Bringing home a new dog is an exciting decision but it can also come with certain challenges. Young dogs are often rambunctious and can easily get themselves into trouble chewing up household items or knocking them over. Obedience training can help to re-direct the dog’s energy and help them become calmer at home.
Does my Dog Need Obedience Training?
Obedience training can help provide your dog with the mental and physical stimulation they need to be happy and healthy and can help your puppy develop into a well-behaved adult dog. Simple commands like, sit, stay, down, come, and leave it are essential for helping you communicate with your dog day-to-day. Some pet parents choose to also teach more advanced commands like place, or fun tricks like rollover, or play dead. Obedience training can also help shy or fearful dogs become more confident and provides an opportunity for pets to bond with their pet parents (Dog Behavior Training). Most dogs can benefit greatly from taking a few obedience training classes.
What Affects the Cost of Obedience Training for Dogs?
There are multiple factors that can affect the cost of obedience training for dogs. They include (Layne):
Setting:
Group classes: Group training classes tend to be more affordable. These included classes held at pet stores like PetSmart or Petco.
Private training: Pet parents also have the option to hire a dog trainer to work one-on-one with their dog. Dog trainers may meet you at your house, their facility, or a dog park, this varies based on the trainer.
Virtual training: Some dog training facilities offer virtual training options. Pet parents can hop on a video call with their trainer to discuss their pet’s behavior, do practice exercises, and get feedback.
Board and Train Options: This tends to be the most expensive option. Pet parents drop their dogs off with the trainer where the dog will live and receive training until the pre-determined period is up. Board and training can last a few weeks or a few months depending on the trainer’s methods and what the pet needs.
Duration and Frequency: Some pet parents opt for 1-on-1 training sessions, meeting with the trainer only when necessary, such as when the pet develops a new unwanted behavior. Training classes or bundles are best for pet parents who want to meet with their trainer weekly.
Common Dog Obedience Training Classes and Services
PetSmart offers a variety of training classes that are great for dogs of all ages and range in length and difficulty. These include (Dog Training):
Training Course | Duration | Cost |
Puppy Training | 6 weeks | $149 |
Beginner Training | 6 weeks | $149 |
Intermediate Training | 6 weeks | $149 |
Advanced Training | 6 weeks | $149 |
Fundamental Package | 12 weeks | $249 |
Advanced Package | 12 weeks | $249 |
Premium Package | 18 weeks | $355 |
Is Dog Obedience Training Worth it?
Obedience training exercises can give you an opportunity to bond with your dog and improve the communication between you two. When your pet understands commands, they are better able to understand what you are asking of them, helping to decrease their anxiety and allow them to feel more confident (Kowalski).
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
Creative manager by day, pet enthusiast all the time! After 19 years with my dog (hopefully he wins the award for oldest pet in the world), I enjoy spending my days brainstorming tail-wagging content, and sniffing out the latest trends in the pet world.
Animal Humane Society. “Why Dog Training Is Important – for Both You and Your Dog.” Animal Humane Society, www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/why-dog-training-important-both-you-and-your-dog.
“Dog Behavior Training: Why You Should Train Your Dog.” Services.petsmart.com, services.petsmart.com/content/10-reasons-why-you-and-your-pup-need-dog-training.
“Dog Training: Puppy and Adult Dog Training Classes | PetSmart.” Petsmart.com, 2020, services.petsmart.com/training.
Kowalski, Stephen. “Nova Pack Dog Training LLC.” Nova Pack Dog Training LLC, 10 Jan. 2024, novapackdogtraining.com/blog/2024/1/10/can-dog-training-help-with-my-dogs-anxiety.
Layne, Misty. “How Much Does Dog Training Cost? 2024 Price Guide – Dogster.” Dogster, 14 Nov. 2024, www.dogster.com/dog-training/how-much-does-dog-training-cost.
