Board + Train Programs - Huntsville, AL

Fast-Track Dog Training for Real Results and Lasting Confidence

Impactful Canine Training received an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 Stars over from Google Reviews. 5.0 ★★★★★ Read Google Reviews.

Man training three dogs: Belgian Malinois, mixed-breed, and Australian Cattle Dog, indoors with agility equipment.

Man giving a treat to a brown dog lying down indoors.

Transform Your Dog While You Focus on Life

If you’re a busy professional or simply need hands-on help shaping your dog’s behavior, our Board + Train program is the ultimate solution.

This fully immersive training experience lets your dog live and learn with our professional trainer - developing focus, manners, and confidence through structured, positive reinforcement.

We handle the hard work for you, then give you the tools to keep the progress going at home.

“Our Board + Train program is designed to help dogs (and owners) succeed in real life - not just in the training room.”

- Rick Markum, Owner & Lead Trainer

Why Choose Our Board + Train Program?

Unlike generic bootcamp-style programs, Impactful Canine’s Board + Train is personalized to your dog’s needs, temperament, and your family’s lifestyle. Dogs stay in a home-based environment — not a kennel — learning in realistic daily situations that mirror your home life.

Board & Training Key Benefits:

Home-Based Learning Environment – Calm, structured, and free from high-stress kennels.
Customized Training Plans – Every program is built around your dog’s unique behavior and goals.
Professional Handling – Led by certified trainer Rick Markum, using proven, science-based techniques.
Comprehensive Skills – Focus on leash manners, obedience, impulse control, and social etiquette.
Owner Integration – You’ll receive one-on-one lessons to confidently continue training at home.

Our Process

How It Works

STEP

Evaluation & Enrollment

We begin with a private evaluation to assess your dog’s baseline behavior, comfort levels, and readiness for CGC. This helps us customize pacing and strategy.

STEP

Classroom & Practical Sessions

Our standard CGC courses run over 4–8 weeks, with weekly sessions lasting 60–90 minutes. We combine owner instruction, dog practice, and real-world simulation, including mock test conditions.

STEP

Homework & Reinforcement

Between sessions, you’ll receive guided “homework” exercises to deepen skills through repetition in everyday settings. Feedback and adjustments happen regularly.

STEP

Mock Evaluation

Before your official test, we’ll run through the full 10-skill session under timed, simulated conditions. This boosts confidence and identifies areas needing fine-tuning.

WHAT THEY SAY

Clients Reviews

I 10/10 recommend contacting Rick with Impact if you’re new to training or even want to challenge your pup. I brought my high-drive, semi-obedient, minimum off-switch puppy, Gus, to Rick, and the pieces are coming together within no time! (Still needs work but so much improvement) I chose Impact Canine Training because I wasn’t comfortable having someone else train Gus and not be a part of the process. With impact, Rick will work with the dog and give you the tools necessary to stay consistent and confident in your training. I am beyond thankful for Rick's investment in my relationship with Gus.

Melissa M.

★★★★★

I can’t say enough good things about Rick at Impactful Canine Training! He has been amazing with my dog, Benny, helping with obedience training and confidence building. I’ve noticed such a positive change — he listens so much better, walks nicely on a leash, and seems happier overall. Rick is patient, knowledgeable, and really cares about both the dogs and their owners. I highly recommend Impactful Canine Training to anyone looking for effective and compassionate dog training!

Ashley F.

★★★★★

We’ve just completed our sessions with Rick and the results with our bull terrier puppy, Tilly, have been impressive. The training was clear, consistent, and tailored to our dog’s personality, stubborn but smart. Rick struck a great balance between structure and patience, helping us build a solid foundation for obedience and good behavior at home and in public. We feel much more confident as dog owners now and highly recommend his positive reinforcement approach for anyone looking to train a strong-willed breed or any breed for that matter. Thanks Rick!

Laken M.

★★★★★

We are so glad we went with Rick for training our high energy rescue pup, Finn! Finn needed some help with impulse control and obedience, and has made some big improvements since he started training. We now have a good foundation for continuing his training at home thanks to Rick. It’s clear that Rick loves what he does - he is great with Finn and very knowledgeable about dog behavior.

Abby S.

★★★★★

Ready to See the Transformation?

Let us help you turn your dog’s potential into confidence, obedience, and trust — all while you focus on life’s demands. Our Board + Train programs are ideal for working professionals, busy families, or anyone who wants expert results fast. Serving Huntsville, Madison, Decatur & North Alabama

SCHEDULE YOUR PRIVATE EVALUATION TODAY