Board and Train - Joyful Dogs of Michigan
Board and Train
Immersive, Results-Focused Dog Training
and simple boarding while you're away
Board and Train at Joyful Dogs of Michigan is an all-encompassing training program designed to transform behaviors through continual sessions each day with professional trainers. Ideal for busy families, service dog training, or dogs needing extra attention, our Board and Train Program offers an efficient path to reliable, everyday behavior.
Joyful Dogs of Michigan also does boarding for your family trips. Don't have your dog stay in a cold, lonely kennel. Board your pup here and your dog will enjoy a home away from home while you're gone.
Why Board and Train Matters
Our Board and Train program provides concentrated learning by placing your dog in a predictable, structured environment where trainers can systematically build skills and manage triggers. Unlike weekly lessons, all-day repetition and consistent reinforcement accelerate learning and allow trainers to shape behaviors in realistic contexts.
Owners have limited time for daily training.
Dogs have little or no training and owners need faster outcomes.
New family members or life events require behavior change.
Preparing service dogs for service tasks and public access.
Board and Train is not a substitute for owner involvement — it includes essential transition training for owners to maintain progress after pickup.
Key Benefits of Joyful Dogs’ Board and Train Program
Continual Daily Training
Short continual daily sessions reinforce learning without overwhelming your dog.
Assessments & Customized Plans
Every dog receives a tailored program with clear goals and milestones.
Routine & Environmental Management
Dogs learn with a daily schedule that supports calmness and predictability.
Real-World Generalization
Dogs apply learned behaviors in various situations, settings, and with different people.
Owner Transition & Education
Owners receive hands-on lessons, and an emailed handbook.
Follow-Up Support
Post-program check-ins and our ongoing support to maintain acquired skills. We are always available to give advice and assistance after training.
Who Benefits Most
Owners with limited time for home-training routines.
Dogs with little or no obedience or impulse-control challenges.
Puppies needing immersive socialization, basic manners, modification of unwanted puppy behaviors, and structure your puppy will understand.
Owners needing a dog for service tasks requiring high reliability.
Typical Program Lengths
Short-Term: 2 weeks
Basic Obedience to ensure proper manners. Advanced obedience including off-leash distance work
Extended: 6–8 weeks
For complex commands and situations needing extensive education.
*Service Dog training will require a longer Program.
Measurable Outcomes
We set clear criteria for success using observable behaviors, e.g., reliable off-leash recall, calmness during outings, and loose leash walking. Your trainer provides progress updates, photos and videos during the Program.
Case Examples
A busy professional with a blind dog (pictured) needed to ensure that her dog would walk calmly on the road. There were no sidewalks and frequent traffic sounds.
In only six weeks the dog was walking on a loose leash, unaffected by noises, trusting the owner, and enjoying long walks.
Hover to change photos
"A family with a rambunctious adolescent dog who could not be walked safely enrolled in a 6-week program. They now have a calm dog who can walk near passing dogs, bikes, and skateboards. They even enjoy walks in a nearly metro-park!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will my dog forget me during board-and-train?
A: No! We have never, ever had a dog forget an owner. Dogs form strong bonds with owners quickly. We've worked with dogs that owners have had for less time than the duration of the Program and those pups are excited and happy to see their families again. Our transition lessons are designed to reestablish owner leadership and ensure the dog transfers learned behaviors back to you.
Q: Is board-and-train cruel or stressful?
A: Not at Joyful Dogs. Our programs prioritize enrichment, rest, play, and humane handling. Dogs benefit from structured routines and daily positive interactions. Ask us about what your dog's day will entail!
Q: How much owner work is required after pickup?
A: Owner involvement is essential. We provide a schedule for your practice sessions, but they are not a big part of your day. We know you have busy lives and make your part of the being home process simple. Consistent reinforcement is crucial and Joyful Dogs will provide support so you're sure to succeed. Before long, your dog will be the envy of your family and friends.
Q: Can small or timid dogs be boarded?
A: Yes. We assess behavior and design a program suited to each dog’s comfort level. Socialization only occurs when safe and appropriate. Your dog's comfortableness during the stay is crucial so we ensure it!
Q: Joyful Dogs of Michigan does regular boarding?
A. Yes. If you're going away for a weekend or an extended stay, you don't want your dog stuck in a lonely kennel. Board your pet in our home.
A satisfied, happy owner is reunited with her puppy who was enrolled in a 2 week Board and Train Program.
Joyful Dogs of Michigan boasts one of the most popular Board and Train Programs in Mid-Michigan. Your dog will not be housed in a kennel facility to only be taken out a couple of times a day for training. We keep your dog in our home to be treated just as one of our own. Sessions geared to your dog's age and development are conducted throughout the day, interspersed with play times and nap times. With experience reaching back to the 1950's and 21st century methodology, your dog will learn and enjoy learning.
Think you want to experience this unique and effective Board and Train Program?
Call Joyful Dogs of Michigan at (517) 303-8580 Monday - Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday - 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
email us at: joyfuldogsmichigan@gmail.com
or use the handy form on our Contact page
