What to Know About Pet Commander Kennels in South Carolina

Pet Commander Kennels offers board-and-train programs where your dog stays at their facility while trainers work on obedience and behavior

Pet Commander Kennels is a training facility in South Carolina that boards dogs while professional trainers work with them on commands, leash manners, and behavioral issues. Unlike classes you attend with your dog, board-and-train means your dog lives at the kennel for the duration of the program—typically two to four weeks—and you pick them up after training is complete. The facility handles feeding, exercise, and training sessions while your dog is there.

This approach works differently than in-home training or group classes. Your dog gets intensive, daily attention from the same trainers, which can speed up progress on specific problems like jumping, pulling on the leash, or not coming when called. The trade-off is that you are not present during training, so you will need to learn how to maintain what the trainers teach once your dog comes home.

Key Takeaways

• Board-and-train programs board your dog at the facility for two to four weeks while trainers work with them daily on obedience and behavior.
• You will need to learn the training methods and commands the trainers use so you can continue reinforcing them after your dog comes home.
• Board-and-train costs more than group classes but less than private in-home training, and the price depends on program length and what behaviors are being addressed.
• Before enrolling, ask what happens if your dog does not progress as expected and whether the facility offers a follow-up session or consultation after pickup.

How board-and-train programs work in practice

When you drop your dog off, you will provide information about their age, medical history, current diet, and the specific behaviors you want addressed. The trainers will assess your dog during the first few days to understand their temperament and learning style. From there, they work on the agreed-upon goals—whether that is basic obedience, housebreaking, aggression issues, or leash reactivity.

Most facilities provide updates during the program, either through photos, videos, or brief phone calls. This lets you see progress and stay connected to what your dog is learning. When you pick your dog up, the trainers will walk you through the commands and techniques they used, show you how to handle corrections or rewards, and answer questions about maintaining the training at home.

The success of board-and-train depends heavily on what you do after pickup. If you do not practice the commands and enforce the same rules the trainers taught, your dog will likely revert to old habits. Many facilities offer a follow-up session or consultation to help you stay on track.

What to ask before you enroll

Contact Pet Commander Kennels directly to learn about their current programs, pricing, and what is included. Ask specifically what behaviors they address, how long each program runs, and whether they have experience with your dog's particular issues. Some facilities specialize in puppies, others in adult dogs with aggression or anxiety.

Find out what happens if your dog does not progress as expected. Do they offer a refund, an extension, or a follow-up session at no extra cost? Ask whether they provide a written training plan you can take home, and whether they offer phone or video support after pickup if you have questions.

Ask about the facility itself: how many dogs are boarded at once, how much time each dog spends in training versus in a kennel, and whether your dog will have outdoor time and socialization. A facility that keeps dogs in kennels most of the day is different from one that gives each dog several hours of training and exercise daily.

Cost and program length

Board-and-train programs cost more than group obedience classes because your dog receives individual attention and housing. Pricing varies based on how long your dog stays, what behaviors are being trained, and whether the facility includes follow-up sessions. A two-week program will cost less than a four-week program, and addressing a single behavior like jumping costs less than working on multiple issues or aggression.

Ask whether the price includes food, medications, or any follow-up training after pickup. Some facilities charge extra for these; others include them. Confirm the total cost upfront so there are no surprises when you pick your dog up.

Preparing your dog for board-and-train

Before drop-off, make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations. Most kennels require proof of current rabies, DHPP (distemper), and bordetella vaccines. Bring any medications your dog takes, along with written instructions on dosage and timing.

Provide detailed information about your dog's routine: what time they eat, how much, what brand of food, and any dietary restrictions or allergies. Let the trainers know about any fears, triggers, or medical conditions. If your dog has never been boarded before, they may be anxious at first—this is normal, and most dogs settle in within a few days.

Bring a familiar toy or blanket if the facility allows it. This can help your dog feel more comfortable in a new environment. Ask whether you should avoid contact during the program or whether brief phone updates are fine.

What to expect when you pick your dog up

The trainers will spend time showing you what your dog has learned. They will demonstrate commands, explain how they corrected unwanted behaviors, and show you how to use treats, praise, or other rewards to reinforce training. Take notes or ask if they can record a short video of the techniques so you can reference it at home.

Your dog may be tired after an intensive training program, so do not be alarmed if they sleep a lot the first day or two after coming home. They are adjusting to being back with you and may need time to settle into your routine again.

Start practicing the commands and techniques right away. The first week at home is critical—consistency now will determine whether the training sticks or fades. If you run into trouble, contact the facility and ask about follow-up support.

Board-and-train versus other training options

Board-and-train is one of several training approaches. Group classes are cheaper and let you train alongside your dog, but each dog gets less individual attention. Private in-home training is more expensive but happens in your home, and the trainer can address your specific environment and family dynamics. Some people combine approaches—for example, doing board-and-train first to address a serious behavior problem, then group classes to maintain skills and socialize.

If your dog has severe aggression, anxiety, or other complex issues, board-and-train may be more effective than group classes because the trainers can work intensively without distractions. If your dog just needs basic obedience or you want to be hands-on during training, group classes or private lessons might be a better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my dog forget what they learned after I pick them up?

Not if you practice consistently. Dogs retain training, but they need reinforcement. If you do not use the commands and enforce the same rules the trainers taught, your dog will likely revert to old habits. Most trainers recommend practicing for at least 15 to 20 minutes daily for the first month after pickup.

What if my dog has separation anxiety or gets stressed being boarded?

Tell the facility about this before enrollment. Some dogs do get anxious at first, but most settle in within a few days. Ask whether the facility can provide updates or photos to help you feel connected, and whether they have experience with anxious dogs. Some facilities offer shorter programs for dogs that struggle with boarding.

Can I visit my dog while they are in training?

Most board-and-train facilities ask that you do not visit during the program because it can disrupt training and make your dog anxious when you leave. Ask the facility about their policy. Some allow brief visits; others prefer you stay away until pickup.

How do I know if board-and-train is right for my dog?

Board-and-train works well for dogs with specific behavior problems, dogs that need intensive work, or owners who cannot attend regular classes. It is less ideal if your dog has severe anxiety about being away from you or if you want to be involved in every training session. Discuss your dog's age, temperament, and goals with the facility to see if their program is a good match.

What should I do if my dog regresses after coming home?

Contact the facility and ask about follow-up support. Many offer a consultation or a short refresher session to help you troubleshoot. Common reasons for regression are inconsistency at home, not practicing enough, or family members not enforcing the same rules the trainers taught.