Discover the perfect blend of care and training with our Board & Train program, or add a few training sessions to your dog’s Classic or Enriched Boarding stays. Our certified trainers provide personalized instruction in a group boarding environment, helping your dog become calmer, happier, and better behaved.

Free from home distractions, dogs immerse themselves in a focused training program—perfect for busy owners and for dogs of any age. We foster natural learning instincts to improve behavior and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Training sessions occur multiple times daily across diverse settings around the Dog Ranch’s trails and indoor training studios, to real-world environments like Bowen’s Snug Cove Village and parks. We use your dog’s treats or kibble to reinforce positive behaviors while addressing obedience challenges. Balanced with playtime and socialization, our program offers a holistic experience.

Tailored Training Options for Every Dog

All packages include comfortable boarding at the Dog Ranch and are customized to meet your dog’s unique needs.

For first time Board & Train participants, a 2-4-week stay is recommended to establish lasting habits. Dogs with prior training may qualify for shorter programs, subject to evaluation.

At the program’s end, you’ll have a one-hour session with our head trainer Jade to review your progress. You’ll receive a report card with written instructions to ensure continued success, and a follow-up email to ensure you’re on-track at home.

If your dog has separation anxiety or similar concerns, a trial day or overnight(s) may be required. Overnight trial stays are offered at 50% off standard boarding rates, up to three nights.

Transportation: We offer transportation to the Bowen Island Dog Ranch at an additional cost—see our shuttle page for details. Your dog’s pick-up and training release must occur before 1 PM at the Dog Ranch. In the event that your schedule cannot accommodate an in-person pick-up, our lead trainer can schedule one hour of private training at your home or at a park nearby.

Pick-ups (or “releases”), are preferred in person at the Dog Ranch before 1 PM to ensure you receive your one-hour session with our lead trainer. Or we can arrange to come to your home or local park for an added cost.

What to Pack: High-value treats and plenty of kibble, as both will be used for training, and your dog’s buckle collar, head halter or harness (no choke or prong collars).

What can be taught:

• Loose-lead walking
• Heel
• Reliable recall
• Reliable recall and emergency recall
• Impulse control: take it, leave it, drop it
• Basic to advanced cues and commands
• Addressing behavioural issues: barking, whining, jumping, lunging, nipping, digging, counter surfing, resource guarding, humping, dashing through doors/gates, rough play, prey drive, fear/anxiety/stress (FAS), and social interactions

Start the conversation:

Contact our Lead Trainer Jade at [email protected], or call (236) 339-8667 (training cell) or (604) 947-6965 (office).

Tours:

We welcome you and your dog to visit the Dog Ranch and meet our trainers in person—tours are available by appointment, timed with the 10:35 am ferry arrival from Horseshoe Bay. If you have time, make a morning or day of it on Bowen Island. There are beautiful hiking trails (easy to challenging), excellent cafés and restaurants, local galleries, unique shops, and great Airbnb options. You can learn more about what Bowen has to offer here.

Grooming service available! We have a 12-year experienced professional groomer Rae with us Thursday – Sundays, so take advantage of getting your dog groomed while they’re with us! Check out our grooming services here.

Important Notes:

• Board & Train is unavailable during the main Christmas week, and there’s limited spaces over March Break.
• Aggressive or highly reactive dogs are not eligible for enrolment.