Dog training cost: How much do trainers charge in the US?

Struggling with a dog that jumps on guests, pulls relentlessly on the leash, or completely ignores your commands at the dog park? While those online training tutorials might seem budget-friendly at first glance, many pet owners discover that DIY approaches often lead to inconsistent results and frustration for you and your four-legged family member.

If you want to simplify the process, you can consider signing up for dog training services near you. In the US, the average cost of group adult and puppy training ranges from $30 to $180 per session. These prices vary significantly based on your location, trainer credentials, and the specific behavioral challenges you’re addressing. This guide breaks down exactly what factors influence dog training costs, helping you make an informed decision that transforms your daily life with your canine companion.

Dog training price list

Wondering what you’ll actually pay to train your four-legged friend? Professional dog training varies significantly depending on what your dog needs to learn and how they’ll be taught. The table below shows typical training cost ranges to help you budget appropriately before booking a session.

A woman holding out treats to train a french bulldog. (Source: iStock)

Factors that affect dog training costs

Understanding what influences dog training prices can help you budget effectively and find the right service for your furry companion. 

Type of class

Dog training prices vary significantly based on class structure and the trainer-to-dog ratio. Private training sessions offer personalized attention but come at a premium, typically ranging from $90 to $180 per session. 

For more budget-friendly options, group puppy and adult dog classes cost between $30 to $80  per session while still providing essential training fundamentals. When your dog needs ongoing supervision, services like a dog sitter can reinforce training principles between formal sessions.

Age of the dog

Your dog's age plays a crucial role in determining training costs. Puppy training classes generally have lower price points than adult dog training because younger dogs typically learn new behaviours more readily. Many pet owners complement puppy training with dog daycare services where their young pets can practice socialization skills in a supervised environment. 

Some trainers maintain consistent pricing regardless of age, so it's worth asking about their specific rate structure.

Type of training

The specific skills or behaviours you want to address significantly impact pricing. Whether you're looking into basic obedience, socialization classes, or specialized behavioural modification, each training type carries different costs. 

For dogs requiring extended training periods, dog boarding facilities that incorporate training programs can provide immersive learning experiences, though these comprehensive services typically command higher prices than standard training sessions.

Training location

Location dramatically affects pricing structure. Residential dog training services (where trainers come to your home) typically cost more than facility-based group classes due to travel time and personalized attention. 

If local in-home services exceed your budget, many trainers now offer online classes as a cost-effective alternative. Virtual training can be particularly beneficial for reinforcing skills between in-person sessions, helping you maximize your training investment.

Types of dog training classes and their costs

Puppy training

Generally, puppy training is the cheapest type of training. Consultations for training may range from $100 to $280. The trainer will advise you on what classes and types of training your puppy needs. 

Adult training

Adult training is slightly more expensive than puppy training. In these classes, both dog owners and dogs are taught about dog obedience. Consistency is key, and it is recommended to enroll your dog in three to ten sessions to educate your pet successfully. 

Taking care of our dogs goes beyond feeding and grooming them. Aside from obedience, adult training also teaches proper behavior at home and how to deal with chewing, biting, and digging issues.

Aggressive behavior training

Classes like aggressive behavior programs are the most expensive and require more sessions. It’s ideal to enroll your dog in more than then behavior session to address behavioral issues and help them deal with fears, anxieties, and past trauma your dog might have experienced. For this, you can look for trainers that provide 1-on-1 dog training. 

Therapy or assistance dog training

Aside from obedience and behavior training, dogs can also be trained to support people emotionally and perform different services. Dogs that are trained to give therapeutic support to humans are called therapy dogs. While dogs that perform specific tasks like hearing or mobility guides are called assistance dogs. The different types of therapy or assistance dogs are:

• Guide dog
• Personal protection dog
• Therapy dog
• Hearing dog
• Search and rescue dog
• Seizure response dog

If you are wondering how much it costs to train a guide dog, it can cost up to $5,000. Support from guide dog schools starts from puppy training up to advanced training and ongoing lifetime support.

A professional dog trainer teaching a command. (Source: iStock)

How to save on dog training costs

The cost of training a dog can get expensive. Don’t get discouraged, though! There are ways to save up on costs and make it more budget-friendly.

• Check if your trainer is offering dog training packages, which are often cheaper. 
• You can also sign up for group classes instead of private ones. Ask your trainer if they offer dog training packages as well. 
• Since weekends are usually the busiest for dog trainers, try asking if they are offering alternative prices for less busy days of the week like mid-week afternoons.
• Consider either meeting your trainer online or driving to them instead, as going to the trainer may be cheaper than in-home dog training prices.

Hire a dog trainer 

Investing in professional dog training is one of the smartest decisions you can make as a pet owner. Ready to take the next step? Post a task on Airtasker today to receive personalized quotes from qualified trainers in your area who understand dogs and their unique needs. 

With just a few clicks, you can connect with professionals who will help your dog become the well-behaved family member you've always wanted.