Board and Train vs Homeschool
We get a lot of requests for a Board and Train program and we typically redirect them to our Homeschool Program.
I think Board and Trains can be a good option in some cases, but they have limitations, no matter how you structure them.
We recommend Board and Trains for the following reasons:
For a severe behavior case as a first step in a longer training program.
If the human is disabled and needs help getting a solid foundation on the dog, also as a first step in a longer training program.
If the human is going through a major life change (having a baby, moving, a family emergency, etc) and needs us to watch the dog while giving the dog intensive training to prepare them for that life change. Also a first step in a longer training program.
We don’t typically recommend Board and Trains for the following reasons:
It is expensive and is always the first step in a longer program. Unless you have a lot of money to throw at training, it is rarely the most financially reasonable option. Super lucrative for the trainer, which is I think why so many trainers push this program even though it is not always necessary or productive.
It does not involve the owner much. Different programs are structured in different ways with more or less owner involvement, but overall, it is focused on the dogs' education, not the humans.
Many dogs who board at our homes do not have the same habits they have in their home. Some behavior issues must be addressed in the locations they are tied to.
What is Homeschool?
Almost a decade ago I designed the first version of our Homeschool Program. It has evolved over the years as we have learned what works best for us, the dogs, and our clients. The current version includes the following each week
3 sessions a week where the dog works with a trainer
1 class a week with dog, trainer, and owners.
Personalized instructional videos made with the dog doing the program
Personalized detailed written curriculum
Email support in between sessions
It typically runs for 4 to 6 weeks but we can extend that and/or add more sessions in each week if needed.
We recommend Homeschool for most clients who…
Have multiple training concerns for their dog.
Have a busy schedule and need support making sure their dog gets regular training.
Has a tight timeline for when their training goals need to be met and need additional support.
We strongly recommend for puppies and adolescent dogs to set them up for long term success.
Homeschool is different from a Board and Train because it...
Allows the dog to be in their home, with their owner.
The focus is equally on the dog and the owner's education. We try to emphasize the owner’s education during a Board and Train, but it is not easy because the dog is not in their home and they are not able to fully experience the training until after the program is over (which is why it must be followed up with more training.)
Most Homeschool dogs do not need follow up training. They may do a class later on to touch base, but the follow up is typically less involved than a Board and Train.
Homeschool is similar to our Board and Train program in a few ways
Both programs include personalized instructional videos of their dog so the owner can see exactly how the training is going and how to replicate it.
Both programs include detailed follow up emails explaining exactly what the owner needs to do to maintain the training and set the dog up for long term success.
Both programs are personalized to the dog and owner's needs.
Final Thoughts
This is just our opinion and experience with these two programs, butI know many trainers who share the same feelings. I think a Board and Train can be useful in specific situations. I also think it is wildly over recommended and generally is not yielding the intended results for the owners. I think due to regulation in this industry it can be a very lucrative cash grab for inexperienced trainers who are savvy at pumping out good looking social media content. And I think that is why it has gained so much popularity in recent years.
Your dog is not a car. You can’t drop it off at the shop and pick it up a few days later with all of its problems fixed. Your dog is a sentient, unique, living being. Your relationship with your dog can only change if you put in the work to change it. A Board and Train can be a good first step, but it is what you do after the Board and Train that is what really matters.