Board & Train vs. Private In-Home Dog Training: What's the difference?

When looking for a dog trainer, you may come across a few different training options. Two of the most common are board and train programs and private, in-home dog training.

While both can help teach your dog new skills, they are very different approaches to training. So, how do you know which one is right for you and your dog?

What Is a Board & Train?

A board and train is exactly what it sounds like. Your dog stays with a trainer or at a training facility for a set amount of time, often anywhere from a few days to several weeks. During your dog or puppy's stay, the trainer works with your dog on behaviors such as walking nicely on leash, recall, settling, basic manners, or other training goals. For some families, sending their dog away for training may sound convenient.

** Not all board and trains are created equal. If you are considering sending your dog away to a board and train please be mindful of facilities or trainers promising results on a short timeline. Here is a statement on how to choose a trainer! **

What Is Private In-Home Dog Training?

Private training takes a different approach. Instead of sending your dog somewhere else to be trained, I come to you. We work together in the environment where you and your dog actually live your everyday lives. If your dog jumps all over guests when they walk through the front door, we can work at your front door. If your dog turns into the little engine that could on walks, we can practice on your normal walking route. If your dog is counter surfing while you're trying to make dinner, we can look at what is happening in your kitchen and create a realistic management and training plan. Training in your dog's everyday environment gives us the opportunity to work on the behaviors that actually matter to you and your family. Your dog doesn't live in a training facility. They live with you.

Dog Training isn't just about training your dog!

Your dog is only one half of the team! Dogs are constantly learning from the people and environment around them. The way we respond to behaviors, reinforce good choices, manage the environment, communicate with our dogs, and set them up for success all play a role in their behavior. A dog may learn a skill beautifully with a professional trainer at a facility or at the trainer's home, but that doesn't automatically mean the behavior will look exactly the same once they return home. Dogs don't always generalize behaviors well. A dog who learns to walk nicely with a trainer in one environment still needs practice walking with you, on your street, around your neighborhood distractions.

Dog Training Should Fit Into Real Life

Real life is messy. Doorbells ring. Guests come over. Squirrels run across the sidewalk. Kids get excited. Food falls on the floor. Sometimes we're tired, sometimes our dogs are overstimulated, and sometimes things don't go according to plan. In-home private training allows us to build skills within that real life. Rather than expecting perfection, we can create realistic strategies that help both you and your dog succeed. With board and train the skills may or may not transfer to your real life.

And lastly...I'm teaching you too!

One of my favorite parts of private training is teaching people why their dog is behaving the way they are. I want you and your family to feel confident working with your dog. During our private in-home lessons, you'll learn how to recognize your dog's body language, reinforce the behaviors you want to see more often, prevent unwanted behaviors from being rehearsed, and adjust training when something isn't working.