How Much Does Dog Training Cost?

Updated October 13, 2026 · 2 min read · 4 sources

Short answer

Dog training usually costs about $30 to $80 per group class or $200 to $300 for a multi-week course, $60 to $150 per private lesson, and $900 to $3,000 per week for board-and-train programs, according to K9 of Mine. Specialized work such as service dog training runs about $150 an hour and up, and veterinary behaviorists cost more than trainers.

What you pay for dog training depends mostly on the format (group, private or board-and-train), your goals (basic manners vs. behavior problems) and the trainer's credentials.

Dog training prices by format

Format Typical price Best for
Group class $30–$80 per class, or $200–$300 for a multi-lesson course Puppies, basic manners, socialization
Private lesson $60–$150 per session Specific problems, busy schedules, reactive dogs
Board-and-train $900–$3,000 per week Owners who can't do the early work themselves
Specialized / service dog training about $150 per hour and up Task training, advanced skills
Behavior consultation More than a trainer; veterinary behaviorists "often quite expensive" Aggression, anxiety, phobias

Source: K9 of Mine (updated February 2025). Classes in large cities like New York cost more than in small towns.

Real example: a six-week AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class at the Yakima Valley Animal Shelter in Washington cost $165 in 2023, including the S.T.A.R. Puppy test at the end, with one-hour weekly sessions for puppies 10 weeks to 6 months old.

What drives the price

  • Location and demand. Big-city rates are higher, and K9 of Mine notes rates rose during the pandemic as demand surged.
  • Credentials and experience. Certified trainers and behavior professionals charge more.
  • Private vs. group. Private time costs more per hour but can solve a specific problem faster.
  • Packages. Many trainers discount bundles of lessons.
  • Problem severity. Aggression and severe anxiety need more expertise (and sometimes a veterinarian).

Is a cheaper trainer a good deal?

Dog training isn't legally regulated, VCA Animal Hospitals points out, so anyone can call themselves a trainer. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recommends reward-based training and advises avoiding trainers who use prong, choke or shock collars or "dominance" methods, which it links to stress and aggression. A low price isn't a bargain if the method makes behavior worse. See dog training methods explained.

How to save on dog training

  1. Start with a group class; it's the cheapest per hour and covers the basics.
  2. Practice daily at home; sessions of 5 to 10 minutes work well. See how to train your dog at home.
  3. Check shelters and humane societies, which often run affordable classes.
  4. Buy a lesson package instead of single sessions.
  5. Use one or two private lessons to target a specific issue, then continue on your own.

See dog training class costs, puppy training costs and find dog trainers near you.

Sources

  1. K9 of Mine: How much do dog trainers cost? (updated 2025)
  2. Yakima Valley Animal Shelter: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class listing
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Do I need a trainer, a behaviorist or a veterinary behaviorist? (2025)
  4. AVSAB: Humane dog training position statement (2021)

Find dog trainers near you

Whether you need puppy classes, obedience training, help with barking or aggression, or service dog training, compare local dog trainers by Google rating, reviews and opening hours below.

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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.

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