Parent Education – Not only are board and trains an excellent way to teach a dog positive behaviors and manners, but pet parents will also learn the best training tactics for their pup’s needs and how to handle different situations they and their dog may face in the future.
Board and Train Cons
High Cost – As you can see from the average costs listed for the different types of dog board and train programs, they are quite a bit higher than you can expect to pay for group classes or 1-on-1 private dog training lessons. It’s up to each parent to weigh the pros and cons for their dog, lifestyle, and budget.
Adjustment Period – The dog will go through an adjustment period upon arriving at the training facility (nervous in a new place and possibly untrusting) and again when he or she arrives home after the training. Your dog may fall back into old habits, but if you’re consistent with training and don’t let any negative behavior or manners slide, then this adjustment period should be brief.
Missing Your Dog – Depending on the type of board and train, you could be without your dog for as little as a week or up to a couple of months. This can be tough on pet parents who consider their dog part of the family! But most trainers will send photo or video updates so you can see your pup and its progress.
Not Learning Together – While some board and train programs offer midway check-in visits to show you what your dog has learned and to practice training with them, most do not. This means you’ll have some catching up to do when you pick your dog up.
A good trainer will either provide you with written instructions and videos to help you learn before picking up your dog or they will provide a multi-hour “go-home” session so you can practice with your dog and trainer. A great trainer will do both!
How to Choose a Board and Train Program
Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons of a board a train for dogs and defined your budget, it’s time to think about which program type is best for your dog.
It’s important to do your research before choosing a board and train trainer/company so your dog gets the personalized training it needs and isn’t subjected to neglect or abuse. Rely on customer reviews (not just on the trainers’ website but also on Google, Yelp, and Facebook) and call as many of their references as you can.
Speak with the trainers you’re interested in to hear about their learning background, years of experience, skillsets, and trainer certifications. Know that dog trainers are not required to have formal education or certifications, but if they’ve spent the time doing so it says a lot about their character and professionalism.
According to the American Kennel Club, a certification with the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) is not mandatory for trainers. But those trainers who do officially become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed with the CCPDT, have had to complete at least 300 hours of experience training dogs within three years and pass a 180-question exam. That’s quite the commitment!
Know that there are also plenty of dog trainers out there without certifications who are amazing dog trainers. To help you in your quest, try the Association of Professional Dog Trainers database search, which provides a list of trainers in your area, their contact details, and a basic overview of their business.
Requirements for a Board and Train for Dogs
There are a few things you’ll need to remember to either submit in advance to your trainer or bring with you when dropping your dog off. Most board and train facilities require the following in order to accept your dog.
- Proof of Vaccinations – Most trainers require rabies, DHLPP, canine influenza, and kennel cough.
- Dog Food – You’ll need to provide enough food for the duration of your dog’s training program and feeding directions. Some trainers may provide their own dog food for an additional cost, but it’s best to provide your own so to avoid any digestive issues.
- Medication and Supplements – This includes monthly flea and tick meds, joint supplements, or anything else your dog needs on a regular basis.
- Signed Contract – Your trainer should provide any agreement documentation in plenty of time for you to sign it and return it to them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Board and Trains
What are the differences between board and trains vs private lessons?
Private dog training lessons can occur at your house or at a training facility, but they are 1-on-1 with you, your dog, and the trainer. Private training sessions range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, and at the conclusion of each session, your pup comes home with you. A board and train for dogs offer immersive training at the dog trainer’s facility, where your pup will stay for the entirety of the program.
Can I visit my dog during a board and train?
Most board and train programs do not allow for pet parents to visit their dogs during the stay, but some do offer a brief midway visit so you can see what your dog has learned. Usually, there is just a “go home” session at the end of your dog’s training camp where the trainer teaches pet parents the commands their dog has learned and how to continue the training when they leave.
Will my dog remember me after its board and train?
YES! Whether you’ve been apart for a day or years, dogs remember their people because their sense of smell is 40x greater than humans’.
Is board and train worth it?
There are many benefits to board and trains, but it’s up to each pet parent to consider each of the factors and decide if it’s right for their dog.
Where will my dog sleep during a board and train?
Dogs typically stay in crates or dog runs at the training facility when they are not being trained.
How often will my dog be trained each day?
Training, socialization, confidence-building activities, and outings are usually broken up into shorter sessions at the beginning of the training program and lengthen in time the further along your dog gets in training. In total, expect your dog to be out of their crate or run for a minimum of 6 hours each day.
Are board and trains good for dogs?
Yes, there are many benefits of board and train programs for your dog and for you!
How much does board and train cost?
Depending on your dog’s age and the type of program you choose, board and train courses can range from an average of $1,000 to $5,000.
Can you board an aggressive dog?
Absolutely. While not every dog trainer specializes in behavior issues like aggression in dogs, there are plenty around the U.S. You may have to drive further to get to them, but these professional trainers are able to give aggressive dogs (and their pet parents) a much better chance at a happy life.
Is there a guarantee that my dog will have perfect obedience after this program?
No, and if a trainer is making this kind of promise, I would look elsewhere for a board and train program. Board and trains are based on a contract that details training goals and objectives – not guarantees.
Conclusion
Board and train programs can work wonders for a dog and make life between you and your pup much more enjoyable together. But keep in mind that consistent training for your dog will need to happen after you bring them home so he or she does not fall back into their old bad habits.
We’ve experienced very positive results with our dogs’ boarding and training camps. It was difficult to be without them for 2-4 weeks at a time (I may or may not have cried when we dropped them off), but they are much more manageable, trustworthy, and well-behaved for it.
I understand board and trains are not for everyone, but I do hope this has clarified some of the questions around this type of training program.
What kind of board and train are you considering for your dog? Let me know if you have any questions!