The Problem with Board and Train

By: Dion Studinski, Canaine Behavioral Consultant

I’m a professional  dog trainer and have been working with dogs for over a decade. I have trained multiple breeds and dealt with a wide range of behavioral issues. My experiences so far have taught me many things. One of which is  that you should always be wary of a dog trainer who claims they can “fix” all your dog’s problems if your dog spends a set period of time being boarded and trained at their facility. 

I see tons of advertisements for board and train programs. They’re extremely appealing and I have several very skilled colleagues that offer them. But, I’m here to give you fair warnings and important considerations if you’re thinking about sending your dog to a board and train facility.

It doesn’t matter one bit how well your dog ultimately learns to behave in the facility; it’s their behavior with you that you are concerned about. It doesn’t matter how well the dog trainer can handle your dog; it’s about how well YOU can handle your dog.

Let’s get  straight to the point: Regardless of how good a dog trainer is, they cannot permanently modify your dog’s behavior and habits into something that YOU can manage on your own if you are not involved in the training process. Period. 

If you have a dog that is exhibiting signs of aggression or undesirable behaviors, it can be very stressful and even traumatic for an owner. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that thousands of people are lured by false promises that simply sending their dogs to an expensive facility for a couple of weeks will be the solution to all their problems. Believe me. It won’t.

Professional trainers are experts in dealing with dog behavior, and a good trainer will have no problem getting your dog under control. But what happens next? What happens when the leash is handed back, and you take the dog home? You don’t have experience training dogs. In fact, we already know that you are having problems handling your dog (why else would you send them for training?). Sure, you’ve been told what  commands to give, but what signs of deteriorating behavior should you look for, etc., and more importantly, how do you troubleshoot and fix them? This is a major problem because your dog lives with you and your family, not the dog trainer in a training facility.

So, it’s simple really. For you to change your dog’s behavior, you need to be involved in the training process, and this training process needs to take place with you and your family.

Much like having a child with behavioral issues, simply sending them away to a boarding school isn’t going to teach you how to be a more effective parent. You are the one who needs to gain the knowledge to understand your dog, and learn the skills to handle them day to day. Without your participation, progress in a board and train program is rarely long-lasting or safe.

Whether you’re teaching a dog not to bark at the door, to walk properly on a leash, or working on even more serious behavior problems like separation anxiety, destructive behaviors, or aggression… YOU are the person who needs to be in control. 

At the heart of real, effective, and long-term dog training is the bond between you and your dog. You can’t take the owner out of the process and expect lasting results. What’s missing in the board and train equation is you. Sending your dog away for days or weeks doesn’t build the bond between dog and owner. For your dog to truly unlearn bad habits, master good behavior, and understand healthy boundaries, they need to trust and respect you as their handler. Dogs are pack animals by nature, they look to their leader for guidance, safety, and consistency. If your dog doesn’t see you as that trusted leader, no amount of time with a trainer will create permanent change. You are the key to your dog’s success.

So, if you do decide you need the services of a dog trainer, you need to find someone who can work with both you and your dog. Don’t rely on someone else to fix your problems and don’t be tempted to shell out big bucks for guaranteed board and train services that promise to fix your dog’s problems. When it comes to dogs and training, that old adage has never been truer: If it seems too good to be true… it probably is!

Questions I Often Get About Board and Train

What’s the main problem with board and train?

It doesn’t matter how well your dog behaves in a facility with a professional. What matters is how they behave with you and your family. Board and train skips the most important part of the process: teaching you how to handle, lead, and communicate with your dog.

What’s the best alternative to board and train?

Working directly with a professional trainer who helps you find the core of your dog’s problems. The right trainer will teach you how to train, guide, and manage your dog, equipping you with the tools and knowledge to create lasting results.

What happens when you take the owner out of the equation?

When owners are removed from the training equation, you remove the very relationship that matters most. Training becomes temporary, because your dog learns to listen to the trainer, not you. The missing piece in board and train is always you.

Can dog behavior issues improve without board and train?

Yes. In fact, most behavior issues improve more effectively when the owner is involved. When you’re consistent and confident and learn the skills and knowledge necessary, the results are always longer-lasting, faster, and more effective.

How do I know if a trainer is making false promises?

Be wary of guarantees, “quick fixes,” or claims that a program can completely change your dog in a couple of weeks. Dogs aren’t robots, and even robots malfunction from time to time. Learning good behavior takes time, patience, and owner involvement. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

How do I pick a good trainer?

Choose someone who focuses on teaching you just as much as training your dog. A good trainer builds your confidence, teaches you how to manage real-life situations, and helps you strengthen the bond with your dog.

Does board and train work for aggressive dogs?

Board and train is rarely effective for aggressive dogs. Aggression isn’t just about teaching commands, it’s about building trust and clear communication between the dog and their owner. If the owner isn’t part of that process, the dog may behave for the trainer but still act unpredictably after leaving the facility. For aggression cases, it’s far more effective to work with a trainer who teaches you how to safely handle and lead your dog.

If you have questions or need help with your dog, reserve a complimentary consultation.

If you’re in Denver, CO and looking for trusted dog training, check us out!