Board and Train Dog Training in Birmingham, Alabama
Immersive Training Programs Where Your Dog Lives & Learns With Professional Trainers
Call (205) 402-8448 View Board & Train Programs
Do you dream of having a perfectly trained dog but struggle to find the time for daily training sessions? Are you dealing with behavioral issues that feel overwhelming to tackle on your own? Board and train programs offer the solution Birmingham dog owners have been searching for. Your dog comes to live with our professional trainers, receives intensive daily training, and returns home transformed.
At Off Leash K9 Training Alabama, we offer specialized board and train programs designed for every type of dog and every training goal. Whether you have a brand new puppy who needs a head start, an adult dog who needs obedience training, a dog with aggression issues, or you want to explore the exciting world of scent work, we have a board and train program that fits your needs.
Located in Pelham and serving the entire Birmingham metro area, our board and train programs have helped hundreds of families transform their dogs faster than traditional weekly lessons allow. Your dog receives professional training every single day, multiple times per day, creating rapid and lasting results.
What is Board and Train Dog Training?
Board and train—sometimes called "doggy boot camp" or "immersive training"—is a training method where your dog comes to stay with a professional trainer for a set period of time. During their stay, your dog lives in the trainer's home and receives intensive, structured training every day.
Think of it like sending your dog to school. Instead of you trying to squeeze in training sessions between work, family responsibilities, and everything else life throws at you, your dog gets dedicated attention from someone who trains dogs for a living. They eat, sleep, and breathe dog training, and for the duration of the program, your dog gets that same focus.
The biggest advantage of board and train is consistency and immersion. Dogs learn through repetition and clear expectations. When a professional trainer is working with your dog multiple times throughout the day, every day, for one or two weeks straight, the learning happens much faster than weekly lessons where you're practicing on your own between sessions.
But here's what really makes our board and train programs different from others in Birmingham: we don't just train your dog—we train you too. Every board and train package includes a comprehensive handoff session where we teach you exactly what your dog learned and how to maintain it. Because the truth is, the training only matters if you can continue it at home.
Board and Train Programs in Birmingham
We offer four distinct board and train programs, each designed for specific training goals and dog types. Every program includes lifetime support—if you ever need help down the road, just give us a call and come back for free tune-ups.
- 2 full weeks of immersive training with our certified trainers
- Your dog masters all 7 basic obedience commands: Come, Sit, Extended Sit, Place, Extended Place, Down, Extended Down, Heel, Break, and Off
- Training in multiple real-world environments with distractions
- E-collar conditioning for reliable off-leash control
- 2-hour one-on-one handoff session where we teach you everything your dog learned
- Your dog returns home ready to listen, even around distractions
- Lifetime support included—free tune-ups forever
- E-collar and training leash included
- One week immersive program specifically designed for young puppies
- Focus on crate training and proper crate behavior
- Bite inhibition training—teaching your puppy not to nip and bite
- In-home socialization with other dogs in a controlled environment
- Foundation commands: Come, Sit, and basic leash handling
- Nutrition guidance for healthy puppy development
- Potty training reinforcement throughout the stay
- Sets your puppy up for success before formal obedience training begins
- Specialized program for human aggression and bite cases (evaluation required)
- Your dog stays with our certified aggression specialists for 2 full weeks
- Complete 7 basic obedience commands included
- Behavior modification for fear, anxiety, and aggression triggers
- 2-hour intensive handoff session teaching you proper handling techniques
- Learn how to manage and maintain progress at home
- Lifetime support on obedience training—come back free forever
- E-collar and training leash included
- 2 weeks of intensive scent detection training
- Your dog lives with our trainer and works multiple short sessions daily
- Achieves everything in the Proficient Scent Work Package
- Learns to conduct independent searches without handler guidance
- Masters alerting on odor alone (without immediate reward present)
- Your dog is treated as family during their stay
- Perfect for dogs who need mental stimulation and a "job"
- Great foundation for competition scent work or just for fun
Which Board and Train Program is Right for You?
Choosing the right program depends on your dog's age, current behavior, and your training goals. Here's a quick guide to help you decide:
| Program | Best For | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Week Board & Train | Adult dogs (5+ months) needing obedience training, off-leash reliability, and distraction-proofing | 2 Weeks | $2,900 |
| 1 Week Puppy Board & Train | Puppies 8 weeks to 5 months old who need foundation skills before formal training | 1 Week | $850 |
| Aggression/Anxiety Board & Train | Dogs with human aggression, bite history, severe anxiety, or fear-based behaviors | 2 Weeks | $3,500 |
| Scent Work Board & Train | Dogs who need mental stimulation, a "job," or preparation for detection/competition work | 2 Weeks | $2,800 |
What Happens During Board and Train?
When you drop off your dog for board and train, they're beginning an intensive learning experience. Here's what a typical day looks like for dogs in our program:
A Day in the Life of a Board & Train Dog
Morning: Your dog starts the day with a bathroom break and breakfast. After eating, they have a training session focused on foundational commands or building on what they learned the day before. Morning sessions often focus on obedience drills in a low-distraction environment to reinforce skills.
Midday: Another training session, this time often in a different location or with added distractions. This might mean practicing "place" command while the trainer does household activities, working on heel in a parking lot, or introducing new challenges. Your dog also gets downtime to rest and process what they've learned.
Afternoon: More training, often focused on real-world scenarios. This could include practicing commands around other dogs, working in public spaces like pet stores or parks, or addressing specific behavioral issues. We believe training should work in real life, not just in a training facility.
Evening: Final training session of the day, often reviewing everything practiced earlier. Your dog then gets dinner, playtime, and relaxation. They sleep in a comfortable crate or designated sleeping area, just like they would at home.
Throughout the day, your dog is receiving 4-6 training sessions, each lasting 15-30 minutes. This frequency and consistency is what creates rapid transformation. In two weeks, your dog experiences more structured training than most pet dogs get in months of weekly lessons.
The Board and Train Process: What to Expect
Free Consultation
Everything starts with a conversation. We'll talk about your dog's history, current behavior, and your training goals. For aggression cases, we require an in-person evaluation to assess your dog and ensure board and train is the right approach. This consultation is completely free with no pressure—we want to make sure we're the right fit for your situation.
Drop-Off Day
When you bring your dog to us, we'll do a detailed intake. We'll ask about their feeding schedule, any medical needs, behavioral quirks, and what you're hoping to achieve. Bring their regular food to maintain dietary consistency. We know it can be hard to leave your dog, but rest assured they're in expert hands.
The Training Period
For the next 1-2 weeks (depending on your program), your dog lives with our trainer. They receive multiple training sessions daily, gradually building skills and adding challenges. We'll send you updates so you can see your dog's progress. By the end, your dog will have practiced their new skills in various environments and situations.
The Handoff Session
This is the most important part. When your dog graduates, you'll come for a 2-hour one-on-one session where we transfer everything to you. We'll demonstrate every command your dog learned, show you the proper techniques, let you practice while we coach you, and answer all your questions. You leave knowing exactly how to maintain the training.
Going Home
Your dog goes home with you, along with their e-collar and training leash. You'll have everything you need to continue the training. The first few days at home are critical—consistency is key. Follow the instructions we gave you in the handoff, and your dog will maintain their new skills.
Lifetime Support
Our relationship doesn't end when training does. Every board and train package includes lifetime support. If you hit a rough patch, have questions, or just want a refresher, call us. Come back for free tune-up sessions anytime—next month or five years from now. We're invested in your success forever.
Why Choose Board and Train Over Weekly Lessons?
We offer both board and train programs and weekly lesson packages at Off Leash K9 Training Alabama. Both approaches work—but they work differently. Here's when board and train might be the better choice:
Board and Train is Ideal When...
You have a busy schedule. Let's be honest—life is hectic. Between work, kids, and everything else, finding 30-45 minutes every single day for training practice is hard. Board and train takes the daily practice off your plate during the training period. Your dog gets professional training while you handle life.
You want faster results. With weekly lessons, progress happens over 4-8 weeks as you practice between sessions. With board and train, your dog is being trained multiple times every day by professionals. Two weeks of immersive training can accomplish what might take months with weekly lessons.
You're dealing with serious behavioral issues. For dogs with aggression, severe anxiety, or complex problems, having a professional manage the dog 24/7 during the training process is often safer and more effective than trying to address it yourself with weekly guidance.
You struggle with consistency. Dogs need consistent rules and expectations to learn. If different family members handle the dog differently, or if you find it hard to stick to training protocols, board and train establishes the foundation solidly before the dog comes home.
You're going on vacation or have a life event coming up. Some clients combine board and train with vacation timing. Your dog gets trained while you're away, and you come back to a transformed companion.
Weekly Lessons Might Be Better When...
You have the time and commitment to practice daily, you want to be involved in every step of the training process, your dog has mild issues that don't require intensive intervention, or you prefer the bond-building aspect of training your own dog. Check out our obedience training packages if weekly lessons sound like a better fit.
Why Birmingham Families Choose Our Board and Train Programs
Not all board and train programs are created equal. Here's what sets Off Leash K9 Training Alabama apart from other options in the Birmingham area:
Your dog doesn't stay in a kennel or facility—they live in our trainer's home as part of the family. This home environment means training happens in real-life situations, not artificial settings. Your dog learns to behave in the same type of environment they'll be in when they go home to you.
Our trainers are certified through Off Leash K9 Training, one of the most respected dog training organizations in the country. They've completed extensive training themselves and have years of hands-on experience with dogs of all breeds, ages, and behavioral challenges.
We don't just train your dog and send them home. Every program includes a detailed handoff session where we teach YOU everything. You'll understand the commands, the techniques, the timing, and how to maintain training long-term. We set you up for success.
Your dog practices commands in actual Birmingham locations—parks, pet stores, busy sidewalks, and everywhere else they'll need to behave. Training that only works in a training facility isn't real training. We make sure skills transfer to the real world.
Every board and train program includes lifetime support. Not 30 days. Not 6 months. Forever. If you ever need help—whether it's next month or in five years—call us. Come back for free tune-up sessions anytime. We're committed to your long-term success.
We know it's hard to be away from your dog. During board and train, we send you updates and progress reports so you can see how your dog is doing. You'll watch their transformation happen in real-time.
Detailed Program Information
2 Week Board & Train: Complete Obedience
Our flagship board and train program is designed for adult dogs (5 months and older) who need comprehensive obedience training. Over two weeks, your dog masters the same commands taught in our Basic Obedience program, but in an accelerated, immersive format.
Commands your dog will learn:
- Come: Your dog comes to you every time, even from a distance, even with distractions
- Sit & Extended Sit: Your dog sits on command and holds it until you release them
- Place & Extended Place: Your dog goes to a designated spot and stays there, perfect for visitors or meal times
- Down & Extended Down: Your dog lies down and stays, even in exciting environments
- Heel: Your dog walks calmly beside you on or off leash without pulling
- Break: The release command that tells your dog they're done with a command
- Off: Corrects any unwanted behavior—jumping, counter surfing, getting on furniture
By the end of two weeks, your dog responds reliably to all these commands, even around distractions like other dogs, people, squirrels, and busy environments. The training includes e-collar conditioning, which gives you reliable communication with your dog at a distance—essential for true off-leash reliability.
1 Week Puppy Board & Train: The Perfect Start
Puppies under 5 months old aren't ready for formal obedience training—their attention spans are short and they're still developing. But this critical developmental period is the perfect time to establish good habits and prevent problems before they start.
Our puppy board and train focuses on the foundations that will make future training easier:
Crate training teaches your puppy to view their crate as a safe, comfortable space rather than a prison. A crate-trained puppy is easier to housetrain, safer when you can't supervise them, and calmer overall.
Bite inhibition addresses one of the most common puppy complaints—those sharp little teeth! We teach your puppy appropriate mouth manners so they learn not to nip and bite humans.
Socialization with other dogs in our trainer's home helps your puppy learn appropriate dog-to-dog communication. Proper early socialization prevents fear and aggression issues later.
Foundation commands like come and sit start building good habits early. These aren't formal obedience yet, but they give your puppy a head start for when they're old enough for full training.
After your puppy graduates from this program, they'll be ready to start our AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Package or wait until they're 5 months old for formal obedience training.
Aggression/Anxiety Board & Train: For Serious Cases
When you're dealing with a dog who shows aggression toward people, has bitten someone, or has severe anxiety that affects daily life, you need more than standard obedience training. Our specialized aggression board and train program addresses these serious behavioral issues.
This program requires an evaluation before enrollment. We need to meet your dog, understand the specific behaviors you're dealing with, and make sure board and train is the right approach for your situation. Some aggression cases are better suited for our lesson-based aggression program where you're involved throughout.
During the two-week stay, our aggression specialists work on both obedience (giving you tools to control your dog) and behavior modification (changing how your dog responds to triggers). The $3,500 investment reflects the specialized expertise required and the additional safety considerations involved in working with aggressive dogs.
Important: While we have excellent success rates with aggressive dogs, we're honest about expectations. Not every aggressive dog becomes completely "cured." Some dogs will always need management around certain triggers. What we can promise is that you'll have the tools and knowledge to keep everyone safe and manage your dog effectively.
Scent Work Board & Train: Give Your Dog a Job
Some dogs need more than obedience training—they need a purpose. Scent work training taps into your dog's natural abilities and gives them a mentally stimulating job that satisfies their instincts.
Our scent work board and train is perfect for high-energy dogs who need mental stimulation, dogs who get bored easily and get into trouble, breeds with strong scenting abilities (hounds, retrievers, shepherds, and many more), dogs who would benefit from building confidence, and owners interested in competition scent work or nosework.
During the two-week program, your dog learns to search for and alert on specific odors. They'll progress from basic searches with rewards paired with the odor to conducting independent searches and alerting on odor alone. This is the same foundation used for professional detection dogs.
The mental workout from scent work often produces a calmer, happier dog at home. A dog with a job is a dog who isn't making up their own entertainment (usually destructive entertainment). Many of our scent work graduates go on to compete in AKC Scent Work trials or similar organizations.
Common Questions About Board and Train
Board and Train vs. Other Training Options
We want you to make the right choice for your situation, so let's compare board and train to other training options we offer:
| Feature | Board & Train | Weekly Lessons | In-Home Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | Drop off, pick up, attend handoff | Weekly lessons + daily practice | Weekly visits + daily practice |
| Speed of Results | Fastest (1-2 weeks) | Moderate (4-8 weeks) | Moderate (4-8 weeks) |
| Your Involvement | Minimal during training | High (you're the trainer) | High (trainer coaches you) |
| Best For | Busy owners, faster results, serious issues | Hands-on owners, budget-conscious | Dogs with home-specific issues |
| Lifetime Support | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
Not sure which option is right for you? That's exactly what our free consultation is for. Call us, tell us about your dog and your situation, and we'll give you an honest recommendation—even if that means suggesting a less expensive option.
What Our Clients Say
Don't just take our word for it. Birmingham families have trusted us with their dogs, and the results speak for themselves. Check out our testimonials page to see what our graduates and their families have to say, or watch real training results on our videos page.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're ready to transform your dog's behavior with our board and train program, the first step is simple: call us. We'll have a conversation about your dog, answer your questions, and help you choose the right program.
For aggression cases, we'll schedule an in-person evaluation. For all other programs, we can often book you in with just a phone consultation.
Remember, board and train spots are limited because we give each dog intensive individual attention. If you have specific dates in mind—especially around holidays or summer—book early to secure your spot.
Serving Birmingham & Surrounding Communities
We provide board and train dog training for families throughout the greater Birmingham metro area. Located in Pelham, we're centrally positioned to serve all of these communities. If you're within driving distance, we'd love to work with your dog!
Don't see your city listed? If you're in the Birmingham metro area or within reasonable driving distance, we probably serve your neighborhood. Give us a call to confirm!
Transform Your Dog in Just 1-2 Weeks
Imagine coming home to a dog who listens, behaves, and makes you proud. That's what board and train delivers. While you're at work or enjoying your life, your dog is getting professional training that creates lasting transformation.
Our board and train programs have helped hundreds of Birmingham families enjoy their dogs again. With lifetime support included, you're never alone in maintaining your dog's training.
Off Leash K9 Training Alabama
Obedience Dog Training •
Aggressive Dog Training •
Service Dog Training •
Scent Work Training •
Puppy Training
241 Commerce Parkway, Pelham, AL 35124
Serving
Birmingham,
Vestavia Hills,
Hoover,
Mountain Brook,
Homewood,
Alabaster,
Helena,
Chelsea,
Calera,
Montevallo,
Trussville,
Meadowbrook
& All Surrounding Communities