Board and Train for Dogs: How Much Should You Really Pay?
Okay, so I've been thinking about getting a dog for, like, forever, but I also travel a decent amount for work. That got me thinking about board and train programs. Basically, you send your dog off to live with a trainer for a few weeks, and they come back all well-behaved and stuff. Sounds amazing, right? But, uh, how much does that actually cost? That's what I set out to figure out.
Digging for Info
First, I hit up the internet. I mean, where else do you start? I just started searching for "board and train dog cost" and things like that. I found tons of websites, but honestly, a lot of them were super vague. Some just gave these HUGE ranges, like "$500 to $2500... per week!" That's not helpful!
Breaking Down the Options
What I did start to figure out is that there are different kinds of programs. Some are at these big, fancy facilities, with, like, agility courses and doggy spas. (Seriously!) Others are with individual trainers, maybe even in their homes. It seemed pretty obvious the fancy places would be more expensive.
Here's a rough breakdown of what I gathered:
- Basic Programs (2-4 weeks): These seem to focus on the basics - sit, stay, come, leash manners. I found prices starting around $1,000, but most were closer to $1,500 - $3,000 total.
- More Advanced Programs (4-6+ weeks): If you want off-leash training, or your dog has some behavioral issues to work on, you're looking at a longer program and a higher price tag. I saw these ranging from $3,000 all the way up to $6,000 or even more.
- "Luxury" Programs: Okay, these are the ones with all the bells and whistles. Think private suites, gourmet meals, maybe even swimming lessons for your dog. These can easily be $5,000+ for just a couple of weeks.
Getting Specific Quotes
After all that online searching, I decided I needed some real numbers. I started contacting local trainers. I looked for ones with good reviews, and that seemed to have a training style I liked. I sent out a bunch of emails, explaining what I was looking for (basic obedience for a future puppy, maybe a 3-week program).
The Results Are In!
The responses I got back were pretty interesting. Most places weren't keen on giving a price straight away over email, to get a custom quote, I needed to have a conversation with them to first access the dog.
I booked a few phone consultations. After chatting with them, I got some actual quotes. Most were in the $2,000 - $3,500 range for a 3-week program. One was a bit lower, around $1,800, but it was with a trainer who worked from their home, and I wasn't 100% sure about the setup. One was WAY higher, closer to $4,500, but they included a lot of follow-up sessions after the program ended.
So, yeah, board and train is definitely an investment! But, honestly, if it means I can have a well-behaved dog and still travel, it might be worth it. I'm still weighing my options, but at least now I have a much better idea of the costs involved. Next step for me, finding the best program that fit my budget!
