Dog Board and Train in Chicago: The Pros, Cons & Our Alternative
When you look up dog board and train Chicago, you’ll find lots of programs that sound like the perfect solution. You send your dog to a trainer’s home or facility for a few weeks, and during that time they get daily, focused training. For many families, it feels like a great way to give their dog a head start.
Board and train can absolutely work well for certain dogs and situations. At the same time, it’s worth knowing the full picture so you can decide what’s right for your family.
The pros
There are some big reasons families choose to board and train:
Intensive practice 🏋️
Dogs usually receive multiple sessions per day, which can speed up the learning process.
Consistency 🔁
The same trainer is working with your dog every day, keeping commands and expectations clear.
Convenience for owners ⏱️
Life in Chicago can be busy, and board and train can take training off your plate for a while.
Structured setting 🏠
Training facilities or trainer homes can provide a calm, controlled environment that helps some dogs focus.
The cons
While board and train is a solid option, it’s not always the perfect fit for every dog or family. A few points to think about:
Learning in a different environment 🌆
Dogs may practice in a facility, but sometimes those skills need extra help transferring back to daily life in your own home and neighborhood.
Owner involvement 🙋
Training works best when owners get hands-on practice too. With board and train, most of your learning happens at the end in a handoff session.
Separation stress 😟
Some dogs, especially rescues or puppies, can feel stressed being away from home for weeks.
Investment 💸
These programs are often the most expensive training option in Chicago. For some families, that’s not always realistic long term.
Why Copilot offers in-home day training instead
Our current focus is on day training in your home. We love this approach because dogs get to practice in the environment where real life happens, and owners stay connected to the process. It’s also often a more affordable option for families compared to sending a dog away for several weeks at a board and train.
The day training process
A trainer comes to your home while you’re at work or busy.
We work directly with your dog in their real environment.
You get updates and coaching so you’re always in the loop.
Your dog learns skills that transfer naturally into daily life.
Day training gives your dog the benefit of expert, consistent sessions while keeping you involved and connected. It’s also a great fit for city dogs who need to practice skills right in their own home, building, or neighborhood.
Finding the Right Fit
There isn’t one “best” way to train a dog — just the best way for you and your pup.
Board and train can be a strong choice if you want concentrated progress in a short time.
In-home day training is ideal if you’d rather keep your dog at home, stay involved in the process, and build skills directly into your routine.
At Copilot, our mission is to make training approachable and realistic for Chicago families. Whether you’re working on leash manners, reactivity, or puppy basics, we’re here to help your dog thrive in the environment they actually live in.
Board and train programs in Chicago are a valuable option for many families, and plenty of dogs make great progress through them.
At Copilot, we simply choose a different path by offering Day Training. This keeps pups at home, owners involved, and learning happening right where it counts.
If you’ve been exploring dog board and train Chicago, consider how in-home day training could fit your lifestyle. It’s personal, practical, and designed to strengthen the bond between you and your dog.