Dallas-Fort Worth Dog Training
Board and Train in Dallas, TX
If you dream of having on- and off-leash control of your dog, then a 21-day board and train program may be for you.
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IACP Member #2591
Professional Level
Tod McVicker's credentials
In board and train at a time
Real-life home training with Tod
Compare and book in-home Board & Train dog training in Lewisville, TX and across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with Founder and Head Trainer Tod McVicker, training dogs professionally since 2006.
Tod accepts a maximum of 2 client dogs at a time inside his real family home so every dog receives 24/7 structured care, crate training, and individualized behavior work.
Every 21-day Board & Train stay begins with a personal phone assessment with Tod to evaluate your dog's temperament, history, and goals, with no home visit required.
Graduating owners receive a professional-grade E-Touch Method™ collar and transmitter to keep, one-on-one go-home transfer coaching from Tod, and exclusive access to Graduate Boarding in Tod's home with no minimum stay.
- Head Trainer & CredentialsTod McVicker (IACP Member #2591, Certified IACP CDT, PDTI, and CDTA), training dogs in DFW since 2006.
- Home Setting & Capacity21-day immersion in Tod's real home in Lewisville, TX 75077, capped at 2 client dogs maximum at a time.
- First Step & AssessmentDirect phone assessment with Tod McVicker (no home visit needed) to confirm fit and discuss program details.
Compare Board & Train Tracks
Dallas-Fort Worth Board & Train Programs at a Glance
Every Board & Train stay takes place in Tod McVicker's home in the Lewisville and Dallas-Fort Worth area with no more than two client dogs enrolled at one time.
Program Option 1 • Flagship Immersion
21-Day On & Off-Leash Home Board & Train
- Program: 21-Day Full-Immersion Home Board & Train for adult dogs and small or large breeds across Dallas-Fort Worth.
- Format & Setting: Three weeks living inside Tod McVicker's real family home in Lewisville, TX (maximum 2 client dogs at a time).
- Who It Fits: Dogs needing reliable on-leash and off-leash obedience, calm house manners, crate comfort, and impulse control around distractions.
- What Is Included: Daily personalized training using Martin Deeley's E-Touch Method™, a professional-grade e-collar and transmitter to keep, regular video and email updates, and personal go-home owner coaching.
- First Step / Prerequisite: Phone assessment with Tod McVicker to discuss your dog's behavior, goals, and custom tuition (no home visit required).
- Graduate Perks: Ongoing support options plus lifelong eligibility for Graduate Boarding in Tod's home with no minimum stay.
Program Option 2 • Early Foundation
Puppy Foundation & Housebreaking Board & Train
- Program: Immersive Home Board & Train tailored for young dogs and older puppies needing structured daily routines.
- Format & Setting: Home-based immersion with Tod McVicker and his balanced resident pack in the Lewisville and DFW area.
- Who It Fits: Young dogs struggling with potty training, crate training, jumping, play biting, leash pulling, or early confidence.
- What Is Included: Predictable elimination schedules, crate conditioning, polite greeting habits, leash walking fundamentals, socialization with balanced dogs, and owner handoff coaching.
- First Step / Prerequisite: Phone assessment with Tod McVicker to match your puppy's age and developmental stage to the right stay length.
- Graduate Perks: Eligibility for Graduate Boarding in Tod's home whenever you travel, keeping the exact routine your puppy learned.
Program Option 3 • Behavior Modification
Reactivity, Fear & Aggression Board & Train
- Program: Specialized Behavior Modification Board & Train led personally by Tod McVicker (IACP CDT/PDTI/CDTA).
- Format & Setting: Calm, low-volume home environment in Lewisville, TX capped at 2 client dogs so reactive or fearful dogs are never overwhelmed.
- Who It Fits: Dogs displaying leash reactivity, lunging, fearfulness, anxiety, resource guarding, or aggression toward dogs or people.
- What Is Included: Daily decompression, structured pack exposure, clear communication without fear or pain, professional equipment, and hands-on leadership transfer for the owner.
- First Step / Prerequisite: Candid phone evaluation with Tod McVicker to review your dog's bite or reactivity history and confirm the safest path forward.
- Graduate Perks: Access to structured Group Socialization classes and alumni boarding in Tod's home.
Program Option 4 • Alumni Exclusive
Boarding for Board & Train Graduates
- Program: Home Overnight Boarding exclusively for dogs that have completed Redeeming Dogs Board & Train.
- Format & Setting: Your dog stays directly with Tod McVicker inside his real family home and daily routine.
- Who It Fits: Board & Train alumni families heading out of town for a weekend trip, holiday, or extended vacation.
- What Is Included: Daily structure, familiar house rules, exercise with Tod's pack, and reinforcement of the commands your dog learned during training.
- First Step / Prerequisite: Completion of a Redeeming Dogs Board & Train program; there is no minimum stay requirement.
- Graduate Perks: Complete peace of mind knowing your dog is cared for by the trainer who already knows their temperament and routine.
21-Day Board & Train
Board & Train for the Dallas Metro Area
Unlike many dog boarding facilities, I do not take more than two client dogs in for training at a time.
That means your dog gets tons of loving attention, personalized instruction, and plenty of structured exercise.
This training program can take place when you plan to travel or just to give you a three-week break from your current routine.
Your puppy or adult dog will learn the fundamentals of obedience, manners, and social skills, and return ready to follow your leadership.
Living in a calm family home means your dog won't be stressed or isolated.
They stay in a real home here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, gaining valuable crate training, confidence, and structured routines throughout their stay.
A Proven Training Method That Builds Trust
I use and recommend the E-Touch Method™, pioneered by Martin Deeley, internationally respected dog trainer, author, and dog behaviorist.
I'm certified in this gentle, effective style that uses subtle communication through electronic collars, creating clarity without causing pain, fear, or anxiety.
It is as far removed from the old "shock" collars as a laser is from a flood light.
This training method in essence "taps" the dog to focus him on the command, or to distract him from continuing an activity he should not be pursuing.
The dog is not in fear, or in pain.
You will see a dog that gets very happy when he (or she) sees their e-collar.
When you complete the program, you'll not only receive a professional-grade e-collar and transmitter to keep, but I'll personally train you to confidently maintain and continue your dog's progress.
With this method, expert control can be passed from me, the trainer, to you, the owner.
You can expect a more obedient, confident, and cheerful companion.
"Milo LOVES staying at Tod's property!"
Tod trained our German Shorthaired Pointer, Milo, in 2019, through his 21-day board and train immersion training program.
Milo was about 8 months old at the time.
Tod is an absolute dog whisperer!
He worked wonders with our boy, and we are so grateful.
Thanks to Tod's training, Milo is super well behaved, he gets along well with both humans and dogs in all situations, and he is an absolute joy to be around.Milo has spent a lot of time boarding with Tod over the years.
This is a huge benefit of having Tod train your dog. He only boards dogs he has trained himself.
Milo LOVES staying at Tod's property!
He gets excited when he recognizes the neighborhood as we are driving over there.
There is a HUGE back yard area where the dogs can play together and stretch their legs.
Tod takes no more than about 12 dogs at a time for boarding, I believe.
All the dogs who board there have been trained by Tod, so they are very well behaved and get along well.
Tod provides steady, consistent supervision and a healthy, safe atmosphere.I love the videos he takes and shares of the goings-on in the yard.
It is fun to see Milo and all the other dogs in action together.We have complete peace of mind leaving Milo with Tod when we head out of town for a weekend or a two-week trip.
We know he will be safe, happy and well cared for.
We feel so grateful that we found Tod McVicker and Redeeming Dogs 8 years ago, and we recommend him very highly.
"Tod is truly a dog whisperer."
My Apollo is a Shih Tzu mix.
Read Apollo's Full Story
He was an 18 month old rescue when I got him.
He was the most hyper dog.
I had never seen him walk; he ran everywhere.
All he wanted to do was play ball 24 hours a day and he would never let me forget it.
When Apollo met Tod, the little dog was mesmerized by him.
Tod had Apollo watching his every move and behaving within the first 10 minutes.
Apollo went to board and train with Tod and was ready to come back in less than 2 weeks.
He came back to me calm and willing to obey.
He understands his commands and obeys them, sometimes with a little reminding.
But he is now a joy, thanks to Tod.
"The peace of mind we have knowing our dogs are in his care is invaluable."
We have trusted Tod with the training and boarding of both of our hounds for the past six years.
During that time, our dogs have stayed with him for visits ranging from two days to two and a half weeks.
His boarding facility is spacious, clean, temperature-controlled which provides a safe and comfortable environment for our dogs.Tod communicates promptly and professionally, keeping us informed throughout their stay.
He shares video updates of his "crew" enjoying outdoor yard activities, which provides an added level of reassurance while we are away.
He ensures each dog continues their home feeding routines, ensuring continuity of care.The peace of mind we have knowing our dogs are in his care is invaluable.
In fact, we have even rearranged our travel plans to accommodate his availability because we simply would not entrust our dogs to anyone else.
We recommend Tod without hesitation to anyone seeking exceptional training, boarding, and genuinely attentive care for their dogs.
Dallas Board & Train Program Details
- 1
Phone Assessment
Contact me to determine when we can begin the 21-day board and train program for your dog.
I usually begin by assessing your dog over the phone to see if the program is a good fit and explain the process.
No home visit is needed.
While it's rare, if I believe your dog wouldn't benefit from this type of training, I'll be honest with you upfront. - 2
Three Weeks of Training
Your dog stays in a real home with no more than one other client dog.
We now offer board and train options for small breeds as well. - 3
Going Home Together
Three weeks after drop-off, I'll return your dog to you personally, better trained, more balanced, and ready to impress.
During the transition, I'll coach you through everything your dog has learned, so you feel prepared to reinforce these new behaviors at home.
You'll also have the option to enroll in ongoing support or refreshers.
Like us, dogs benefit from continued guidance.
We don't send kids to one month of school and expect them to graduate.
We build upon skills over time, and continued training services make lasting change.
Why Choose Our Board and Train in Dallas?
Here's what makes our Dallas board and train program different from traditional dog boarding stays.
- Customized training tailored to your dog's needs, including daily behavior modification and real-life socialization.
- 24/7 structured care inside Tod's family home alongside his balanced pack.
- Great for puppy training in Dallas, especially for young dogs needing early foundation work.
- Helps with mild issues like reactivity or more serious challenges like aggression.
- Suitable for any breed and personality, because our training programs adapt to your dog.
- Teaches leash manners, improves crate training, and builds overall social skills.
- Designed and led by one of the most experienced dog trainers Dallas has to offer.
- Excellent choice for solving potty training struggles in a focused environment.
- This immersive program builds trust, confidence, and consistent behavior through expert training.
"When it comes to boarding, there is simply no one else I would trust with our dog."
It's hard to put into words how much of a difference Tod and Redeeming Dogs have made in our lives!
Not only did Tod transform the way our dog behaves, but he also taught us how to be better dog owners.
For nine years, he has been our go-to person for training, guidance, and any challenges we've encountered along the way.
And when it comes to boarding, there is simply no one else I would trust with our dog.
I love that Tod's boarding is intentionally small and personal, rather than a large facility where dogs can easily become just another number.
He knows our dog, understands his needs, and cares for him as if he were his own.
Being able to leave town knowing our dog is in such capable, loving hands is truly priceless.
We couldn't recommend Tod and Redeeming Dogs more highly!
Boarding for Board & Train Graduates
Going out of town?
Your dog will stay with Tod McVicker.
Boarding is open only to dogs who have finished Board & Train.
Your dog stays in Tod's home and keeps the same routine and rules they learned here.
There is no minimum stay.
"The greatest gift Tod has given us is peace of mind."
We brought our Vizsla to Tod McVicker's when she was just 6 months old, full of puppy energy and ready to learn.
We started with a one-week stay to see how she'd settle in, and a few weeks later she went back for three weeks of intensive training.
We couldn't have been happier with the results.
She came home more focused, better behaved, and every bit as happy and confident as when she left.That was the beginning of a wonderful relationship.
Our girl is now 3 years old, and Tod has been her home away from home ever since.
She absolutely loves going there, whether it's for a weekend or a longer stay, and she's always excited the moment we pull in.The greatest gift Tod has given us is peace of mind.
We never worry when she's boarding there, because we know she's safe, well cared for, and genuinely happy.
For anyone looking for a trainer or boarder who truly cares about your dog, we can't recommend Tod McVicker highly enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Included in Your Dallas Board and Train Program?
Our Dallas board and train program is a 21-day immersive experience.
Your dog will stay inside Tod's real family home and receive personalized attention, crate training, obedience work, socialization, daily structure, and hands-on practice with leash manners, house rules, and more.
Do You Offer Board and Train Options for Puppies?
Yes, our program is excellent for puppy training in Dallas.
We build solid foundations in crate training, leash walking, manners, and early socialization, which helps prevent future issues like potty training struggles, fear, or reactivity.
What Kind of Behavior Problems Can Your Board and Train Program Help Fix?
The board and train program is great for addressing mild reactivity and more serious challenges like aggression, fear, and leash pulling.
We tailor the training program to your dog's specific needs, using proven behavior modification methods that build trust and confidence.
Can You Help With Potty Training Through This Program?
Definitely.
Our board and train experience is ideal for potty training.
We build predictable routines, reinforce proper elimination habits, and reduce confusion that often leads to indoor accidents.
How Do I Know if My Dog Is a Good Fit for This Program?
Before enrolling in our Dallas board and train service, I assess your dog over the phone.
We talk through your dog's behavior, temperament and learning style.
We'll be honest with you.
If your dog wouldn't benefit, we'll let you know and recommend a better path.