Board & Train vs. Group Classes: Which Is Right for Your Dog?

Written By Jamie Tish

Choosing the right dog training program can feel overwhelming—especially when deciding between Board & Train and Group Classes. Both options can produce great results, but the best choice depends on your dog’s age, behavior, and your training goals.

Let’s break down the pros, cons, and ideal candidates for each so you can confidently choose what’s right for your dog.

What Is Board & Train?

Our Board & Train program involves your dog staying with our trainers for a set period of time. During that stay, your dog receives daily, structured training sessions focused on obedience, manners, and behavior foundations.

Benefits of Board & Train

  • Intensive, consistent training every day

  • Ideal for busy owners who want faster progress

  • Great for dogs needing a reset or stronger foundations

  • Training happens in real-world environments, not just a classroom

Considerations

  • Owners still need to practice follow-up skills at home

  • Not every dog needs this level of immersion

Best for:
Dogs with inconsistent training, limited exposure to structure, or owners looking for faster, more focused results.

What Are Group Training Classes?

Group classes take place weekly and involve both the dog and owner working together under trainer guidance. These classes focus on foundational obedience while adding distractions from other dogs and people.

Benefits of Group Classes

  • Builds owner confidence and handling skills

  • Excellent for socialization

  • More budget-friendly over time

  • Dogs learn to work around distractions

Considerations

  • Progress depends on owner consistency between classes

  • May not be ideal for dogs easily overwhelmed or highly distracted

Best for:
Puppies, dogs with basic manners, or owners who enjoy hands-on learning and weekly accountability.

Board & Train vs. Group Classes: Quick Comparison

Board & Train

  • Training Intensity: High

  • Owner Involvement: Low

  • Speed of Results: Faster

  • Social Exposure: Trainer-Controlled

  • Ideal For: Busy Dog Owners, Reset Training

Group Classes

  • Training Intensity: Moderate

  • Owner Involvement: High

  • Speed of Results: Gradual

  • Social Exposure: Natural Group Setting

  • Ideal For: Puppies, Social Skills

Real-World Results (What We See Most Often)

  • Board & Train dogs often return home with strong leash skills, improved focus, and clearer boundaries—especially helpful for dogs that struggled to progress in traditional classes.

  • Group class dogs tend to build confidence steadily and thrive when owners stay engaged and consistent week-to-week.

Many clients actually start with one option and transition into the other—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

So… Which Training Option Is Right for Your Dog?

Choose Board & Train if:

  • You want faster, more immersive results

  • Your schedule makes weekly classes difficult

  • Your dog needs a strong foundation before advancing

Choose Group Classes if:

  • You want to be hands-on in the learning process

  • Your dog benefits from social learning environments

  • You enjoy structured weekly progress

If you’re unsure, a professional evaluation can help guide the decision.

Dog Training in Des Moines, IA

At Imperial Canine Obedience, we offer both Board & Train and Group Training Classes so every dog can learn in a way that fits their needs, and their owner’s lifestyle.

Whether you’re searching for board and train near me, the best obedience program, or flexible dog training options in Des Moines, we’re here to help.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to find the right training path for your dog.

Jamie Tish
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