cost of training?

[Nina&Bill]

I'm just curious about this. I recently signed Amber up for classes with a trainer that our vet reccommended. I really like this trainer & his methods so I'm very happy about her starting the beginners classes (and us along with her :D) but I was just wondering about what the average cost of classes is? Ours is 275$ for 6 classes and it seems to be about average for my area (if you're not talking Petco or Petsmart). Is this way high?

Also, do the intermediate & advanced classes tend to be priced higher? And what about something like agility work? Yes I KNOW that I could ask the school these questions but I'm curious about your opinions & experiences ;)

I really can't wait to start school with her, she's a very smart girl & I think that she's going to love it. She'll love the ride in the car, anyway ;)

Thanks,

Nina

[Rottnlove]

That seems a little high to me.

I have checked into the best school known in our area and it runs about $80 a month, classes being held about twice a week.

Good luck! :)

[Miabella]

My trainer charges $150 for 7 week training courses. Classes are all priced the same, whatever the level.

[Nina&Bill]

Yow! More than a little high. That's what I get for living in NY :D

Obedience classes through Northshore Animal League are 350$ for 6 (a co-worker was looking into this). I must admit that I didn't do thorough research when it came to cost. I wasn't going to base my selection of a trainer on that but the initial quote of 275$ did floor me. Obviously I got over it once I saw him interact with the dogs in class & how well all of the dogs responded.

Keep 'em coming so I can see how badly I'm getting hosed :D


Thanks,

Nina

[Grendl]

Training Schools in SC charge between $80 and $90 dollars for either an 8 wk basic course or for 6 wk advanced courses (once a week). Individual sessions were $25-30 per hr, but it has been about six years since I scheduled any of those.

[austin]

Don't feel bad Nina, I paid $225 for 6 sessions. I chose this particular trainer after looking into several other, less expensive options. I think I got what I paid for, and it was more than worth it.

[LynnS]

Paying $175 for 6 weeks (6 classes) in San Francisco and I am not to thrilled with the class (after two sessions). I think I made a big mistake enrolling in classes at the same place Bella goes to day care. Since the floor where her class is held is the same floor she plays on all day, it is very hard to get and keep her focused. Not that this has anything to do with your original post :D

[Carolina]

Well, prices can vary a lot in the US!!

Here in Mexico a good trainer will charge between 300 and 500 dollars (8 weeks, one session per week). Also the prices depend on the type of training.. obedience (novice or advance) 300, protection 500.

You will never find a trainer charging less than 200 dollars the 6-8 weeks course. Besides, we don't have puppy kindergarden, nor group classes.. people is not used to train their dogs .. we have a looong way to go in this country :(


Carolina :)

[roccorottie]

Yikes! That seems high to me and I live in Los Angeles. :) Is that just a basic OB/puppy class?

I pay $30/week for 2 sessions. I'm preparing my boy for Schutzhund, so we probably do more than you're going to in each class. We have OB & bitework (foundation) in each session. Not only that, but I have the added value of watching all the dogs being worked and listening to all the terrific training ideas/advice. I also track every Sunday morning with the dogs working in SchH and we pay nothing for that (though I suspect that's because our trainer is training his own dogs anyway). Man, do I feel damn lucky now!

Bottom line - if you're happy with the trainer's credentials and their methods, then the price is justifiable for you.

I would like to thank you for making me feel better about the "cost of all things" in Los Angeles. For once, I'm not paying outrageous prices for things...if only this would apply to real estate. haha

:)

[RottiMomCT]

Nina - PetCo and/or PetSmart are great places for basic obedience and socialization - provided the trainer there has some semblance of a brain that functions <LOL>!

How far are you from Brookfield CT or Goshen CT? Canine Sports Center has GREAT classes, and I know there is a place in Brookfield that comes highly recommended (and I for the life of me canot recall the name!).

I'll do some research on that and get back to you!!

[lblax]

80 dollars for 8 days basic training!!! 150 dollars a year schutzhund club 2 days a week!!!!!!!!! yes you are getting hosed and even though ive never attended one in our area i hear that people are greatly satisfied with petsmart training classes

[Jaegergirl]

the beginner class i took my pup to was $75/7 classes. the intermediate and advanced classes are $50/7 classes. all are geared for dogs going to the show ring, although you don't have to have "show intentions" to attend the classes. the trainers were recommended to me by the american rottweiller club in my area and they are very highly regarded. i live in ohio.

[Ramon]

Seems high to me. I took puppy classes at Petsmart and my instructor was actually pretty good and well qualified. The best obedience training I ever took is in my Schutzhund club. Our helper serves as our training director, and he gets a lot out of our dogs. We meet 4 times a week and our dues are only $15/month. Talk about a bargain!

[Roscoe's dad]

The price does seem a little high but as mentioned you get what you pay for, most of the time. Have you done some scouting around? Watching the classes that are in session before you sign up to make sure you are comfortable with the trainers methods and do the methods work with the owners of the dog?
The training is IMO 90% training the owners on how to work with their dogs. You cant expect a trainer to train a class of dogs on there own, they are trying to pass knowldege on to the individual owners. If there are problems with 1 particular dog, will they work with the dog and handler to try to solve the problem but not at the expence of the other dogs. They may use a dog as an example or spend time after class to help fix any problems. If that is the case it would be money well spent. Shop around before you make a decision. :)

[CajunsMom]

My trainer charges $80 for an 8 week session of basic obedience. 8 weeks of protection training is (I believe) $250. I know in my area most basic obedience classes run anywhere from $65 - $80 for an 8 week session that meets once a week. I am glad I don't live on the east OR west coast.

I joined a club, the initial fee was $250 and then we pay $15 a month training fees and train 2 - 3 times a week. If you decide to be serious about training and compete, a club is the best way to go financially.

Sandy