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Board and train questions, answered
Everything families ask before booking. Where something is decided case by case, we say so instead of guessing.
The basics
What is board and train?
Board and train is a training program where your dog stays with us and trains every day, instead of you bringing them to weekly classes. At Dogtown in Gloucester it comes in two lengths: Foundation for one week and Advanced for two. Your dog sleeps in an overnight suite, trains through the stay with our team, led by Gabriella Pope, and the program ends with go-home coaching so you can keep the skills going.
Which program is right for my dog?
Foundation (one week) suits puppies, young dogs and dogs who need the basics: obedience, leash skills, place, stay, recall, impulse control and house manners. Advanced (two weeks) suits adolescent dogs and dogs who know their cues at home but lose them in busy places; it adds distraction proofing, real-world outings, neutrality and two coaching lessons. Gabby recommends one at the assessment.
What training methods do you use?
Relationship-based, fear- and force-free training centered on positive reinforcement, mindfulness and clear communication. Gabby focuses on the why behind a behavior, whether fear, frustration, reactivity or sensitivity, and builds a plan around your dog.
Who trains my dog?
Dogtown Professional Training is led by Gabriella Pope, our Director of Training & Canine Behaviorist. Gabby has a B.S. in Biochemistry and more than ten years of hands-on experience with behaviorally complex dogs. She leads the short assessment that starts every program.
My dog is fearful or reactive. Is board and train the right choice?
Sometimes, and sometimes not. Advanced covers neutrality, confidence and structured socialization, but dogs with significant fear, reactivity or resource guarding may do better in one of Dogtown’s behavior-modification programs, which run over six to ten weeks. Gabby will tell you honestly at the assessment which path fits.
Cost & booking
How much does board and train cost?
Each stay is quoted after a short assessment with Gabby, because the plan depends on your dog. The evaluation is free. Ask for the current figure on the enquiry form and we will reply within one hour on business days.
How do I get started?
Send the enquiry form. We reply within one hour on business days, set up a short assessment with Gabby to choose the program, and book your dog’s free evaluation, a temperament test on a weekday between 6:30 and 9:30 AM. Then we schedule the stay.
What vaccinations and paperwork does my dog need?
Rabies, DHPP (distemper) and Bordetella on file, and a current city or town dog license. In Gloucester the license comes from the City Clerk. Bring proof to the evaluation.
How old does a puppy need to be?
We confirm the minimum age at the assessment, because it depends on the puppy’s vaccinations and stage. For very young puppies, Dogtown also runs Tiny Tails Puppy School for pups of 8 to 16 weeks.
What about deposits, cancellations and changing dates?
Those terms are confirmed in writing when you book. Ask for them before the stay so you know exactly where you stand.
During the stay
Will I get updates during the stay?
Yes. Both programs include daily updates, so you can follow what your dog worked on through the stay. We confirm the format when you book.
Where does my dog sleep?
In one of our overnight suites, with comfortable bedding and 24/7 monitoring, at 210 Eastern Ave in Gloucester.
Will my dog play with other dogs?
When your dog is ready. Both programs include daycare integration: time in a small playgroup of 7–10 dogs matched by size and temperament. The free evaluation tells us whether your dog is ready for a group, and if not, the stay goes ahead without one.
What should I pack?
Your dog’s usual food, pre-portioned, any medications, clearly labeled, and one comfort item from home. We provide bedding and enrichment.
After the stay
What happens at the go-home lesson?
You take the leash. The trainer shows you how to ask for each skill your dog learned and how to reward it, and you practice together until it feels natural. Foundation includes one go-home lesson; Advanced includes two scheduled coaching lessons.
Will the training last?
That depends on what happens at home. A skill a dog is no longer asked for or rewarded for fades, so the go-home coaching is there to make sure you can keep it going. We do not promise results; we make sure you leave knowing exactly how to practice.
Is Dogtown Training the same company as Dogtown Daycare?
Yes. Dogtown Training is the board-and-train program of Northshore Dogtown at 210 Eastern Ave, Gloucester. Daycare, overnight stays, Dogtown Academy, grooming, training classes and private sessions are on dogtowndaycare.com.
Next step
Still have a question?
Send it with the enquiry form, or call the front desk. We reply within one hour on business days.
- 01Send the enquiryReply within the hour on business days
- 02Assessment & evaluationPick Foundation or Advanced
- 03Train & go homeDaily updates, go-home coaching
