Guide · Board & Train
What goes into the cost of board and train?
What drives the price of a board and train program, what's included at ATX K9, and what to ask any program you compare.
What drives the price of a board and train program, what's included at ATX K9, and what to ask any program you compare.
If you've started looking at board and train programs around Austin, you've probably noticed the prices are all over the map. The difference usually comes down to a handful of things. Once you know what they are, comparing programs gets a lot easier.
We don't post prices on our site, because every dog's program is built around that dog. We'll give you a clear quote on your free consultation.
Length is the biggest factor. Our Board & Train programs run 1 to 4 weeks, and most families choose 2 to 3 weeks. A 1-week program is a focused start on your top priorities. Longer programs add off-leash work, real-world distractions, field trips, and behavior modification.
Ask any program how many training sessions your dog gets per day. At ATX K9, dogs get multiple individual training sessions throughout the day. Once they have a solid foundation, we take them on real-world field trips to practice around new people, dogs, and places.
Our facility sits on 2.5 fenced acres in Elgin, just east of Austin, and the owners live on-site. Days are spent with the family, with walks, play, and training. At night, every dog sleeps in their own crate, indoors, in a heated and air-conditioned building. We keep our training group small so each dog gets plenty of individual attention.
When you compare programs, ask where dogs sleep and who is on site overnight.
Two programs at a similar price can include very different things. Depending on your dog's goals, our training may include:
Every program also includes report-card updates about every third day with photos and videos, all training equipment, and continued phone, text, and email support after training.
A dog can do great with a trainer and still slip at home if the owner doesn't know how to keep it going. At pickup, you'll have a private go-home lesson at our facility. We'll teach you how to use the commands and training equipment, how to keep the structure going at home, and practice everything with your dog before you leave.
A dog who needs a tune-up on leash manners has a different plan than a dog who is stubborn or reactive. Our 4-week program is built for stubborn or reactive dogs, with advanced behavior modification.
It helps to think about what an untrained dog already costs you. A dog who bolts away from you isn't safe. A dog who eats bones out of the trash can end up needing surgery. And a dog who can't be trusted around guests means living life around your dog, instead of with them.
The fastest way to know what board and train would look like for your dog is a free consultation. We'll talk through your dog and your goals, help you choose the right number of weeks, and give you a clear quote.
Book a Free Consultation →Every program is built around your dog's needs and program length, so we give you a clear quote on your free consultation.
Our programs run 1 to 4 weeks. Most families choose 2 to 3 weeks.
It's a good fit if you need training but don't have time to do it yourself, or want fast, consistent results from a pro. We'll help you decide on your consultation.
Tell us a little about your dog and we'll help you pick the right program, then grab a consultation time that works for you. No pressure.