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K9 dog training can be a significant investment, but it's worth every penny. Basic obedience training typically costs between $50 to $100 per session, with most dogs requiring 5 to 10 sessions to achieve a solid foundation.
You can expect to pay more for advanced training, such as agility or specialized skills, which can range from $75 to $150 per session. Some trainers may also charge additional fees for travel or equipment.
The cost of group training classes can be more affordable, with prices starting at around $20 to $50 per session. However, group classes may not provide the same level of personalized attention as private sessions.
Pricing
Pricing can be a bit confusing, but let's break it down. Your total can be broken up into three equal payments, with the first payment being the deposit due when you sign up, and it's refundable up until 10 days before training starts.
You can choose to pay up front, but many people prefer to split the cost into three payments. For example, a three-dog package costs $5670, which includes a $900 discount.
If you're looking for group classes, you can expect to pay between $30 to $50 per session, or $45 to $120 per hour for private training. Boot camps or obedience training schools can cost anywhere from $35 to $75 per day.
Here's a breakdown of the costs:
Service dog training, on the other hand, can be a bit more expensive, costing $120 per hour on average. However, some organizations may provide the dog for free.
Training Options
Group training classes are a great option for many dog owners, with prices ranging from $120 to $600 for a 6 to 8-week package deal. This type of training is a better long-term choice if you want to remember all the commands and training tools.
Group obedience lessons are usually more affordable, with prices starting at $20 to $25 per lesson. You can also consider private training, which can cost between $45 to $120 per session, or $1 to $2 per minute for each 45- to 60-minute class.
The cost of private dog training depends on several factors, including the size, age, and breed of dog, as well as the location of the sessions and the level of habit adjustment needed. Evaluations are sometimes given before training starts, which can cost an additional $75.
Here's a breakdown of the costs for different types of dog training:
In-home training is also an option, with basic obedience packages starting at $45 to $120 per session. These packages usually include four private, 1-hour lessons and cover essential commands like "Come", "Sit", and "Down."
Group Classes
Group classes are a great way to train your dog. The average price for group dog training classes is $120 to $600 for a 6 to 8-week package deal.
Most packages lasting a minimum of six weeks are recommended to best train the dog using positive reinforcement and improving communication with your dog. You can choose between group training and private training.
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Group training is a better long-term choice if you want to remember all the commands and training tools. This is because you'll be training alongside other dog owners, which can make the learning process more engaging and fun.
Here are some average costs for 6-8 week package deals:
Group obedience lessons are essential, even if you board a dog for training, because you and other family members must still be present for a hand-over lesson at the end to learn the commands.
In-Home Basic Obedience
In-home Basic Obedience is a convenient option for those who prefer the comfort of their own home. This package offers four private, 1-hour lessons with a certified trainer.
The curriculum includes essential commands like "Come", "Sit", and "Extended Sit", which will help your dog learn to respond to basic commands. You'll also learn how to teach your dog to "Down" and "Extended Down", which can be a lifesaver in crowded spaces.
One of the most impressive aspects of this package is the inclusion of "Place" and "Extended Place", which allows your dog to sit on a specific location you point to, such as a chair or park bench. This command can be a game-changer for busy owners who need their dogs to stay put while they're busy.
In addition to these commands, you'll also learn how to teach your dog to "Out", which means dropping any and all things you ask them to, and "Off", which will help them avoid jumping on people. Finally, you'll learn how to walk your dog on a leash without any pulling or tugging.
Here's a summary of the In-Home Basic Obedience package:
- 4 private, 1-hour lessons
- Essential commands like "Come", "Sit", and "Extended Sit"
- "Down" and "Extended Down"
- "Place" and "Extended Place"
- "Out" and "Off"
- Loose Leash Walking
PetSmart
PetSmart offers a 6-week dog training program for $139, which covers four stages of classes.
PetSmart's classes are designed to help you and your dog develop a strong bond. Puppy and adult beginner classes are a great starting point, teaching basic commands like sit, down, come, shake, stay, and loose leash walking.
You can expect to learn more advanced skills in the intermediate and advanced classes. Intermediate classes focus on building on the basics, teaching duration, distraction, and distance training.
Here's a breakdown of PetSmart's class stages:
- Puppy and adult beginner classes
- Intermediate classes (duration, distraction, and distance training)
- Advanced classes (strengthening behaviors for faster and more consistent responses)
Specialized Training
Specialized training for your dog can be a game-changer, especially if you have a specific goal in mind like agility training or therapy work.
Costs for specialized training can vary widely, with some trainers charging upwards of $100 per session.
Professional Training
Professional training for your dog is a crucial investment, with costs ranging from $30 to $100 per session, depending on the trainer's qualifications and experience.
Group classes are a cost-effective option, with prices starting at $100 for a 6-week course.
Private lessons, on the other hand, can be more expensive, with prices ranging from $75 to $150 per session.
Some trainers may also offer package deals or discounts for long-term commitments, which can help you save money in the long run.
With proper training, your dog can learn basic obedience commands in as little as 5-10 sessions, depending on their age and breed.
More advanced training, such as agility or therapy dog training, may require 10-20 sessions or more.
Retail Training
As you consider the cost of k9 dog training, it's essential to think about the retail training aspect. Retail training is a type of training that focuses on teaching dogs to behave well in public places, such as stores and restaurants.
This type of training is crucial for dogs that will be taken to public areas regularly. The average cost of retail training can range from $50 to $100 per session.
A typical retail training session may include teaching a dog to walk calmly on a leash, ignore distractions, and not jump up on people. These skills are essential for a well-behaved dog in public.
Some trainers may also offer package deals or discounts for multiple sessions, which can be a cost-effective option for dog owners. For example, a 5-session package might cost between $250 to $500.
By investing in retail training, dog owners can help their pets become confident and well-behaved companions in any situation.
Boarding and Training
If you're considering boarding and training your dog, there are several options to choose from.
A 1-week Board & Train program can be a great option for dogs that need to work on off-leash recall and basic manners. This program focuses on teaching door, greeting, and food manners, and your dog will stay with a professional trainer in their home.
Dogs must be at least 6 months old and fully house trained to participate in this program. They must also be free from reactivity, aggression, and anxiety. If your dog is reactive or aggressive, a lesson package may be a better fit.
The 1-week program includes a 1-hour, one-on-one session with a trainer after completion of the training, which will detail everything your dog does, how to handle them, and how to properly control them.
Here are some key takeaways from the 1-week Board & Train program:
- 1 Week of Residential Training
- Full Off Leash Recall (Come on command, outside, off-leash)
- Sit and Extended Sit (Dog remains in position until released)
- Off (Correct an unwanted action or behavior)
- Greeting Manners (not jumping)
- Waiting politely at doors and gates (wait when they are opened until released)
- Waiting politely for meals (wait until released)
- 2 Free Refresher Sessions with a Trainer, if needed
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