I imagine this is the response many people get when they suggest to their significant other or family members that they want to send the dog away for training. For some people it is simply inconceivable. The idea of sending their dog away for weeks and months at a time for training seems preposterous. But are there times when you should consider this option? I believe there is.
Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by your dog’s behavior? Maybe your pup jumps on every visitor, ignores your commands, or pulls so hard on the leash that your shoulder aches. If you’re nodding your head right now, you’ve probably wondered: “Can I just send my dog somewhere to be trained?”
The short answer is yes, you can. But the more important question is does sending your dog away for training actually work?
As someone who’s worked with hundreds of dog owners facing this exact dilemma I want to give you the honest truth about board-and-train programs (also called “send-away training” or “dog training boot camps”). Let’s dig into what they are, when they work when they don’t, and how to decide if this option is right for your furry friend.
What Exactly Is “Send-Away” Dog Training?
Board-and-train programs involve your dog living at a trainer’s facility for a set period, typically ranging from two weeks to several months. During this time, professional trainers work intensively with your dog, addressing specific behavioral issues and teaching essential obedience commands.
This is fundamentally different from weekly group classes or at-home training where you’re actively involved in the process. Instead, your dog gets an immersive training experience away from home.
The Big Question: Does It Actually Work?
The simple answer is: yes, it can work really well – but with some important caveats.
Board-and-train programs can be incredibly effective for many dogs and their owners, but success depends on several factors:
- The quality and methods of the trainer
- Your involvement after the program ends
- Your dog’s specific needs and temperament
- Your expectations and commitment
Let’s be real – sending your dog away isn’t a magical fix where they come back perfectly behaved forever It’s more like giving your dog a solid educational foundation that YOU need to maintain and build upon
When Does Send-Away Training Work Best?
From my experience, board-and-train programs tend to be most successful in these situations:
1. When You’re Short on Time
If you have a demanding work schedule, family obligations, or other time constraints that make consistent daily training difficult, professional immersion training can give your dog the focused attention they need.
As Steve and Jody from Otter Tail Kennels point out, “If you do not have the time or energy to train your dog, you might need some help.” This is a completely valid reason to consider send-away training.
2. For Dogs with Serious Behavioral Issues
Dogs with severe behavioral problems often benefit from the intensive, focused attention of a professional trainer. These experts have the skills, tools, and environment to address complex issues like aggression or severe anxiety.
The Grubby Puppy explains: “If your dog has been allowed to get away with a lot of bad behaviors for a long time, you may need professional help to fix those problems.”
3. For Specialized Training Needs
Working dogs, hunting dogs, service dogs, or competition dogs often require specialized training that goes beyond basic obedience. Professional trainers have the specific knowledge and resources to provide this advanced training.
“If your dog is a working dog and needs specialized training, sending the dog away for that training is often necessary,” notes Otter Tail Kennels.
4. When You Need Expert Guidance
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might struggle to make progress with your dog’s training. A professional can identify what’s not working and develop a tailored approach.
The Benefits of Sending Your Dog Away for Training
Let’s look at the upsides of board-and-train programs:
Accelerated Learning
One of the biggest advantages is the speed of progress. Your dog receives consistent, daily training from professionals who know exactly what they’re doing. This immersive experience can fast-track your dog’s learning compared to once-a-week classes or inconsistent at-home training.
The Grubby Puppy notes: “Immersion in a training environment can lead to faster progress compared to sporadic training sessions. Your dog is constantly reinforcing learned behaviors.”
Professional Expertise
Professional trainers have extensive knowledge and experience. They understand canine behavior and learning patterns, allowing them to address problems effectively and efficiently.
“Experienced trainers possess the knowledge and skills to address complex behavioral issues that owners may struggle with on their own,” explains The Grubby Puppy. “They can identify the root cause of the problem and develop a tailored training plan.”
Consistency is Key
Consistency is crucial for effective dog training. Professional trainers maintain a consistent approach throughout the day, every day, which is something many busy owners struggle to achieve at home.
Diverse Training Environments
Good training programs expose your dog to various environments, situations, and distractions. This helps your dog learn to generalize commands and behaviors across different contexts.
Otter Tail Kennels highlights this benefit: “For our training programs, we only train at our kennel one or two days a week. The remainder of the time we travel with the dogs and train on other fields we lease. This makes the dog’s training even more well-rounded.”
Reduced Owner Stress
Let’s be honest – training can be frustrating, especially when dealing with challenging behaviors. Having a professional handle the initial heavy lifting can reduce your stress and prevent potential damage to your relationship with your dog.
The Potential Downsides
Board-and-train isn’t perfect for everyone. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Cost Considerations
These programs aren’t cheap. Basic obedience board-and-train programs typically range from $2,000 to $5,000, while specialized training can cost significantly more. Consider whether this investment makes sense for your situation.
Separation from Your Dog
Being separated from your furry friend for weeks or months can be emotionally difficult for both of you. While dogs are generally adaptable and professional trainers create positive environments, this separation is a real concern for many owners.
Transition Challenges
Once your dog returns home, they’ll need to transfer what they learned at the facility to your home environment. This transition period requires patience and consistency on your part.
Steve and Jody from Otter Tail Kennels emphasize: “You need to learn what the dog learned and how to maintain that training!”
You Must Trust the Trainer
Leaving your beloved pet in someone else’s care requires a significant level of trust. As Otter Tail Kennels notes, “It is hard to leave your child at school on the first day of kindergarten and it is hard to leave your dog at a trainer that you really don’t know personally.”
Your Role After Board-and-Train Is CRUCIAL
Here’s the most important thing to understand: the success of a board-and-train program ultimately depends on YOU.
When your dog returns home, you must maintain the training. This requires:
- Learning the commands and techniques used during training
- Consistently reinforcing what your dog learned
- Setting clear boundaries at home
- Practicing regularly to maintain progress
As Otter Tail Kennels bluntly puts it: “If you are not willing to say NO, or make your dog SIT when you say SIT, or teach your dog to not jump on you and enforce that, then no amount of training will help you.”
Most reputable programs include transition sessions where they teach you how to maintain your dog’s training. These sessions are absolutely essential – don’t skip them!
How to Choose the Right Board-and-Train Program
If you’re considering sending your dog away for training, here’s how to choose a good program:
1. Research the Trainer’s Methods
Look for trainers who primarily use positive reinforcement techniques. Avoid programs that rely heavily on punishment or aversive methods.
2. Check Qualifications and Experience
Look for certifications from reputable organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the Karen Pryor Academy. Ask about their experience with dogs similar to yours.
3. Visit the Facility
Always visit the training facility in person before committing. Check that it’s clean, safe, and provides a positive environment for the dogs.
4. Ask About Follow-Up Support
The best programs include follow-up sessions to help you maintain your dog’s training at home. This transition support is crucial for long-term success.
5. Get References
Talk to previous clients and read reviews. Ask for before-and-after videos of dogs they’ve trained.
Common Questions About Send-Away Training
Will my dog forget me?
This is a common concern, but rest assured – your dog won’t forget you! Dogs form strong bonds with their owners that persist even through separation. In fact, they’ll likely be overjoyed to see you when you pick them up.
As Otter Tail Kennels explains: “The dog will remember you and be excited to see you when you come to pick them up.”
Will the training change my dog’s personality?
A good training program should not change your dog’s personality. It should simply help them learn appropriate behaviors and improve their responsiveness to commands.
“Your dog will be the same fun-loving dog you dropped off at the trainer,” says Otter Tail Kennels, with the important caveat that you must choose a trainer who treats dogs with kindness and respect.
How long do these programs typically last?
Program length varies depending on your goals:
- Basic obedience typically takes 4-8 weeks
- Advanced or specialized training can take 3-6 months
- Behavior modification for serious issues may require longer programs
Alternatives to Consider
If sending your dog away doesn’t feel right for you, consider these alternatives:
- Private in-home training: A trainer comes to your home for one-on-one sessions
- Group classes: More affordable and provide socialization opportunities
- Day training: Your dog spends the day training but comes home at night
- Online training programs: Flexible but requires self-discipline
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?
So, does sending your dog away for training work? When done right – with a qualified trainer and your commitment to follow-through – yes, it absolutely can work wonderfully.
The key is understanding that board-and-train is not a “fix it and forget it” solution. It’s more like sending your child to school – the learning happens there, but you need to support and reinforce that education at home.
For many dog owners, the investment in professional training pays dividends in a better-behaved, more responsive dog and a happier household. The accelerated learning and professional expertise can give both you and your dog the fresh start you need.
Just remember – the success of any training program ultimately depends on your commitment to maintaining what your dog has learned. Your dog will still be your dog, with their unique personality intact – just with better manners and a clearer understanding of expectations.
Have you sent your dog to a board-and-train program? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
Teaches your dog to learn, so they can learn more over time
Training teaches your dog to learn and enables them to learn more over time. All training does this. So, even if you train your dog at home, you get this benefit.
You must trust the trainer
This can be hard. It is hard to leave your child at school on the first day of kindergarten and it is hard to leave your dog at a trainer that you really don’t know personally. You have no control over what will happen during training. It can be difficult to bridge that gap and put complete trust in the trainer.
Learn more in How to choose a professional hunting dog trainer.