Board & Train Melbourne
Core Canine offers a professional board and train program for dogs needing better obedience, improved behaviour, & reliable responses in everyday life.
Dogs stay & train with us daily in a tailored program designed around their individual needs.
Board & Train Programs
- All Breeds
- All Ages
- All Behaviours
Start your puppy off the right way
The Puppy Pathway is designed to give young dogs a structured, confident start during the most important stage of development. Early learning shapes behaviour, emotional stability, and resilience for life. This program ensures those early weeks are used properly.
Rather than leaving development to chance, Puppy Pathway provides clear structure, guided exposure, and consistent handling to build foundations you can continue to develop as your puppy matures.
Pricing + More Info
3 Week Program
FOUNDATIONS-
All breeds welcome
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Designed to deliver a complete, intentional foundation during your puppy’s most important developmental stage
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Covers confidence building, structured socialisation, emotional regulation, and early obedience within a clear daily routine
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Built to fully support healthy development and send puppies home settled, capable, and ready to continue progressing
4 Week Program
DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT-
All breeds welcome
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Follows the exact same 3 week Foundations structure and standards, with additional time built in
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Recommended for puppies who are behind developmentally, lacking confidence, or slower to adapt to new environments and experiences
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Allows extra time to build emotional stability, resilience, and comfort in new environments
The Puppy Pathway is ideal for new puppy owners who want to:
- Build confidence early.
- Prevent common behavioural issues before they develop.
- Establish structure and calm behaviour from the start.
- Set their puppy up for long-term success.
By the end of the program, your puppy will be well-socialised, emotionally settled, and introduced to early obedience and daily structure, creating a strong platform for the future.
What’s Covered:
Exposure to new environments.
- Your puppy is gradually introduced to a range of safe environments, from quiet parks to busier public spaces. This helps build confidence and reduces the likelihood of fear-based behaviours later in life.
Exposure to people and other dogs
- Structured interaction with people and dogs teaches appropriate social behaviour and helps prevent over-excitement, fearfulness, or reactivity as your puppy grows.
Desensitisation to sounds and surfaces
- We carefully introduce everyday sounds and surfaces, such as household noise, traffic, tiles, stairs, and varied ground textures to build adaptability and resilience.
Emotional wellbeing
- Stable behaviour starts with a regulated emotional state. Training is paced according to each puppy’s temperament, ensuring learning occurs without overwhelm or overexposure.
Basic obedience foundations
- Introduction to early obedience to establish structure, communication, and direction in daily life.
Loose leash foundations
- Proper leash manners are introduced early to reduce pulling and improve engagement, setting the tone for calm, enjoyable walks.
Focus and engagement
- We teach your puppy to tune in to the handler, even in distracting environments, laying the groundwork for attentiveness and future reliability.
Crate and place training
- Calm behaviour in the crate and on a designated place is reinforced, helping establish predictable routines and giving your puppy a secure space to settle.
Owner support
- You’ll receive clear guidance and practical systems to continue your puppy’s development at home, reinforcing structure, obedience, and calm behaviour.
Enrolment Requirements:
Puppies must be under 8 months of age at the time of enrolment.
Creating harmony between you & your dog
Pricing + More Info
3 Week Program
RECOMMENDED FOR MOST DOGS-
All breeds welcome
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Suited to dogs that are confident & motivated, but display behavioural issues that need addressing
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Common issues include reactivity to dogs, cars, movement, & general impulsive or nuisance behaviours
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Focuses on practical obedience, household manners, + reliable behaviour in everyday environments & situations inside and outside the home environment
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4 Week Program
Environmentally Sensitive Dogs-
All breeds welcome
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Suited to dogs that lack confidence or motivation, or are more sensitive to change + often affected by new environments & needing more time to settle, engage, & recover
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Challenges may include environmental sensitivity, reduced motivation, & slower progress in unfamiliar settings
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Same structure as the 3 week program, with additional time to support confidence + consistency
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The Lifestyle Pathway is designed for dogs who struggle to function calmly and reliably in everyday life.
This includes dogs who:
- Pull, lunge, bark, or react on walks.
- Lose control around other dogs, people, or movement.
- Struggle to settle at home and are constantly “on”.
- Bark excessively or become overstimulated.
- Have poor impulse control and push boundaries.
- Ignore cues once distractions appear.
- Become anxious, vocal, or destructive when left alone.
- Struggle with separation or confinement.
- Show resource guarding behaviours.
- Are difficult to manage in public spaces.
- Behave well in calm environments but fall apart under pressure.
- Have become exhausting to live with despite training attempts.
- If you’re adjusting your routine, avoiding situations, or constantly managing your dog rather than enjoying them, this program is likely the right fit.
What We Focus On:
The Lifestyle Pathway addresses both behaviour and the underlying emotional state driving it.
Focus areas include:
- Loose lead walking and calm, engaged leash behaviour.
- Obedience.
- Neutral responses to dogs, people, and environmental stimuli.
- Calm behaviour in the home and public settings.
- Teaching dogs how to rest properly, anywhere.
- Reducing reactivity, barking, frustration, and over-arousal.
- Improving focus, engagement, and impulse control.
- Building emotional stability and recovery under pressure.
- Establishing clear structure and predictable routines.
- Strengthening communication between dog and handler.
- Creating reliable behaviour that holds beyond the training environment.
The Goal:
The goal of the Lifestyle Pathway is to create a dog that can function reliably in everyday life.
That means a dog who:
- Can move through public spaces without constant management.
- Can remain calm and neutral around people, dogs, and stimulation.
- Can follow direction even when it matters.
- Can settle at home without frustration or conflict.
This program is designed to replace chaos, avoidance, and constant supervision with structure, predictability, and control so day to day life becomes manageable and consistent.
For human aggression & reactivity
This pathway is designed for dogs displaying human-directed aggression, ranging from reactive behaviour through to serious, high-risk aggression.
Program selection is based on the severity, intent, and risk level of the behaviour, which determines the level of handling, management, and time required in training.
Pricing + More Info
3 Week Program
FOR REACTIVE HUMAN-DIRECTED AGGRESSION-
All breeds welcome
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Suitable for dogs displaying reactive forms of aggression towards people, where behaviour is driven by fear, anxiety, or over-arousal and escalates in specific situations
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This program is designed for dogs whose aggression towards people presents as barking, lunging, snapping, avoidance, or defensive responses, typically at closer distances or under specific triggers
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While these behaviours are aggressive in nature, they're generally situational & responsive to support within a standard timeframe
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Focus Areas:
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Reducing reactive human-directed aggression
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Improving obedience and impulse control
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Teaching neutrality around people
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Structured exposure to everyday environments
4 Week Program
FOR SERIOUS OR HIGH-RISK HUMAN AGGRESSION-
All breeds welcome
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Suitable for dogs displaying escalated or deliberate aggression towards people, including biting, attempted biting, or behaviour that presents an ongoing safety risk to others
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This program is intended for dogs whose aggression towards people is more established, less situational, and / or shows clear intent to cause harm or escalate behaviour
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The extended duration allows for the level of handling, management, and structure required for dogs presenting a higher risk to people
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Focus Areas:
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Managing and reducing high-risk human-directed aggression
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Establishing safe handling and control
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Obedience and impulse control under high arousal
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Behavioural management focused on safety
Focus Areas:
- Immediate intervention for reactivity and aggression
- Foundational obedience and impulse control
- Controlled exposure to real-world environments and distractions
Outcomes:
- Reduction or resolution of reactive and aggressive behaviour
- Improved handling and management skills for the owner
- Increased calmness and confidence in the dog
- Advanced obedience under distraction
- Stronger impulse control and clearer communication
- Long-term behaviour modification strategies tailored to your dog
What’s Covered:
- Obedience
- Leash manners
- Crate training
- Recall
- Place training
- Exposure with dogs and people to build neutrality
- Resolving separation anxiety
- Nuisance barking
- Resource guarding
- Leash reactivity
- Reactivity or aggression towards dogs or people
4 Week Program
This program is designed for dogs displaying serious aggression towards people and those requiring comprehensive behavioural intervention. It is our most advanced and intensive Board & Train option, aimed at reshaping deep-rooted behaviours and building lasting change through structure, clarity, and consistency.
Over four weeks, we work closely with your dog to address behaviours driven by extreme fear, aggression, hostility, or high arousal. This program also develops strong obedience foundations under real-world pressures, helping create safety and control both in and outside the home.
It is ideal for dogs who require structured rehabilitation, not just improvement, but transformation.
Focus Areas:
- Direct intervention for severe reactivity and aggression
- Establishing obedience and impulse control under stress
- Controlled exposure to real-life, high-pressure environments
Outcomes:
- Significant reduction or resolution of aggressive and reactive behaviours
- Advanced obedience and response under distraction
- Reliable behaviour in unpredictable or high-stress situations
- Increased confidence and emotional stability
- Clearer communication between dog and handler
- Long-term behavioural strategies that carry over to everyday life
What’s Covered:
- Obedience
- Crate training
- Recall with reliability
- Loose lead walking
- Place training
- Neutral exposure to dogs and people
- Resolving human-directed aggression
- Resolving dog-directed aggression
- Resource guarding
- Territorial behaviours
- Severe leash reactivity
- Recovery from traumatic or fear-based behaviours
For competitive & specialist training
This program focuses on building dynamic responses that remain reliable even in high-drive states. Many other programs may achieve the behaviour, but reliability falters as soon as the drive state rises.
In our system, the foundational training is consistent whether we are working with sport, specialist applications, or detection dogs. Our goal is to develop proactive dogs with genuine enthusiasm for their work, ensuring they are always reliable.
Pricing + More Info
3 Week Program
Suited for experienced dogs-
For dogs with an existing training foundation
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Focused on refining and amplifying behaviour
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Suited to dogs progressing toward competition, assistance, or specialist roles
4 Week Program
Suited for in-experienced dogs-
For dogs with limited or no prior structured training
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Focused on building clear foundations, engagement, and reliable behaviour
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Designed to prepare dogs for future roles
3 Week Program
This program is designed for dogs who already have a solid training foundation and are ready to refine their skills in more demanding environments. Whether preparing for trials, working roles, or simply levelling up performance, this program develops precision, drive, and stability under increasing levels of distraction and pressure.
It’s ideal for dogs with prior obedience training who need sharper control, clearer communication, and higher reliability in real-world or performance-based settings.
Focus Areas:
- Advanced obedience and command precision
- Reliable performance in high-distraction environments
- Engagement and drive-building under pressure
- Impulse control and decision-making in complex scenarios
- Environmental stability across new and unpredictable settings
- Enhancing communication and teamwork between dog and handler
Outcomes:
- Improved responsiveness and clarity under command
- Greater drive and sustained engagement in active environments
- Sharpened obedience with speed, accuracy, and control
- Reliable performance in unpredictable or high-pressure situations
- Stronger dog-handler connection and communication
- Confident, composed behaviour across varied environments
What’s Covered:
- Precision heeling and positions (sit, down, stand)
- Advanced place training with duration and distraction
- Control under drive (toys, rewards, movement)
- Send-away / out and return work
- Stability in new settings and public environments
- Neutrality around dogs, people, and distractions
- Handler-directed routines and role-specific exercises
This program is tailored for green dogs, those with little to no prior structured training, who need a solid behavioural foundation for future trial, working, or competitive applications.
Across three weeks, we clear expectations, build engagement, and develop dependable behaviour that serves as the base for more advanced work. The goal is to create a dog that is confident, responsive, and ready to progress in their chosen field.
Whether your dog is destined for sport, service, or advanced obedience, this program ensures they start with the right framework.
Focus Areas:
- Foundational obedience and clarity under command
- Engagement and focus development
- Confidence-building in unfamiliar environments
- Impulse control and structured routines
- Early exposure to low-level distractions and social settings
Outcomes:
- Strong base in core behaviours and commands
- Increased confidence and handler focus
- Reliable behaviour in a variety of settings
- Improved environmental neutrality
- Clear communication and handler connection
- Readiness for next-stage training or role-specific development
Emergency Board & Train
Emergency Board & Train placements for urgent behavioural, safety, or management situations.
This service is designed for situations where a dog requires immediate structure and professional oversight, rather than waiting for the next scheduled program intake.
In some cases this may involve behavioural concerns that have escalated beyond what can be safely managed at home. In other situations, unexpected circumstances may mean a dog requires immediate structured care and management.
All Emergency Board & Train placements begin with a required assessment/consultation to determine suitability.
Payment of the deposit secures the assessment. If the dog is accepted into the program, the Board & Train placement will commence immediately following the consultation, with full payment required at the conclusion of the assessment.
SETTING THE STANDARD
Many owners reach a point where everyday life with their dog becomes difficult to navigate. This might show up as problems on walks, difficulty around visitors or in public, reactivity or aggression toward people or other dogs, challenges with a developing puppy, or behaviour that feels unpredictable or unsafe. Whether training has been attempted before or not, owners often reach a stage where they’re unsure what to do next or how to make real progress.
Our Board & Train programs offer a streamlined training pathway for dog owners seeking clear direction and meaningful change. Your dog stays with us for a set period of time in a nurturing home environment in the Yarra Valley, receiving multiple one-on-one training sessions each day in both controlled settings and real-world environments.
In addition to structured training, each dog receives daily walks, appropriate play, and dedicated bonding time, ensuring their physical, mental, and emotional needs are met throughout the program. This is an all-inclusive training camp that focuses on every element of the dog – behaviour, structure, engagement, and the ability to switch off, not just isolated obedience exercises.
Training is tailored to the individual dog and their specific needs, then transferred back to you with clear guidance and structure to support ongoing progress.
The Process
1. SUBMIT THE BOARD & TRAIN BOOKING FORM
Begin by completing the Board & Train booking form.
Within the form you will provide your contact details, information about your dog, the behavioural challenges you are experiencing, and your training goals for the program.
You will also nominate your preferred Initial Consultation availability and the Board & Train intake you intend to enrol in.
Once the form has been submitted, we will temporarily hold an Initial Consultation appointment and a Board & Train place and send you an invoice containing the required deposits to secure both bookings.
Your place in the program is confirmed once payment has been received.
2. PRE-PROGRAM CONSULTATION
An Initial Consultation is required prior to any Board & Train placement.
This consultation allows us to meet you and your dog in person, clarify your goals and expectations, and ensure alignment before training begins. It also gives us the opportunity to assess the behaviours being presented, discuss what may be driving them, and determine the most appropriate training pathway moving forward.
During the consultation, Troy will assess your dog in person, including behaviour, thresholds, recovery, and response to handling. We will also discuss realistic expectations and likely outcomes within the available training timeframe.
When completing the booking form, clients select the training pathway they believe is most appropriate based on their current understanding of their dog. The Initial Consultation allows us to confirm that selection, or adjust the pathway if needed, once your dog has been assessed in person. This ensures your dog is placed into the most suitable program from the outset.
If your dog does not present with behaviours consistent with the selected pathway, the program may be adjusted accordingly. Any changes to structure, recommendations, or pricing will always be discussed openly at the time.
3. HEALTH & VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS
Prior to enrolment in the Board & Train program, proof of the following vaccinations is required:
• C3 vaccination (Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis)
• Kennel Cough vaccination (within the last 12 months)
The owner must also confirm that the dog is free from any contagious illness at the time of entry.
These requirements are in place to ensure the health and safety of all dogs within the training environment.
Documentation confirming vaccination status must be provided prior to the scheduled Board & Train intake.
4. BOARD & TRAIN INTAKE
On the scheduled intake date, your dog will begin their Board & Train program with us.
Owners are welcome to bring their dog to us directly, or we can arrange a Board & Train pick-up service to make the start of the program easier.
Pick-Up Service Pricing:
- Within 15km of Lilydale (3140): $50
- 15km – 30km of Lilydale (3140): $100
- 30km – 50km of Lilydale (3140): $150
- Over 50km or interstate: price quoted based on distance. We will contact you directly to confirm arrangements.
Our goal is to make the transition into the program as smooth and stress-free as possible for both you and your dog.
During the Board & Train program, we provide all essential care items so your dog has everything they need throughout their stay.
This includes:
- Food: Prime100, raw meat (chicken, beef, kangaroo), Performadog and Meals for Mutts. Diets may be rotated throughout the program to support balanced nutrition.
- Equipment: Leads, crates, bedding, food bowls and water bowls.
- Comfort Items: Blankets, toys and everyday essentials to help your dog settle comfortably into its routine.
Because we provide all food, equipment and bedding, we ask owners to pack minimally and only bring items if genuinely necessary.
If your dog has dietary sensitivities, medical requirements or must remain on a specific food, please provide their usual food. If there are no sensitivities, you do not need to bring food as we provide appropriate nutrition throughout the program.
We want your dog to feel comfortable, settled, and at home during their stay with us. Familiar items can often help dogs relax more quickly when entering a new environment, so comfort items are absolutely welcome.
If you feel it will help your dog settle in, we recommend bringing:
- One favourite toy
- One ball
- One blanket from home
These familiar items can help your dog feel more relaxed and confident as they adjust to their new routine during the program.
To keep things organised and safe within the training environment, we ask that you limit comfort items to one of each.
5. DURING THE PROGRAM
During their Board & Train stay, your dog will follow a structured daily routine designed to build skills, develop clarity, and create reliable behaviours through consistent repetition and guidance.
Each day includes a combination of training, movement, rest, enrichment, and supervised downtime to ensure your dog progresses while also remaining settled, balanced, and engaged throughout the program.
This includes:
- Multiple formal training sessions each day within our learning environment, and then out in public once your dog is ready
- Daily walks focused on developing loose lead walking, exploring the environment, and allowing your dog to simply enjoy being a dog
- Daily supervised free time within our safe environment
- Daily place training within our learning environment, and then move to public settings as your dog progresses
- Daily bonding, play, and positive interaction to help build engagement, trust, and enjoyment throughout the program
We also provide weekly updates every Tuesday, so you can follow your dog’s progress throughout their stay with us.
Our goal is to provide a program that is not only structured and effective, but also balanced, thoughtful, and enjoyable for the dog.
6. HAND-OVER SESSION
At the completion of the Board & Train program, we will schedule a hand-over session with you.
This session is an important part of the process, as it allows us to transfer the training from the trainer to the owner and ensure you feel confident continuing the work at home.
During the hand-over, we will:
- Walk you through the behaviours and skills your dog has learned during the program
- Demonstrate how to handle and communicate with your dog clearly and effectively
- Guide you through the training techniques and expectations moving forward
- Answer any questions you may have
The goal of this session is to ensure you leave with a clear understanding of how to maintain and continue developing the progress your dog has made.
7. ONGOING SUPPORT
Our support doesn’t end when your dog goes home.
Following the Board & Train program, we remain available to support you as you continue working with your dog and building on the progress made during training.
If you ever have questions, need guidance, or would simply like reassurance as you settle into your new routine together, we’re here to help.
Our goal is to ensure you feel confident moving forward and that both you and your dog continue to enjoy the benefits of the training long after the program has finished.
Why our Board & Train programs work
With over 10 years of experience, Core Canine has built a reputation for working with dogs across a wide range of training and behaviour needs. Today, around 85% of our clients choose the Board & Train program as part of their training journey, making it the most commonly selected option at Core Canine.
Whether you’re a busy owner or managing more challenging behaviour, this program offers a structured and comprehensive approach to training that goes beyond standard sessions.
While dogs stay with us for a set period and receive daily, professional training, the work does not stop on site. Training is applied in real-world scenarios and everyday environments, including situations owners commonly struggle with, so skills are developed where they are actually needed, not just in a controlled setting.
Training is tailored to the individual dog and adjusted throughout the program as progress is made.
What makes this program stand out is its focus on the dog-owner relationship. Training is designed so dogs learn behaviours that carry into daily life, and owners are given clear guidance on how to maintain structure and consistency once their dog returns home.
The result is a dog that is easier to live with day to day and a clearer, more confident working relationship between dog and owner moving forward.
Common Questions About Board & Train
What exactly is a Board & Train program?
A Board & Train program means your dog stays with Core Canine for a period of time while we work with them every day to develop the behaviours that make living with your dog easier and more enjoyable.
Rather than trying to make progress through occasional lessons or inconsistent practice at home, your dog spends dedicated time with us where we can focus on their training each day and give them the repetition and guidance they need to improve.
We use that time to build obedience, improve behaviour, and help dogs develop habits that make them easier to live with and more reliable in everyday situations.
The goal is not just teaching commands, it’s developing a dog that understands how to behave calmly and confidently in the real world.
For many owners, the biggest change is that life with their dog becomes calmer, more predictable, and far easier to enjoy.
Why do many owners choose Board & Train instead of group classes or private lessons?
Many dog owners start with group classes or private lessons. They can be helpful for introducing basic skills, but they often struggle to produce lasting change because of one simple factor:
Time spent training.
Most group classes run once per week for around an hour. Research on dog training programs has found dropout rates of up to 43% in traditional in-person classes, meaning many dogs never receive enough repetition to develop reliable behaviour.
Even when owners attend consistently, a dog might only practise a behaviour for a few minutes during that session.
Board & Train changes that completely.
Instead of one short lesson per week, your dog is working and learning every day. Behaviour science consistently shows that frequent repetition and consistent reinforcement dramatically accelerate learning, which is why intensive programs are often used when owners want meaningful progress.
That extra time allows us to properly develop behaviours rather than simply introducing them.
We get to understand the dog, their temperament, their motivations, what drives them, and what holds them back.
That level of insight doesn’t come from briefly meeting a dog during a lesson or home visit. It comes from living with them, caring for them, working with them, and building a genuine bond over time.
When you spend real time with a dog, you begin to see things that simply aren’t visible in short sessions, how they learn, what motivates them, where they struggle, and what brings out their best.
That deeper understanding allows the training to become far more precise and far more effective.
Does Board & Train actually work?
Yes! Behaviour transforms through repetition, coaching, and consistency.
During a typical Core Canine Board & Train program, your dog spends around 22 days living and training with us.
During that time your dog will receive multiple formal training sessions each day, daily walks where training is integrated into the walk, place training during downtime, and 24/7 supervision to prevent the rehearsal of unwanted behaviours.
Training becomes part of the dog’s daily life.
Now compare that to the most common alternative.
At best, many dogs attend one training lesson per week, often lasting around an hour. After that session the dog returns home, and unwanted behaviours continue exactly as they did before.
Across three weeks, most dogs will experience more than 40 dedicated training sessions, along with thousands of guided repetitions during walks, handling, and everyday interactions.
That difference matters.
Dogs learn fastest when they are guided toward the correct behaviour and prevented from repeatedly rehearsing the wrong one. This approach, often referred to as errorless learning, allows behaviours to develop with far greater clarity and reliability.
Instead of guessing, rehearsing mistakes, or being corrected after the fact, the dog is guided toward the correct response from the beginning.
For many owners, that level of consistency and guidance is the difference between temporary improvement and lasting change.
What behaviours can Board & Train help with?
Board & Train is designed to address the behaviours that most commonly make life with a dog difficult.
These often include:
- Pulling on the lead
- Jumping on people
- Unreliable recall
- Over-excitement and lack of impulse control
- Reactivity toward dogs or people
- Aggression toward dogs or people
- Ignoring commands in distracting environments
- General obedience problems
Many dogs also attend Board & Train not because they are “problem dogs”, but because their owners want a higher standard of training.
The goal is a dog that listens, understands expectations, and behaves reliably in public, not just during a lesson.
Will my dog still listen to me when they come home?
Yes and this is a critical part of the program.
A well-run Board & Train does not create a dog that only listens to the trainer. It creates a dog that understands clear communication.
Before your dog goes home, we guide owners through how their dog has been trained and how to continue reinforcing those behaviours. When owners understand the system, the training doesn’t stop, it continues to improve.
The goal is not dependency on a trainer.
The goal is giving owners a dog they can confidently handle and enjoy.
Payment Schedule
Initial Consultation (Pre-Requisite)
All Board & Train placements require an Initial Consultation prior to enrolment.
- Total: $200
- Booking Deposit: $50 required to secure the consultation.
- Remaining Balance: $150 payable on the day of the consultation.
- Additional Dogs: $100 per additional dog.
Board & Train Programs
To secure your dog’s place in a Board & Train intake, the following payment structure applies.
Booking Deposit: $250 is required to secure your dog’s Board & Train placement.
Remaining Balance:
- 1st Instalment – 50% of the remaining balance is due at drop-off.
- Final Instalment – Remaining balance is due at the hand-over session.
Holiday Season Bookings
For Board & Train programs with drop-off dates between 15 December and 15 January:
- The $250 booking deposit still applies.
- The remaining balance must be paid in full at drop-off.
Public Holiday Surcharge
A $50 surcharge per dog, per day applies for any bookings that fall on a public holiday.
See what our happy clients have to say
Brent Howard
10/10
I cannot express the words of praise and love I have for this human and his business.
Troy was the right person at the right time but so much more… I found Troy at the beginning of Core Canine and have maintained an ongoing relationship over the years.
Troy resolved all my behavioural concerns I was lead to believe weren’t achievable after seeking out 10+ other trainers and was advised to part ways permanently with my canine.
Troy regained my trust in a trainer after experiences with closed minded and ideological based driven trainers who worked far outside of their scope of practice.
My canine wasn’t the problem, our training was.
Troy took a dog and more importantly me! on a life changing course where we found harmony in what once was high adrenaline, nerves and panic filled relationship with my canine
There’s a wealth of knowledge there if you are willing.
I would pay to go through the experience again… again… and again
Brett Walters
I can’t speak highly enough of Troy in the training of my dogs. We have two dogs one a two year-old male Rottweiler and a 2 1/2 year-old female Cavoodle. we have done several board trains with Troy as we go on holidays a few times a year.We previously took our dogs to Homestead kennels. We thought that Experience was okay until we started using Troy.His training of our dogs is next level. He has taught them so much more than when we got them back from Homestead kennels. They now walk loose lead and do not have any conflict with any other dogs. They also do sits and drops at our command and there recall is excellent.Troy spends the time to explain to us how to treat our dogs and implement the right ways to get the right behaviours. Our dogs are so much happier and always in a good state of mind. When we have people around or take our dogs out, we get so many compliments on how well-behaved our dogs are and how they get on in all environments. since we’ve had our dogs with Troy, it’s been a game changer for us and our family.
Jen Leonard
The work Troy has done with our two German shepherds has been incredible. Worth every penny – I can now walk my dogs loose lead, not worry about other dogs and they are so much calmer. His methods and care for our dogs are second to none and I can’t recommend him more highly! We have a baby coming in 8 weeks and I am so much more confident with my boys and can’t thank him enough!
Rita Dawood
I can’t recommend Troy and Core Canine enough! From the very beginning, Troy has been instrumental in setting my puppy, Loki, up for success. We did two board and train programs, and private lessons; the results have been incredible.
Troy’s deep understanding of canine behavior, patience, and structured training approach made all the difference. He didn’t just train Loki—he educated me as an owner, giving me the tools and confidence to continue reinforcing the training at home.
Loki came back from each board and train more confident, well-mannered, and eager to learn. What sets Troy apart is his dedication to ensuring both dog and owner succeed. He takes the time to explain everything and truly cares about each dog he works with.
If you’re looking for a top-tier dog trainer who delivers real results and treats your pup like their own, Core Canine is the place to go! Thank you, Troy, for giving Loki the best start possible and being patient as I ask a million questions.
Annie Thiele
I booked my pooch Frankie in for the 4 week board and train with Troy to see if we could improve her aggression toward people and dogs.
What a game changer!
Prior to coming to seeing Troy I had worked hard to develop Frankie’s obedience, as well as some strong foundations like food and toy motivation. Frankie being the first reactive dog I’ve ever owned though has been a very steep learning curve, and we’d come a long way from how bad she used to be but I started to feel like I was hitting a brick wall and going backwards. Thankfully Troy helped to fill that gap in my skills and gave Frankie a clearer picture of how to handle her fears and frustrations.
Pre board & train – I struggled with a loose lead walk around any distractions, Frankie would blow up in close vicinity to other dogs and especially strangers, and I was just a ball of nerves anytime I thought about taking her somewhere public other than an oval.
Post board & train – We incorporate a few walks into our routine now and can walk past strangers, bikes and dogs without struggle the majority of the time. When she does blow up I feel so much more confident in nipping the behaviour in the bud quickly, and we can move on without the stress lingering. Both Frankie and I have a lot more freedom now too, which is actually the best benefit of her improved behaviour and my reduced stress.
Before starting the board & train we did have a few lessons so that Frankie could be more familiar with Troy. I think this also helped immensely, so that Troy could hit the ground running at the beginning of the board & train. I’d recommend this approach if you’ve also got a nervy dog. It also helps give you an understanding of Troy’s approach to training before the board & train, which for me was valuable as I’m someone who does heaps of research before jumping into action. Sharing a photo of Frankie walking past a dog she would frequently explode at, but now she can listen and engage with me as we walk past it.
An Myers
We enlisted Troy’s help a year ago with our two toy poodles who initially completed the three week board and train. Their nuisance barking had progressively gotten worse and they were always leaving accidents inside the house. They were use to sleeping in our bed and would always wake us up in the middle of the night to go outside to pee. This became very hard once we welcomed our second son. Troy managed to crate train them which solved the overnight interruptions. They now go straight into their crates on demand. The nuisance barking is still a work in progress but definitely not as bad as they use to be! Troy has always been there to guide and help us when we’ve had any questions.
Since their initial board and train we have used Troy’s board and care on several other occasions while we have been on holiday and they always have the best time! Troy’s training has honestly been a game changer and we can’t thank him enough.
Lily Heenan
Recently my dog Winston completed a 4 week program with Core Canine. Walking him used to be super stressful, he would drag, pull, and even refuse to walk, which then overwhelmed me. At night, he’d cry if he wasn’t sleeping in my room, and I felt like I was constantly micro-managing him around the house because he never listened to me.
Then someone recommended the Core Canines 4 week board and train program, and I’m telling you it’s one of the best decisions I made, that I should have made a long time ago.
While he was with Troy, the Dog trainer behind Core Canine, Winston learned so much. He came back crate trained, walking calmly on a lead, actually listening to us, and able to stay on his bed when asked. It was like he finally knew what was being asked of him—and we finally had the tools to support him. It’s the little things that make a massive difference with your relationship with your pup.
Troy works with all dog breeds, all behavioural challenges, and really customises the training to suit your dog and your goals. But more importantly, he empowers you as the owner so you can keep the momentum going at home. Whether you need a board and train program for your dog, or just some 1:1 lessons with Troy, there is a solution for all.
Yes, Winston is still adjusting—he’s learning new responses to his environment —but the foundation Troy built and the guidance he gave us has made it so much easier to stay consistent and build a calmer, happier home.
If you’re in Melbourne and looking for real, lasting results with your dog, Core Canine is who you want to work with. Honestly, I can’t recommend Troy enough.
Elly
We are truly amazed with the care and knowledge Troy showed when training our dog, Benji!
Benji completed a 3 week board and train program and the difference in him has been incredible. We were really struggling with walking Benji as he would constantly pull on the lead and was reactive and fixated on other dogs. Since the board and train program, he walks calmly and it is an enjoyable experience for all of us.
Troy also worked on positive behaviours such as place and crate training. Previously, we couldn’t get Benji to stay in one spot and he hated being in a crate. Troy has taught Benji clear commands meaning he happily stays in his place on his bed and absolutely loves his crate!
We also learnt so much so we can keep working on Benji’s training and reinforcing the good behaviours.
We can’t thank Troy enough or be happier with the service Core Canine provides. Troy is clearly passionate about what he does and taught us and Benji so much. We couldn’t recommend him or Core Canine more and will definitely be back with Benji and any other dogs we have.
Stuart Browne
My dog Balto and I have been working with Troy for more than 2 years now. We have participated in multiple Board and Train programs in addition to regular one on one training sessions. I have not met a more passionate person who cares so much for both the dog and handler with the very best of intentions to see you both reach your potential. It is clear from the outset that Troy’s sessions are as much about teaching the handler as it is working with the dogs behaviours. Troy works to identify the root of any problem so that the correct approach can guide you and your dog to success. We will continue to work with Troy for as long as we are a team. Whether you are new to training dogs or are established and want to go further than you ever thought you could go with your best friend then absolutely get in contact with Troy. Troys sessions are well structured and he provides extensive resources for you to take away to reference down the track and he is always available to answer follow up queries when you hit road blocks. Thanks Troy and see you again soon.
Emily M
I am happy with Wally’s 4-week board and train program, all the advices Troy has given to me as at today are relevant and supportive. Troy’s attention to details and being compassionate about Wally’s situation (not settling well initially, being a very anxious, sensitive and reactive boy), Troy genuinely cares for the best of Wally. I believe in Troy, his works and professionalism. Training on Wally (and myself) is still working in progress and Wally will be heading off to another board and train session during November. Will share updates later in future.
Theo Darmos
As a first time dog owner, I reached out to Troy at core canine for assistance. He has guided me for two years with my dog and has provided me with an outstanding amount of knowledge.
My dog has enjoyed all our sessions from private training to group training and has especially enjoyed his board and train and board and care programs. I have been very happy with the care provided to my dog who means the world me and his behaviors and skills that he has learnt with Troy are exceptional.
I highly recommend Core Canine for anyone needing assistance with their dog or if they are a first time dog owner.
Nicole Igou-Texeira
I sent my dog Willow (2.5 year old female Weimaraner) to Troy originally for 3 weeks but when receiving his email updates it seemed she would benefit from the extra week and Troy graciously accommodated that. His email updates were thorough and you could tell he really cared about the well being of my dog and making sure she was getting everything out of the program. I was so nervous to send her as we’ve never been apart for anything close to that amount of time and she couldn’t sleep anywhere except in my bed so was very nervous for her being left in a crate overnight. But Troy reassured me and I’m so grateful I trusted the process.
I was a constant at the vet so much so Willow got the nickname of being a “frequent flyer.” Their recommendation was a behaviorist which resulted in her being put on quite a bit of medication but without seeing enough of an improvement as those meds & behaviorist appointments are quite expensive I decided to give Core Canines a go, as I got a recommendation from a friend who sent their dog to Troy and had a really positive experience with him. This training is a pretty penny as well but the difference seeing her come home has been far more drastic than any medication was. My dog had severe separation anxiety, was not crate trained, pulled on the leash and the list goes on. She’s now sleeping through the night in her crate which I honestly never thought I’d see the day that happened. And improvements happening all around, don’t get me wrong there’s still work for her and I to do to but Troy has been extremely helpful with transitioning her back home with a plan in place so hopefully she can be just as calm with me as she was with him. I’m writing this as Willow is currently napping in her crate 🤩 (pic attached) This was a very positive experience for me and I would recommend Core Canines and Troy to anyone with a dog they’re needing some guidance managing. Thanks again!
Nik
The experience with Core K9 was second to none. We sent our two German Shepherds to him with a variety of issues. They came back loose lead walking, place trained and desensitised to a variety of stimulus (and many others). I can honestly say it’s been life changing. Highly recommend.
Phoebe Riley
I’m not sure if you can tell from the before photos, (ha!) but our lovable boy Vinny was the naughtiest boy there ever was.
As we were Expecting a newborn, We had tried all we could ourselves putting in countless hours with training yet got nowhere.
I feel like all my time was spent yelling “VINNIE NO!!!! VINNIE GET DOWN, VINNIE COME! VINNIE GIVE!”
We failed at crate training, he over excitedly jumped all over us, and everyone else, got mouthy when stimulated, pinched every damn thing he could and near pulled us over on the lead. Off lead- he came back when HE chose too.
After our newborn was born it just was a complete nightmare.
So we booked him into Troy’s board and train program- and honestly we are so stoked we did.
Vinnie came back with the foundations of SO many new good behaviours- and fully crate trained. It has been our saviour. He now knows how to walk on the lead, sit on his bed at home and out at cafes, and not to jump.
Troy at Core canine was incredible from start to finish, telling us exactly what to expect, and listening to what we wanted to work on.
In our initial consult he had Vinny paying attention to him like he never had for us- and when we picked up Vinny Troy left us with ALL the tools to keep Vinny’s learnt behaviours going. the handbook he wrote up for us for vinnie and how to manage him with training techniques is actually our bible at the moment.
Finally we can see the light knowing that Vin is able to learn good behaviours and with the things that Troy has taught him and us, we feel super confident knowing we can handle him.
We will be absolutely back for follow up training sessions to better his behaviours and for US to be taught better at how to keep up these behaviours so he doesn’t regress.
I highly recommend this man and his business- he has taken so much anxiety of ours and left us with tools, and a better dog to work with.
Thanks so much Troy
Last 2 photo’s is vinnie now relaxed in his crate, and him out and about with me. Finally we can take him everywhere with us like we always wanted!
Phoebe & Family
Jon Goad
Honestly made what seemed impossible. Possible.
Adopted our dog at almost 2 years old and was highly reactive to other dogs.
We had used multiple training facilities with no luck at all.
And in a short 4 weeks Troy had our boy relaxing with multiple dogs. After all the training our dog now has confidence and focus like never before.
Troy has set us up for success. Couldn’t be more pleased and thrilled with the experience.