How much does training a dog cost? Here’s What to Do Next

How Much Does Dog Training Cost?

Expense	Average Cost
Individual training sessions	$1,500 – $2,000
Group training classes	$150 – $200
Stay-and-Train services	$4,000

Kalnajs says its best to think of dog training costs as part of the total amount youll spend on a new dog or puppy. Total training costs, depending on where you live and how much training you want, can be about $1,500–$2,000 in the first year, she says.

That total cost creeps up if you live somewhere with higher living costs, or if youre looking for professionals who will do all the training and offer significant support. That “Rolls Royce” type of training can cost more than $4,000 in a year, Kalnajs says.

And keep in mind: We still have inflation to worry about, and demand for trainers is quite high. Thats driven rates up—including hers.

“There are way more dogs than there are trainers [now],” Kalnajs says.

In the Midwest, where Kalnajs is based, you can expect to pay a trainer about $100 to $200 per hour for individualized sessions. She charges $140 per hour for her basic training sessions. (Again, thats in the Midwest, so you can expect to pay more where the cost of living is higher.)

Here are some other training options, depending on what you plan to spend:

A group training class, where you and your dog learn sit, stay, and lie down alongside other owners and dogs, can cost about $150-$200 total (though the price may be higher in areas with a high cost of living) for several weeks of training with one class per week, Kalnajs says. Thats definitely a more affordable option, but you wont get as much face time with the trainer leading your classes.

Stay-and-train (also called board-and-train) involves dropping your dog or puppy off with a trainer for days at a time. That way, the puppy can learn both basic cues and house rules. Its a good option if you dont have the time to train a puppy yourself, but it is expensive. Kalnajs Blue Dog charges $3,600. Bear in mind that you will need to keep up the training at home if you want the results to last.

Consultations for puppies or new dogs are another option. A trainer like Kalnajs will visit your home and follow up with you to advise you on how to best teach and handle your new dog. At Blue Dog, those sessions cost a flat fee of $395.

What to Look For (and Avoid) In a Dog Trainer

Cost is important, but choosing the right trainer is vital. Besides, do you really want to have to pay another trainer when the first one doesnt get results? Luckily, we and Kalnajs know what you should look for—and what to avoid.

Credentials: Does your prospective dog trainer have acronyms as a part of their title? Thats a good sign. For example, if the trainer has CPDT-KA after their name, like Kalnajs does, it means theyre a certified professional dog trainer. Theyve completed hundreds of hours of training and passed an exam. Some trainers might also be certified behavior consultants (CDBC, CBCC-KA), which is great if your dog needs help with problem behaviors such as anxiety or reactivity.

Experience: If a trainer has kept up on their own education and attended—or presented at—conferences, thats a good sign. A trainer whos been in the game for years is likely someone you can trust … but dont let that keep you from hiring a younger trainer, as long as they are certified and show a commitment to their own training and education.

Do you need a behaviorist? Trainers are great for teaching your dog cues and tricks. But if your dog is exhibiting some unwanted behavior, youll want to talk to a behaviorist or behavior consultant, Kalnajs says.

Someone who promises a quick fix or says they can fix anything: Kalnajs calls those “red flags.” Sometimes, dogs problems are complex or take a long time to solve. And the dog-training industry isnt well-regulated, so you need to be on the lookout for guarantees that sound too good to be true.

Trainers who use aversive methods: If you see trainers using choke chains, shock collars, or any other harmful methods, look elsewhere. Reputable trainers should only use positive reinforcement methods.

How Much Do Dog Trainers Cost?

The cost of dog training will vary greatly depending on the length of the course, your location, and what type of dog training you’re seeking out for your furball.

Here are a couple of different types of training plans and approaches, and what sort of price ranges you can plan for:

Private dog training is a great pick for dogs who are working through typical at-home issues or don’t perform well in group settings. This type of one-on-one attention will range anywhere from $60 to $150 per session. You may even find higher pricing for more specialized, area-specific training.

Group training classes typically aim to provide well-socialized dogs with basic obedience skills like leash manners, potty training, and basic commands. These can range from $30 to $80 per class, or $200 to $300 for a multi-lesson course. Some group classes are specifically designed for puppies, with those classes focusing largely on socialization and basic foundational skills.

Group dog training is the most common type of dog training offering. Some pet stores even offer group training, such as with PetSmart’s dog training classes.

This type of dog training involves sending off your pooch to a boarding facility or doggie daycare center for several consecutive days to focus on learning new skills in an immersive environment. These types of courses range from about $900 to $3000 per week.

Many owners find the idea of board-and-train programs (also known as “dog boot camp” programs) appealing, as it’s convenient to have a place to house and train your dog while you go away on vacation.

But be aware that board and train programs are quite controversial and are often ripe for abuse. Most board-and-train programs use very harsh, aggressive tactics in order to achieve unrealistic results in a short amount of time. Make sure to read our full guide about board-and-train programs before you consider signing your dog up for one!

Training for pups who are poised to become service dogs or working pooches requires specialized, often-intensive training in a private setting. And this means you’re going to pay a pretty penny for it. These services are usually priced around $150 an hour and up, depending on your area and the type of training needed.

How Much Does Dog Training Cost?

The first thing that comes to every pet parent’s mind when they think about getting their fur baby trained is, ‘How much does dog training cost?’ The same query must have itched you, too, if getting your dog trained has been on your mind lately.

Dog training prices may vary based on your place and what type of dog training service or product your private dog trainer offers. In a nutshell, it all depends on the dog and the training.

We have prepared a lowdown of the costs of different types and modes of puppy training to give you an estimate of the possible price of your puppy training classes. So let’s take the guesswork out!

TLDR: The average cost of dog training is approximately $30-$50 per class, but this can vary depending on the type of training and the location. Service dog training can cost up to $120 per hour, while boot camp training can cost $500-$1250 per week. Private dog training from a professional trainer can cost $109-$120 per session.