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Adding a new dog to the family is amazing!
But it can getexpensivereal quick.
Part of being a responsible dog owner means training your pup.
Regardless of your furry friends age and stage, every dog can benefit from training.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only.
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Image credits:Zach Lucero.
So you just got a puppy or adopted a new dog and youre ready to start training him.
But how many training sessions will your dog need?
Each dog is unique and should be treated as such.
There is no one set amount of training for all dogs.
Some dogs require more training than others.
Examples include basic commands, crate training, house training, leash training, and more.
Standard training programs offered at places like Petco and PetSmart typically consist of6 sessions over 6 weeks.
Unfortunately, many dog ownersdont complete the training coursesthey enroll in or never attend training at all.
Successful completion of training courses is crucial in promoting owner education and reducing behavioral problems in dogs.
Like us, dogs are lifelong learners.
This means obedience and training must be positively reinforced throughout a dogs life.
We should not assume that training is complete just because a certain number of training sessions are attended.
How Much Should You Spend on Dog Training?
Behavioral issuesare one of the leading causes of euthanasia and rehoming.
This is why training is an important and worthy investment.
But how much can you expect to spend on dog training?
So lets look at the estimated cost for different types of dog training.
Private Training
Private training sessions consist of a trainer working one-on-one with you and your dog.
These individualized lessons usually take place in your home or at a training facility.
Private classes are a great alternative to group training if your canine companion is working on aggression.
Its also a desirable option for owners looking for more flexibility with scheduling training sessions.
Private training generally costs anywhere between$75 to $250 per hour.
Group Training
Image credits:JenRegnier.
Group dog training is offered as public classes of about 5 to 10 dogs.
These group sessions are usually held once a week at a training facility or park.
Unlike private training, group training has a set list of skills to be covered in the course.
Compared to private dog training, group training is certainly more affordable.
A basic weekly6-session courseat Petco or PetSmart is approximately$150.
However, obedience schools may charge slightly more.
Board and Train
Board and train programs are like doggy training boot camps.
The problem with board and train is that the owner is not involved in the training process.
Training is as important for you as the owner as it is for your dog.
Not all board and train facilities are created equal.
Prices for board and train programs range from$500to upwards of$1250per week.
This option is more expensive because of the cost of housing your dog.
Online Classes
Image credits:Cookie the Pom.
Virtual online classes are a great option for owners with busy schedules.
These classes allow you the comfort and convenience of training from home.
Online dog training classes are offered as group classes or private lessons.
Why Is Dog Training So Expensive?
Dog training isnt cheap.
But why is the cost of dog training so high?
Youre paying for training tools and knowledge that can be used for the entire life of your pet.
Why Are Service Dogs So Expensive?
It is important to note the difference between service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support dogs.
The main thing here is that therapy dogs and emotional support dogs are not service dogs.
Service dogs are trained to perform specialized tasks and are, therefore, quite expensive.
Learning to perform such specialized tasks takes a great deal of training.
This cost includes service dog training as well as care for the dog until the time of adoption.
Some people opt to adopt an untrained dog and hire a professional dog trainer.
Clicker training, treats, andtoysare great ways to positively reinforce desired behaviors and skills.
