Board and Train
At The Bark Lab, we offer customized Board and Train programs tailored to your dog’s specific needs and goals. A board and train is an efficient, intensive training option where your dog can make accelerated progress on their training or behavior modification goals.
Unlike traditional board and train programs, we are entirely fear and force free — meaning we do not use prong collars, shock collars, or choke chains, nor do we use any type of fear or pain in training. We boast one of the only reinforcement-based board and train options in the entirety of New England.
If you are in the Greater Boston area and feel that our Board and Train is the right choice for you and your dog, schedule a free phone consultation with our head trainer, Dr. Laura Claire Frizzell, to discuss whether this is the best option for you and your dog.
What Does a Board and Train Look Like?
At The Bark Lab, most dogs are integrated into the facility’s day-to-day structure while receiving the opportunity for three hours of intensive, one-on-one training a day customized to your dog’s goals. If your dog is not a good candidate for playgroups, they will receive separate exercise and enrichment options to supplement training time.
Board and Train includes all aspects of boarding (play, feeding, exercise, medication administration) in addition to the dedicated training each day. Guardians also receive regular videos and progress reports so they can see their dog’s progress in real time.
Board and trains are a fantastic option for many dogs but are not suited for every training or behavior modification goal. During our free phone consultation, we will review your training goals and determine if a board and train is the right fit for you and your dog! We promise to never pressure or sell you a program that isn’t the most efficient option for you, your dog, and your training budget. If we collaboratively determine that a Board and Train isn’t the right fit, don’t worry — we will discuss how else we can best help you meet your goals!
Benefits of Board and Train for You and Your Dog
There are many benefits of our Board and Train program, including:
Convenience for guardians who may not have the time, knowledge, or desire to train up intensive behaviors themselves
Double-dipping on boarding costs for pre-planned travel - use boarding time efficiently to accelerate behavioral progress while you are away!
Behavioral reset in a neutral environment
Customized board and train lengths - we will discuss your training goals and budget to determine the right length of stay
Extended time for behavioral assessment
Included, in-home transfer session to ensure your dog’s skills translate cleanly back home
Access to our trainers’ 1:1 office hours for the month after you return to ensure continued success in their transition back to your care
What to Expect From a Board and Train
Our Board and Train begins with a complimentary phone consultation with Laura, the head trainer, to ensure that a board and train is the right fit for you and your dog.
If we decide collaboratively that a board and train is the right fit, we will schedule a single private training session for us to meet your dog, review their behaviors, and agree upon goals and a timeline for the board and train.
Once training starts, dogs will be at The Bark Lab. All dogs will have their basic enrichment, medical, nutritional, and play needs met, in addition to three focused, one-on-one training sessions per day to make maximally efficient progress during their stay.
You will receive regular progress updates and videos, and guardians are always welcome to contact the team directly to check in on their dog. We understand how hard it is to be away from your loved one while they are receiving training, so we check in multiple times per week to keep guardians up to date on their dog’s progress.
Once the board and train is complete, Laura will schedule an included follow-up transfer session with you to show you how to maintain your dog’s progress in your own home. You will also have access to drop-in, virtual office hours for the month following your dog’s return to provide wraparound support.
Is A Board and Train Right for My Dog?
Board and trains are a powerful tool for rapid improvement in your dog’s behavior, but they are not right for every training issue. There are many predatory board and train programs that promise quick fixes, but instead send your dog home with suppressed behaviors and new fears. At The Bark Lab, we look at every case individually to determine whether a board and train is an appropriate fit, and we work with guardians to set appropriate expectations for how much their dog can learn in an intensive, but short, time period outside of the home.
No matter what your training concern is, you are the most important part of your dog’s long-term success. Guardians should be committed to continued reinforcement of their dog’s new skills at home.
Common issues that board and trains address:
New puppy socialization and basic skills training
Resource guarding of food or objects
Loose leash walking
Jumpy/mouthy, overstimulated dogs
Leash reactivity
Adolescent or adult manners
The only way to find out whether a board and train is right for your dog is to book a free call with Laura HERE.
What to Expect After the Program
Once your dog completes the Board and Train program, you will be given guidance on continuing and reinforcing the training at home. You will go home with a written report detailing your dog’s stay, progress on their personalized training plans, and instructions for continued work.
We will schedule a transfer session of 2-3 hours one week after the board and train is complete to make sure every member of the house can maintain your pup’s new good behaviors moving forward! You will also have access to drop-in, virtual office hours for a month following the board and train to troubleshoot any remaining concerns.
Our Board and Train Program Could be Just What Your Dog Needs to Thrive
The Bark Lab provides expert, compassionate training for dogs of all ages and sizes. Our force-free, fear-free methods are proven effective, and you get a dog that is healthier and happier.
Is Board and Train right for you? Schedule your free consultation today to discuss your dog’s specific needs and your goals.
