We want to help you make the best decision for you and your dog when it comes to the dog training company you decide to work with.

As a dog training company, we have been thrilled with the growth in awareness that our industry has seen recently. People are realizing they can have well-behaved dogs that are loving members of the family. They are also starting to realize their dog’s behavior can change, and with help and guidance they can keep their beloved pets instead of feeling like they have to give them up or (worst-case scenario) put them down. But how much does dog training cost?

There are several factors to consider when you’re trying to figure out the cost of dog training. My hope is that this breaks it down a bit for you so you can make a more informed decision about what is best for you, your family, and your dog.

Location, location, location

One of the first things you will come across in your research is where do you want your dog trained? There are 3 main categories that come to mind:

1. Board and train at a kennel
2. Group/individual classes at a facility (pet store, boarding facility, etc.)
3. In-home training

There are pros and cons to each of these, and it’s up to you to decide what works best for you, your family/lifestyle, budget, and dog. We’ll look into each of them and some estimated costs for their dog training programs, but keep in mind these costs may change after this posts and can vary between companies/facilities.

 

Board and Train at a Kennel

This is exactly what it sounds like: you are leaving your dog at a boarding facility (or kennel) and they train the dog for you. Your cost generally includes obedience skills, problem solving, boarding costs, and at least one follow-up lesson.

A quick Google search for local board-and-train programs in our area showed a price range from $1125-$3400.

What causes the price change?

There are a few factors that can change the cost of one of these programs:

• The length of the program you choose (or the level of obedience you need). A longer stay means more obedience taught, more problems addressed, and more boarding costs.
• If your dog has aggression issues. Working with an aggressive dog means more liability and precautions need to take place. It also may take longer to earn the dog’s trust depending on they type/level of aggression.
• Most boarding facilities offer add-ons like baths, nail trims, nature walks, etc. and these might be available to add on to your program.

Pros and cons of board-and-train programs

Here are a few things to consider when thinking about a board-and-train program. This list is by no means extensive, but highlights some points we have come across from personal experience and feedback from clients.

Group/individual Classes at a Facility

Perhaps the most popular dog training programs are group sessions at a facility. These include pet stores, boarding facilities, or kennel clubs. Some of these even offer private one-on-one sessions you can purchase. Your cost generally includes obedience skills and some problem solving.

A quick Google search for local facilities offering group classes or private classes at their facility showed a range of $95-$995.

What causes the price change?

There are a few factors that can change the cost of one of these programs:

• The level of obedience you wanted to achieve.
• If the lesson was a group class or a private lesson (private lessons cost more).
• If the program included any training equipment (leash, collar, etc.)

Pros and cons of group class or private programs at a facility

Here are a few things to consider when thinking about a group class or private facility program. This list is by no means extensive, but highlights some points we have come across from personal experience and feedback from clients.

Pros	Cons
Your dog will have socialization opportunities with other dogs in group class	Dogs can be easily distracted while trying to train (and may not retain what they learn)
Most group classes don’t allow aggressive dogs (which is fine if you don’t need help with this)	Your dog may not display the same behavior problems they do at home which makes them harder to address
Your dog will get used to going to somewhere other than home in your car	You have to travel to the facility for the class every week
Private lessons allow for one-on-one training	You have to follow their class schedule (no flexibility in when your class is).
Can be more budget-friendly	Every dog in the class is trained using the same training method/technique (which may not work for your dog)
	Most group classes don’t allow aggressive dogs (which doesn’t help if that is an issue you want to work on)

 

In-home Training Programs

The most personalized type of training you can look into is an in-home dog training option. As the name implies, the trainer would come to your home and work one-on-one with you and your dog(s). However, your not limited to only being trained at your house – if you need to work on their behavior at a vet’s office or pet store, the trainer can always arrange to meet you there instead (well, I can speak for our company and say we would meet you there). Your cost generally includes the individual training, written materials to help you with follow-up, and problem solving, but some program prices include more (see below).

In a quick Google search for in-home dog training companies in our area, I found a price range from $350-$800 for basic obedience packages; and ranges of $1200-$1500 for advanced obedience packages.

What causes the price change?

There are a few factors that can change the cost of one of these programs:

• The level of obedience you want to achieve.
• The amount of weeks the program takes to teach that level of obedience or address all your behavior problems. For example, there were some places that addressed a few behavior problems but had “add on” packages if you needed more problems addressed.
• If any equipment was included in your program price (e-collars, cots, leashes, etc.).
• Travel time within their coverage area.
• If any other benefits were included. For example, our programs include a Lifetime Betterdog Warrantee and Monthly Training Tune-up Classes with all our program prices.
• The experience your trainer has with training dogs (years in training, previous experience, certifications, etc.)
• If you decide to add on any other “extras” like tricks.
• If you need training for a reactive, aggressive, or anxious dog. Sometimes these programs can take longer to build the dog’s trust with the trainer and/or the methods need time to take affect.

Pros and cons of in-home training programs

Here are a few things to consider when thinking about an in-home training program. This list is by no means extensive, but highlights some points we have come across from personal experience and feedback from clients.

Pros	Cons
Personalized, one-on-one training for you and your dog	Possible rescheduling due to circumstances beyond a trainer’s control: wrecks, traffic, illness, weather, etc.
Can change training methods as needed for your dog to learn (I can only speak for my company that we do this, you would need to verify with others)	Dealing with weather when you need your lesson outside (walking, for example)
Programs can be customized more (again, my company does this, you would need to verify with others)	Cost can be more than your budget allows
The convenience of your home, or location where you need help (vet, pet store, etc.)
Works around your schedule since we come to you
Training happens where your your behavior problems occur and your dog is most comfortable: your home
You can still get socialization with other dogs if the company offers group classes or can coordinate with other clients for a group lesson

 

Some other factors when considering what the cost of dog training covers:

When you’re weighing out the cost of the dog training program(s), it’s helpful to consider the following:

• Compare “apples to apples”: do the programs you’re comparing include the same things (group classes, warranty, equipment, etc.)?
• Depending on your behavior problem(s) – will the cost of the program pay for itself? For example: If you’re having to replace a couch because of a chewing problem, think of how many couches you may buy if you don’t get training. Or is the cost of the program worth not having an emergency vet bill because your dog ran out the door and got hit?

So the choice is yours…

We hope this has been helpful in figuring out how much dog training can cost and if it will fit in your budget. Please remember to also factor in your lifestyle, work schedule, extracurricular schedule, and how your dog will learn to make the best decision for you and your family.

We also recommend doing your research and asking questions on training techniques and methods to make sure you are comfortable with their training style.

What is certain across the board – your dog would need to have proof of shots and be in good health to enroll in any type of program. Also, in any type of training, you will have some sort of “homework” to reinforce and practice what your dog learned that day. Group class and in-home training will put most of that homework on you; but even though board-and-train programs do that homework for you, you will need to know how to follow-through and reinforce what your dog learned at the facility.

We offer a variety of in-home training programs, and now offer Virtual Lessons as well!

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