What to Expect from a Board & Train Program
Board & Train gives dogs the chance to live and learn in a structured environment designed for focus, consistency, and progress.
It’s an immersive experience—but not a magic fix. Training is a process that continues long after your dog goes home. Think of this program as a strong reset and foundation builder, not an instant cure for behavioral issues.
The First Few Days: Assessment & Acclimation
Before training begins, your dog’s stay starts with a calm adjustment period. This helps them settle into the new environment, routine, and relationship with the trainer.
During this time, I review your goals, your dog’s background, and any specific challenges such as reactivity, leash pulling, or confidence issues. Once your dog is comfortable, I conduct a hands-on evaluation to understand their motivation, learning style, and how they respond to new situations.
From there, I build a customized plan that maps out the day-to-day focus areas for your dog’s training. Every plan is flexible and adjusted based on how the dog responds throughout the program.
The Core of the Program: Daily Structure & Focused Training
Each day follows a consistent routine that balances work, rest, and enrichment.
Dogs receive multiple focused training sessions, structured walks, confidence-building exercises, and calm downtime to help lessons sink in. Training begins with core obedience skills like sit, down, place, recall, and leash manners before advancing to real-world reliability.
Every dog learns at a different pace. Some advance quickly, while others need more time to gain confidence or consistency. Progress is always measured by your dog’s readiness, not a fixed timeline.
Transitioning Home: Owner Coaching & Handoff
Before your dog goes home, I schedule a detailed handoff lesson. This session is all about helping you learn how to maintain structure and communicate clearly using the same tools and cues your dog has learned.
You’ll also receive digital handouts, videos, and notes from your dog’s stay to help guide your practice at home. The included follow-up lessons give you the opportunity to ask questions, fine-tune handling, and keep your dog on track.
Lasting success depends on daily reinforcement and consistency at home—the program gives you the tools, but real progress happens through ongoing practice.
After the Program: Follow-Up & Continued Success
Each program includes in-person follow-up lessons to support your transition. These sessions focus on reinforcing structure, addressing minor setbacks, and helping your dog adjust to the home environment.
While you’re welcome to check in with updates or brief questions, results depend entirely on consistent follow-through at home. Training isn’t something done to your dog—it’s something you continue with them.
What Board & Train Can (and Can’t) Do
What It Can Do
A Board & Train gives your dog daily structure, clear communication, and consistent practice. It’s designed to jump-start good habits and create a reliable foundation you can build on at home.
Most owners see noticeable progress in things like:
Responsiveness to commands like sit, down, place, recall, and heel
Reduced pulling, jumping, and pushy behavior
Improved focus and impulse control
Better calmness and structure throughout the day
Your dog will leave with stronger skills and more clarity — but those results will only last if you continue the routine at home.
What It Won’t Do
Board & Train is not a magic fix or a guarantee. It’s a reset — not a replacement for ongoing effort.
It will not:
Completely erase problem behaviors like anxiety, reactivity, or aggression overnight
Turn your dog into a “perfect” robot that never makes mistakes
Replace your role in the process — you’ll still need to maintain the work after your dog comes home
Lasting change happens through consistency, follow-through, and teamwork between trainer, dog, and owner.
Summary
Board & Train programs accelerate learning and build a strong foundation for obedience and behavior, but they’re just one part of the journey. This program provides structure, clarity, and progress—but maintaining those results requires your ongoing effort, patience, and consistency long after your dog comes home.