The Truth About Board and Train Style Training
Board and Train. Intensive, focused, and effective at rewiring dogs. Shrouded in myths and misconceptions!
Did you know that a trainer can get results with a dog in a board and train program 3-5 times more effectively than the average owner can do at home? Let’s talk about what to expect, bust some myths (I’ve heard all of these multiple times) and show you what’s behind the curtain in a board and train program!
Common Myths About Board and Train Programs
Myth #1 – Puppies need to be with their owners the first few weeks to bond strongly to the family and board and trains at this time will prevent that from happening.
This myth is 100% false. A bond that your dog makes with a trainer doesn’t damage or in any way subtract the bond that you have or will develop with your pup. The first few weeks are so critical for your dog’s life because they set the tone for what’s to come later. It make a huge difference when your dog gets training in their life! Your puppy is always learning, it’s up to you to ensure that they’re learning what you want and need them to!
A great example as well of this myth being false is rescue dogs. They are able to bond with their new owners and bond with many people throughout their life. The depth of this bond is the same regardless of age.
Myth #2 – Board and train programs don’t fix problems at home because the dog isn’t being trained at home.
FALSE. Board and train style training is actually the best way to get help for complex issues at home. Often time there are many habits and patterns that need to be addressed, stopped, and rewired in both the dogs and the people!
Giving everyone a bit of a break while the dog is away from home is the easiest and most effective way to help with this. This gives stressed out humans and dogs time to decompress and get into the best state of mind for learning and building new habits.
On top of this a good board and train program gives you the help and momentum you need to get the ball rolling with training, which is much easier than you building up your foundation with your dog from ground zero.
Myth #3 – A board and train program produces a fully trained dog who never needs training again.
This is incorrect! All training, regardless of whether you went through a board and train, took group classes, or had private lessons, will require maintenance to keep it strong. This means that you’ll need knowledge and support from your trainer in transitioning your dog into your home, as well as support to get you to even greater heights with your dog.
Board and train programs should not be treated as a one and done solution, because they’re not. They are a great way to start your dog off on their training journey, and give you a boost on getting the behaviors you want as well!
Myth #4 – Board and train programs are only for dogs with extreme issues and should be a last resort.
Wrong again!
Board and train programs are one of the best ways to get your puppy started off on the right foot. A lot of learning is going on for puppies and it’s always easier to prevent problem behaviors from ever developing than it is to correct them.
Board and train programs let your pup or youngster get very focused attention from a trainer who can address things your dog needs specific to where they are in their development. At the same time, a lot of the heavy lifting can be done for you, like potty training, crate training, and socialization.
That little bit of momentum can make all the difference in the kind of life your dog has with you and how you’re able to support your dog through hurdles, or whether you’re in over your head!
Myth #5 – Training that your dog gets from a trainer won’t work for you because you’re not the one doing it.
Incorrect!
A good trainer is teaching both the dog AND the handler what to do. The trainer is building solid foundations in the dog, sending the dog home with that knowledge, and the owner is continuing on the path that’s been laid out for them.
Look at it this way. I build you a sailboat, but if you don’t know how to sail you’re not going to get much use out of having one. AND your sailboat will fall into disrepair until it is damaged and unusable. So along with building you the boat, I teach you to sail. That is the job of any good trainer, regardless the type of training you get from them.
The foundation work that your dog learns is going to be usable by anyone if they know how and if it is maintained! You should be guided through that process by your trainer and supported the entire time.
Hands down, board and train programs are the best way to be able to immerse both a dog and their handler in modern day dog training. It allows a depth of training that is very hard for the average owner to achieve on their own, if even possible. It allows us to address serious behavior problems as well as give your dog serious preventative training to prepare them for life.
A thorough program doesn’t just address a single dog or even a single problem either, but instead should be designed to give you knowledge that you can use for the rest of your life for the rest of your dogs. It’s an investment for your future with dogs, and a great opportunity to take if you have the chance.
