How much does dog training cost on average?

Most people pay around $100 for an hour-long private session, with a typical range of $70 to $130. Group classes are cheaper, usually $20 to $80 a session or $120 to $600 for a full course.

How much does it cost to train a puppy?

A puppy class course usually costs between $55 and $360. Private puppy lessons cost the same as other private lessons, about $45 to $250 a session.

How much are dog training classes at PetSmart or Petco?

A six-week group course at a big-box pet store typically costs about $130 to $180. Prices change by location and promotion, so check your local store.

Why is private dog training so expensive?

You're paying for one trainer's full attention, a plan built for your dog, and often travel to your home. For problem behaviors, a few private sessions often cost less overall than months of group classes that don't fix the issue.

Is there free or low-cost dog training?

Some shelters and humane societies run classes for $0 to $50, and many offer free help to people who adopted from them. Online courses and videos are a low-cost option for basic manners.

How many training sessions does a dog need?

Many basic programs run 6 to 10 sessions. Behavior problems often take longer. A good trainer will tell you what to expect after the first session.

How Much Does Dog Training Cost in 2026?

Q: How much does board and train cost?

Board and train usually costs $500 to $1,650 a week. Two-week programs commonly cost $3,000 to $4,000, and longer programs can cost more than $5,000.

Most dog owners in the US pay somewhere between $20 and $80 for a single group class, $45 and $250 for a private lesson, and $500 to $1,650 a week for board and train. A full group course usually lands between $120 and $600. Where you live, the trainer's experience, and what your dog needs all move the number.

Below is what each type of training typically costs, what pushes the price up or down, and how to tell whether you're paying for something worth having.

Typical US dog training prices by type
Type of training	Typical US price	What you get
Group class (single session)One class with several other dogs, usually about an hour	$20 to $80per session	One class with several other dogs, usually about an hour
Group course (4 to 8 weeks)A weekly class series on basic manners or a specific skill	$120 to $600per 4 to 8 week course	A weekly class series on basic manners or a specific skill
Puppy class courseSocialization and early manners for young puppies	$55 to $360per course	Socialization and early manners for young puppies
Pet store group course (6 weeks)Basic group course at a big-box pet store	$130 to $180per 6 week course	Basic group course at a big-box pet store
Private lessonOne-on-one time with a trainer, at home or at their facility	$45 to $250per sessionMany trainers charge $100 to $150	One-on-one time with a trainer, at home or at their facility
Private lesson packageA set of private sessions, usually at a discount per session	$500 to $2,000per package	A set of private sessions, usually at a discount per session
Day trainingThe trainer works with your dog during the day, you get handover lessons	$50 to $200per day	The trainer works with your dog during the day, you get handover lessons
Board and trainYour dog lives with the trainer for one to several weeks	$500 to $1,650per weekTwo-week programs often $3,000 to $4,000	Your dog lives with the trainer for one to several weeks
Behavior consultation (aggression, fear)Assessment and a behavior plan for serious problems	$150 to $300first consultFollow-ups $100 to $200	Assessment and a behavior plan for serious problems
Online or virtual trainingVideo sessions or a course you follow at home	from $35per week	Video sessions or a course you follow at home
Shelter and nonprofit classesLow-cost group classes, often for adopters	$0 to $50per class or course	Low-cost group classes, often for adopters

Group dog training classes: $120 to $600 per course

Group classes are the cheapest way to get a professional's eyes on your dog. You'll usually pay $20 to $80 per session, or $120 to $600 for a four to eight week course. Most courses cover the basics: sit, down, stay, come when called, loose leash walking and settling around distractions.

They work well for friendly dogs who can cope with other dogs nearby. They're a poor fit for dogs who bark, lunge or panic around other dogs. For those dogs, a few private lessons first usually save money in the long run.

Big-box pet stores tend to sit at the lower end, at roughly $130 to $180 for a six-week course. Independent training schools often charge more, and in return you may get smaller classes and a more experienced instructor.

Puppy classes: $55 to $360

Puppy classes are short courses for young puppies, often called puppy kindergarten or puppy socialization classes. Expect $55 to $90 at the low end and up to about $360 for a six-week course.

The cost is small next to the value. Puppies learn most easily about the world in their first few months, and a good class gives them safe, supervised time with other puppies and new people. Veterinary behaviorists recommend that puppies can start as early as 7 to 8 weeks old, once they've had their first round of vaccines at least a week before class.

Private dog training: $45 to $250 per session

Private lessons are one-on-one sessions, either in your home or at the trainer's facility. Prices run from about $45 to $250 a session, and many trainers charge between $100 and $150 an hour.

Private training costs more per hour, but you get a plan built around your dog and your home. It's usually the better choice for:

Problems that happen at home, like jumping on guests, door dashing or house soiling
Dogs who are reactive, fearful or overwhelmed in a group
Busy households who want the trainer to come to them

Most trainers sell packages of private sessions for $500 to $2,000. Packages of five or more sessions are often discounted, so ask before you book single lessons.

Board and train: $500 to $1,650 a week

With board and train, your dog lives with the trainer for one to several weeks. Expect roughly $500 to $1,650 a week. Two-week programs commonly cost $3,000 to $4,000, and longer programs can pass $5,000.

Board and train is the most expensive option, and it isn't a shortcut. Your dog may behave well for the trainer and then slip back at home if you don't learn the same cues. Before you book, ask:

How many handover lessons are included after your dog comes home
How the trainer teaches, and what equipment they use (see how to judge this in how to find a good dog trainer)
Whether you can visit or get daily video updates
What happens if the behavior comes back

Behavior and aggression training: $150 to $300 for a first consult

Serious problems like aggression, biting, severe fear or separation anxiety cost more because they need more skill. A first consultation often runs $150 to $300 for about 90 minutes, with follow-ups at $100 to $200 each. Separation anxiety programs are often run remotely and billed monthly.

For aggression or a dog who has bitten someone, look for a certified behavior consultant or a veterinary behaviorist, and see your vet first to rule out pain or illness. This is not the place to choose the cheapest option.

Service dog training: $5,000 to $25,000 or more

Training a service dog is a long project, often a year or more. Training your own dog for a psychiatric or anxiety service role can cost $5,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the tasks and how much of the work you do yourself.

What affects the price of dog training?

Where you live. Trainers in big cities often charge 30 to 50 percent more than in rural areas. See prices for your city on our city cost pages.
Trainer experience and credentials. Experienced and certified trainers can charge 50 to 100 percent more than newer trainers. You're paying for judgment, which matters most for behavior problems.
Format. Group classes cost far less per hour than private lessons. In-home sessions often cost more than sessions at the trainer's facility because of travel time.
What your dog needs. Basic manners cost less than reactivity, aggression or separation anxiety work.
Package versus single sessions. Packages usually bring the per-session price down.

How to save money on dog training

Start with a group class if your dog is friendly and copes with other dogs around.
Ask your local shelter or humane society. Some run low-cost classes, especially for dogs adopted from them.
Buy a package once you've found a trainer you like, rather than paying session by session.
Mix formats. One or two private lessons to set up a plan, then group classes or a virtual program to keep going.
Start early. Puppy manners are cheaper to build than adult habits are to fix.
Do the homework. Most of the progress happens in the five-minute practice sessions you do between lessons.

Is professional dog training worth it?

For most dogs, a few weeks of good training pays for itself. You get a dog you can take more places, fewer damaged shoes and furniture, and fewer stressful walks. It matters most when there's a safety issue, like a dog who bolts out the door, pulls hard on leash or has growled at people.

What makes it worth it is choosing the right trainer. Look for someone who uses reward-based methods, explains what they're doing, and gives you homework. Our guide on how to find a good dog trainer walks you through the questions to ask.

Dog training costs by city

Atlanta, GA14 trainers listed
Austin, TX17 trainers listed
Charlotte, NC16 trainers listed
Chicago, IL83 trainers listed
Columbus, OH16 trainers listed
Dallas, TX17 trainers listed
Denver, CO17 trainers listed
Houston, TX14 trainers listed
Las Vegas, NV18 trainers listed
San Diego, CA14 trainers listed
Tampa, FL18 trainers listed

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