How Much Does Dog Training Cost?
Updated for 2024 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Dog Training Include?
Professional dog training includes group classes, private sessions, and board-and-train programs. Training covers obedience, behavior modification, socialization, and specialized skills.
The national average cost for dog training is $75 per session. Most homeowners pay between $30 and $150, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Format
Group class (6 weeks): $120-$300. Private session: $75-$150/hour. Board-and-train (2-4 weeks): $1,500-$5,000
Specialty
Basic obedience: $120-$300. Behavior modification: $500-$2,000. Protection training: $2,000-$10,000
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Training type (group vs private)
- ✓Trainer experience
- ✓Session length
- ✓Number of sessions
- ✓Dog's behavioral issues
- ✓Board-and-train programs
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Group classes are 50-70% cheaper than private sessions
- 2.Many pet stores offer affordable group obedience classes
- 3.Start training early — puppies are easier and cheaper to train
- 4.Watch free training videos to supplement professional sessions
Dog Training Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $25 | $61 | $123 |
| Alaska | $38 | $96 | $192 |
| Arizona | $29 | $71 | $143 |
| Arkansas | $24 | $60 | $120 |
| California | $41 | $101 | $203 |
| Colorado | $32 | $81 | $162 |
| Connecticut | $37 | $92 | $183 |
| Delaware | $32 | $79 | $158 |
| Florida | $29 | $74 | $147 |
| Georgia | $27 | $68 | $135 |
| Hawaii | $43 | $107 | $213 |
| Idaho | $28 | $69 | $138 |
| Illinois | $32 | $79 | $158 |
| Indiana | $26 | $66 | $132 |
| Iowa | $26 | $65 | $129 |
| Kansas | $26 | $64 | $128 |
| Kentucky | $25 | $63 | $126 |
| Louisiana | $26 | $65 | $131 |
| Maine | $31 | $77 | $153 |
| Maryland | $35 | $86 | $173 |
| Massachusetts | $39 | $98 | $195 |
| Michigan | $28 | $69 | $138 |
| Minnesota | $31 | $77 | $153 |
| Mississippi | $23 | $59 | $117 |
| Missouri | $26 | $65 | $131 |
| Montana | $29 | $71 | $143 |
| Nebraska | $26 | $66 | $132 |
| Nevada | $31 | $77 | $153 |
| New Hampshire | $34 | $84 | $168 |
| New Jersey | $38 | $94 | $188 |
| New Mexico | $27 | $68 | $135 |
| New York | $40 | $99 | $198 |
| North Carolina | $27 | $68 | $135 |
| North Dakota | $27 | $68 | $135 |
| Ohio | $27 | $68 | $135 |
| Oklahoma | $25 | $62 | $125 |
| Oregon | $33 | $83 | $165 |
| Pennsylvania | $31 | $77 | $153 |
| Rhode Island | $35 | $86 | $173 |
| South Carolina | $26 | $65 | $131 |
| South Dakota | $26 | $64 | $128 |
| Tennessee | $26 | $65 | $129 |
| Texas | $28 | $70 | $140 |
| Utah | $29 | $71 | $143 |
| Vermont | $32 | $81 | $162 |
| Virginia | $32 | $79 | $158 |
| Washington | $35 | $86 | $173 |
| West Virginia | $24 | $60 | $120 |
| Wisconsin | $28 | $71 | $141 |
| Wyoming | $28 | $69 | $138 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start training my puppy?
Begin socialization and basic commands at 8 weeks. Formal obedience classes can start at 3-4 months old.