Sometimes, a dog’s misbehaviors can be trained out by the owner. However, more often than not, a professional trainer must be utilized in order to best train out bad behaviors.
That being said, how much does dog training cost, and how many different types of dog training are there?
How Much Does Dog Training Cost?
On average, group dog training costs between $30 to $80 for each class, although the price is usually closer to $50. But individual classes are not the only way a dog can be trained. In fact, you can get private training for your dog, although those sessions typically run anywhere between $45 and $120 per hour.
Other options include dog obedience training schools, which usually charge for each week. The average cost of these is usually between $200 to $600 for each week. Boot camp kennel training, on the other hand, is significantly more expensive, and can cost anywhere between $500 to $1250 for each week.
Petco VS Petsmart
Petco and Petsmart both offer 6-week professional dog training programs.
Petco dog training will run you $109 for the six week program. Although, oftentimes, Petco runs specials where you can get the program for only $80!
On the other hand, Petsmart’s dog training costs $120, although it can go down to $105 with a coupon.
That all being said, even though Petco’s program is a little cheaper, the Petsmart dog training seems to be more highly thought of when looking at online reviews. Therefore, if you’re able to pay the extra $11 or so, it might be a good idea to do so.
Either program will train your dog to be very well mannered, so you really can’t go wrong.
Service Dog Training
If you’re looking to train your pet to be a service dog, you’ll most likely be spending a good chunk of change, although it depends on which services you want your dog to preform.
For therapy dogs, training sessions will run you $30, although you can receive 8 sessions for $250. Training for protection dog, on the other than, will cost you $120 per hour.
On the more expensive route, hearing dogs cost $1000 to train overall, although they’re often given for free through charities. And, even more expensive, search and rescue dogs cost anywhere between $2500 and $5000 to train.
FAQs
Now that we’ve gone over the different types of dog training, and how much they cost, we’ve also included the answers to some frequently asked questions for your convenience.
What Age Should You Train A Dog?
Puppies can learn basic training commands, such as stay or lie down, very early in their lives. That being said, puppies also settle into problem behaviors, like barking or biting, as an early age.
Usually, obedience training for dogs starts as six months.
Do Dog Trainers Need Certification?
The answer, in the most general sense, is no. No state laws that mandate profession standards for dog teaching obidience to a dog have been passed. That being said, many dog trainers register with the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, which promote ongoing education for trainers.
Punishment-Based Dog Training VS Reward-Based Dog Training
If you’re looking for trainers, you’ll want to ensure that they’re utilizing training methods that you’re comfortable with.
Reward-based training is training that rewards pets for positive behaviors with food, praise, and positivity. On the other hand, punishment-based training is training where a dog is punished for inappropriate behavior, including choking or shocking.
Scientifically speaking, recent research and studies have concluded that reward-based training is more effective than punishment-based training, but that being said both are still in use today.
