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By Michael Gonzales · Updated October 28, 2026
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Group dog training classes cost about $150 to $250 for a 4 to 6 week course, and PetSmart and Petco both list their 6-week classes at $149. Private trainers charge about $45 to $150 an hour. Board-and-train, where your dog lives with the trainer, ranges from about $500 a week to $3,000 to $4,000 for two weeks.
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How much does dog training cost?
It depends mostly on the format. Here's what each type costs, according to Rover and HomeGuide:
| Type of training | Rover (Oct 2024) | HomeGuide (Apr 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Group class, full course | $150 – $250 per course | $120 – $200 for 6 to 8 weeks |
| Puppy class | $55 – $90 per course | Not listed separately |
| Private lesson | $100 – $150 per hour | $45 – $120 per session |
| Virtual training | $35 per week | Not listed |
| Board-and-train | $3,000 – $4,000 for two weeks | $500 – $1,250 per week |
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Sources: Rover, how much does dog training cost (updated October 17, 2024) and HomeGuide, dog training cost (April 5, 2023). Rover says most dogs need about 4 to 6 sessions to learn the basics.
Rover says the type of course, the trainer's experience and where you live all affect the price. Behavior work costs more than basic manners.
How much are group dog training classes?
About $150 to $250 for a full course, per Rover. The big pet store chains are the easiest place to compare, because they post their prices:
| Store | Group class | Private lessons |
|---|---|---|
| PetSmart | $149 for 6 weeks (Puppy, Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced) | $89 for 1 hour; $259 for four 1-hour sessions |
| Petco | $149 for 6 hour-long weeks (Puppy, Beginner, Fundamentals or Advanced) | $249 for 4 sessions; $329 for 6 sessions (45 minutes each) |
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Sources: PetSmart dog training and Petco dog training (Houston Uptown store page), both checked October 26, 2026. Prices and class availability vary by store.
Packages save money. PetSmart bundles two 6-week classes for $249 and three for $355, against $298 and $447 bought separately. Petco's group classes put your dog with up to four other dogs and cost as little as $24.83 per class.
Watch for intro offers. PetSmart lists a free 15-minute consultation and a $25 one-hour StartSmart puppy workshop. Petco offers new customers a $39 introductory private lesson. Both chains run seasonal discounts; PetSmart's page showed $20 off a class through November 1 when we checked.
Independent trainers usually charge more than the chains for group classes, but often keep classes small and offer more advanced levels. HomeGuide says to commit to a full block of sequential lessons so neither you nor your dog forgets the last one.
How much does a private dog trainer cost?
About $45 to $150 an hour. HomeGuide puts private sessions at $45 to $120, and Rover puts one-on-one training at $100 to $150 an hour. Buying a package of 3 to 10 sessions up front can bring the price down to about $35 to $75 a session, per HomeGuide.
What pushes the price up:
- In-home sessions. Most trainers work from a facility and charge a travel fee of about $1 a mile to come to you, per HomeGuide.
- An evaluation first. Some trainers charge about $45 to $75 for an assessment before training starts, per HomeGuide.
- Behavior problems. Rover puts an aggression consultation at $150 to $300 for 90 minutes, with follow-ups around $100 to $200 each. Behavior modification for anxious or reactive dogs runs about $195 a class, and is usually private.
- Specialty skills. Rover lists loose-leash classes at $120 for a group class and $195 for a private one.
Private training makes sense when your dog can't settle in a group, when you're working on one specific problem, or when your schedule doesn't fit a weekly class.
How much does board-and-train cost?
Somewhere between $500 a week and $4,000 for two weeks. That's a wide gap, and it reflects how different these programs are:
- HomeGuide (2023): boot camp or kennel-and-train programs cost $500 to $1,250 a week, or $45 to $75 a day for day training.
- Rover (2024): board-and-train costs $3,000 to $4,000 for two weeks.
The low end is closer to boarding with daily training sessions. The high end is an intensive program with one trainer and follow-up lessons. HomeGuide notes that even if your dog boards for training, your family still needs a hand-over lesson at the end to learn the cues.
Before you book, ask how many training sessions your dog gets each day, who does them, where your dog sleeps, how you'll get updates and how many follow-up lessons are included. If you only need someone to care for your dog while you're away, plain boarding is far cheaper; see our dog boarding cost guide. Some dog daycares also offer day training.
How much does service dog training cost?
Rover puts service dog training at $100 to $200 or more an hour, and HomeGuide at about $120 an hour on average. The total depends on the tasks the dog is trained to do.
The ADA doesn't require a professional program. The U.S. Department of Justice says people with disabilities have the right to train the dog themselves, and that businesses can't require proof that a service animal has been certified, trained or licensed. HomeGuide notes that in some cases the person gets the dog free from a nonprofit.
What gear do you need for dog training?
Very little. Trainer Kohanski told Rover that all you need is a fanny pack to keep training treats handy, plus some great treats. Petco asks class students to bring a leash and collar or harness, proof of vaccinations, training treats and a pouch, and poop bags.
A belt-clip pouch such as the PetSafe Treat Pouch Sport (4.5 stars from more than 5,000 ratings on Amazon when we checked) keeps your hands free for the leash.
Plan for vaccines too. HomeGuide says all dogs must be vaccinated before training begins, and puppies need at least their first dose of vaccinations before socialization classes. Ask the trainer which records they need.
How do you choose a good dog trainer?
- Check certification. Dog training is unregulated, with no licensing requirements, the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) says. Its CPDT-KA credential means a trainer passed an exam and has at least 300 hours of training experience. CPDT-KSA adds a hands-on skills assessment.
- Ask about methods. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's position statement says reward-based methods should be used for all dog training, and that aversive methods relying on force, pain or discomfort should not be used. The CCPDT calls "dominant" and "alpha" language a red flag.
- Watch a class first. Ask whether you can sit in on a session before you pay.
- Get the price in writing. Ask what's included, how many sessions, the class size, and the makeup policy for missed classes.
- Bring the whole household. HomeGuide says everyone at home needs to use the same cues, or the dog slips back into old habits.
The AKC's Canine Good Citizen program is a good goal for a family dog. It's open to all dogs, purebred or mixed, with no age limits, per the AKC, and ends in a 10-point test with an approved evaluator.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth paying for dog training? For most owners, a group class is a low-cost start. Rover says most dogs need about 4 to 6 sessions to learn the basics, and PetSmart and Petco both list 6-week classes at $149.
How much does PetSmart dog training cost? PetSmart lists its 6-week Puppy, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced classes at $149 each, a 1-hour private session at $89 and four private sessions at $259, as checked October 26, 2026. Prices vary by store.
How much does Petco dog training cost? Petco lists 6-week group classes at $149 and private lessons at $249 for four or $329 for six 45-minute sessions. New customers can book a $39 introductory private lesson.
How much is board-and-train for a dog? HomeGuide puts it at $500 to $1,250 a week, and Rover at $3,000 to $4,000 for two weeks. Ask how much daily training is included.
How much does a private dog trainer charge per hour? About $45 to $120 per session, per HomeGuide, or $100 to $150 an hour, per Rover. Packages and group classes cost less per hour.
At what age should a puppy start training? PetSmart's puppy class starts at 10 weeks and Petco's at 8 weeks. HomeGuide says puppies need at least their first vaccinations before socialization classes.
Do dog trainers need a license? No. The CCPDT says dog training is unregulated, with no licensing requirements. Look for an independent certification such as CPDT-KA.
Sources
Rover: How much does dog training cost? (updated Oct 17, 2024) · HomeGuide: Dog training cost (Apr 5, 2023) · PetSmart: Dog training classes · Petco: Dog training, Houston Uptown store · U.S. Department of Justice: ADA service animal FAQs · CCPDT: How to choose a dog trainer · AVSAB: Position statement on humane dog training (PDF) · AKC: Canine Good Citizen. Checked October 26, 2026.