Ruff-ing It at Sleepaway Training Camp Might Fix Your Pup’s Behavior Problems

Medical issues also need to be considered. “A senior dog with dementia, or [one that] has medical needs such as chronic arthritis, is likely not a good candidate for a residential [boarding facility],” Simon says. 

Lastly, some programs may also require your dog to be comfortable in a crate to avoid stress in the kennel during their downtime and at night, Heilman says.  

The issues board-and-train companies usually deal with 

About 50 percent of the dogs Rascal Training sees for its board-and-train programs come for basic and off-leash obedience training, Heilman says, while the other half come for anxiety-related behaviors such as leash reactivity, separation anxiety and destructive behaviors such as chewing or tearing items that aren’t toys. 

As part of their training, pups might take a field trip to a place with a good bit of activity to help them get used to behaving in a normal setting.

Saeed Rahbaran

PepeDogs’ behavior, obedience and agility training programs address issues ranging from jumping and basic obedience to anxiety and aggression, according to its website. Other training concerns addressed at the facility include crate training, manners and socialization. 

Coastline K9 addresses moderate-to-severe behavior issues as part of its four- and eight-week Stay and Train programs, addressing things like the inability to walk on a leash and biting as well as territorial behaviors. 

What is training at a camp like for your dog? 

Training a dog at a camp is similar to the way a professional athlete trains with coaches, Ennis says. 

And being at a boarding training facility can speed up the process. “A lot of people don’t realize how detailed and scientific dog training is,” he says, adding that board-and-train programs can get faster results in a shorter period of time compared with trying to train your dog with one-on-one sessions once a week. 

It’s important to make sure the program you choose is good for your specific dog’s needs, say most of the experts we talked to.

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At Rascal Training, Heilman says a boarded dog’s day of training usually kicks off at 6 a.m. with potty and breakfast and a little running-around time. 

“I like to start the day with some freedom and decompression time for the dogs, so we start with off-leash time and long-line walks for everyone,” she says. “The rest of the day varies, depending on where in the program each of the dogs are.” 

Each dog has four training sessions a day, often with a “field trip” to a “high-distraction” environment (like a hardware store or coffee shop) in the mix to help pups practice their skills in a real-world setting. 

“If they only ever practice behaviors in a sterile training environment, then the chances of them performing behaviors in a more distracting environment are slim,” says Heilman. Exposing dogs to a wide variety of environments makes it easier for owners to take their animals out to eat and on day trips once they’re back home, she says. 

They might also go on hikes to work on recall in a new environment or do active repetitions of obedience commands at the training facility. Days end with dinner at 7 p.m. and a last bathroom break outside at 10 p.m. 

How to choose the right place

Since there’s no official oversight when it comes to credentialing dog-training facilities, it’s important to do your homework to make sure you’re working with a company that has experience helping dogs with the issues you’re looking to resolve,  Ennis says.

He suggests interviewing any potential trainer you work with to learn about their résumé and experience with training. “Ask them, ‘Have they worked with dogs similar to yours?’ That matters a lot,” he says. 

Another idea: Do a bit of internet research, says Heilman. Check out the trainer’s methodologies on their social media. “Your comfort level and confidence in your trainer is crucial for continued success back at home,” she says, adding that the human client must be on-board with a trainer’s approach and commit to various lifestyle changes and how they handle their dog once the pet has graduated from the program.

Doggy training camps are usually not cheap; they can run into thousands of dollars. But for some, it’s worth the price.

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How long will your dog have to stay there? 

For dogs just learning the basics, such as potty training and confidence building, a four-week program is typically enough, says Ennis. 

For dogs with behavioral issues, such as an inclination to want to fight with another dog and having bitten someone, or lunging at people and other animals, Ennis says a six- to eight-week-long program might be necessary.

Rascal Training’s most popular program is four weeks long, Heilman says. “This is enough time to tackle a wide range of behaviors, including leash pulling, running away, door dashing, jumping, minor-to-mild leash reactivity to dogs or people, confidence-building, etc.,” Heilman says, adding that three weeks is generally the shortest-length program her facility offers. 

Another factor is how willing the owner is to work with the dog once it arrives back home, says Heilman. “We discuss with the client what would be a realistic length of time for their dogs, depending on the behaviors the dog is displaying before training, the behaviors the owner wants them to display after training, and homework the owner is willing to take on upon the dog’s return home,” she adds. 

And while follow-up training is important for the owners to do at home, the longer the dog is in the boarding program, the more solid the habit-building that takes place, Heilman says — and therefore the less active training maintenance that will be required by the owners later. 

What’s the general cost? 

Board-and-train programs range from around $1,000 for four weeks to many times that amount, depending on where you go. 

PepeDogs’ 17-day Headstart board-and-train program costs $1,895, according to its website. Coastline K9 costs $4,600 for four weeks, says Ennis. Rascal Training’s programs start at $1,200 per week. 

And while board is usually part of the fee, food and meds often aren’t. You’re normally required to send enough food for your dog as well as any medications it takes along with it. 

For West, who says she paid around $1,000 for the program she sent Dutch away for roughly four years ago, it’s been worth every penny. 

“It was the best thing we ever did,” she says. “We love him so much now, he’s really a part of our family in the best way.”