What is a Board and Train?
A board and train can be called many things, Dog bootcamp, stay and train, board and learn. This type is program is when your dog goes away and stays with a trainer either at their home or training center or both for a predetermined amount of time. The length of time can vary but most are 2 to 4 weeks long.
A board and train essentially acts as a reset to get your dog out of their environment and into a new environment learning and practicing new skills. The idea is that this practice away from the home gives the dog a new understanding of what to do when given the right guidance from their handler.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN BOARD AND TRAIN?
In short, A board and train involves teaching your dog the fundamentals while also working on specific behavior problems. Board and trains can range in what is covered. In our program we focus on obedience and lifestyle that we believe to be essential for a great family pet.
What to Expect From Board and Training
I think it is reasonable to expect that your dog will come home knowing some new things. With that said a board and train is not a quick fix. While it can help relieve some stress from the owner and make the dog easier to handle there is still work to be done on the owner’s part.
Typically, there is homework for the initial go home and reintroduction back into their old environment. Because dogs are contextual creatures they have a high inclination to fall back to behaviors that were present in a specific environment. This is part of the reason why you may have heard or experienced yourself the saying “My dog always listens to (insert anyone but you) better.” The homework on your end is to help your dog see that things are in fact different for now.
BOARD AND TRAIN PROS AND CONS
Pros
Your dog likely knows more than when they first started
It can be helpful to relieve stress
Your dog is easier to handle once home
You learn how to interact with your dog for a better relationship
Cons
Your dog listens better to the trainer
You may still struggle with old behaviors until your skillset increases
It’s expensive
you still need to practice and build your skillset
WHO IS BOARD AND TRAIN FOR? (WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO SEND A DOG TO BOARD AND TRAIN)
I don’t know if there is a specific right time. A good time to train is before any real problems occur. Some behavior issues need to be solved by their owner because of the relationship between them. Young dogs can benefit because they don’t have any real behavior problems usually and the early start can really help in long run.
DOES SOMEONE STAY OVERNIGHT FOR BOARD AND TRAIN?
In our board and train program, the dogs are staying with the trainer. At times they might stay overnight at the training center. In that case, we have cameras on the dogs all night to monitor them. Both of our trainers live just a couple of minutes away walking distance to the facility.
CAN YOU BOARD AND TRAIN PUPPIES?
Yes, you can send a puppy to a board and train. We require them to be at least 6 months old. However, when it comes to young dogs, it would benefit you to learn how to handle your dog. As your dog gets older new behaviors can emerge. Having a better understanding of how to handle your dog can help you to address and remedy anything that pops up.
IS A BOARD AND TRAIN WORTH IT?
You know I used to think yes. For some families, it can be but I think for most families, they would benefit from learning how to train their dog through our private lessons. Time and time again we see owners still struggling after a board and train. I don’t think the problem is the training because the dog was doing well while at the board and train, it is the disconnect between the owner and the dog.
Many trainers have years of experience with many many dogs and most owners who contact us or them, this is likely their first dog or the first dog with behaviors that are problematic to how they live their life. Owners need to build their skill sets in order to be truly successful with their dogs. A mentor of mine said it best, “The more knowledgeable you are, the better your dog is going to be”