Traditional kennel-based board and train facilities keep dogs behind bars, practicing drills in sterile runs where life looks nothing like the real world.
At Misfits Dog Training, our 3-Week Board and Train Program is designed for owners across Hampton Roads who want professional, immersive development for their dog in a real home environment. Your dog stays directly in head trainer Craig Penny’s home, integrating into daily household routines while mastering reliable obedience, leash manners, and public neutrality.
Our board and train follows a structured, three-phase progression that systematically moves from foundational mechanics to high-distraction proofing.
The first week centers on establishing clear communication, building trust and rapport, setting household boundaries, and introducing the low-level e-collar as a gentle communication tool. Training occurs primarily in and around the trainer’s home and property, paired with daily walks (weather permitting) to develop structured leash manners and eye contact.
We take the training on the road into public Williamsburg and Hampton Roads environments. Your dog learns to hold commands with greater duration and focus around other dogs, people, noise, and novel outdoor stimuli—ensuring obedience doesn’t just happen in a quiet room.
The final week is dedicated to refining high-level reliability, building impulse control, and testing off-leash capabilities. (Note: Off-leash reliability is evaluated per individual dog based on temperament, history, and reliability to ensure lifelong safety.)
Obedience isn’t a 15-minute drill; it’s a way of living.
Because your dog stays in-home with Craig, training happens throughout normal daily life:
A successful board and train requires that good behaviors transfer seamlessly back to you.
At pick-up, we conduct an extensive, hands-on session at your home, teaching you handling mechanics, timing, and how to maintain the training.
Your dog goes home equipped with the proper gear and e-collar setup introduced during their stay.
You receive all essential, top-quality training tools needed for long-term consistency.
You receive long-term support and follow-up guidance to ensure your dog remains reliable for years to come.
Your dog stays in our trainer’s personal home in Williamsburg, receiving constant supervision, routine, and real-life household structure rather than sitting in a commercial kennel facility.
We work with clients throughout Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Richmond, and surrounding Hampton Roads communities.
Led by former military K9 handler Craig Penny, we utilize balanced, relationship-based methods. Good decisions earn praise, affection, and freedom; unwanted behaviors are met with clear, fair, and humane boundaries.
