Training a dog takes time, patience, and consistency—things that can be hard to manage with a busy schedule. If you’re struggling with your dog’s behavior, you might be wondering if you can send them away for training. The short answer is yes, but it’s important to understand what that involves before making a decision.
What Is a residential dog training Program?
Residential dog training programs (sometimes called “dog boot camps”) involve sending your dog to a professional trainer for a set period—anywhere from a few days to several weeks. During that time, your dog will receive structured training tailored to their needs, whether that’s general obedience, leash manners, or more advanced behavior modification for issues like dog aggression or recall training.
Pros of Sending Your Dog Away for Training
There are several reasons dog owners choose residential dog training programs:
- Professional expertise – Trainers have experience working with all kinds of dogs and behaviors.
- Faster results – Daily, focused training in a controlled environment can speed up the learning process.
- Help with severe behavioral issues – If your dog struggles with aggression, fear, or reactivity, professional help can be a game-changer.
- Convenience – If you don’t have the time or knowledge to train your dog properly, a residential dog training program can lay the foundation for you.
Potential Downsides
In our opinion there aren’t any downsides! Dogs don’t get separation anxiety in dog boot camp because they’re constantly engaged in training and activities, keeping them focused and stress-free. Their bond with their owner isn’t lost—it actually strengthens as they learn better communication and behavior. While costs vary, dog boot camps are a worthwhile investment in long-term obedience. Once home, there’s a short transition period where owners reinforce the training, and our programs offer follow-up support to make the adjustment easier.
How to Choose a Good residential dog training Program
If you decide to send your dog away for training, make sure you’re choosing a reputable program:
- Look for proof of real world results. Before and after videos. These videos must be in a natural environment that is NOT predictable. What we mean by this is we do not want to see dogs in private training fields around other well trained dogs this will not transition into the real world.
- Ask about training methods –training methods have to align with your expectations.
- Make sure you’re involved – The best programs will show you how to continue training at home so your dog doesn’t lose what they’ve learned.
Alternative Training Options
If you’re not sure about sending your dog away, there are other ways to get professional help:
- Private training lessons – A trainer works with you and your dog one-on-one, either at home or in a controlled setting. The down sides to this are it can take a lot of time to get the same results as residential dog training program.
Final Thoughts
Sending your dog away for training can be a great option, but it’s not a quick fix. Long-term success depends on your involvement and consistency once your dog comes home. Whether you choose a residential dog training program or another method, the key to a well-trained dog is ongoing reinforcement.