Are you confused about which dog training program is best for your dog? You’re not alone. Many dog owners feel lost when trying to pick between group classes, private lessons, and boarding programs.
After helping thousands of dog owners make this decision, I’ve found that the right choice depends on your dog’s needs, your schedule, and your goals.
Why the Right Training Program Matters
Picking the wrong training approach can waste your time and money. Even worse, it might not fix your dog’s behavior problems.
“The biggest mistake I see is people choosing a training program based on price alone, not considering if it actually fits their dog’s needs,” says Ryan Gwilliam, head trainer at Train Walk Poop.
Your dog’s behavior won’t magically improve just because you signed up for training. The program has to be the right fit for both of you.
The Three Main Types of Training Programs
There are three basic types of dog training programs to choose from:
Group Classes: You and your dog learn alongside other dogs and owners
Private Training: One-on-one sessions with a trainer (either at their facility or in your home)
Board & Train: Your dog lives with the trainer for a few weeks and gets intensive training
Each program has its own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s look at when each one works best.
Group Classes: Budget-Friendly but Limited
Group classes are the cheapest option, which makes them popular. They work well for dogs who already have some basic skills and just need practice around distractions.
However, group classes might not be right for dogs with serious behavior issues. With limited personal attention, your dog might get overwhelmed or develop bad habits from watching other untrained dogs.
Group classes work best as a second step after your dog has learned basic skills in a more focused program.
Private Training: Personalized but Time-Intensive
Private training gives you and your dog one-on-one attention from a professional trainer. The trainer can create a plan specifically for your dog’s needs.
The downside? You’ll need to do most of the training yourself at home between sessions. This means you need plenty of time (usually 60+ minutes daily) and good follow-through to see results.
Private training is best if you have specific issues to address, plenty of time to practice, and are good at creating and sticking with new habits.
Board & Train: Fastest Results but Higher Cost
In a Board & Train program (also called Boarding School), your dog lives with the trainer for several weeks. The trainer does most of the heavy lifting, creating new habits through consistent daily practice.
“We get you faster results because we’re 100% consistent with your dog’s new behaviors and our timing is perfect,” says Ryan. “Your dog is completely immersed in a new way of living.”
The biggest advantages are:
Faster results since your dog gets professional training all day
Your dog learns from well-trained dogs at our training facility
You can get training while you’re on vacation instead of just boarding
Less work for busy owners who don’t have hours to train daily
The main drawbacks are the higher cost and being away from your dog during training.
What About In-Home Training?
Many people think in-home training is the best option because it addresses problems where they happen. But there’s a surprise here: in-home training often isn’t the best starting point.
Why? Your home is where your dog’s bad habits are strongest. It’s often better to start training in a neutral place where your dog can focus better.
In-home training works best as follow-up sessions after your dog has learned basic skills elsewhere.
How to Make Your Final Decision
When choosing a dog training program, ask yourself these questions:
How serious are my dog’s behavior problems?
How much time can I realistically commit to training each day?
Do I want quick results or am I okay with a slower pace?
If you have a busy schedule and want fast results, Board & Train might be your best option despite the higher cost. If you have lots of time and a smaller budget, private lessons could work well.
The most important thing is being honest about what you can handle. The best program is one that fits your life and that you’ll actually follow through with.
Next Steps
Remember that all training programs require some effort from you. Even with Board & Train, you’ll need to learn how to maintain your dog’s new skills at home.
The right program can transform your relationship with your dog and make life better for both of you. Take time to choose wisely, and don’t be afraid to ask trainers questions about their approach before signing up.
