The Dark Side of Board and Train Programs: The Hidden Dangers of Rushed Training

Many pet owners are attracted to board and train programs for quick dog training fixes. These programs promise fast changes in behaviour, but this quest for immediate results might unintentionally expose our furry friends to traumatizing experiences. With the combination of extremely short turn around times and financial incentives, trainers in these programs often resort to a continuous increase in punishments to address unwanted behaviours until a desired result is achieved, increasing the risk of emotional distress for our beloved pets.

The Toll of Over punishment: Hidden Dangers and Long-Term Effects

Understanding why these methods are used is crucial. In these programs, there's little time to adjust the pace of behaviour change to the dog being trained. Punishment in behaviour modification is used in attempts to make a dog want to avoid engaging in undesirable behaviours. While effective for quick changes, this approach brings difficulties, dependencies, and welfare concerns in the long run. This need for swift and continuous punishment is why almost all board and train programs have mandatory requirements for using tools that induce pain, fear, and discomfort. Tools like prong collars, e-collars, slip leads, and more are favoured for their ability to provide rapid results.

However, the downside is often the well-being and emotional health of the dog, as these tools often, if not always cause emotional distress. Adding to the complexity, effective punishment requires consistent application. To maintain behaviour changes, two things must happen: the threat of punishment must be continuously present, or the undesired behaviour is likely to resurface. Continuous punishment is also necessary if the dog practices the undesired behaviour at any time in the future. The pressure to meet unrealistic time lines often leads trainers to increases in the severity of punishments, hoping the dog will submit, creating an environment that can result in traumatic experiences and tragically lead to the passing of far to many dogs.

The Dark Side of Financial Incentives: Hidden Risks and Dangers

With board and trains ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands for only a few weeks of work, it's remarkably accessible for individuals to establish a dog training business and sustain themselves with just a few clients per month, without the need of reoccurring clients. The financial incentive is undeniable, creating an environment where the profitability of board and train programs become a driving force for some trainers.

However, this financial model raises significant moral concerns within the dog training industry. The substantial sums involved in board and train programs can create a conflict of interest, potentially compromising the welfare and well-being of the dogs in training. The pressure to deliver rapid results may lead some trainers to prioritize financial gains over the thoughtful and humane approach necessary for effective behaviour modification. We recommend to stay far away from any trainer pushing you towards a board and train as a first option.

Frequent Tragedies: A Sobering Reality

Just to name a few incidents from the past year, alarming footage has captured national attention. For example, Cypress Arrow K9 Academy showcased trainers tethering a dog and whipping it with a horse whip in a desperate attempt to yield results during a board and train session as a "last resort" and without the consent of the dogs owners.

In a separate case, Jason Daniels invested $15,000 in a boarding and training program at Professional K9s in Garland, only to tragically lose his Dutch Shepherd puppy, Leia. Leia succumbed to heat stroke and severe dehydration while under the care of a company called Professional K9s. Jason conducted a necropsy, revealing the devastating circumstances that led to Leia's unfortunate passing.

Both of these distressing events, all occurring within the last year, underscore the urgent need for heightened awareness and scrutiny within the dog training industry.

Mitigating Risks: Ensuring a Safe and Effective Experience

To ensure that board and train programs are safe and effective, we need to take some important steps. First, it's crucial to keep a close eye on your dog in real-time for peace of mind. Simply relying on recorded video highlights isn't sufficient; a continuous live stream accessible day and night is the key. Additionally, a vital aspect of minimizing risks involves choosing trainers who oppose the use of punishment techniques and or the use of aversive tools. Unfortunately, these standards are rarely seen in the dog training industry, as reported by trainers in countries where tools like shock collars are banned. According to their insights, board and train programs are no longer commonly practiced in the current training culture. This reveals the need for a significant shift towards more humane and effective practices within the industry, emphasizing approaches that prioritize the well-being of our furry companions.

At MB K9: We Prioritize Our Dogs

We prioritize training methods that build trust and understanding between dogs and their owners. We believe in taking the time to address the root causes of behaviours, fostering lasting changes through humane training practices. By offering insights into the intricacies of psychology and promoting a more considerate approach to behaviour modification, we aim to empower pet owners to make informed choices for the well-being of their canine companions.