Whether you have a young puppy or an older dog, training your pet is an important part of being a caring pet parent. It helps to develop a link between dog owners and their pets, challenges their brains, and teaches them manners. What's the cost of dog training? We have researched the cost of dog training and what considerations you should make before spending the money.
Should you hire a dog trainer?
The question, "How much does dog training cost?" may seem odd at first. I mean, why not just do it yourself (and save some money)? While self-training your dog is a viable option, provided you do your homework, a professional dog trainer can help you maintain consistency. Dog trainers can help pet parents and caregivers teach their dogs basic manners and tricks, from housebreaking to "give me a paw."
Factors affecting dog training costs
How much does dog training typically cost? This is a tricky question to answer because there are so many variables, including the location and the specifics of the training you'd like your dog to undergo. The cost of training your dog might vary widely depending on factors such as whether or not your dog requires specialized training, whether or not you opt for private lessons, and how often you take them. Another major consideration is the total number of training hours you complete; nevertheless, there may be volume discounts available. More expensive dog trainers may have more credentials and experience, but this isn't always indicative of quality (more on this below). Finally, external factors like the cost of living, inflation, and other world events can have an impact on the price of dog training.
Dog training classes and types
Professional dog training is not a "one size fits all" service; rather, there are many avenues to explore before settling on the best one for you and your canine companion. Private dog training sessions might cost anywhere from $40 to $200, but they're well worth it if you want to focus on your dog's specific needs. Private dog training sessions, which can be held in your home or at the trainer's location, are ideal for dogs that have trouble socializing with others of their kind. Dogs can be trained in a group setting for about $50, but this comes at the expense of personalized attention from the instructor. They're useful for puppies learning to interact with others and for allowing well-behaved dogs to serve as role models.
"Stay and Train" or "Board and Train" is the most expensive dog training option, costing an average of $90-$200 a day. Dogs spend a set number of consecutive days at the kennel or with the dog trainer, where they undergo a rigorous training program that their owners are expected to continue at home. Although this may seem like a decent alternative for pet parents who don't have time to educate their pup themselves, it is contentious for obvious reasons, and if this describes you, you should consider if you will have enough time to devote to your four-legged friend in general. Online training courses organized by animal charities and professionals are likely to offer the most affordable training packages, in addition to being easy to access and adaptable if you can't find a local dog training class.
What to look for when hiring a dog trainer
When you spend money on your dog's training, you want to make sure you're getting the most for your money. However, finding the right dog trainer is important in more ways than just price. People in the US are not required by law to say that they are professional dog trainers. This means that you should be careful about where you get your training tips from. So, besides asking "How much does dog training cost? ", how do you choose a good dog trainer in this unregulated world?
First of all, professional dog trainers in the US will be qualified by the CCPDT, IAABC, or PPAB. These certifications show that the trainer has gone through hours of professional training. A good dog trainer is likely to be certified, visit and speak at conferences, and have a lot of experience under their belt. Also, don't be afraid to go with a newbie who seems to have less experience. Before they can get certified, they have to go through hours of actual training.
Find a trainer who specializes in what your dog needs help with, and make sure to choose a pro whose values and teaching methods match your own. If your dog's behavior is especially bad, you might be better off hiring an animal behaviorist or a behavior consultant instead of a dog teacher. Behaviorists are trained to deal with more difficult issues like aggression, anxiety, and reactivity, but because they specialize, they are usually more expensive.
Do not choose a dog trainer that promises overnight success; training is a process, and severe behavioral issues cannot be fixed overnight. Stay with trainers who rely on science-based approaches and positive reinforcement, rather than harsh methods like choke chains, shock collars, and violent tugging.