Do good board and train programs exist?
Happily, there are more and more trainers offering board and train using rewards-based, kind, effective methods. (Shout out to my colleagues doing this good work!) Board and train with the right type of trainer can be a great way for a professional to teach your dog a range of skills. A good trainer will then teach you how to maintain and carry on with those skills through transfer sessions.
So, will board and train help your dog with separation anxiety?
The short is answer is no. But why not?
- Separation anxiety is often context specific. Even if your dog does well at the trainer’s home or facility, that likely won’t transfer back to your home with you leaving your dog.
- The training for separation anxiety is a long process, taking months or even years. A trainer might be able to start some very gentle foundational steps at their home or facility but as already mentioned, you’ll likely need to repeat those steps yourself in your own home. (It could potentially give you a bit of a jump start, though.)
- For the best chance of success in separation anxiety training, scary alone time must be avoided. That usually means the dog must be with someone (a human) at all times. This is often not feasible in a board and train situation.
- Crating and kenneling is typically extremely challenging for dogs who struggle being alone. There are some crate- and kennel-free programs, but many use crates or kennels.
- Beware! While there are more and more excellent, modern trainers offering board and train, the majority of board and train programs utilize harsh methods that are counterproductive to the cause and, to be frank, cruel. Some even use indestructible crates and bark/shock collars as the “fix” for separation anxiety. This may stop the barking, but it most certainly won’t stop the fear and anxiety.
What now? How do I go about training for separation anxiety?
While I wish a trainer could do the training for you, this is one type of training that is best done yourself. I do highly recommend working with a trainer who specializes in separation anxiety to coach you through the process.
Here are some other blog posts I’ve written on separation anxiety.
Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Get Started with Training for Separation Anxiety
Comfort is More Important Than Time on the Clock in Separation Anxiety Training
Puppies and Separation Anxiety: 5 Things to Know
What to look for when considering board and train
Click here for a fantastic post from Companion Animal Psychology on How to Choose a Dog Trainer, which includes a section on board and train.