Is board and train better than private lessons for reactive dogs?

Marmon Family Dog Training discusses reactivity and program fit during a free phone consultation. Board and Train gives Aaron daily work with your dog; private lessons put you in charge of practice between sessions. Describe the behavior, history, and situations that concern you before choosing either format.

How long does board and train take compared to private lessons?

Marmon Family Dog Training offers six- and nine-week Board and Train programs with daily training and video updates. The number and timing of private lessons depend on your dog, the behaviors you want to work on, and your practice between visits. Aaron discusses the schedule during the free phone consultation.

Do I still need to practice with my dog after board and train?

Yes. Aaron teaches you the handling during the hands-on handoff, and you keep the Board and Train videos for reference. Ask about the practice and routines you will continue at home. Aaron also provides lifetime training support by phone, FaceTime, email, an owner-supplied video, or an in-person visit with your dog at his location.

Are private dog training lessons cheaper than board and train?

Marmon's private lessons cost $125 each or $600 for five. Board and Train costs $4,000 for six weeks or $6,000 for nine weeks. The formats involve different amounts of work with Aaron and practice at home; use the free phone consultation to discuss which fits your dog and budget.

Which dog training format fits a busy family?

Marmon's Board and Train puts the daily training with Aaron during the six- or nine-week stay, followed by a hands-on owner handoff and follow-up support. Private lessons involve practice between visits. Both formats require your involvement, so discuss your family's schedule and the ongoing handling before booking.

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Board and train vs private lessons for Metro East dogs

August 11, 2026 · 4 min read · Last updated October 20, 2026

If you are comparing Board and Train with private dog training lessons in Metro East, start with who will do the daily practice. During a Board and Train stay, Aaron Marmon trains your dog and then teaches you the handling at handoff. With private lessons, he coaches you and your dog together, and you practice between visits.

Your dog's behavior, your schedule and your budget all belong in the decision. Marmon Family Dog Training offers a free phone consultation to discuss those details before you book.

What are the program lengths and prices?

Marmon's Board and Train programs are a six-week Foundation program at $4,000 and a nine-week Complete Package at $6,000. Your dog stays at Aaron's home in Fairview Heights, with daily training and daily video updates.

Private lessons cost $125 each or $600 for five. Aaron discusses the number and timing of lessons with you during the consultation. Your dog's goals and the practice you do between visits are part of that discussion.

Compare the training prices and package inclusions before deciding. The duration of a stay describes the program; ask Aaron about the goals for your individual dog.

Who does the training?

Aaron personally works with your dog in either format. He uses The Motivational Method, his relationship-first approach built around engagement, repeated drills and real-world practice.

During Board and Train, Aaron does the hands-on training throughout the stay. He sends daily videos showing the work, teaches you the handling at handoff, and provides follow-up support. You keep those videos for reference after your dog comes home.

During private lessons, you learn the handling alongside your dog and practice between sessions. Ask Aaron what that practice should involve and how it will fit your routine. Daily video updates are part of Board and Train.

How do you choose for your dog's behavior?

Describe the situations you want help with: pulling on walks, jumping on visitors, barking at other dogs, or responding to commands around distractions. Include what you have tried and any history of growling, snapping or biting.

Use that conversation to discuss whether Aaron's program fits your dog and what your role would be in each format. A behavior label alone does not explain your dog's history, routine or the settings you need help with.

Private lessons let you work with Aaron while continuing the practice at home. Board and Train puts the daily training with Aaron during the stay, followed by your handoff and continued handling. Ask how the work in each format would address the situations you described.

What happens when Board and Train ends?

Aaron normally returns your dog to your home and goes through the hands-on handoff. Pickup and return arrangements are flexible by agreement, so confirm the plan before booking, especially if you are traveling from outside the area.

At handoff, ask Aaron to show you the commands and handling you will use in your own routine. The Board and Train videos remain available for reference. Discuss walks, visitors, settling at home and any other situations you raised during the consultation.

Aaron's lifetime training guarantee provides support for the life of your dog by phone, FaceTime, email, a video you send him, or by bringing your dog to Aaron to work through a problem in person. It does not include Aaron traveling to your home every time a behavior problem occurs.

Where do private lessons take place?

Aaron's usual private-lesson area is about a 40-minute drive from Fairview Heights. Outside that area he charges a $25 travel fee, with a maximum lesson drive of one hour. Confirm the meeting location during your consultation.

Board and Train accepts dogs from beyond the lesson area. Your dog stays at Aaron's Fairview Heights home. Confirm drop-off, any pickup or delivery arrangements, and the return handoff before booking.

Which format fits your family's schedule?

For private lessons, discuss appointment availability and the practice you can do between visits. Be clear about who in the household will handle the dog and the daily situations you want to work on.

For Board and Train, discuss the six- or nine-week stay, daily videos, arrival arrangements and handoff. Plan time to learn the handling and continue the work after your dog comes home.

Both options involve you. Tell Aaron about your work hours, family commitments and goals so you can agree on a practical plan.

Start with a free phone consultation

Aaron is a disabled U.S. Army veteran with over ten years of experience training dogs. Call to discuss your dog, compare the formats and ask about the work you will do at home. If you choose a stay, the Board and Train preparation guide covers the packing list and arrival questions. Start your training inquiry.