Common Myths About Dog Board and Training in Chicago
Dog board and training gets misunderstood—often by well-meaning owners who’ve heard half-truths from friends, forums, or social media. Some myths make the service sound like a miracle cure. Others paint it as ineffective or even harmful. Let’s clear the air and talk about what dog board and training in Chicago actually is—and what it isn’t.Myth 1: Board and Training Is a “Set It and Forget It” Solution
This is the biggest one. Board and training jumpstarts behavior by giving dogs structure, repetition, and clear expectations. What it doesn’t do is permanently replace owner involvement. Chicago trainers, including Prestige Dog Training, emphasize that results last only when owners maintain the same rules at home. The training gives you momentum. You still steer the car.Myth 2: Dogs Only Obey the Trainer
You’ve probably heard this: “The dog listens to the trainer, but not the owner.” What’s really happening is usually a handling gap. Trainers have timing, clarity, and consistency. Owners are still learning those skills. That’s why reputable programs include go-home lessons and follow-up sessions. At Prestige Dog Training, the goal isn’t to create trainer-only obedience—it’s to transfer the system to the owner before the dog ever leaves the program.Myth 3: Board and Training Is Only for “Problem Dogs”
Plenty of dogs in Chicago board and training programs aren’t aggressive or out of control. They’re just under-structured.
Common reasons owners choose board and training:
- Busy schedules
- Inconsistent past training
- Leash issues in high-traffic areas
- Lack of focus around distractions
Myth 4: More Time Automatically Means Better Results
Longer programs can help—but only if the structure is solid. A four-week program with daily hands-on work will outperform a six-week program with inconsistent handling. Quality matters more than duration. Providers like Prestige Dog Training base timelines on behavior progress, not arbitrary packages. That flexibility usually leads to cleaner results.Myth 5: All Board and Training Programs Are Basically the Same
They’re not. Not even close. Key differences include:- Trainer-to-dog ratios
- How dogs are handled outside training sessions
- Exposure to real-world environments
- Level of owner education