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Program Overview

OBEDIENCE BOARD & TRAIN

Your dog leaves as a different animal. Not just trained — transformed. We take them in, we build the foundation, we hand back a partner.

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200+ Dogs Transformed
2–8 wks Program Duration
100% Handler Transfer
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What It Is

Immersive In-Kennel Training That Delivers Real Results

Our Board & Train program is the most comprehensive path to a fully obedient dog. Your dog lives and trains with us — fully immersed in structured learning, repetition, and real-world exposure from day one.

No gimmicks, no shortcuts. We use science-backed, relationship-centered methods that build lasting reliability. Every command is proofed across distractions, distances, and varying environments before your dog comes home.

Program length is customized to your dog's age, temperament, and your goals — from our foundational 2-week intensive to our comprehensive 8-week transformation.

Ideal For
  • Dogs with little to no obedience foundation
  • Owners with busy schedules who need accelerated results
  • Dogs exhibiting leash reactivity, pulling, or selective listening
  • Puppies starting their education on the right foot (8–16 weeks)
  • Owners preparing for a working or protection add-on program
Dog in training at Black Ice Working Dogs
Black Ice · Richmond, VA
Program Durations

Choose Your Program

Every dog is evaluated before enrollment. We'll recommend the best fit — but here's what each duration unlocks.

2 weeks
Foundation Intensive
$2,200 / program

Built for dogs that need the fundamentals locked in fast. Sit, down, stay, recall, and loose-leash walking — reliable in controlled settings.

  • Core 5 obedience commands
  • Place command introduction
  • Leash manners foundation
  • Handler transition session
  • Video progress updates
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Most Popular
4 weeks
Complete Obedience
$3,000 / program

Our most-requested program. Full command repertoire, proofed across real-world environments, with extended duration and distraction work built in.

  • Full obedience command suite
  • Off-leash reliability training
  • Public access & distraction proofing
  • Marker conditioning & e-collar intro
  • 2 handler transition sessions
  • Detailed written training report
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6 weeks
Elite Transformation
$4,000 / program

Maximum immersion. Reserved for dogs requiring deep behavior work alongside full obedience, or owners building toward a protection or working dog program.

  • Everything in Complete Obedience
  • Advanced behavior modification
  • Long-line & off-leash freedom
  • Sport/protection readiness assessment
  • 3 handler transition sessions
  • 30-day follow-up support
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What You Get Back

Skills That Last

We don't train dogs to perform for us. We train them to respond for you — in any environment, under any distraction. Here's what that looks like in practice.

Off-Leash Control

Reliable recall, sit, down, and heel — performed off-leash with distance and distractions present. Real freedom without risk.

Duration & Patience

Extended place, down-stay, and calm settling — so your dog can be still when life demands it. No more door bolting or chaos during guests.

Leash Manners

Walks without pulling, lunging, or reactive behavior. Loose-leash heeling that makes every outing enjoyable — even in high-traffic environments.

Handler Transfer

You don't just receive a trained dog — you receive the tools and knowledge to maintain and build on their training. Your dog responds to you.

The Process

How It Works

From first inquiry to graduation day — here's what every dog's journey looks like.

01
Inquiry & Evaluation

You reach out, we discuss your dog's history, temperament, and goals. We'll recommend the right program and duration before anything is committed.

02
Drop-Off Day

Your dog arrives at our facility. We do a thorough intake walkthrough, go over expectations, and get them settled into their new routine.

03
Daily Training

Multiple structured sessions daily. We send regular video updates so you can watch your dog's progress in real time.

04
Handler Transition

You come in for dedicated sessions where we transfer the training to you — so your dog performs for you, not just for us.

05
Graduation & Support

Your dog goes home with a full training report and our continued support. Your success matters after the program ends, not just during it.

The Curriculum

What We Build

Every command is taught with clarity, reinforced with consistency, and proofed under real-world pressure before we consider it reliable.

01
Sit & Sit-Stay

Immediate response, held position under duration and distraction. Not just "sit when you feel like it."

02
Down & Down-Stay

The foundation of calm control. Your dog can hold a down-stay for extended periods in any environment.

03
Recall (Come)

The most important command. Proofed with distance, distractions, and real-world pressure until it's bombproof.

04
Heel (On & Off Leash)

Precise positional heeling. Dog stays in position through turns, pace changes, and distractions.

05
Place Command

Go to a designated spot and stay. Essential for door manners, mealtime, visitors, and calm household behavior.

06
Structured Walking

No pulling. No lunging. No reactivity. Clean loose-leash walking through challenging real-world environments.

Advanced Add-Ons
Available in 4-Week & 8-Week Programs
E-Collar Conditioning Off-Leash Freedom Threshold Work Door Manners Car Manners Social Skills Crate Training Greeting Manners Focus Under Distraction Long Line Work Out / Leave It Marker Training

Every dog is assessed individually. Some commands are introduced in the foundational program and deepened in longer stays. We'll tell you exactly what your dog is ready for — no upselling, just honest evaluation.

What Clients Say

★★★★★

I dropped off a dog that wouldn't listen to anything and picked up a dog that walks beside me off-leash through the city. I genuinely didn't think it was possible in 4 weeks. Black Ice proved me wrong.

JM
James M.
Belgian Malinois · 4-Week Program
★★★★★

The handler transition sessions were what sold me. They didn't just train my dog — they trained me to be a better handler. Six months later and everything has held. No regression whatsoever.

ST
Sarah T.
German Shepherd · 4-Week Program
★★★★★

Went with the 8-week elite program for our reactive Mal and the results speak for themselves. The level of detail in the training report, the video updates throughout — professional in every sense of the word.

RC
Ryan & Chelsea
Malinois · 8-Week Program
Questions

Common Questions

Straight answers. No fluff.

What breeds do you accept?
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We work with all breeds, though we specialize in working line dogs — Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, and similar. We evaluate each dog individually before enrollment. If we feel a dog isn't a fit for board & train (rare), we'll be honest and point you in the right direction.
How old does my dog need to be?
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We accept puppies as young as 8 weeks for our Puppy Head Start program, and adult dogs of any age for obedience board & train. Older dogs absolutely can learn — we've transformed dogs that were 6+ years old with years of bad habits. Age is rarely a barrier when the method is right.
Will my dog forget the training after they come home?
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Not if you maintain it. That's exactly why our handler transition sessions are a core part of every program — not an afterthought. We teach you the commands, the timing, the tools, and the consistency that keeps training intact long after graduation. Dogs don't "forget" when the foundation is solid and the owner knows how to reinforce it.
Do you use e-collars or prong collars?
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We use balanced training methods, which means we use the right tool for the right dog at the right time. E-collars and prong collars are used appropriately — as communication tools, never as punishment. We'll walk you through exactly what we use and why, and you'll have full transparency throughout the process. Our goal is precision, not pressure.
Can I visit my dog during the program?
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We ask that you hold off on visits during the first portion of the program so your dog can settle and bond with the training routine. We send regular video updates so you can watch progress in real time. Visits are scheduled closer to graduation as part of the handler transition process.
How do I know which program length is right for my dog?
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We'll tell you honestly during the intake consultation. Factors include your dog's age, current training level, behavioral challenges, and your end goals. We never push longer programs if a shorter one will achieve your objectives. If we recommend 4 weeks, it's because 4 weeks is what your dog needs — not because it costs more.
Limited Spots Available

Ready to Transform
Your Dog?

Inquire today. We'll evaluate your dog's needs and tell you exactly which program is the right fit — no pressure, no guesswork.

Start the Inquiry Call 804-475-3260
Get Started

Begin the Enrollment Process

Fill out the form and we'll reach out within 24 hours to discuss your dog, your goals, and next steps. All inquiries are personal — you'll hear from us directly.

Phone / Text
804-475-3260

We typically respond within 24 hours. For faster response, call or text 804-475-3260.