If you’ve ever owned an aggressive pup, you have surely heard about board and train for aggressive dogs. After all, it is hard to ignore the allure of professional intervention to curb aggressive tendencies that these facilities promise.
Moreover, some boardings even go all with claims of returning your dog as a transformed companion.
But does an aggressive dog board and train really work?
Well, the answer isn’t so straightforward. That’s because while some online forums and reviews suggest these programs are not so effective, pet parents I talk to suggest they worked well.
So, to know the truth, I’ve broken down everything about boarding and training dogs like these, including their pros and cons. Also, I’ve shared my own take as a pet boarding expert in Memphis.
Read on, and know if sending your pup to board and train will work.
What Is an aggressive dog board and train?
As the name suggests, a board and train program for aggressive canines is one where you send your dog to a professional trainer or facility for a specific period.
You see, a facility like this functions similar to any regular dog boarding where your pup is accommodated, fed, and provided basic care. But the extra bit here involves a specialized training program to tackle aggression issues.
For instance, a typical board and train program for aggressive dogs lasts anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months. And during this time, the trainers focus on addressing specific behavioral issues like aggression and reactiveness, among others.
Now, these programs are often marketed as a solution for pet owners who are either busy or are unequipped to handle their dog’s aggressive behavior. That’s because the professional environment of boarding makes a major difference in tackling aggression compared to at-home or day training.
How does a board and train for aggressive dogs function?
An aggressive dog boarding and training facility is different from a regular and even difficult dog boarding. This is because, while the latter involves boarding your dog temporarily when you’re out of town, the former is a special-purpose institution.
Think of it as a rehab for your pup, where they come out with a calmer and happier personality.
So it’s not surprising that a board and train facility has a different process and curriculum altogether. And it begins with an assessment of your dog even before you board them there.
Here are the phases involved in boarding and training aggressive dogs:
1. Pre-boarding assessment
Even before you board your dog, the facility will likely conduct an evaluation to identify the root causes of aggression in your pup.
For instance, a dog can become aggressive for reasons including fear, lack of socialization, and even existing medical conditions.
So, training professionals at the facility will assess each of these potential aggression triggers and design a customized training plan accordingly.
2. Behavior modification program
Once trainers have identified your pup’s aggression causes, they’ll begin the actual behavioral training. Herein, they’ll employ techniques like:
A. Desensitization and Counterconditioning
A program like this exposes your dog to their triggers in a controlled environment and associates these with positive experiences. This helps overcome potential fear and anxiety and induce a sense of calm.
B. Positive reinforcements
Positive reinforcement is all about rewarding desirable behaviors to encourage repetition. For instance, if your pup stays calm while being fed or bathed, trainers will reward them with treats or dog spa treatments.
C. Threshold training
Here, your dog is taught to remain calm in even the presence of mild triggers. And gradually their exposure to these triggers are increased.
3. Controlled socialization
Socialization and social-acceptance are one of the top highlights of all major behavioral changes in your dog. And it is in this phase that trainers work on improving your dog’s interactions with other animals and humans under their supervision.
This step is especially crucial if your dog has reactivity or fear aggression.
4. Owner handover and training
As the program comes to an end, the facility will also help you to understand the techniques they used. This ensures you can maintain your dog’s progress at home.
Moreover, in order for the training to have lasting effects, this step is quintessential.
Is an aggressive dog board and train program any helpful?
Now that you know aggressive dog boarding and training works, let me address the billion dollar question, i.e., whether or not such programs are effective.
For starters, a board and train for canines with aggression issues is actually helpful, thanks to the professional intervention. So much so that pet parents suggest even the most aggressive pup returned home calm and obedient.
Now, in case you’re wondering, here’s how it is possible:
1. Structured training programs
Boarding and training facilities for hostile dogs are great at providing a highly controlled environment. And this helps trainers work intensively with aggressive dogs.
In fact, it is this setting that allows trainers to manage your dog’s triggers and apply consistent behavior modification techniques.
2. Professional expertise
Notwithstanding the type of facility you choose, trainers for these programs are often well-versed in dealing with various dog aggressions.
For instance, be it fear-based, territorial, or dominance-driven aggression, these professionals are trained and seasoned in tackling them all. And this expertise comes particularly handy if your dog’s aggression causes are complex.
3. Efficiency
Being a dog owner myself, I know that all pet parents have limited time. And to that end, an aggressive dog board and train works wonders to accelerate progress compared to other programs.
That’s because with round-the-clock attention, a dog’s behavior improves faster than it would through sporadic training sessions at home or daycare.
4. Reduction in immediate risks
It is you, your family members, and other pets who are at immediate risk of uncontrolled aggressive behaviors.
As such, removing your dog from the home temporarily helps mitigate these risks while also providing targeted intervention.
What are the downsides of aggressive dog boarding and training?
As you can see, there are plenty of benefits that board and train for aggressive dogs offer.
However, online platforms are full of negative reviews and feedback about these programs. And this could get you wondering if sending your dog away to a facility is a good idea at all.
To begin with, let me tell you that some of the feedback on these forums are indeed true. That’s because you’re not involved in the process and you don’t know how your dog is being treated.
Plus, there are other reasons to raise eyebrows too.
All in all, here are the flipsides of aggressive dog boarding training programs:
1. Lack of your involvement
One of the biggest criticisms that aggressive dog board and train facilities face is the lack of direct owner participation.
You see, behavioral training isn’t just about changing your dog’s behavior, but it is also about educating you. And although the program would impart you some basic knowledge at the end, your involvement is largely a miss.
The result: When your dog returns home, you might struggle to maintain the progress they’ve made.
2. Stress and anxiety for your dog
You’ll agree when I say that sending an aggressive dog to an unfamiliar environment can only heighten their anxiety.
In fact, there have been instances where a dog’s prolonged stay at these programs exacerbated aggressive tendencies. This is mainly because the owner’s absence makes the adjustment process way more challenging.
3. Long-term results are questionable
Behavioral changes in a dog are achieved in a controlled facility. Meaning, there are chances your dog might not always be calm and behaved at home.
On the contrary, dogs often revert to old behaviors if triggers and routines are not managed on a constant basis.
4. Costs are too high
With costs running into several thousand dollars, it is not cheap to board and train aggressive dogs. And compared to the regular cost of dog boarding, this financial commitment can be prohibitive, especially if the results aren’t guaranteed.
5. There are ethical concerns too
Lastly, there have been multiple reports of some facilities using harsh techniques or aversive training methods.
For instance, claims about facilities using shock collars or excessive restraint aren’t new. And these techniques can harm your dog both physically and emotionally.
Worse: It could end up worsening aggression issues.
Frequently asked questions
Are aggressive dog board and train programs open for all dogs?
Not necessarily.
Although these programs are generally open to most dogs, extremely aggressive canines or those with deep-seated trauma might require one-on-one training instead of a board and train program.
How long do aggressive dog boarding and training programs last?
While most programs last between 2 and 6 weeks, the exact duration will depend on the severity of your dog’s aggression.
How can you maintain progress after the program?
Once the program has ended, I suggest you follow the trainer’s guidance and consistently reinforce learned behaviors while avoiding situations that could trigger regression.
Are there alternatives to board and train programs?
Yes, certainly.
There are options like private training sessions, group classes, or in-home training. In fact, these could be more effective for some dogs, especially those who struggle in unfamiliar environments.
To sum up
As you can see, although aggressive dog board and train programs are effective, they have their own share of drawbacks.
As such, whether or not these programs will really work for your dog depends on factors like your pup’s personality, the trainer’s expertise, and your own commitment to maintaining progress.
After all, these programs are not a magic fix and can provide only tools and insights.
Got more questions or want to board your pup instead?
You can get in touch with us!
At Dawg Team Apparel USA, we are more than just a dog apparel store.
We’ve got top-of-the-line full-service boarding facilities in Memphis, Arkansas, and Mississippi. And we’ve covered both short and long-term stay of your pup on a budget.
