Intensive Board and Train
Study Abroad by Traction
Board and Train in Austin, Texas
and Colorado
Study Abroad is Traction Dog Training Club’s intensive board and train program in Austin, Texas, and Colorado. Your dog lives in a professional trainer’s home, with training tailored to their behavior, your goals, and everyday life. Most programs last three weeks and include written training goals, progress updates, and coaching so you can use the new skills at home.
For owners seeking a Texas board and train program, the Austin team can discuss options even if you live outside our in-home training service area. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your dog and travel requirements.
Choose your region: board and train in Austin, Texas or board and train in Colorado.
Structure
Start with a free phone consultation with our 5-star training team. A free in-person evaluation will be scheduled prior to booking a Study Abroad program. This ensures you and your trainer are on the same page before embarking on your journey together.
After the evaluation, you’ll receive a detailed written goals sheet specifying exactly what your dog will learn during their board and train program and what to expect at pick-up.
On the first day of training, you’ll drop your dog off at your trainer’s home, where they’ll be living and training around the clock. Drop off will be quick and casual for your dog’s benefit.
Most Study Abroad programs last three weeks. Your evaluation determines the recommended length and individualized written goals.
You receive report cards with progress updates about every three days.
Austin: owner visits take place throughout the program, usually twice a week. We meet at your home, the trainer’s home and/or public goal locations such as parks and coffee shops where you want to bring your dog or have had difficulties.
Boulder: owner coaching centers on a longer go-home session at the end of the program, with time to practice handling and learn how to continue at home. The training stay is in a professional trainer’s Denver-area home.
Austin graduation: your visits build handling skills throughout the stay, leading into practice in the settings that matter to you. Frequent graduation locations include Mueller Farmers’ Market, Butler Park’s playground and dog park, and the downtown Austin river trail.
Boulder go-home session: you spend a longer session with your trainer at the end of the program, learning to use your dog’s new skills and maintain routines at home.
You receive specific instructions for home practice, step-by-step written guidance and, in many programs, video tutorials recorded with your dog. Discuss additional practice sessions or follow-up needs with your trainer.
Continue improving handler skills and maintaining training through Varsity. In Austin, Traction Rally is another option for continued practice and new challenges. Your trainer can help plan follow-up around your goals and available service area.
Choose your training location
Austin, Texas: board and train with the Austin team. Denver, Colorado: board and train with our Colorado team.
Your dog stays in a professional trainer’s personal home. In-home lesson programs are offered separately in Austin and Boulder; we do not offer in-home training in Denver.
When the Study Abroad Program is Best
- Dogs in off leash training
- Parents that want a clean slate for their dog’s behavior
- Dogs with difficult learning styles or quirks that require a big-picture approach to training
- Physically powerful dogs or parents with physical limitations
specialized trainers
Study Abroad takes place in a professional trainer’s personal home, integrating skills into daily routines and focused practice.
Start with a consultation with one of our head trainers: our Austin training team or Tina for Colorado. Your consultation and evaluation help match your dog with a trainer and establish written goals.
Explore our Austin and Boulder services, client reviews and training approach.
What Can a Board and Train Program Work On?
Goals are set during your evaluation. Depending on your dog, training may focus on everyday obedience, leash manners, recall, advanced obedience and off-leash skills, or aggression and behavior concerns. The written goals sheet explains what is planned for your dog and what to expect at graduation.
Homeschool and Study Abroad can address many of the same obedience and behavior goals. Study Abroad is the better choice for off-leash training and can also be better for reactivity. For most other goals, the choice depends more on your dog, household and preferred training format.
Traveling for Board and Train in Texas
You do not need to live inside our Austin in-home service area to discuss an Austin Study Abroad stay. Before arranging travel, coordinate the evaluation, drop-off, owner visits and graduation coaching.
Austin owner visits usually take place twice a week. If you will be away or traveling from farther away, discuss your availability before booking so coaching arrangements can be planned.
Board and Train Questions
How much does board and train cost?
The listed three-week Study Abroad program is $3,990. Program length is recommended after evaluation. See pricing and payment options.
Where does my dog stay?
Your dog stays in the personal home of a professional board and train trainer, where training is integrated into daily life.
Is owner training included?
Yes. Austin programs include visits throughout the stay, usually twice a week. Boulder clients receive a longer go-home session at the end. Coaching teaches you how to use and maintain the skills. Your program includes written instructions, with video tutorials available in many programs.
Can an aggressive or reactive dog enroll?
We evaluate behavior concerns individually. Discuss triggers, history, and goals during the consultation. The evaluation determines suitability and the recommended plan.
How is this different from regular boarding?
Study Abroad is an intensive training program built around written goals and owner coaching. Regular boarding provides care for eligible trained dogs, with optional training sessions.
How do I get started?
Book a free phone consultation, then complete the recommended in-person evaluation before booking.
Pricing
Payment plans available: Yes, view here
After your program, continue with Varsity for maintenance and handler coaching, or Traction Rally in Austin for continued skill development. See current pricing and discuss the best next step with your trainer.
