The cost of dog training depends on:

• Where and how long the training is
  • Board and train or trainer’s home: most expensive, varies by weeks
  • Group class: least expensive, fixed duration
  • Home visit: moderate, depends on sessions
• How many and how big the dogs are in group classes
  • Small classes: more expensive than large classes
• How many and what kind of private lessons you need
  • Private lessons: most expensive per hour, customized for your dog and problem
  • Evaluation: required, extra fee
  • Packages: discounted, multiple lessons
• What type and level of training you want
  • Basic training: cheaper than specialized or advanced training
• How much support and follow-up you get from the trainer
  • Follow-up and support: additional cost, extra service

The quality of dog training is influenced by many factors, such as:

• The trainer’s experience and credentials
  • Experienced and credentialed trainers have higher quality than less experienced or self-taught trainers
  • Credentialed trainers keep up with the latest training techniques and standards
  • Trainers with 20+ years of experience may use outdated methods, so ask them what they use
  • Trainers who specialize in certain breeds, ages, issues, or situations are more valuable than general trainers
• The trainer’s methods and techniques
  • You need to choose a training method that suits your preferences and goals, and stick with it
  • If you want positive reinforcement and treats, look for trainers who use these methods and belong to professional organizations like APDT and state they use LIMA
  • If you want shock collars or off-leash training, look for trainers who include e-collars in their programs
  • If you want choke chains, prong collars, corrections, and some treats, look for balanced trainers who have 10+ years of experience and offer obedience training
• The location and duration of the training
  • Training at a facility may not apply to your home situation
  • Training once a week for six weeks in a class will only teach you the basics, not train your dog fully
  • Training in the trainer’s home for several weeks will train your dog and make them reliable, but you won’t see how it was done. You will learn the commands and how to maintain the training later. You may also attend group classes for more practice.
  • Training in your home by a trainer will handle your specific situation and teach your dog directly. You will see how it was done and get coached on how to cue, reinforce, and maintain the training.
• The number and size of the dogs in group classes
  • Smaller classes have more one-on-one attention from the trainer
  • Larger classes have less or no one-on-one attention from the trainer, but may have assistant trainers to help
• The type and level of the training program
  • Basic programs usually have less experienced trainers than more advanced and specialized training
  • Specialized programs address specific issues like reactivity or aggression
• The support and follow-up from the trainer
  • Programs with follow-up and support help you overcome challenges and setbacks

The speed of dog training depends on several factors, such as:

• The type of training you choose
  • Group classes are the slowest option, taking 6 weeks per level. You need to fit the class schedule and practice at home.
  • Board and Train programs are the fastest option, taking 1-3 weeks. You send your dog away and get them back trained. You only need to schedule the final session and the group follow-up.
  • Private lessons are a fast option for specific issues. They are flexible and done in your home. You need to do the training yourself at home.
  • In-home dog training is a fast option for most issues. They are flexible and done in your home by a trainer. You don’t need to do much training yourself. You learn the technique and apply it.
• The maintenance of the training
  • All dog training requires you to keep up the training over time. If you don’t, your dog will forget. Use it or lose it.

To summarize, here are some typical scenarios and the best dog training options for them:

• If you have a low budget and are willing to train your dog yourself, you can choose a group class or private lessons.
• If you have a medium budget and need fast results, you can choose private lessons or a short in-home training program like the Quick Start.
• If you have several issues or are starting from zero, and you don’t want to do the training yourself and can afford it, you can choose a high-quality in-home day training program or a board and train program.
• If you want a trainer to use positive reinforcement training, work in your home, address your specific situation, and show you how the training is done, you can choose an in-home day training program as the best value for you.

How I Can Help You and Your Dog with Professional, Effective, and Affordable Dog Training

Now that you know what to look for in an affordable dog trainer, you may wonder how I can help you and your dog. Well, I deliver the highest value in in-home dog training. I have the qualifications, the expertise, and the tools that make me a great choice for your dog training needs. I also have a financing option to make it possible for you to afford my services.

• I am a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA), which means I have passed a rigorous exam and I follow the highest standards of the profession.
• I specialize in various situations and problems, such as different breeds, puppies, reactivity, and multiple dogs. I can handle any challenge you may have with your dog.
• I use positive reinforcement, modern dog training methods, and follow LIMA standards, which are based on science and ethics.
• I am also a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), which means I keep up with the latest research, follow ethics and best practices in the field.
• I do training in your home, where I can address your specific situation and teach your dog directly. You get to see how the training is done and learn how to cue, reinforce, and maintain the training.
• I offer private lessons and in-home dog training, which are fast and effective options for most issues.
• I can resolve most issues in 2 or 3 sessions, or within a week of starting.
• I am good for a medium budget and high-quality training done quickly.
• I work with Lending USA to provide financing to make it easier to pay for training over time.