Any owner who has ever tried to train their dog knows that it takes a huge time commitment and a certain amount of skill. While every dog is trainable, not every owner has the time to put towards really making sure their dog understands what is expected of her.
They may try to take their dog to classes, but if they do not have time, throughout the week away from that class, to work on what the dog learns in those classes, they might as well not even attend.
This is where board and train may be an effective solution for many owners. But what exactly is the board and train program and can it really work for your dog? Here’s what you need to know:
What is board and train?
There are essentially two times of board and train programs. The first is in the dog trainer’s home. Most trainers already have at least one dog, who can act as an example and who can be helpful when trying to teach a dog how to handle meeting new dogs and people.
Some trainers will board your dog in their own home, teaching them the behaviors that they need to be a happy and obedient dog once they return to your home. This can be an especially effective method if your dog has serious issues in the home, ranging from counter surfing to rough-housing with any other dogs you might own.
The second type of train and board is in a kennel. The trainer boards your dog in a kennel, along with other dogs, and provides the same kind of training regimen. This type of training can be particularly effective for dogs that have fear or anxiety aggression and need to get used to being around other dogs without lashing out at them. In both types of board and train programs, the dogs will get lots of attention, play time, and will be able to go on outings that help them adjust to new situations and new people.
What services are included in these programs?
What particular types of training your dog will receive will likely vary from program to program, but in general, a dog will receive either basic training or behavior modification. If your dog is just starting training and does not already have bad habits that need to be corrected, she will probably only need basic training that teaches her the most basic commands and to let go of the most common bad behaviors like pulling while on a leash, bolting any time the door is opened, and counter surfing.
Dogs who already have some severe bad habits or anxiety issues will likely benefit from a more directed, behavior modification program. Most trainers will tailor this program to meet your dog’s specific needs.
If she struggles with fear aggression, he will focus on acclimating your dog to other dogs and people, to ensure that she no longer experiences the fear that causes her to lash at out others. Before choosing this method of board and train, you should discuss the trainer’s tactics, to ensure they are tactics that you agree with (i.e. the trainer might use a shock collar to prevent barking).
Is board and train effective?
Short answer? Yes. Effective training requires consistent and constant enforcement. Removing the dog from a situation where they might not be getting the enforcement that they need, into one where they will always get it, can be a great way to get a dog who is new to training on track and to help eliminate behaviors in a dog who has already started to develop an attitude. Here are some of the other benefits that come along with the board and train process:
1. The training is mostly done for you. The training is done entirely by the dog trainer, on his time. You will still have to reinforce the training once your dog is done with the program, but by then, she will know what is expected of her and will be willing to listen to your commands. When she returns to your home, she will understand how you are communicating with her, and there will be far fewer misunderstandings and frustrations on both of your parts. It is a mistake, however, to assume that your dog will be a perfect angel when she returns to you. You will still need to work with her.
2. You can get your dog trained while you would otherwise just board her. If you were going to board your dog because you are going on vacation or a business trip, you could, instead, enroll your dog in a board and train program, so she learns while you are away.
3. Your dog will be more open to learning. Once she is acclimated to the learning process, she will be much more eager to learn. Most dogs are already eager to learn and a board and train program is a great way to teach her how to learn, so when she returns to your home, she is much more capable of learning the commands and tricks you want to teach her.
