11/06/2026
Happy Theory Thursday!
Happy Theory Thursday! Gillian here. I wanted to talk about one topic that has challenged me. Board and Train. I've seen negative effects from dogs who have gone to board and trains. It has troubled me so much over the course of my dog training career. It has made me question whether board and trains are worth it. This has pushed me to do research on this topic. Board and Train, allows you to leave a dog with a trainer with a week or two. Allowing the trainer to train your dog while you’re on vacation. I found a podcast on the Enlightened Pet Behavior Podcast, with trainers Susan Light and Sylvia Wes. The podcast mentions the red and green flags to look for during your search. One of the red flags, you don’t a trainer to “fix” your dog. You can never fix a dog, however, as trainers we can help improve their behavior. Another red flag, some trainers will have dogs with bandanas to hide aversive tools, such as electric collars or prong collars. One of the most important red flags is guaranteeing results. This is a huge red flag, because you cannot guarantee anything in life. Now let’s focus on the green flags! A green flag, a trainer that teaches you how to train your dog. A trainer that takes the time to help you understand what to do, and how to do it. This is vital when you bring your dog home and know how to keep good behavior occurring. Another green flag is allowing your dogs to have breaks. They don’t always have to play all the time. It’s good for dogs to relax throughout the day. The most important green flag is a trainer using science. You always want a dog trainer that uses science for board and train. I’m still conflicted about board and train places. However, I hope to provide what green flags to look for when looking around. Would I do a board and train? Maybe. To be honest, I still can’t decide. I would be very focused on the dog’s welfare and behavior. I would hold the highest standard of a board and train. Hopefully, in the future I will have Jeannine Jay’s help. Because I want what’s best for my client’s dogs. If I would ever do a board and train, I want the dog to enter and leave happy and healthy. This sounds cliché. However, I am obsessed with animal ethics and welfare. As trainer this is what I strive to do. In my opinion, every dog trainer should keep this in mind. I have provided more resources for this topic. The podcast is great! You can event find it on Spotify. I hope you enjoy this post.
https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/board-and-train-good-option-or-not/
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/board-and-train-programs/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKJ7TBkCmcY
Guest Bio:My name is Sylvia Wes, I have been a certified dog train...
