Dogs provide love and companionship to their owners, and that’s why many people choose to have them in their lives. Though there are costs associated with owning a dog – such as feeding and vet bills – the benefits of having a furry friend far outweigh the expenses.
But what if you’re looking for more specific information on total dog training costs? This blog post will outline average prices for obedience classes, hiring a private professional dog trainer, and doggy daycare. So whether you’re just starting out or are well-versed in canine training, read on for all the details!
General Dog Training Costs
Group training is a great option for dogs that are social and enjoy being around other dogs. It’s also a good way to meet other dog owners in your area. Private training is a good option for dogs that need more one-on-one attention or for owners who want to train their dogs themselves.
A doggy boot camp is a great option for dogs that need a little extra help with obedience training. It’s also a good way to get your dog some exercise and socialization. Read on to determine which type of training is best for you, as well as what each type of training costs on average.
Group Training
The cost of group dog training can vary depending on a number of factors but typically ranges from $30 to $150 per session. On average, training classes tend to run about $50 per class. The length of the training session, the number of dogs being trained, and the location of the training can all affect the price.
Group training classes usually last for one hour and typically include between four and eight dogs. The trainer will work with the dogs to teach them basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. The trainer will also work on socialization skills, helping the dogs learn how to interact with other dogs and people in the long run.
Private Obedience Training
The cost of private dog training can vary depending on the trainer, the location, and the type of training. However, in general, private dog training costs between $50 and $200 per session. The national average cost is usually around $140 per session.
Individual dog training typically includes one-on-one sessions with a trainer, as well as customized training plans that are specific to your dog’s needs.
The number of sessions required will depend on the severity of the behavior issue and how quickly your dog learns. Some dogs may only need a few sessions, while others may require ongoing training for several months.
If you are considering private classes, be sure to research different trainers and find one that you feel comfortable with and who has experience with the type of training you need.
It is also important to make sure that you are realistic about your expectations and that you are prepared to commit to the training process. Individual dog training can be an investment, but it can be well worth it for a well-behaved dog that is a joy to have around.
Doggy Boot Camp
Doggy boot camp is a type of training that is designed to help train dogs to learn basic obedience commands and behaviors. It’s sometimes called ‘board and train’ or ‘kennel and train’.
The cost of doggy boot camp can vary depending on the length of the program, the location, and the trainer. However, most doggy boot camps will cost between $250 and $1200 per week.
This is clearly more expensive because they get round-the-clock care including feedings, walking, exercise, play, and socialization with other dogs.
Doggy boot camp typically lasts for three to six weeks, and during this time, dogs will stay at the facility during the day while they receive training. Some dog owners may choose to enroll their dog in a doggy daycare program instead of a boot camp so that their dog can socialize with other dogs while they are away from home.
Petco & Petsmart Training Costs
Petco and Petsmart are two well-known pet supply stores in the United States that also offer services such as grooming and training. Here’s a closer look at their training programs and what they cost.
Petco Training
Petco offers different tiers of group training sessions (Beginner and Intermediate), each of which lasts 6 weeks and costs $149. The beginner training covers things like potty training and chewing, while the intermediate training is slightly more advanced, covering things like establishing behaviors as good habits and more advanced tasks.
Petco also offers two different puppy packages – the Puppy Essentials (12 weeks – $249) and Puppy Complete (18 weeks – $379). Puppy Complete includes both Beginner and Intermediate group training sessions, plus any one adult dogs class of your choosing as well as one private class. Puppy Essentials includes slightly less.
Petsmart Training
Petsmart offers Puppy Training, Beginner Training, Intermediate Training, and Advanced Training. All of their programs are 6 weeks in duration and cost $139.
They also offer a few specialized training courses, such as StressLess Training, designed for dogs with separation anxiety or behavioral issues, Brain Games, meant to be a fun training program for your dog to learn advanced tricks, and more. There are usually prerequisites to these training programs, as your dog will have to know some basic commands first.
In addition, Petsmart also offers a few training seminars for pet parents who want to learn the basics of training their dogs on their own. These are much less expensive (usually between $20 – $25) and are usually 1 hour in duration.
Factors That Affect Dog Training Costs
Type of Training
There are a variety of dog training methods available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some methods are more expensive than others, so it’s important to consider what type of training is right for your dog before making a decision.
Service dog training is generally the most expensive option as service dogs need to meet certain requirements in order to become certified as service dogs. This type of training is not necessary for household pets or animals that are not intended to become service dogs.
Trainer Credentials
One important factor that can affect the price of dog training is the credentials of the trainer. A trainer with more experience and/or higher-level credentials may charge more for their services, as they have likely paid in order to be certified trainers.
In general, it is important to do some research on a trainer before hiring them, in order to ensure that you are getting someone who is qualified to help your dog learn.
Remember, credentials aren’t everything, but they do serve as a good baseline to determine how much your trainer actually knows!
Trainer vs. Behaviorist
It is important to understand the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behaviorist before hiring one. A dog trainer focuses on teaching obedience commands and tricks, while a dog behaviorist specializes in addressing dog behavior such as aggression, separation anxiety, and housetraining problems.
Dog trainers typically charge by the hour, while behaviorists may charge by the session or offer package rates (and are generally more expensive than dog trainers).
Trainer Experience
The price of dog training can be affected by the trainer’s experience. More experienced trainers will usually charge more than those who are just starting out. This is because an experienced trainer will have a better understanding of how to train your dog effectively. They will also be able to provide more customized training programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the dog.
Good trainers will also use positive reinforcement techniques, rather than punishment (such as shock collars), as a form of training. This ensures that the dog remains motivated and excited about learning and doesn’t develop aggression or fear, which makes the training process more effective overall.
Geographic Location
In general, trainers in more rural areas may charge less per session than those in larger cities. This is due to a number of factors, including lower overhead costs and a smaller client base. Additionally, trainers who see clients by appointment only may also be able to offer lower rates.
Geographic location can also affect the types of services offered and the prices charged for them. For example, trainers in areas with a high density of dog parks may offer group classes at a discount, while those in more suburban or rural areas may charge more for private lessons. Some trainers also travel to their client’s homes to provide training, which can impact the cost depending on the distance traveled.
Summing Up
You can expect to pay approximately $50 per class for group training, $140 per class for private training, or $800 per week for doggy boot camp. These prices vary depending on a number of factors, which we’ve discussed above.
At the end of the day, it’s important to do your research and find a dog trainer that fits both your budget and training style. All of the professional dog trainers we’ve talked about today offer different services at different prices, so it’s up to you to decide what will work best for you and your pup. Have you tried private or group training? Or is doggy boot camp more your style? Let us know in the comments below!
