Board and Train
Structured In-Home Training for Lasting Results
Our Board & Train program is the perfect option for busy owners who want to see lasting, reliable results in their dog’s training. Whether you choose our two-week or three-week program, your dog will stay in a structured, positive environment that focuses on building confidence, manners, socialization and clear communication. Each program is customized to your dog’s unique needs — from mastering obedience and leash skills to addressing behavioral challenges and improving focus around distractions.
The Immersive Training Experience
Our Board & Train program is designed to give your dog real-world experience, structure, and confidence that lasts long after they go home. Each dog lives and trains in a balanced, structured environment — not just learning commands, but learning how to live calmly and confidently in everyday life.
Personalized Behavior Work: Every dog has different needs and learning styles. We tailor the program to your dog’s personality and your goals, ensuring they receive one-on-one attention and customized training that fits their individual temperament.
Comprehensive Owner Support: Training success doesn’t stop when your dog goes home. We provide a detailed transition session and follow-up support to help you maintain and strengthen your dog’s new skills in your daily routine.
What’s Included
Real-World Exposure: Your dog will train in a variety of settings — from quiet parks to pet-friendly stores — to ensure their new skills transfer beyond the training center. This helps your dog learn to stay focused and well-mannered even with real-life distractions.
24/7 Structure and Routine: Dogs thrive on consistency. During their stay, your dog will follow a clear daily routine that reinforces calm behavior, crate comfort, polite greetings, and impulse control throughout the day — not just during training sessions.
Expanded Training Goals: Our program goes beyond basic obedience. We address manners, confidence building, leash skills, and household behavior like jumping, barking, or pulling — helping your dog become a well-rounded companion both at home and in public.
Ready to get started?
Program Options & Pricing
At Start Pawsitive Dog Training, we offer two immersive Board & Train options designed to fit your dog’s individual needs and your training goals. Both programs include daily hands-on training sessions, structured rest periods, socialization, and enrichment time.
2-Week Board & Train
Ideal for dogs who need a solid foundation or a refresher on their obedience skills.
Focus Areas & Inclusions
- Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Heel, and Place commands
- Leash manners and calm walking around distractions
- Crate comfort and impulse control
- Household manners and polite greetings
- Confidence building through positive exposure
- Daily training and socialization
- Real-world outings (as appropriate)
- Personalized progress updates
- Go-home lesson and written transition plan
- Optional follow-up session (in person or virtual)
Investment: $2,500
3-Week Board & Train
Best suited for dogs needing a deeper level of training, behavior modification, or stronger reliability in public settings.
Focus Areas & Inclusions
- All skills from the 2-week program
- Advanced distraction training and off-leash reliability
- Behavior problem solving (jumping, barking, reactivity, etc.)
- Confidence and calmness in new environments
- Generalization across multiple real-world locations
- Extended daily training sessions and enrichment
- Additional public field trips and home-style structure
- Two transition lessons for you and your dog
- Continued support after graduation
Investment: $3,200
"My wife and I were freaked out by the idea of a board and train, but as soon as we met Rebecca, we felt at ease and knew she was someone we could completely trust with our sensitive vizsla puppy. Not only did our pup come away from the board and train with newfound confidence and obedience, but we gained a friend and mentor in Rebecca. I knew she not only trained our puppy but loved on her like one of her own the entire time. She has continued to help us in private lessons since. Rebecca’s patience and confidence in her methods of training make her one-of-a-kind. Would recommend her a million times over."
Ryan M.
"Rebecca was a pleasure to work with. Our Myah spent 10 days with her while we went on a vacation. Rebecca reinforced everything we had been working on up to that point so we wouldn't lose ground. She was able to solidify the crate training, potty training and kennel command we had been working on plus she did great new work with stay, leave it and down/stay. Not only did we not lose ground but we gained important behaviors. Couldn't have been happier with the outcomes of Myah's stay with Rebecca."
Larry R.
“Rebecca had 3 weeks of on site training with my 14 month old Shih Tzu. He was such a sweet dog, but I was not able to train him. His demeanor now is so much improved. I am delighted with his behavior improvement”
Kent M.
"Wonderful experience for our Newfoundland pup! The breed is notorious for being "challenging" to train and after 3 weeks, our girl returned much more well behaved! Looking forward to refresher training soon! Thank you!!!"
Shannon N.
"Rebecca is absolutely amazing! We were looking for a board and train for our new puppy as we were going out of town and needed a safe place for her along with training. Rebecca responded to my request very quickly. The communication before drop off was great and Rebecca made the drop off easy and very reassuring, she explained the entire process and we left our pup with confidence knowing that she was in great hands. Communication was constant with updates, pics, videos, and answers to any of our questions along the way."
Crystal C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pack Essentials
- Food: Pack a bowl and enough of your dog’s regular food for the duration of their stay, plus a little extra in case of delays.
- Medications: Include any medications your dog is currently taking, along with clear instructions.
- Familiar Items: A favorite toy, blanket, or an item with your scent can help comfort your dog in a new environment.
Prepare Yourself
- Stay calm and positive during drop-off. Dogs can pick up on your emotions, and a calm farewell will help them feel more secure.
Owner Training and Transfer Session
- Review of Commands: The trainer will demonstrate all the commands and behaviors your dog has learned.
- Hands-On Practice: You’ll have a chance to practice these commands with your dog, under the trainer’s guidance, to ensure you feel confident and comfortable.
- Training Techniques: You’ll learn the specific techniques used during training, so you can maintain consistency at home.
Follow-Up
- Follow-Up Session: This is recommended 1-2 weeks post training.
Consistency and Reinforcement
- Daily Practice: Consistent practice of the behaviors at home is essential. Incorporating training into your daily routine helps solidify the dog’s skills.
- Maintaining Structure: Continue using the same cues, and boundaries set during training to avoid confusion and ensure long-term success.
Behavioral Support
- Ongoing Support: If any issues arise or you need additional guidance, our trainers offer ongoing support, such as phone consultations or additional training sessions.
- Refresher Courses: Some dogs may benefit from periodic refresher courses to keep their skills sharp and address any new behavioral challenges.
By following these steps, you can help your dog successfully transition back home and maintain their newly learned behaviors.
- Potty training and crate training.
- Socialization to people, dogs and the outside world to build confidence in your puppy. .
- Foundational commands, polite manners and general impulse control.
Basic Obedience
- Sit, stay, down, come, leave it, and place.
- Leash manners, such as walking politely without pulling.
- Reliable recall and impulse control.
Behavioral Issues
- Separation anxiety.
- Excessive barking or whining.
- Resource guarding.
- Fearful or reactive behavior towards people, dogs, or specific situations.
Each training plan is customized to meet the specific needs of the dog and their owner, focusing on creating a positive and effective training experience.
The length of the board and train will vary based on your specific goals.
