page contents

Cats and Dogs, Quick Tips

The Cost of Dog Training

The Paw Print

Essential Pet Blog

dog agility training dog jumping over pole

You got a dog- congratulations! You’ve probably already budgeted for food, accessories, bedding, health essentials, toys, microchipping, and vet visits, right? Those are the costs most owners typically tally up when they assess the cost of owning a dog. But what about training for your new companion? It’s probably one of the costs that most often flies under the radar for new pet owners and it can certainly make a big budgetary impact.

Proper training is an important factor for a well-behaved dog. In fact, when done right, training can strengthen your bond with your dog, stimulate their brain, provide fun for your whole family, and even save your dog’s life (think “stay/come/leave it” situations). With so much at stake, it’s important to make the right choice when it comes to training.

The Cost of Dog Training

Cost can range from pretty minimal to multiple thousands, depending upon the type of training you decide your dog needs and the goals you have set for them. There are choices to fit every budget.

  1. At home DIY dog training: $

This form of training is relatively inexpensive. All it takes is a little bit of time and a good supply of treats or incentive items. It’s also a good idea to budget for things like a clicker, treat pouches, and agility course materials if you plan to incorporate it into your training.

  1. Group dog training classes: $$

If you’re looking for a great opportunity to socialize your dog while teaching valuable obedience lessons, group classes might be exactly what you need. Depending upon your location, you can probably expect to pay somewhere between $50-150 for four to eight weeks of classes. Each class and location will vary, so it’s important to do your research to make sure you choose one that will be a good fit for you and your pup.

  1. Private dog training: $$$

Are you looking for a more personalized approach? If one-on-one training is what you’re after, be prepared to spend a little more for it. A professional dog trainer might charge anywhere from $30-150 per hour, depending upon your location and the goals you have for your dog. If your dog has behavioral issues, you might need to seek the help of a specialized trainer, which can be more costly.

  1. Specialized training and boarding: $$$$

If you want to equip your dog with specialized skills or if your dog has a serious behavior that needs to be addressed with long-term specialized training, it can be quite costly. If you’re looking for this level of training, you can expect to shell out at least $1,000 (but probably more). This form of training typically comes with some form of a guarantee, and possibly certifications for your pup, if they are training in an applicable area.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you to make the decision that is right for you and your dog. We know there are many factors involved when considering the right type of training, but it’s important to thoroughly research any training method or facility you choose.

Do you have any great dog training tips to share? We would love to hear from you over on our facebook page!

Please share this post