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Training your dog is an important thing to think about whether you’ve had your furry friend for a while or have recently added a new pup to your family. There are plenty of benefits to dog training that can increase your bond with your dog and their overall happiness. However, deciding how to train your dog and figuring out the costs of a training regiment can be overwhelming for some owners. This is why we’re here to help you out.
Below, we discuss the complete benefits of training your dog and break down the different factors that go into dog training costs. We’ll also be sure to give you an average amount of the expected dog training cost for the most popular types of training methods so you can make an informed decision that benefits both you and your pup.
Why Train Your Dog?
Dog training has a number of benefits for both you and your pup that you may not even be aware of. Besides making your dog more well-behaved and a politer pup, dog training can also provide valuable enrichment for your dog. This improves their overall happiness and day-to-day enjoyment; some dog breeds (such as Golden Retrievers or German shepherds) especially love having tasks and being able to complete skills for their owners making dog training an essential activity.
Additionally, dog training can increase the bond between you and your dog. As you spend time working on skills with your pup and having daily training sessions, you can improve the closeness of you and your animal and create a lifelong bond that provides both of you happiness and a sense of enjoyment with the other’s presence.
Factors That Determine Dog Training Costs
There are several factors that go into dog training that can determine how much an individual training session or a course of training will cost. We discuss these factors below so you know what to look out for in a dog training regime.
Type of Class
There are several different methods of dog training available for you and your pup to enroll in. These include things such as puppy training classes where your furry friend can learn the basics of obedience, advanced obedience classes for more intermediate learners, or adult dog obedience courses for older pups that need a refresher on their manners. These classes can be either group classes or one on one, but you should keep in mind that group classes will often cost less.
Additionally, you can enlist your pup in private training courses or work with them on advanced skills such as therapy or service dog training. In general, private training sessions and advanced skill training does cost more, especially if you are trying to teach your dog necessary service dog skills.
Training Equipment Cost
If you don’t already have certain equipment at your disposal, you will need to buy training equipment such as clickers, leashes, collars, and dog training treats to accompany your learning sessions with your pups.
The type of equipment you will need depends on the type of class you enroll your dog in, whether you are engaging in-home training, and the skills you are attempting to teach your dog.
Your Dog’s Skill
While some dogs are naturally good learners and predisposed to picking up even advanced skills (such as golden retrievers, German shepherds, or poodles), other dogs may take a little longer to learn specific tasks or commands. This can lead to more training sessions and an increased cost.
You should also keep in mind that puppies generally learn quicker than older dogs (but this doesn’t mean you can’t train a dog who is getting up there in age!).
Skills Taught
When it comes to selecting the skills you’re teaching your dog, certain tricks may be easier to teach and therefore take less effort for your dog to learn. The basics of obedience will typically cost less to teach your dog while advanced skills, therapy or service dog training, or behavioral training that is needed to control aggression will take more time and professionalism to learn, costing more in the long run.
The Average Cost of Dog Training
Dog training can vary greatly in cost and depends on the factors we listed above, plus your location and your dog’s current skill level. Below, we list the general average cost you may expect to pay for each type of training, but keep in mind specific dog training costs should be evaluated with providers around your locality.
Private Trainers
Private trainers are one of the most expensive ways to train your dog, but they may be necessary if you have a dog needing to learn therapy or service skills, or if you are trying to combat behavioral problems through training. In especially difficult cases, a professional will be the best option to evaluate your dog’s skill level and work with their learning types to effectively and safely train your dog.
You can expect to pay between $50 and $200 per training lesson depending on the skills taught and the trainer you use; the trainer will use a public location or may come to your home to work with your dog.
Obedience Classes or Puppy School
One of the most owner-friendly ways to get your dog started with training is to enroll them in an obedience class or a puppy school. If you are choosing to enroll in group classes, these can cost you $30 to $100 per class; certain companies may offer discounts for weekly or monthly enrollment plans.
These courses are a great way to teach your dog the basics and allow them to socialize with other pups.
Home-Training
Instead of spending money on training classes, many owners opt to home train their dogs. With the purchase of some equipment and research online about the best training methods, this is easily doable. There are even lots of great options for online courses that will watch you through every step of training your dog; these courses can cover everything from basic obedience commands to legitimate service dog training.
Depending on the equipment you need and the treats required to train your dog, you could spend a lot or a little on your pup – home training costs are highly individualized, so it is hard to put an average cost to it.
You should keep in mind, however, that home training is great for basic or intermediate skills, but it may not be effective if you are trying to correct major behavioral issues with your dog – a professional should help you with this.
Enhance Your Dog’s Life With Training
Dog training is an important part of owning a pup and provides many benefits for both you and your furry friend. The average cost of dog training does depend on several factors, including the training type you want to enroll in, your dog’s natural ability for learning, and the skills you want to teach your dog, but most owners can find a way to train their dog well within their budget.
Over time, you’ll find that investing in dog training is a worthwhile way to achieve a polite dog and increase the bond between you and your pup.
See all the positive training courses available from Dog Academy here.