Dog Trainer · Missoula, MT
Transform Your Dog with a Board and Train in Missoula, MT | Silva’s Dog House
A Happier, More Confident Dog Starts Here
Our Board & Train programs give your dog the foundation to thrive—learning skills, manners, and confidence that make every day calmer and more joyful for both of you.
Designed for owners who want to give their dog a strong start with professional obedience training, building a solid foundation in both basic and advanced obedience before continuing that training together at home.
Best Value
2 Week Board and Train
$
2,300
Structured training for obedience and confidence.
*Includes e-collar and long leash*
What We Focus On
Building a strong foundation in basic obedience while introducing more advanced real-world skills
Teaching clear communication between you and your dog
Improving leash manners and everyday behavior
Creating better house manners and structure
Building confidence around everyday distractions
Skills Your Dog Will Learn
Sit
Down
Place
Heel
Recall
Basic and advanced obedience skills that carry over into everyday life
Owner Benefits
Your dog receives two weeks of consistent, daily training in a structured home environment while you gain the knowledge and guidance needed to confidently continue that training after they return home.
Program Wrap-Up Session
At the end of the program, we'll work together with your dog during a hands-on lesson. Before pickup, we'll meet for a 2–3 hour wrap-up session where you'll learn the same communication system your dog has been practicing. We'll cover everything you need to confidently continue training at home, including the techniques, equipment, and exercises used throughout the program. Your dog's e-collar and long lead go home with you, so you'll have everything you need to continue building on their success.
Best For
Dogs ready to build a solid obedience foundation
Families looking for better manners at home and in public
Owners who want a strong head start before continuing training together
Goal
Our goal is to build a strong foundation in basic obedience while preparing your dog for more advanced real-world situations, giving both of you the confidence and knowledge to continue making progress together at home.
Designed for dogs that benefit from additional time to build confidence, work through mild behavioral challenges, and develop a stronger foundation before returning home.
3 Week Board and Train
$
3,300
Includes e-collar & long leash
What We Focus On
Strengthening both basic and advanced obedience through consistent daily training
Building confidence in new environments and everyday situations
Improving communication between you and your dog
Creating calm, reliable behavior at home and in public
Building confidence through structured, positive experiences
Skills Your Dog Will Learn
Sit
Down
Place
Heel
Recall
Basic and advanced obedience skills that carry over into everyday life
Owner Benefits
Your dog receives three weeks of consistent, daily training in a structured home environment while you gain the knowledge and guidance needed to confidently continue that progress after they return home.
Program Wrap-Up Session
At the end of the program, we'll work together with your dog during a hands-on lesson. You'll learn how to communicate using the same techniques your dog has been practicing, and we'll cover everything you need to confidently continue building on their training at home.
Best For
Dogs that need extra time to build confidence
Nervous, anxious, or mildly reactive dogs
Owners looking for additional support before transitioning back home
Goal
Our goal is to strengthen both basic and advanced obedience while giving your dog the extra time needed to build confidence, improve communication, and develop reliable behaviors. You'll leave with the tools and confidence to continue building on that progress together at home.
How Board & Train Works
Board & Train isn't about sending your dog away to be "fixed." It's about giving them a strong foundation through consistent daily training while preparing you to confidently continue that training when they come home.
Arrival & Getting Settled
Every dog is different. We spend the first few days helping your dog settle into their new environment, building trust, introducing our communication system, and getting to know their personality before moving into more advanced training.
Structured Home Environment
Living in a home environment allows training to become part of everyday life. From relaxing in the house to neighborhood walks and real-world outings, your dog practices good behavior throughout the day—not just during scheduled training sessions.
Learning Happens All Day
Learning isn't limited to just one or two scheduled training sessions each day. Throughout their stay, your dog practices skills during walks, meal times, rest periods, outings, and everyday interactions. This consistent approach helps build reliable behaviors that carry over into real life.
Just as important as training is giving dogs time to rest, decompress, and simply be dogs. A balanced routine helps dogs stay mentally engaged and ready to learn without becoming overwhelmed.
Real-World Experiences
Dogs learn best by practicing in the environments they'll encounter after going home. Throughout the program, your dog will work in a variety of real-world settings, building confidence and learning to remain calm and responsive around everyday distractions.
Daily Updates
We know it's hard being away from your dog. That's why you'll receive daily updates, photos, and videos so you can watch their progress along the way.
Preparing You for Success
Board & Train doesn't end when your dog comes home. Before pickup, we'll meet for a 2–3 hour hands-on wrap-up lesson where you'll learn the same communication system your dog has been practicing. We'll cover everything you need to confidently continue training at home, including the techniques, equipment, and exercises used throughout the program. Your dog's e-collar and long lead go home with you, so you'll have everything you need to continue building on their success.
Continued Support
Questions don't stop after pickup, and neither does our support. As you continue applying what you've learned at home, we're here to help answer questions and guide you through the transition so you and your dog can continue building on the progress made during the program.
What to Expect
From the moment your dog arrives, our Board & Train program is designed to provide professional obedience training in a safe, structured, and supportive environment where both dogs and owners can succeed. Here's what you can expect throughout the program.
Expect Clear Communication
Training is built on clear, consistent communication. Every skill your dog learns is taught with the goal of creating understanding—not confusion—so they can confidently respond both during training and after returning home.
Expect Structure & Boundaries
Dogs thrive when expectations are clear. Throughout their stay, your dog will have consistent routines, appropriate boundaries, and opportunities to practice good behavior, house manners, and calm behavior as part of everyday life.
Expect Daily Updates
We know your dog is part of your family. That's why you'll receive daily updates, photos, and videos so you can watch their progress along the way.
Expect Fair & Compassionate Training
Every dog is treated as an individual. We adjust our approach to fit your dog's personality, confidence level, and learning style while always prioritizing clear communication, fairness, and your dog's well-being.
Expect Balance
Training is only one part of your dog's day. Time to rest, decompress, exercise, and simply be a dog is just as important. A balanced routine helps dogs stay mentally engaged, prevents them from becoming overwhelmed, and sets them up for continued success.
Expect Progress, Not Perfection
Every dog learns at a different pace. During their stay, your dog will build a strong foundation in both basic and advanced obedience, but the journey doesn't end when they go home. Continuing to practice what they've learned is an important part of maintaining and building on their success. The more consistently you apply what you've learned, the more reliable those behaviors become over time.
Expect to Continue the Training
Although your dog spends the training program with us, your role is just as important. During your 2–3 hour wrap-up lesson, you'll learn how to continue communicating with your dog so you can confidently build on everything they've learned during their stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where will my dog be staying?
A: Your dog will stay in our home as part of a structured Board & Train program. They become part of our daily routine while receiving individualized training, enrichment, exercise, and plenty of time to rest and decompress. Every part of their day is designed to help build better communication, confidence, and calm behavior.
Q: Does my dog need to be crate trained?
A: No. Your dog does not need to be crate trained before starting the program.
However, being comfortable in a crate will make your dog's stay much less stressful and allow them to rest and decompress more comfortably. Dogs will spend time in a crate or kennel whenever they are not being directly supervised, as well as overnight while sleeping.
If your dog isn't crate trained, we highly recommend beginning to work on it at home before their stay.
Q: What do I need to send with my dog?
A: Please send enough food for your dog's entire stay, any medications they may need, and a small supply of treats if your dog enjoys them.
Everything else your dog needs during training—including training equipment, toys, enrichment activities, and bedding—is provided by Silva's Dog House.
Q: Can my dog take medications while staying with you?
A: Absolutely. We are happy to administer medications according to your veterinarian's instructions. Please provide all medications in their original containers along with clear written directions.
Q: Will my dog forget me?
A: No. Dogs don't forget their families during a Board & Train program. While your dog will build a relationship with us during their stay, that doesn't replace the bond they have with you. Our goal is to strengthen the communication between you and your dog so your relationship is even stronger when they return home.
Q: Will they be scared?
A: Every dog adjusts differently. Some dogs settle in within a day, while others may take a few days to fully relax. That's completely normal. We work at your dog's pace, building trust, confidence, and a consistent routine to help them settle in and feel secure.
Q: Will my dog play with other dogs?
A: No. Playtime during our Board & Train program is with me or my family—not with other dogs.
The goal of this program is to strengthen the relationship and communication between you and your dog. Dogs naturally communicate very well with one another, often forming relationships with other dogs more easily than they do with people. Our focus is on helping your dog better understand and communicate with humans.
My personal dogs are used as training partners when appropriate. They may help your dog learn skills such as remaining calm around other dogs, understanding a command by following another dog, or learning to relax in a new environment. These interactions are purposeful, controlled, and always based on your dog's individual needs.
Playtime is intentional. Whether your dog enjoys a game of fetch, tug, exploring outdoors, scent work, or simply relaxing with people, activities are chosen to match your dog's personality, energy level, and natural instincts.
Q: Will I receive updates?
A: Yes! You'll receive daily updates, photos, and videos so you can watch your dog's progress along the way.
Q: Can I visit my dog during training?
A: No. During your dog's stay, our focus is on building structure, confidence, and clear communication. Creating a consistent routine allows your dog to settle in, build trust, and focus on learning without the emotional highs and lows that can come with visits.
You won't be left wondering how your dog is doing. You'll receive daily updates, photos, and videos so you can watch their progress along the way. If you ever have questions or concerns during your dog's stay, communication is always welcome. We're happy to keep you informed and answer any questions you may have.
Q: What if my dog is reactive?
A: Many reactive dogs are great candidates for our 3 Week Board & Train program. However, we don't begin by immediately working near your dog's triggers.
We first have to build communication, confidence, and a strong foundation in obedience. As your dog begins to better understand what is expected of them, we can gradually begin working near their triggers at a pace that's appropriate for your dog.
Every reactive dog is different, and progress will look different for each one. Our goal isn't simply to reduce reactions—it's to help your dog develop the skills and confidence needed to remain calmer and make better decisions while triggers are present.
Q: Do you work with aggressive dogs?
A: Our Board & Train program is not designed for dogs with true aggression. However, reactive behavior can sometimes appear very similar to aggression, and it's not always easy to tell the difference without meeting the dog.
If there are concerns about your dog's behavior, we may recommend a consultation and/or meet and greet before enrollment. This allows us to better understand your dog's needs, determine whether our program is the right fit, and ensure the safety of both your dog and everyone involved.
Q: What if my dog already knows all the commands?
A: That's perfectly okay. Whether your dog has little training or already has a strong obedience foundation, we'll build from where they are. A stronger foundation allows us to introduce the e-collar more quickly, strengthen communication, and spend more time building the calm, confidence, and reliability that carry over into everyday life.
Obedience commands aren't the end goal—they're how we get there.
Q: What if my dog knows the commands and I just want to work on the reactivity?
A: That's completely fine. Even if your dog already knows the commands, we still begin by building on that foundation. Obedience helps us create a relationship, that relationship helps us communicate clearly, and that communication helps your dog trust us when working near their triggers.
The stronger the foundation, the more progress we can make toward the reactivity itself.
Q: Do I have to do the 3 Week Board & Train if my dog is reactive?
A: No. You can absolutely choose the 2 Week Board & Train program. Just keep in mind that more time spent building the foundation means more time we have available to work on the reactivity itself.
With a 2-week program, you'll likely have more work to continue at home after your dog returns. A 3-week program gives us additional time to strengthen the training, build confidence, and create more opportunities to work calmly around your dog's triggers before they go home.
No matter which program you choose, we'll make sure you have the knowledge and guidance needed to continue making progress together.
Q: What if my dog doesn't learn as quickly as expected?
A: Every dog learns at a different pace, and that's completely normal. Some dogs build confidence quickly, while others simply need more repetition and time. Our goal isn't to rush through a checklist—it's to help every dog make meaningful progress while building a strong foundation for continued success.
Q: What happens when my dog comes home?
A: Your dog will come home with a stronger foundation, clearer communication, and new skills—but training doesn't end there. The consistency and structure you provide after they return home play a huge role in maintaining and building on everything they've learned.
Q: Am I expected to know everything?
A: Not at all. That's what we're here for. We'll make sure you understand how to communicate with your dog and continue their training at home, and we're always happy to answer questions along the way.
Q: Is my dog going to come home perfect?
A: No—and no trainer can honestly promise that. Your dog will come home with a stronger foundation, better communication, and new skills, but lasting success depends on continuing that work at home. Training is a journey, and we're here to help guide you through it.
Reactivity
Reactivity Requires More Than Exposure
One of the biggest misconceptions about reactivity training is that the first step is working around other dogs or other triggers. In reality, that's usually one of the last steps.
Before we begin working near your dog's triggers, we first have to build communication, confidence, and a strong foundation in obedience. We begin by helping your dog understand how to respond to guidance in everyday situations. As that foundation grows, we can gradually begin working near your dog's triggers in a safe, controlled way that's appropriate for your individual dog—without putting them into situations that are too overwhelming.
The stronger the foundation, the more progress we can make toward the reactivity itself.
Realistic Expectations
Reactivity is rarely something that disappears in two or three weeks, and no trainer can honestly promise that it will.
Our goal is to give both you and your dog the strongest possible foundation of communication, confidence, and understanding. From there, we'll begin working near your dog's triggers and give you the knowledge and skills needed to continue making progress long after the program is over.
Reactive dogs often benefit from the additional time provided by our 3 Week Board & Train program. Both our 2 Week and 3 Week programs begin by building the same foundation. The additional week simply gives us more opportunities to strengthen that foundation and spend more time working calmly near your dog's triggers before they go home.
2-week or 3-week program — Pay over time with Affirm