Design Your Campaign

Short answer: No — Board & Train is not the right fit for every dog or every situation.

Longer answer:
Board & Train can be incredibly effective when a dog (and their human) need a reset from a stressful or stuck pattern. One of the biggest benefits is breaking a negative cycle of stress while building skills in a calm, consistent environment — followed by a supported reintegration plan.

That said, Board & Train is less effective when:

• The primary issue is resource guarding a specific person

• The behavior is location-specific and can’t be reasonably recreated

• The dog experiences separation anxiety, confinement distress, or extreme stress in new environments

If a dog cannot relax, rest, or feel safe enough to learn while away from home, Board & Train is not recommended. In those cases, private coaching is usually a better starting point.

If you’re unsure, a Guidance Call helps us determine the best path forward for your dog — whether that includes Board & Train or not.

Board & Train is a meaningful commitment — emotionally, financially, and logistically. Because dogs are individuals, it would be unethical to guarantee specific results.

What you can expect:

• Consistent, kind, clear training tailored to your goals

• A focus on engagement, regulation, and functional skills

• Ongoing updates about what your dog is learning and how they’re responding

• Honest feedback about strengths, challenges, and next steps

• Structured follow-up support to help you transition skills into real life

Each stay follows a general curriculum, but priorities and pacing are adjusted based on your dog’s needs and progress.

Yes. Most Board & Train programs begin with a Guidance Call — a virtual consultation where we discuss goals, history, management, and next steps.

Guidanc also includes a complimentary in-person meet & greet so your dog can meet me before their stay.

To maintain a calm environment for dogs currently in my care, I don’t offer tours of the boarding space. You’re welcome to review photos and videos on social media and ask any questions you need to feel confident and comfortable.

Dogs must:

• Be up to date on vaccinations

• Be comfortable crating without distress

Your dog does not need to:

• Be social with other dogs

• Interact with unfamiliar people

• Participate in group activities

Social dogs may enjoy play or shared outings. Dogs who prefer solitude will receive one-on-one time and space. I do not offer Board & Train for dogs with serious human-directed aggression, but I do work with dogs with stranger danger and bite histories on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re unsure whether your dog is a fit, please reach out.

Dogs are crated when not directly supervised — this ensures safety, rest, and appropriate downtime.

Most indoor time is spent in my training office, where I work throughout the day. Outings may include hikes, training clubs, or sporting environments, and dogs are transported in crash-tested Ruffland crates.

Absolutely.

We use a crate-and-rotate system, and introductions are carefully managed. Dogs are never required to interact with one another. In terms of the household dogs:

• Fig (German Shepherd) is an excellent neutral or structured play partner

• Riz (3 lbs, fearless) plays only with dogs who are gentle and aware

• Dogs who prefer humans get solo time without other dogs visible

Your dog’s comfort and safety come first.

Please bring:

• Food for the duration of the stay (labeled meals or bag + scoop)

• Any required medications or supplements

Everything else is provided — crate, bedding, treats, leashes, enrichment. You’re welcome to send a comfort item if it’s safe and not an ingestion risk.

Like summer camp: please don’t send sentimental items.

While schedules vary, most days follow this rhythm:

• Morning potty walks and breakfast around 7am

• Rotating crate time and one-on-one activity throughout the morning

• Afternoon training sessions, hikes, or outings

• Evening training with dinner, enrichment, and play

• Final potty breaks between 10–11pm

Dogs receive multiple short, intentional training sessions each day rather than long, overwhelming drills.

For longer stays, yes — when schedules allow.

I don’t believe that seeing family “ruins” training. However, visits depend on length of stay, current workload, and logistics. If a visit isn’t feasible, I’m always happy to send photos or videos.

First: reunite and decompress. The first day home is about joy and adjustment, not homework.

After that:

• You’ll receive a personalized website and training plan

• We’ll address management needs to prevent regression

• You’ll have access to video coaching and follow-ups

• Drop-in events and continued support help transition skills to real life

Long-term success depends on continued human involvement — and you won’t be doing that alone.