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When you’re investigating how much dog training costs, it might be tempting to look for a discount. But while dog trainer cost is an obvious factor, you’ll want to make sure the trainer has the right credentials before you consider the bill, says Sarah Kalnajs, a certified dog behavior consultant and professional dog trainer who owns Blue Dog Training and Behavior in Madison, Wis.
Whether it’s teaching basic cues or modifying your dog’s behavior, you need a science-based trainer who doesn’t employ aversive methods, Kalnajs tells Daily Paws. That could cost more than a trainer who’s not as experienced, but oftentimes more experienced trainers have comparable—or even cheaper—rates.
The cost to train a dog also depends on the kind of training you’re looking for. Group classes are cheaper, while a stay-and-train program can run you thousands of dollars. Let’s run the numbers.
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 it’s best to think of dog training costs as part of the total amount you’ll 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 you’re 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. That’s 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, that’s in the Midwest, so you can expect to pay more where the cost of living is higher.)
Why Training Your Dog Is So Important & How to Start
Here are some other training options, depending on what you plan to spend:
- A group training class, where you and your dog learn to sit, stay, and lie down alongside other owners and dogs, can cost about $150 to $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. That’s definitely a more affordable option, but you won’t 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. It’s a good option if you don’t have the time to train a puppy yourself, but it is expensive. Kalnajs’ Blue Dog charges $3,800. 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 fee of $425 to $450.
If money’s tight—dogs are expensive—there are free resources you can use to train your dog. Kalnajs recommends several online trainers, including JW Dog Training and Behavior, Dog Training by Kikopup, and Simpawtico Dog Training.
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 doesn’t get results? Luckily, we and Kalnajs know what you should look for—and what to avoid.
What to Look For
Credentials: Does your prospective dog trainer have acronyms as a part of their title? That’s a good sign. For example, if the trainer has CPDT-KA after their name like Kalnajs does, it means they’re a certified professional dog trainer. They’ve 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, that’s a good sign. A trainer who’s been in the game for years is likely someone you can trust, but don’t let that keep you from hiring a younger trainer, as long as they are certified and show a commitment to their 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, you’ll want to talk to a behaviorist or behavior consultant, Kalnajs says.
1. Define the Focus and Target Audience
- Specialization: Decide what type of dog training you want to offer. Will your course focus on obedience, behavioral issues, puppy training, agility, or service dog training? Specializing will help attract a specific audience.
- Skill Levels: Consider creating different courses for beginner, intermediate, and advanced dog owners. Tailoring to specific levels will make your course more appealing and structured.
2. Outline Course Objectives
- Set Clear Goals: Define what the owners and their dogs should achieve by the end of the course. For example, the course could teach basic commands like sit, stay, and recall, or help with behavior correction like leash pulling or barking.
- Break it Down: Organize your course into sections or modules. For example:
- Introduction to dog behavior
- Building rapport and trust
- Teaching basic commands
- Addressing problem behaviors
- Advanced tricks and commands (if applicable)
3. Create High-Quality Content
- Video Lessons: Visual learning is key for dog owners. Provide video demonstrations of how to perform each command or technique.
- Written Guides: Include downloadable resources, such as handouts, checklists, or step-by-step instructions to complement the video lessons.
- Interactive Elements: If possible, include quizzes, exercises, and even live Q&A sessions to keep participants engaged.
4. Ensure Training Techniques are Positive
- Focus on Positive Reinforcement: Modern dog training emphasizes positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding good behavior with treats, toys, or praise. Avoid punishment-based methods, as they are generally less effective and can lead to anxiety or aggression.
- Consistency is Key: Teach owners how to be consistent with their commands and expectations. Dogs thrive when their environment is predictable.
5. Incorporate Real-Life Scenarios
- Common Issues: Address everyday problems like potty training, leash pulling, jumping on guests, and barking. Most dog owners face these issues and will appreciate practical solutions.
- Field Training: Show how to apply commands in different environments—inside the home, outside, and in public places—so dogs can generalize their learning.
6. Provide Feedback and Support
- Q&A Sessions: Offer live or recorded Q&A sessions where participants can ask about specific issues with their dogs.
- Private Community: Consider creating a forum or private Facebook group where students can share experiences and get feedback from you and other dog owners.
- Homework Assignments: Encourage students to practice with their dogs between lessons and report their progress.
7. Certification (Optional)
- Offer a Certificate of Completion: This can motivate dog owners to finish the course and give them a sense of accomplishment.
- CPDT-KA Certification: If you’re creating a professional dog training course, consider getting certified as a dog trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) to build credibility.
8. Marketing Your Course
- Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to showcase your expertise with short training tips and clips. This will attract attention to your course.
- Website: Ensure your website is professional, with testimonials, videos, and clear information about the course.
- SEO and Blogs: Write blog posts about common dog training issues to attract traffic to your course. Optimize your website with dog-related keywords like “basic puppy training” or “stop barking.”
- YouTube Channel: You can tie this in with your current pet-related YouTube channel, adding more value by offering dog training tips as part of your content.
9. Pricing
- Tiered Pricing: Offer different price points for different levels of access. For example, a basic course might include only the videos, while a premium course might include live Q&A sessions and personalized feedback.
- Free Trial or Preview: Consider offering a free lesson or a preview of the course to attract interest.
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