The Hidden Risks of Board and Train Programs

It sounds so convenient! Send your dog to a training facility for 2-6 weeks, and they’ll return the dog you’ve always hoped for.  If only it were that easy.

When faced with challenging dog behaviors, many pet owners are drawn to the alluring promise of Board and Train or boot camp programs. These services offer to transform your dog’s behavior while you’re away, presenting what seems like an effortless solution to complex behavioral issues. However, beneath the surface of these programs lie significant concerns that every dog owner should consider before sending their dog away.

The Emotional Cost of Separation

Dogs are highly social animals that rely on close family bonds for emotional stability. Moving them abruptly into an unfamiliar environment with strangers and strange dogs can be intensely stressful. This experience may trigger a range of negative responses, including heightened anxiety, depression, disrupted eating and sleeping patterns, and a regression in previously established training. Some dogs may even develop new behavioral issues, such as excessive barking or aggression, as a reaction to their distress.

For dogs already struggling with fear or anxiety, these stressors can be incredibly overwhelming and may weaken their trust in their human family. Instead of providing comfort, the sudden change in environment can deepen their fears, making it harder for them to feel secure when they return home.

The Importance of Owner Education

Another major drawback of Board and Train programs is the lack of owner education and involvement. Successful behavior modification doesn’t just require a dog to perform specific actions; it requires owners to understand why their dog behaves in particular ways. This understanding helps owners respond appropriately to their dog’s needs, helping prevent or change unwanted behaviors in real time. Another critical aspect is learning to interpret their dog’s body language, allowing owners to identify signs of stress, excitement, or discomfort that can inform more compassionate, effective interactions.

Active participation in the training process also allows owners to develop consistent handling skills and build a stronger bond with their dogs. When owners aren’t engaged in training, they miss critical opportunities for shared learning experiences essential for long-term success. Without this hands-on understanding, it can be challenging to reinforce or maintain the progress achieved during a Board and Train program, as owners may struggle to replicate the handling techniques that worked during training sessions.

The Quick Fix Fallacy

The Risk of Aversive Methods

Some facilities may resort to harsh techniques without direct oversight of training methods to achieve quick results. These might include:

• Shock collars or other aversive tools
• Physical corrections
• Flooding (forcing dogs to face their fears)
• Social isolation as punishment

These methods can create long-term psychological damage and worsen underlying behavioral issues, even if the immediate results appear positive. Dog behavior consultants know that dog owners often come to us for help after their dog has spent a stressful stay at a questionable Board and Train.

No one cares for your dog more than you. Are you confident they will treat your dog humanely and properly in your absence, behind closed doors?

the Financial Model of Board and Train Programs

The financial structure of board and train programs reveals a concerning pattern: trainers can maintain a profitable business with just a few clients per month. While this might seem efficient from a business standpoint, it creates several problems:

Limited Accountability
With few recurring clients, trainers have limited opportunities to receive long-term feedback about their methods and results. This creates an environment with less incentive to build lasting client relationships and reduces the motivation to ensure sustainable results. The lack of ongoing client interaction means trainers may never fully understand the long-term impact of their training methods or witness the potential deterioration of initially promising results.

Rushed Results
The rush for rapid training results in Board and Train programs often leads to prioritizing fast changes over more profound, lasting behavior change. Trainers may resort to quick-fix methods, prioritizing immediate obedience over developing long-term habits and resilience in the dog. This approach focuses on short-term compliance and often disregards the nuanced needs of each dog and the importance of gradual, positive reinforcement-based progress.

Financial Priorities
In some board-and-train programs, financial incentives can take precedence over the well-being of the dogs in their care. High-profit margins may overshadow dog welfare concerns. This can result in overcrowded programs where trainers have limited time to address each dog’s unique needs. Marketing materials often highlight convenience, emphasizing the ease of dropping off a dog and expecting a “trained” dog in return. Still, this approach may overlook the more profound, lasting behavioral work required for effective training. As a result, quick turnover can be emphasized over the comprehensive care and attention that support actual, positive change.

Why This Should Concern Dog Owners

When a trainer immediately pushes board and train as their primary solution, it often indicates a business model built on maximum profit with minimum client interaction. These programs prioritize quick turnover rather than thorough behavior change while making limited investments in ongoing client support. The focus shifts away from teaching owners crucial handling skills, creating a system where short-term convenience surpasses long-term success. This approach fundamentally contradicts our knowledge of effective dog training, which requires consistent owner involvement and education.

Collaborative Training is always a better option!

When Board and Train Might Work

In rare situations, Board and Train could be appropriate if managed by certified behavior consultants or highly experienced positive-reinforcement trainers. To be ethical and effective, these programs should use transparent, humane methods with regular video updates to show the dog’s progress. Additionally, thorough owner education and follow-up support are essential, ensuring you can reinforce training at home. These programs are generally best suited for teaching specific skills rather than addressing complex behavior issues, which require deeper, ongoing involvement from the owner.

Do you need a recommendation for a B&T program that a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant would recommend? Get in touch.

Making an Informed Decision

Before considering a Board and Train program, ask yourself:

• Am I willing to invest time in learning alongside my dog?
• Do I understand the root causes of my dog’s behavior?
• Have I explored less intensive alternatives?
• Can I verify the training methods used? 7 Crucial Qualities to Look for in a Dog Trainer
• Does the facility provide comprehensive follow-up support?

Conclusion

While Board and Train programs may seem like an attractive solution for busy pet owners, the risks often outweigh the potential benefits. Real, lasting behavior change comes through understanding, consistency, and strengthening the human-animal bond. Instead of seeking quick fixes, invest in collaborative training approaches that empower you and your dog to learn and grow together.

Remember: There are no shortcuts to building a strong, trusting relationship with your dog. The time and effort you invest in training together will yield far more meaningful and lasting results than any temporary boarding solution.

At Good Human Dog Training We Prioritize Dogs

At Good Human Dog Training, we believe lasting behavior change comes from understanding, not quick fixes. Our approach centers on strengthening the special bond between dogs and their people through humane methods based in science.

We take pride in diving deep beneath surface behaviors to address root causes, equipping dogs and humans with the tools they need for success. Combining modern behavioral science with compassionate teaching methods, we help create harmonious relationships that stand the test of time.

Our commitment extends beyond basic training—we’re dedicated to educating and empowering humans with the knowledge they need to understand their dogs better. When you work with Good Human Dog Training, you’re not just getting a trainer; you’re gaining a partner in your dog’s behavioral wellness journey.

Need more help finding a dog professional? 7 Crucial Qualities To Look for in a Dog Trainer.