Board and Train Programs: Complete Guide (2026)

January 25, 2026 · 37 min read

Board and train programs—also called “doggy boot camp” or “immersive training”—promise to transform your dog in 2-4 weeks. You drop off a pulling, jumping, chaotic pup and pick up a well-mannered companion. At least, that’s the pitch.

The reality is more nuanced. Board and train can be an effective option for certain dogs and situations, but it’s also an industry with wide quality variation and potential pitfalls.

Here’s what you need to know before investing $1,500 to $5,000+ in a program.

What Is Board and Train?

In a board and train program, your dog lives at a training facility (or trainer’s home) for a set period—typically 2-4 weeks. During their stay, they receive daily training sessions from professional trainers.

Typical program structure:

2-5 training sessions per day (15-30 minutes each)
Structured environment with consistent rules
Socialization opportunities (varies by facility)
Transition training with the owner at pickup
Follow-up sessions after the dog comes home

The core premise is immersion. Instead of one hour-long class per week, your dog gets intensive daily practice with professional handlers who can maintain perfect consistency.

Is Board and Train Right for Your Dog?

Board and train works well for some dogs and situations—and poorly for others.

Good Candidates for Board and Train

Dogs that may benefit:

Adolescent dogs (6-18 months) with excess energy and poor impulse control
Dogs needing foundational obedience in a controlled environment
Dogs whose owners have physical limitations or scheduling constraints
Dogs being prepared for specific roles (hunting, service work)
Situations where the home environment makes training difficult

Owners who may benefit:

Those with demanding work schedules who can’t commit to weekly classes
First-time owners who want a trained foundation to build on
People preparing for major life changes (new baby, move) who need the dog trained quickly
Those who’ve struggled to be consistent with training at home

Poor Candidates for Board and Train

Dogs that shouldn’t do board and train:

Dogs with separation anxiety (being away from you is the problem)
Dogs with fear-based aggression toward people (unfamiliar handlers may worsen it)
Dogs with severe anxiety (unfamiliar environment adds stress)
Very young puppies (need to bond with their family first)
Senior dogs with health issues

Important: If your dog has serious behavior problems like aggression or anxiety, board and train alone won’t solve them. These issues require a certified behaviorist who works with you and your dog together.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Before committing, honestly answer:

Are you prepared to maintain the training? Board and train is a head start, not a permanent fix. If you don’t continue the work at home, skills fade within weeks.
Can you commit to the transfer process? Most programs require 2-4 handoff sessions. Skip these, and the training won’t transfer.
Is your dog emotionally stable enough? Dogs with anxiety often regress in unfamiliar environments rather than improve.
What’s your actual goal? If you want a stronger bond with your dog, board and train may undermine that. You learn together by training together.

What to Look for in a Program

Quality varies dramatically. A $3,000 program at one facility may deliver excellent results while the same price elsewhere buys neglect and poor methods.

Non-Negotiables

Transparency about methods:

They should clearly explain how they train
Ask specifically: “What happens if my dog doesn’t comply?”
Red flags: vague answers, “proprietary methods,” refusal to let you observe

Force-free or balanced approach clarity:

Know what you’re getting. Some facilities use shock collars, prong collars, or physical corrections
If you want positive reinforcement methods, confirm this explicitly
If they use aversive tools, understand exactly how and when

Facility tour:

Where will your dog sleep? (Kennel, crate, home environment?)
How much time in a crate vs. free time?
What’s the trainer-to-dog ratio?
How do they handle emergencies?

Credentials and experience:

Look for CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, or similar certifications
Ask how long they’ve been doing board and train specifically
Request references from past clients

Clear contract and policies:

What’s included in the price?
What happens if your dog gets sick or injured?
What’s the refund policy if you’re unsatisfied?
Is there a guarantee? (Be wary of guarantees—behavior can’t be guaranteed)

Video Updates

Quality programs provide regular video updates showing your dog’s progress. This serves two purposes:

Proof of work: You can see training actually happening
Progress tracking: You see what commands are being taught and how

If a facility won’t provide video documentation, that’s concerning.

Owner Training Component

The best programs invest significant time training you, not just your dog. Look for:

Multiple handoff sessions (not just a 30-minute pickup walkthrough)
Written training protocols you can reference at home
Follow-up support (phone, email, or in-person)
Homework during the training period (some programs send videos for you to watch)

Board and Train Costs

Expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,000+ depending on program length, location, and training intensity.

Program Type	Typical Cost	Duration
Basic obedience	$1,500-$2,500	2 weeks
Advanced training	$2,500-$4,000	3-4 weeks
Behavior modification	$3,000-$5,000+	3-6 weeks
Specialized training (hunting, service)	$4,000-$10,000+	4-12 weeks

What affects price:

Location: Urban facilities charge 30-50% more than rural
Trainer credentials: More experienced trainers charge premium rates
Facility type: Home-based programs often cost less than commercial facilities
Inclusions: Some programs bundle supplies, follow-up sessions, or lifetime support

The Hidden Costs

Budget for more than the program fee:

Transfer sessions: Sometimes charged separately ($100-$300)
Equipment: You may need to buy specific collars, leashes, or training tools they used
Follow-up training: Most dogs need at least a few private sessions after returning home ($75-$150 each)
Maintenance classes: Some facilities offer discounted group classes for graduates

For a complete breakdown, see our dog training cost guide.

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

About Training Methods

What training methods do you use?
Do you use any aversive tools (shock collars, prong collars, choke chains)?
What happens if my dog doesn’t respond to a command?
How do you handle a dog that’s stressed or shut down?
Can I observe a training session before enrolling?

About Daily Life

Where will my dog sleep?
How much crate time vs. free time daily?
What’s the daily schedule?
Will my dog interact with other dogs? How is that supervised?
How do you handle my dog’s specific dietary needs or medications?

About Communication and Transfer

How often will I receive updates?
Can I visit during the training period?
What does the handoff process look like?
How many transfer sessions are included?
What follow-up support is available after we’re home?

About Policies

What happens if my dog gets injured or sick?
What’s your refund policy?
Do you have liability insurance?
Can I speak with past clients?
What if I’m not satisfied with the results?

The Reality of Results

What Board and Train Can Achieve

Strong foundational obedience (sit, down, stay, come, heel)
Better impulse control and calmness
Reliable leash manners in controlled environments
Basic manners (no jumping, waiting at doors)
Exposure to new stimuli and experiences

What Board and Train Cannot Achieve

A permanently trained dog (skills require ongoing practice)
Solutions to anxiety or fear-based issues
A bond between you and your dog (that takes time together)
Behavior changes in contexts the dog wasn’t trained in
Guarantees about how your dog will behave at home

The Transfer Problem

The biggest challenge with board and train is transfer—getting behaviors learned with one person in one environment to work with you at home.

Dogs are context-specific learners. A dog that heels perfectly for a trainer in a training facility may pull you down the sidewalk in your neighborhood. This doesn’t mean training failed; it means the dog hasn’t learned to generalize.

How to maximize transfer:

Attend all handoff sessions. Learn the exact cues, timing, and body language the trainer used.
Practice in the same environment first. Before expecting commands to work everywhere, practice where your dog learned them.
Use the same equipment. If the trainer used a specific leash or collar, use it during the transition.
Maintain the same rules. If the trainer didn’t allow your dog on furniture, don’t immediately invite them on the couch.
Expect regression. Your dog will test boundaries at home. This is normal, not a failure.

Red Flags to Avoid

Walk away from any program that:

Won’t let you tour the facility or observe training
Guarantees specific results (“Your dog will be perfect!”)
Uses vague language about methods (“We do whatever works”)
Has no verifiable credentials or references
Pressures you to decide immediately or offers limited-time discounts
Blames previous owners when dogs don’t succeed
Won’t provide video updates during training
Has no written contract or unclear policies

Alternatives to Board and Train

Before committing, consider whether these options might work better:

Private training sessions: More affordable ($75-$150/hour), keeps your dog home, and you learn together. See our guide on dog training costs.

Day training: Your dog comes to the trainer during the day but comes home each night. Less expensive than board and train, less stressful for many dogs.

Intensive training weeks: Some trainers offer intensive programs where they come to your home daily for a week. Training happens in your dog’s actual environment.

Group classes + practice: The most affordable option. Requires your time commitment but builds the strongest handler-dog relationship.

Making Your Decision

Board and train can be a valuable investment for the right dog and situation. It’s most effective when:

Your dog is a good candidate (stable temperament, no serious anxiety)
You choose a quality program with transparent methods
You commit fully to the transfer process
You have realistic expectations about ongoing maintenance

Before booking, ask yourself: Am I looking for a shortcut, or a head start?

Board and train is a head start. The ongoing training still falls to you. If you’re hoping to outsource the entire process, you’ll likely be disappointed with the results.

Ready to explore board and train options?

Quality matters more than price when choosing a program. Tell us about your dog and training goals, and we’ll connect you with vetted board and train facilities and private trainers in your area.

Find Board and Train Programs Near You →

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