Board & Train creates the structure, clarity, and momentum that make real change possible. We’re committed to building a stronger foundation for your dog and equipping you with the skills to maintain it. Explore the program options below to find the right fit for you.
You will leave with a dog who has a stronger foundation and the tools to keep building on it
More confidence in dogs that are unsure, sensitive, or easily overwhelmed
Better neutrality around distractions (people, dogs, movement, new places)
More reliable obedience in and outside the home
Stronger leash skills (more manageable walks and clearer boundaries)
Improved impulse control (less jumping, rushing doors, grabbing, or reacting)
Better responsiveness (your dog listens the first time more often)
By the end of the program, most owners notice major improvements in the areas that affect daily life the most:
What Does Board & Train Accomplish?
The goal is transfer and reliability: your dog learns the skills, and you learn how to keep them
How to apply the training in real-life environments—not just inside your house
How to maintain structure at home and prevent backsliding
How to handle the leash and reinforce behavior correctly
How to communicate clearly (timing, markers, follow-through)
Board & Train isn’t just training for your dog—it’s training for you, too. Lessons are built into the cost of the program so you’re not handed a trained dog and left guessing. These lessons will teach you:
Lessons Included (And Why They Matter)
This program is helpful for dogs who struggle with focus, impulse control, or “selective listening” once they leave the house
You want professional structure put in place first, then coached follow-through at home
Your dog needs confidence-building and structured exposure to the real world
Your dog is adolescent, pushy, stubborn, or easily overstimulated
You want improved leash skills and better behavior around distractions
Your dog needs a strong foundation in obedience and house manners
You’re short on time or consistency at home has been difficult
Board & Trains are ideal for owners who want results sooner and need a trainer to do the heavy lifting up front. This program is a great fit if:
Who is Board & Train for?
If you’re unsure which Program fits your needs, here’s a Helpful breakdown
Which option is best for you?
One week lays the foundation. Your dog learns the basics, and long term success depends heavily on your follow through at home. Two weeks adds the repetition needed for stronger consistency and early habit formation. Three weeks is where reliability and true follow-through take shape! This is when training starts to look polished and dependable. Four weeks is best for dogs needing deeper confidence building and behavior support, especially those who are highly anxious, fearful, or reactive and benefit from more time, structure, and guided exposure for lasting change.
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The 4-Week Board & Train provides the time, structure, and guided exposure needed for meaningful behavioral change. With stronger emotional stability, improved coping skills, and clear owner coaching, your dog leaves better equipped to handle real life, and you leave prepared to continue the progress safely and confidently.
- Highly anxious, fearful, or reactive dogs that need confidence-building
- Dogs who require socialization support, enrichment, and structured exposure
- Owners who want the most complete Board & Train experience available
Who is this for?
Behavior work is a long game, and owner consistency matters. Your lessons will focus on handling skills, timing, follow through, and maintaining the structure your dog needs to keep progressing.
Owner Lessons Included
- All training tools used are included
Tools Included
- Reactive dogs must be approved for this program to ensure it is appropriate and safe.
- Dogs with a history of human directed aggression require a different training approach and are not eligible for B&T.
Approval Required
- Noticeable improvements in coping skills and confidence
- Stronger neutrality and better recovery around triggers and stressors
- Reduced anxiety through structure, consistency, and predictable expectations
- A dog who is better equipped to function in real life, not just at home
What to expect
- Everything from the 1, 2 & 3 week programs
- Expanded structure and boundaries to improve emotional regulation
- Confidence-building through controlled exposure and real-life repetition
- Enrichment and games that build resilience, engagement, and recovery skills
- Socialization support and neutrality work (when appropriate and safe)
- Advanced practice for duration, distance, and distractions based on the dog’s needs
Whats Included
The 4-Week Board & Train is designed for dogs who need more than obedience—they need behavior support, confidence-building, and repeated real-world practice. This option is especially beneficial for highly anxious, fearful, or reactive dogs who require more time to build stability and better responses to the environment.
Best for anxious, fearful, or reactive dogs who need more time and support. Four weeks allows for deeper progress: confidence-building, enrichment, structured exposure, and stronger emotional stability.
deeper behavior support, confidence building & structure
4-WEEK BOARD & TRAIN: CONFIDENCE + BEHAVIOR SUPPORT
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The 3-Week Board & Train is where training becomes reliable, functional, and easier to live with every day. With stronger habits, clearer follow-through, and improved confidence, your dog leaves with skills that last, and you leave knowing exactly how to maintain them.
- Owners who want real consistency and long-term habits
- Dogs who need confidence building and stronger structure
- Families who want a dog that is noticeably easier to live with day to day
Who is this for?
This is where we make sure the results transfer. You’ll learn how to handle real-life moments: enforcing commands, using leash guidance properly, and maintaining structure without micromanaging your dog.
Owner Lessons Included
- The dog is executing commands more cleanly and consistently
- Muscle memory is established so skills are harder to “forget”
- Anxiety, nervousness, and uncertainty often reduce significantly with structure
- Training becomes easier for the owner to maintain because the habits are stronger
- A lot of progress at this level comes from trust, engagement, and play-based learning
What to expect
- Everything from the 1 & 2 week programs
- Stronger reliability and follow-through on all core commands
- Increased duration and distance expectations (as appropriate for the dog)
- Improved settling and calmer decision-making through structure and boundaries
- Confidence-building through trust, structured play, and real-life repetition
Whats Included
The 3-Week Board & Train is where the training becomes much more dependable and functional. By this point, your dog isn’t just learning commands, they’re executing them with more consistency and less negotiation. This program builds muscle memory through daily repetition, structured boundaries, and trust-based training that improves confidence.
This is where training starts to look like a trained dog. Three weeks creates the habit strength, follow through, and confidence most owners are looking for.
dependable obedience, true muscle memory, & confidence
3-WEEK BOARD & TRAIN: RELIABILITY + MUSCLE MEMORY
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The 2-Week Board & Train program builds the consistency and habit strength that make training stick. you can maintain reliable behavior long after your dog goes home.
- Owners who want more reliability than a one-week foundation
- Dogs who need repetitions to start turning skills into habits
- Families who want improved control and better daily structure
Who is this for?
You will learn how to reinforce training at home so your dog will listen to commands not only from the trainer, but from everyone in your house. Lessons focus heavily on timing, markers, praise, and real-life handling.
Owner Lessons Included
- Commands become more consistent and easier to maintain
- Your dog shows better impulse control and improved responsiveness
- Muscle memory begins to form through repetition and structure
- Owner follow-through becomes easier because the dog has more built-in habit strength
What to expect
- Everything from the 1 week program
- Increased repetitions for stronger retention and consistency
- “Load Up” (getting into the vehicle) for dogs physically able to do so
- Distance foundations (beginning reliability at short distances)
- Stronger leash handling and clearer follow-through
Whats Included
The 2-Week Board & Train includes everything from Week 1, with significantly more repetition and real-life practice. This is where training becomes more consistent and your dog begins to respond with less hesitation. We also add skills that improve everyday handling and control.
More repetition. More reliability. Real habits start forming. Two weeks gives your dog the structure and repetitions needed to begin building muscle memory.
Strengthens obedience through repetition & structure
2-WEEK BOARD & TRAIN: FOUNDATION + FOLLOW-THROUGH
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The 1-Week Board & Train is the right choice if you want a clear starting point, fast improvement, and a solid framework to build on. It sets the rules, introduces the skills, and shows your dog what’s expected. what makes it last is the consistency you bring once they’re home.
- Owners who want a strong start and will practice consistently at home
- Dogs who need basic obedience and household manners installed correctly
- Families who need structure fast, without a long program commitment
Who is this for?
You will learn exactly how to maintain the training at home, including timing, leash handling, markers, and follow-through. This is the key for the program and lessons to stick long term.
Owner Lessons Included
- Your dog will understand the commands and begin responding more consistently
- Manners improve quickly with structure (especially jumping, doors, and routine issues)
- This week builds the “how” and “what” — not deep habit strength yet
- Without owner follow-through, most dogs will do it well for me, but test it at home
What to expect
- Intro to basic obedience: Sit, Down, Come, Place
- Marker training (Yes/No) for clear communication
- Door manners (less rushing, better boundaries)
- Crate manners (settling and calmer routines)
- Jumping reduction and improved household behavior
- Clear owner handling skills with timing, markers, follow-through, and praise
Whats Included
The 1-Week Board & Train is designed to jump-start obedience and household manners with clear structure and daily training. Your dog will learn the fundamentals and show noticeable improvement, but this program is best viewed as a foundation week—not a finished product. The owner’s follow-through after go-home is what determines long-term success.
A strong start with structure, clarity, and immediate improvement.
Perfect for owners who want the basics installed correctly and are ready to follow through at home.
jump start basic obedience and household manners fast
1-WEEK BOARD & TRAIN: FOUNDATIONS STARTER
Training typically includes obedience foundations, leash skills, house manners, and real world reliability. We also put a focus on better follow-through and neutrality around distractions. The goal is a dog that listens and functions in everyday life, not just at home.
4. What will my dog learn?
Board & Train is ideal for busy owners, adolescent dogs, dogs who need structure and consistency, and dogs who struggle with impulse control, leash behavior, or distractions. It’s also a great option for dogs who need confidence building in real-life environments.
3. Who is a good fit for Board & Train?
Most dogs attend for 1–4 weeks, depending on age, temperament, and goals. I’ll recommend a time frame based on their history, needs and what will create the best long-term results.
2. How long is the program?
Your dog lives with me and receives daily, structured training designed to build real world obedience, clear manners, and lasting reliability. Each skill is layered intentionally so the behavior holds up in everyday life, not just for a moment.
1. How does a Board & Train work?
Board and Train FAQ
You’ll have clear guidance on how to continue the training at home, including what to practice first and how to maintain structure. I focus on making sure the results transfer to your real daily routine.
9. What happens after my dog goes home?
You will bring your dog’s food, any required medication, and your vet’s information. If your dog uses specific equipment or has favorites (like a blanket or toy), I’ll let you know what to pack based on your dog’s needs.
8. What do i need to bring?
Most dogs adjust quickly to the structure, routine, and clear expectations which help them feel secure. The goal is to build confidence and stability while they’re here, then smoothly transfer those skills back to you so the progress continues at home.
7. Will my dog struggle being away from home?
Yes, your dog will absolutely remember you!
6. Will my dog remember me?
Yes. Lessons are built into the cost of the program so you learn how to handle, reinforce, and maintain the training at home. The best results happen when the owner is confident and consistent after the program ends.
5. Are lessons included?
This isn’t “kennel boarding.” Your dog will be part of the daily routine—whether that means joining me for a hike, going to the beach, hanging out on the deck, or simply enjoying a calm, structured day in a familiar environment.
Boarding with Training with Karen is available to current and past training clients only. Boarding is intentionally kept small and personal limited to two dogs at a time so your dog receives real attention, structure, and a predictable routine while you’re away. Dogs stay inside my home and live real life with me, including structured outings, relaxing downtime, and appropriate exposure.
In-home boarding with real-life structure, enrichment, and personalized care. Limited to just two dogs at a time, so your dog stays in a calm, fully supervised home environment, not a crowded kennel setting.
(Only available for previous or current clients)
Boarding
- In-home boarding (no runs, no kennel facility environment)
- A calm, structured routine with supervision and safety
- Daily real-life enrichment including hikes, beach time, outings, and decompression time
- Social exposure to other dogs (when appropriate)
- Exposure to my resident cat, Chippy (when appropriate)
- Dogs may join training sessions, lounge, settle, and enjoy a balanced routine
What to expect
- Boarding is charged by the day
- Dogs arriving after 6:00 PM are charged for a half day
- Dogs leaving before 12:00 PM are charged for a half day
- Holiday stays may include an additional fee
- Spots are limited and fill quickly during holidays and peak travel weeks.
Boarding Rates
- Transport for pick up or drop off can be arranged for an additional fee based on time and distance.
Pick-Up / Drop-Off Options
When you board with me your dog isn’t just being watched, they’re being cared for with structure, attention, and intention. My goal is simple: you travel knowing your dog is safe, engaged, and living a balanced routine in a calm home environment you already trust.
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Karen's detailed training plans and wealth of information provided us with invaluable insights. Leaving Duke with her felt like leaving him with a trusted family member. The change in Duke after his training was remarkable. He now responds to commands like "come," "sit," and "lay down," and the nipping that worried us is almost completely gone. Karen's guidance has empowered us to understand Duke's behavior and create a harmonious environment for him and our 4 young children. The peace of mind we gained is immeasurable. Knowing Duke was in such capable hands during his stay was a tremendous relief. Karen's continued support & genuine affection for Duke solidify our confidence in her. We are thrilled to have her as our trusted trainer and look forward to continuing our journey with her!
Choosing Karen for board & train was the best decision we made for our family & our 4 month old Cavapoo, Duke. From the moment we met, her professionalism and genuine care were evident.
Board and Train Client | Jenn DiMonte
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Her attention to detail, consistency with communication with us as she was training our Chihuahua and the end result when she returned her home was an undeniable difference! Annabel is so confident, socializes with other dogs and people now without fear, listens to and obeys commands and is like a new dog! We are so grateful and thankful for Karen! If you need training for your fur baby, Karen will not disappoint and she is absolutely fantastic with the animals!
Karen, the trainer we hired after looking at many options for Annabel, was absolutely AMAZING!
Training Client | Rachel Isacson
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He was scared of everything, and Karen was confident that we could remedy this for him. I was able to contact Karen at any time, schedule flexible session times, and meet at convenient locations. We the 6 week “Out and About Adventurer” program. From our first session, I could tell that Karen loves her job! I was eager to watch, learn and try for myself whatever the lesson was that day. We made progress at each session (and in between sessions). With consistency, technique, training tools, and the rule of holding my dog accountable, our dog is med free and actually enjoying his car rides, walks, and can tolerate a nail trim alongside an experienced groomer. We are so grateful for your direction and continued support!
Karen was the only trainer who took the time to truly listen and guide us on our concerns about our 2 Y/O Lab. His anxiety was so severe he needed heavy medication and she gave us real hope.
Training Client | Brooke Hilyard
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Karen identified his problem as an impulse control issue and knew he needed confidence building. She gave us techniques for structure and showed us how to provide him with a sense of protection, which alleviated his anxiety and decreased the barking. We had met with other dog trainers, but Karen was the first who understood our specific issues and developed appropriate solutions. She is both patient and firm with our dog (and with us) and was very focused . From day one we had great confidence in her approach and capabilities. She took great pains to understand our situation before proposing a solution.
Our 3 Y/O Chihuahua/poodle is highly anxious and barks excessively when guests enter our home or when we meet people on the street.
Training Client | Geri Brooks
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He was a fearful rescue that wouldn’t stop barking at everything , especially family members!!! We started with basic obedience and the dogs confidence soared . She helped us immeasurably. I would highly recommend Karen for obedience training and for any behavioral problems . Her gentle but firm manner sets owners and pets up for success .
Karen is amazing !!! She helped us so much with our dog, Budz.
Training Client | Chris Wheatley
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Was challenging to break old habits that were not taught originally. From the first lesson where my dog refused to even go near Karen without being pulled to her last lesson where she went right up to her, I have seen the drastic difference in my dog. Being a shy, timid, anxious soul like her Mom - my dog had to really be coaxed into each new thing we were taught. Learning the amount of patience & consistency needed to fully train your dog was key for my experience. Karen was super helpful with ways to get my anxious dog interested in learning new things and habits.
i would highly recommend Karen for your dog’s training. My dog had no prior training and I signed her up for lessons with Karen at the age of 2.
Training Client | Molly Oberholzer
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Karen has been an incredible resource to us! She has been completely patient with him - and us- as we work to build a solid foundation for him. We’ve completed the basic 8 week course which immediately improved his confidence and ours as he learned to follow basic commands. Maverick still has a long way to go but we are excited to continue to work with Karen to help him overcome his fear of strangers and new dogs.
We love working with Karen! We adopted our rescue pup Maverick in August and started having a few challenges as he is very fear reactive.
Training Client | Brianna Michele
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We saw the immediate changes in Ollie after his very first lesson, and after completing his training he’s a confident, well behaved, happy dog that we feel great about bringing everywhere. Everyone Ollie meets can’t believe he is a puppy with his great manors and I couldn’t recommend Karen more every time someone mentions it. We had a great time throughout our lessons and I truly loved our time together! Ollie says a big thanks too!
Karen was the absolute best for our new rescue pup (7 months old) Ollie!
Training Client | Lindsee Moses
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It has made having the puppy so much more enjoyable. Karen was also SO flexible with our schedules and gave us time to apply her trainings. Her program is not overly complicated in fact the opposite and gets to the point in an attainable way for anybody to train their dogs. We’ve even used these techniques on our older dog and it’s working. Absolutely wonderful experience. Karen is always available for any questions during and after the training program. Ten out of ten! Karen is a true professional. Thank you so much!
Karen gave us all the tools we needed to train our puppy, Archie. We are so grateful to use her training techniques and now have a well trained dog.
Training Client | Ashley Ann Marie
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We completed the first 4 training sessions offered in her package, and we feel that our dog has definitely improved. She still has a lot to learn since she’s a puppy, but Karen has given us tools to use in the future.
Karen was very knowledgeable about training dogs, and it was extremely evident that she loves her furry friends dearly!
Training Client | Nicole Vanist
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It took a little thinking and trial and error but Karen figured out how Belle reacts and got positive results which made for us a better way to work with Belle at home. I was so proud of Belle at our last class she did amazing and I know Karen was happy too. All you have to do is listen to Karen and your dog and you will have a best friend for their life. I cannot give Karen enough praise for her work with both us and Belle, thank you so much. And I am continuing the training with Belle to make us better together.
Our Belle did amazing, but it all had to do with Training with Karen. Karen is amazing, she figured out how to work with our stubborn Belle.
Training Client | Olivia D'Alessio
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It took about a year for us to settle on the right trainer. After an initial discussion on the phone, I knew how well versed she was in all matters "dog" and because I did so much research on my own on various methods of training, various trainers, I knew I finally found the perfect person. I would not hesitate one bit with Karen. We did 8 weekly lessons and it was well worth it. She trained us humans mostly because we need to know what we are doing right or wrong in order for us to help our dog understand what we want from them.
Karen is the best trainer around. She is extremely knowledgeable, yet will always listen to other points of view without judgement.
Training Client | Terri Cohen Schechter-Steinhauer
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Karen is knowledgeable, compassionate, and has this amazing bond with every dog she comes in contact with. We were fortunate enough to find Karen two years ago for our dog Zoey who went through a two week board and train . We now board Zoey with Karen when we go on vacation. We don’t know what we would do without her! It is apparent from the moment you see her interact with Zoey that it is not just a business to her, it is her love. The peace of mind in knowing Zoey is well cared for is priceless. We HIGHLY recommend Karen!
Without a doubt the single greatest trainer and pet sitter around!
Board & Train Client | Sandra DeLucia
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My dog had a very personal, loving experience the whole time as opposed to being in a crate alongside a ton of other dogs all day. I got daily pictures and updates and had 100% confidence she was in great hands and having a great time.
On top of being a great choice for boarding, Karen is a very knowledgeable trainer. Her methodology is very balanced and personalized for the dog in front of her. She keeps it real and honest even when it's tough to hear. She has you and your dog's best interest at heart at all times. Trust me, it's worth every penny!
There's very few people I trust to board my 6 year old crazy pit bull/cattle dog mix. Karen not only boards, but reinforces training.
Boarding Client | Ari Sharp
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All of that led to Tilly being very reactive. After graduating, and Tilly is a brand new dog. Things that would trigger her (cars, people, loud noises) she now ignores. She never leaves my side on walks unless I tell her it’s okay, and MOST amazing, Tilly held her position in place for 15 minutes to be released. Working with Karen has not only changed Tilly’s confidence and approach to life, but has also made me a better, more responsible and accountable dog owner. You cannot go wrong with choosing Karen to help you overcome any obstacles you are having with your pup. We are forever grateful for you Karen!!
Words can’t begin to explain how life changing working with Karen has been. Tilly came to me with zero confidence and had no socialization
training Client | Megan Willey
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Please indicate the program name and your main concern, or let us know if you need help choosing if you’re not sure yet!
(Main concerns, current issues, what you hope to get from working with me)
