The Sad Truth About Board and Train: Why Your Dog Needs You in the Process (and How Remote Training Can Help)
To be fair, I used to run board and train programs. At the time, it seemed like a great solution. I mean, it’s a no-brainer, right? You drop your dog off with a professional, they come back home well-behaved, and life is good. I lived in an upscale part of Connecticut were people have a dog-house with live in pet sitter for their beautiful dog. But over the years, I’ve learned something important: real, lasting change doesn’t happen when your dog is trained in isolation. It happens when you are part of the process.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/669417932097992873/
The image depicts a dog boarding or daycare facility that emphasizes comfort, safety, and a homelike atmosphere for dogs. There are individual enclosures, each with sturdy black fencing for security. Inside each enclosure, a comfortable blue-and-green plaid cushion provides a cozy resting spot for the dogs. The facility has large windows, allowing plenty of natural light to enter and providing a view of the outside greenery, which adds to the calming ambiance.
An air conditioning unit is mounted on the wall, indicating the space is climate-controlled to maintain a comfortable temperature. A small wall-mounted television displays a program, adding a familiar touch that helps create a relaxed environment for the animals. The overall design is clean and spacious, prioritizing the well-being of the dogs by providing both a secure and comfortable place for them to stay.
I’ve seen it time and again—dogs get sent to a facility, and sure, they might learn a few new behaviors. But what happens when they come home? Often, the behavior falls apart. Why? Because the key ingredient is missing: You.
The Challenges of Board and Train
Let’s break it down. When your dog is sent to a board and train facility, they’re immediately taken out of their comfort zone. Dogs need time to settle into a new environment. I’ve seen it with my own eyes—sometimes it takes a week or more just for a dog to feel secure enough to start learning. During this time, they’re confused, anxious, and often trying to figure out who this new person is who’s suddenly in charge of their world.
Even once they adjust, there’s still the challenge of forming a bond with a trainer. For real behavioral change to occur, a dog needs to trust the person guiding them. That’s not something that happens overnight. And then there’s the elephant in the room—how can a facility truly recreate the environment where your dog struggles? If your dog is protective of your home or struggles with territorial aggression, that environment simply can’t be duplicated at a kennel. Your dog isn’t going to feel territorial in a place that doesn’t feel like home. So, while they might behave better at the facility, it doesn’t mean those same issues won’t resurface the moment they step back into your house.
For example, I’ve worked with many dogs who exhibit territorial behaviors—guarding the door, reacting when people come into the house. These are real, complex issues that are deeply tied to a dog’s sense of home and security. You simply can’t address that in a facility where your dog doesn’t feel the same triggers.
The Emotional Toll
The emotional toll on your dog in a board and train program can be significant. Dogs thrive on consistency and familiarity. Being away from their family, their routines, and their home can add layers of stress to an already challenging situation. And this stress can hinder the training process. In fact, some dogs may even develop new anxieties or issues due to the abrupt change in environment and separation from their family.
Plus, there’s the heartbreaking reality that some board and train programs aren’t safe. I’m not trying to scare you, but there have been too many reports of dogs being injured or even killed at these facilities. In one tragic case, a 5-month-old Italian greyhound named Obi died after a pipe burst at a facility, flooding his crate for hours. Another young dog, Leia, died of heat stroke at a facility in Texas. Or, Moos ho did not survive the training. These incidents highlight the lack of regulation in the industry, and it’s a risk every dog parent should be aware of.
Why Remote Training Can Be Even More Effective
So, what’s the alternative? This is where remote training comes in, and I’m a huge advocate for it. You might be thinking, “But how can remote training be as effective as in-person training?” Let me tell you—it’s not only just as effective, but in many cases, it’s better.
Here’s why:
1. Your Dog Stays in Their Comfort Zone:
When you work with a holistic behavior professional remotely, your dog isn’t uprooted from their home. They stay where they feel safest, where their triggers actually happen, and where real change needs to occur. The training takes place in the environment where they struggle, which means the lessons they learn are directly applicable to their day-to-day life.
2. You’re Involved Every Step of the Way:
Remote training forces you, as the dog parent, to be actively involved. This is critical. Training is as much about building a relationship as it is about modifying behavior. If you’re not involved, your dog may learn to listen to a trainer, but they won’t necessarily transfer that trust and respect to you. By working remotely, I guide you through the process, giving you the tools to become your dog’s best teacher and guide.
3. Build Trust and Confidence:
Through remote training, you and your dog build trust together. I’m not there taking over—I’m showing you how to handle situations, how to communicate with your dog, and how to be the leader your dog needs. This trust is what creates lasting change, not just a quick fix.
4. Tailored to Your Dog’s Emotional Needs:
A holistic, trauma-informed approach takes your dog’s emotional well-being into account. Every dog is unique, with their own experiences, fears, and needs. Remote training allows us to work through those in a way that’s gentle, compassionate, and designed to build your dog’s confidence without overwhelming them.
5. Flexibility and Convenience:
One of the biggest perks of remote training is the flexibility it offers. We can address issues as they arise in real-time. For example, if you’re expecting guests and your dog usually reacts poorly, we can hop on a call and work through it while it’s happening. Plus, there’s no need to schedule around travel, and your dog doesn’t need to be exposed to the stress of being in an unfamiliar environment.
Real-Life Success
I’ve worked with countless clients remotely, and the results speak for themselves. One client, Jared, was dealing with a dog who had severe reactivity to strangers. Through a series of remote sessions, not only did we work through his dog’s issues, but Jared also became confident in his ability to handle his dog in challenging situations. That’s the beauty of this approach—you’re empowered, and your dog feels safer because they know you’ve got their back.
The Benefits Go Beyond Obedience
When you work with a holistic behavior consultant remotely, it’s not just about teaching your dog to “sit” or “stay.” It’s about addressing the deeper emotional needs of your dog. It’s about helping them feel secure, confident, and connected to you. The behavioral changes are simply a byproduct of that deeper relationship. This is where true, lasting change happens—when your dog feels understood, and you feel capable of supporting them through their challenges.
In the end, training is about more than just modifying behavior. It’s about creating a life where your dog feels safe, secure, and connected to you. That’s the real goal. And the best way to achieve that is by working together—in the environment where your dog lives, and with you leading the way.
If you’re ready to explore remote training and see how it can transform your relationship with your dog, I’m here to help. Let’s schedule a call, and we’ll work together to create a plan that not only addresses your dog’s behavior but strengthens the bond between you two.
Here’s the link to get started:
https://holisticdogtraining.as.me/Short-Web
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about fixing behaviors—it’s about building a relationship that lasts.