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How to prepare your dog for board and train in Metro East

August 6, 2026 · 2 min read · Last updated October 20, 2026

How to prepare your dog for board and train in Metro East

A six- or nine-week Board and Train program starts with a clear packing list and agreed arrival arrangements. At Marmon Family Dog Training, your dog stays at Aaron’s home in Fairview Heights while training with him.

Here is what to prepare before the stay.

Gather the vaccination records

Marmon Family Dog Training requires up-to-date records for rabies, DHPP/DAPP, and bordetella before your dog stays with Aaron. Share the records and confirm your drop-off arrangements before the program begins.

Bring any medications your dog needs. Go over medication instructions with Aaron before the stay so the arrangements are clear. If you have a health or vaccination question, ask your veterinarian.

Pack for the full six- or nine-week stay

Bring enough food for the entire program, whether your dog is enrolled for six weeks or nine. Aaron’s packing checklist also asks for vaccination records and a list of known allergies. Include any medications your dog needs.

Ask Aaron about extra supplies such as a bed, toys, collar, or leash before packing them. Discuss special feeding needs or any food-resupply arrangements in advance rather than assuming they are included.

Agree on drop-off and the return handoff

Owners normally drop their dog off at Aaron’s Fairview Heights home. At the end of board and train, Aaron normally returns the dog to the owner’s home and goes through the hands-on handoff.

Aaron can make different pickup or return arrangements by agreement. If you are traveling from outside the area, confirm how drop-off and the return handoff will work before booking. Board and train is available to dogs from beyond Aaron’s private-lesson travel area.

During the program, Aaron provides daily board-and-train video updates. You keep those videos for reference after your dog comes home.

Know how follow-up support works

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.

Use the handoff to ask about the handling and practice you will continue at home. The comparison of Board and Train and private lessons explains your role in each format.

Confirm your dog’s program, packing list, and arrival arrangements during a free phone consultation. Start your board and train inquiry here.

Common questions

Questions teams ask.

What vaccinations does my dog need before board and train?

Marmon Family Dog Training requires current vaccination records for rabies, DHPP/DAPP, and bordetella before your dog stays with Aaron. Share the records and confirm the drop-off arrangements before the program begins.

How much food should I send with my dog to board and train?

Bring enough food for the full six- or nine-week program. Also bring any medications your dog needs and a list of known allergies. Confirm any special feeding arrangements with Aaron before drop-off.

Can I bring my dog's bed and toys to board and train?

Aaron’s checklist calls for food for the full program, current vaccination records, any medications, and a list of known allergies. Ask Aaron about beds, toys, collars, leashes, or other extra supplies before drop-off.

What happens when my dog's board and train ends?

Aaron normally returns your dog to your home and provides a hands-on handoff. Other pickup or handoff arrangements can be agreed in advance. You keep the board-and-train videos for reference and can contact Aaron for lifetime training support.

What should I confirm before drop-off?

Confirm the arrival time, vaccination records, food for the full stay, any medication or feeding instructions, and the return handoff with Aaron. Dogs stay at his home in Fairview Heights; pickup and return arrangements are flexible by agreement.