What to observe when visiting a Board and Train facility for aggressive dogs

Sometimes asking questions will get you the party line. You need to look around and use your own judgment about your observations. See problems with Board and Train solutions

Health Concerns

If participating at a facility where there are other dogs present, regardless of whether the dog comes into contact with other dogs: Does the consultant/facility ask for the dog’s current vaccination information?

How is stress managed at the facilty? Many dogs experience stress when in a kenneling environment. However, becuase your dog is there for treatment, stress significantly interfers with the learning process as well. Dogs who are exposed to stress for extended periods of time have higher levels of chemicals in their brains which contribute to a hypevigilence and an increase in reactivity.

In other words, its possible the enviroment could be making your dog worse. If the answer to combat this stress is a greater degree of punishment which they can't control in any way (such as extended crating), then a condition such as learned helplessness can occur. Depressive symptoms may appear, and the lack of interest your dog appears to have may resemble "good behavior". However, this can make your dog unpredictable.

If a dog is experiencing any kind of weight loss, then the trainer may be aiming only for supressing the behavior rather than treating the underlying problem.

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Staff qualifications

How many consultants are at the facility the day you arrive in relation to the number of dogs that are living there (and this includes the consultants own dogs, if he lives at the facility)?

If the facility operates seven days a week, the day of your visit is considered a work day. Make observations because this is how your dog will be living for the days and weeks ahead. If the facility only has two consultants and 30 dogs, the dogs can’t possibly get enough attention. Ask for the names of all the consultants and arrange to meet as many as possible.

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Environment

Is the facility actually just someone’s home? Be aware that these setups are not always professionally maintained. If the consultant takes in more than one dog, the premises should be clean and as professionally maintained as a kennel. Unless the environment is your home, your dog does not need to live in a “home” environment while under going treatment. Any argument to the contrary is usually a ploy to to get you around the idea that it is not professionally maintained environment.

Is the facility secure? Are there holes in the fence where your dog can get out or another dog can sneak in? Look for other things in the facility that you may deem dangerous and ask questions.
Look at the dogs currently at the facility. Do they appear underweight? Are there any noticeable bite or scratch wounds? Do their eyes appear bright and fur shiny ?
Many dogs spend time in kennels or crates. Be sure to check out the condition of the crates.
Make sure there is water supplied in each crate. Find out how often the water is changed.
Find out the size and the kind of crate your dog will be held in. It should be large enough to stretch and turn around.
How are the dogs exercised? Are there secure spacious runs for each dog to get suitable exercise safely? Or is there a large number staff that can adaquately address the needs of each dog? If so what is the experience of each of the staff memebers walking your dogs, and will other dogs be walked at the same time?
Are there dogs tied up, ropes or leashes around trees or any other evidence that dogs are tied up outside

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