Is Board and Train Right For My Dog?

When choosing a dog training program it is important to make sure that the structure, curriculum, and style is a good fit for you and your dog.  One training option that is offered by a lot of dog trainers is a board and train program.  As we all know, a typical board and train program consists of your dog staying with a trainer for a scheduled period of time.  During this time, the trainer does all of your dog’s training with your dog, and then returns the dog to you and your family.  Sounds great, right?

In theory, a board and train program sounds like the perfect solution for those of us with busy and hectic lifestyles, but in reality there is much more to this type of training program.  You should understand that your dog will respond and listen great for the trainer, but in the end, it is your dog!  You must first realize that when your dog is returned to you, he or she should not be considered “finished”.

• After your dog is returned to you, YOUR training begins.  You must understand that the work that you do on the back end of the training program is going to determine the success or failure of the board and train program.
• At the time your dog is returned back to you, his newly learned skills may not be totally “permanent” just yet.  You and your family have to continue to practice with your dog and make his training part of his daily life.
• Timing is critical in dog training.  If your timing is off, you will not get the best out of your dog.  You will have to learn to read your dog and know how and when to respond based the actions of your dog.
• Upon return to your home, your dog may resort back to familiar surroundings and expect that he can act the same as he did before leaving for training.  It is up to you and your family to remain consistent and follow through with the training.
• Dogs feed off of body language before verbal commands, and of course things you do with your body will be different from that of your trainer.  Your dog will need an adjustment period before fully matching up to your style and working fluently for you.

In order to account for all of these factors, make sure your trainer has a sufficient “human training” program that accompanies your dog’s board and train program; and there should NOT be an extra cost for this!  Make sure your trainer will work with you, and make sure that you understand as much as your dog understands.  Make sure they answer your questions and fully explain what you have to do in order for your dog to respond to the commands of you and your family.

When deciding if an Austin board and train program is right for your dog, make sure your expectations are realistic and your realize that you will have to do some work upon your dog coming back into your home.  If the proper structure and support are present on the back end of a board and train program, this may be a very desirable option for you and your family.  Now you have to ask yourself if you can bear to be away from your dog for that many days…..

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