Board and Train: The Perfect Pre-Holiday Gift for You and Your Dog

When will everyone be here?

The Holidays are just around the corner… which means twinkling lights, family gatherings, travel plans, and a calendar that somehow fills up faster every year.

While it’s an exciting time for people, it can be overwhelming for dogs. New guests, loud noises, changing routines, and all the tempting smells of the season can turn even a well-behaved pup into a bundle of nerves. Which can lead to your dog behaving in ways that have you wondering if perhaps professional training is indeed right for them. 

That’s why many dog owners are giving a different kind of gift this year. One that benefits both them and their best friend. A Board and Train program might not come wrapped in a bow, but it’s one of the most meaningful presents you can give your dog (and yourself) before the Holiday chaos begins. 

Here are some frequently asked questions to help explain why it's a pre-Holiday gift that keeps on giving long after the decorations come down.

How Does the Holiday Hustle Impact My Dog?

The Holiday season often means a sudden change in pace, and dogs feel it just as much as we do. There are guests coming and going, doorbells ringing nonstop, kids home from school, and delicious food within reach at every corner.

For many dogs, this kind of disruption can lead to anxiety or overstimulation. A normally calm dog might start barking at every delivery driver, jump on visiting relatives, or snatch cookies off the counter when no one’s looking. Even dogs who have had some training may regress under the excitement and stress of it all.

Dogs thrive on structure and consistency. When their environment suddenly changes, they can easily become confused about what’s expected of them.

This is why the weeks leading up to the Holidays are the perfect time to reinforce good habits and build confidence through focused training.

Why is a Board and Train Program the Ultimate Win-Win Gift for Me and My Dog?

A quality Board and Train program offers your dog dedicated, one-on-one attention from professional trainers who understand how dogs think and learn.

Your pup gets daily structure, positive reinforcement, and a calm, consistent environment to practice new skills. Instead of feeling anxious or cooped up during the hectic Holiday build-up, your dog enjoys training activities, exercise, and focused learning.

This kind of experience builds confidence, especially for dogs who struggle with anxiety or reactivity. It teaches them how to handle new situations calmly, so they’re less likely to feel overwhelmed when Holiday guests arrive or routines shift.

The perfect Holiday gift for your best friend.

Training your dog at home can be tough under the best circumstances, but during the Holiday rush, it can feel impossible. A Board and Train program gives you peace of mind knowing your dog is learning and thriving while you prepare for everything else on your expansive Holiday to-do list.

When your dog comes home, you’ll notice the difference immediately. Fewer leash battles. More reliable listening. Guests arriving without chaos at the door. You’ll actually be able to enjoy your dog’s company… not manage their behavior all season long.

What a great Holiday gift for you.

The best part? The lessons your dog learns will last long after the Holidays are over.

A good Board and Train program doesn’t just teach obedience; it creates better communication between you and your dog. It’s like learning to speak the same language. That understanding makes every day easier, calmer, and more enjoyable.

Why Is It Important to Start Before the Holidays?

As with many things in life, timing is everything. Training takes consistency, patience, and a little time for your dog to adjust and internalize what they’ve learned.

By starting before the Holiday madness hits, your dog will have the chance to practice and strengthen new habits before the doorbells, guests, and travel plans kick into their highest gear.

Think of it like preparing for the Holiday 5K you are considering running. You don’t start training the day before the race. You prepare early so that when it’s time to run, it feels easier, more natural, and less stressful on your mind and body. 

Many trainers also book up quickly during the Holiday season, so early planning ensures your dog has a spot in a high-quality program. The earlier you start, the more confident and relaxed your dog (and you) will be when the Holidays roll around.

What Should I Expect from a Board and Train Program?

During a Board and Train stay, your dog lives (boards) with a professional trainer for a set period, often around two weeks. Every day’s training activities follow a consistent rhythm: focused lessons, structured play, rest, and positive reinforcement…an important, and often overlooked factor in training programs designed to last.

Instead of relying on correction-based training, find programs that use positive, praise-based training to motivate dogs to make good choices. This approach builds trust and enthusiasm, not fear or confusion. The immersive environment helps dogs retain what they learn much faster than sporadic lessons at home.

It’s not about creating a “perfect” dog. It’s about helping your pup become calm, confident, and responsive in the real world.

What Are Some “Pro Tips” for a Smooth Holiday Transition?

When your dog comes home trained and ready to shine, you’ll want to set them up for success during the Holidays. Here are a few simple ways to keep that progress strong:

• Stick to the same cues. Consistency matters. Use the same words and gestures your trainer taught your dog to avoid confusion.

  
  

• Praise often. Dogs thrive on positive attention. Reinforcing calm behavior with praise and affection helps those new habits stick.

  
  

• Keep routines steady. Amid the Holiday hustle, try to keep feeding, walks, and downtime consistent.

  
  

• Set realistic expectations. Even a well-trained dog needs adjustment time at home… especially with all of the new distractions and excitement around the Holidays.

  
  

When guests arrive and your dog greets them politely instead of jumping or barking, you’ll feel the difference immediately. Training makes your home calmer, your guests more comfortable, and your Holidays much more enjoyable.

At the heart of it, a Board and Train program is about building trust, understanding, and confidence between you and your dog. It doesn’t just make the Holidays smoother, it makes every single day better. From easier walks to quieter evenings, you’ll see the benefits all year long. 

So, while everyone else is wrapping presents they aren’t quite sure will even be well-received, consider giving your dog (and yourself) something that lasts a lifetime: the gift of good behavior, calm confidence, a stronger bond, and happier days with your best friend.

About The Author:

Tom is the owner and head trainer at Smart Paws and attended the National K-9 Learning Center of Columbus for Master Trainer education. He has trained dogs for over 10 years in homes and at other dog training locations, before starting Smart Paws. 

About Smart Paws Training and Boarding

One of the very few Cincinnati-based facilities offering only positive, praise-based dog training, Smart Paws also provides boarding/daycare in a safe, comfortable, and loving environment, and grooming that will have your best friend looking and feeling their best.

Smart Paws is dedicated to ensuring happier days with your dog!

For more information on all of our services, click here.