How Much Does Puppy Training Cost? (And How Not to Pay Twice)

We sell a printable new-puppy kit, and we link to it below. We don’t sell training classes.

You’ve got a new puppy, a list of trainers, and a number in your head you’d rather not go over. One place says $149. Another lists private lessons at $120 an hour. Board and train can run into the thousands.

How much does puppy training cost? Mostly, it depends on the type you pick. A puppy class is a weekly group lesson where a trainer coaches you and your puppy on basic cues.

The class meets once a week, and the practice happens at home. Skip the home part, and you can end up paying for the same six weeks twice.

✓ Built on guidance from the AKC, AVSAB, MSPCA-Angell and CCPDT. Price sources include HomeGuide, PetSmart and Petco.

How much does puppy training cost by type?

Group classes are the cheapest paid option. Private lessons cost more per hour, and board and train costs the most.

Puppy kindergarten is another name for the group puppy class. Both big chains set an age window. Petco’s puppy class takes pups 8 to 16 weeks old. PetSmart’s takes 10 weeks to 5 months.

Group class or private lessons: which costs less?

Group classes, by a wide margin. HomeGuide puts private dog training at $45 to $120 per hour. Six private hours can cost more than a whole group course.

Packages bring the hourly rate down. HomeGuide says buying several sessions can cut the cost to $35 to $75 each. PetSmart sells four private hours for $259. Petco sells four 45-minute private lessons for $249.

Aggressive dog training costs more. HomeGuide notes about $125 an hour for dogs with aggression.

How much does puppy board and train cost?

HomeGuide lists boot camp kennel training at $500 to $1,250 per week. Programs often run more than one week, so the total climbs fast.

Owners on puppy forums split hard on it. Some say it changed their dog. Others warn that some programs use harsh methods, then suggest more weeks. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) links positive, consistent training with fewer behavioral problems than punishment.

Before you sign, run through these questions from the AKC and MSPCA-Angell:

• How do you train? The AKC says to ask exactly which methods they use, and to get them in writing.
• Can I visit? The AKC says to insist on visits during the program, and to use them.
• Where does my dog spend the day? MSPCA-Angell suggests asking how many hours a day your dog spends in a kennel or crate.
• What will you teach me at pickup? Per the AKC, the trainer should teach you every cue and hand signal they taught your dog.
• Do you guarantee results? The AKC says to be wary of anyone who does.

Be careful with big prepaid packages. In June 2026, FOX 2 Detroit reported a dispute involving prepaid training. Customers said they paid up to $2,200 for sessions that never happened. Everyone in the story got their money back after the station stepped in.

After pickup, keep practicing. The AKC calls training a lifelong pursuit, and says dogs don’t generalize well. MSPCA-Angell describes dogs whose problem behavior came back, or got worse, after a program.

Is board and train worth it? For most puppies, a class is the better first step. Unless your dog struggles around other dogs or strangers, the AKC calls classes a fabulous alternative. MSPCA-Angell says the money may be better spent on a rewards-based trainer or behaviorist.

Is online puppy training cheaper?

Usually, but nobody watches your timing or your puppy’s body language. An app can teach you a cue. It can’t see that your treat came late. Our best puppy training app guide ranks six, with prices checked.

How much is PetSmart and Petco puppy training?

Petco currently lists puppy courses starting at $149. The chart records earlier price examples, not a guaranteed local quote.

PetSmart and Petco training prices, October 2026

Regular list prices before any sale. Bars are scaled to the highest price shown.

Workshop$25, PetSmart StartSmart, 1 hour

Intro lesson$39, Petco, new customers only

Private hour$89, PetSmart, one session

Puppy class$149, PetSmart and Petco, 6 weeks

12-week package$249, PetSmart and Petco, 12 weeks

4 private lessons$249 at Petco (45 min each), $259 at PetSmart (1 hour each)

3-class bundle$355, PetSmart, 18 weeks

PetSmart’s group classes meet for one hour, at the same time each week, for six weeks. It says to expect 4 to 6 dogs in a typical class. Another section says up to 10, so ask your local trainer. Petco’s classes are also 60 minutes. PetSmart asks for written vaccine proof at or before the first class.

Both chains were running fall discounts when we checked, and class times vary by store. Pick your store on each site to see today’s price.

Tip: Planning two levels anyway? PetSmart’s 2-class package lists a $298 retail value for $249. Petco’s 12-week package is also $249, against $298 for two single classes.

What changes how much dog training costs?

Dog training cost moves with your dog, extra fees, and how much one-on-one time you buy.

• Your dog and your goal. HomeGuide says private rates depend on your dog’s size, age and breed. They also depend on how much needs to change.
• Group or one-on-one. Private time costs more per hour than a group class.
• Home visits. HomeGuide says trainers charge about $1 per mile to come to you.
• Evaluations. Some trainers charge about $75 for an evaluation before training starts.
• Length. Packages and multi-level courses raise the total but lower the price per lesson.

What are cheap and free puppy training options?

Start with a free consult or a low-cost workshop, then book one group class you’ll actually practice for.

Cheap puppy training

• A $25 workshop. PetSmart’s one-hour StartSmart workshop covers potty and crate training, socialization and vet visit tips.
• A $39 intro lesson. Petco’s 45-minute Private Lesson 101 is for new customers.

Free puppy training

• A free 15-minute consult. PetSmart offers one with an accredited trainer to talk through your puppy’s needs.
• Ask your local shelter or humane society. Some run classes or can point you to one.
• Practice at home. Our potty training guide and crate training guide are free to read.

When can a puppy start training classes?

Vets who specialize in behavior say classes can start at 7 to 8 weeks, after the first vaccines.

AVSAB says puppies can start socialization classes as early as 7-8 weeks of age. It asks for one set of vaccines at least 7 days before the first class, plus a first deworming.

What about puppy socialization classes before all the shots?

Many owners hear “wait until every shot is done.” AVSAB disagrees. It calls socializing before full vaccination the standard of care, because the first three months matter most.

Store rules sit in between. Petco’s puppy class starts at 8 weeks, and PetSmart’s at 10 weeks. PetSmart wants vaccines given at least 48 hours before a session.

Ask your vet about it, and bring the AVSAB statement along. AVSAB also says to skip dog parks and pick classes held on easy-to-clean floors.

“Even if you’ve trained dogs before, don’t skip classes.”

Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT, writing for the American Kennel Club

How do you find good puppy training classes near you?

Search, then visit before you pay. A good class shows you its methods and lets puppies play safely.

The AKC reports on Ontario Veterinary College research into what puppy classes cover.

What puppy classes covered

Share of classes in the study that taught each topic. “Less than half” is drawn just under 50%.

Sit or downMore than 80%

Puppy play70%

Noises or trading itemsLess than half

• Visit first. The AKC says to talk to the instructor and ask to watch a class.
• Check the play. Bigger, pushy puppies shouldn’t be allowed to bully small, shy ones.
• Ask about the curriculum. Look for supervised puppy play, new sights and sounds, and handling exercises.
• Ask about methods. AVSAB backs training built on rewards like treats, praise and play.
• Ask about cleaning and vaccines. AVSAB wants up-to-date vaccines and floors that are easy to disinfect.

Which dog trainer certifications should you look for?

The AKC says dog training is an unregulated industry. Anybody can print business cards and charge for training. So ask what credentials a trainer holds, then check them.

• CPDT-KA. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) gives it. CCPDT says it means the trainer passed a comprehensive exam and has at least 300 hours of training experience.
• IAABC. The BBB names the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants alongside CCPDT as a body to look for.
• A veterinary behaviorist (DACVB). These are veterinarians with specialty training in animal behavior. They fit fear or aggression cases.

The BBB suggests asking for proof of current certifications. CCPDT also suggests steering clear of trainers who talk about being “dominant” or the “alpha.”

Tip: Ask every trainer two more things before you pay. What homework do you send home each week? And how can I reach you between classes?

Is puppy training worth the money?

For most puppies, a good group class is worth it. The research ties classes to less nervousness by 20 weeks of age.

In the Guelph study the AKC reports, puppies who went to class were less likely to show nervousness. They also showed fewer signs of separation anxiety. Their owners rewarded good behavior more and punished less.

AVSAB says behavior problems are the number one reason dogs are given up to shelters. It names behavior issues, not infections, as the top cause of death for dogs under three.

A class only pays off if the practice happens, though. One owner on a puppy forum warned that skipping follow-through at home wastes the money.

What happens between puppy classes?

Six weeks of class gives you six hours with a trainer. The rest of puppy training happens at home.

The house also needs one answer to everyday questions. Who takes her out after breakfast? Who logged the last accident? When does she nap?

Without that, each person can do it differently, and the class homework gets pushed aside. Our puppy potty training schedule guide explains why timing matters so much at this age.

When should you call a vet or a trainer?

Fear goes to the vet first. A specific behavior problem can go to a private trainer.

AVSAB says owners of puppies showing fear should seek veterinary guidance. If your puppy hides or shakes in class, ask your vet before booking more group time.

For one stubborn problem, like jumping or leash pulling, private time fits better. PetSmart’s one-hour private session targets one or two specific unwanted behaviors.

What should you do next?

1. Pick your type and budget. Use the price table above.
2. Visit a class before you pay. Watch how the trainer handles puppy play.
3. Check vaccine rules with your vet. Bring AVSAB’s 7 to 8 week guidance to that visit.
4. Plan the week at home. Decide who practices, who takes her out, and who writes it down.

Puppy training cost FAQ

How long does puppy training take?

PetSmart and Petco group classes run six weeks each. Their 2-class packages take 12 weeks. Practice at home keeps going long after the last class.

What do I need to bring to a puppy class?

PetSmart’s list includes vaccine records, a 4 to 6 foot leash, and a buckle collar, head halter or harness. It also lists small treats and a treat pouch. No retractable leashes, chain leashes, or choke or prong collars.

What happens if my puppy misses a class?

At PetSmart, you work with your trainer to attend a make-up session. If you’re not satisfied, PetSmart lets you retake the class within 90 days.

Does Petco have a puppy class for older puppies?

Petco offers classes beyond the youngest puppy stage. Confirm the appropriate age group, local price and course length before booking.

How much does it cost to train an adult dog?

The same types apply. HomeGuide lists a 6- to 8-week group program at $120 to $200. It lists 6 to 8 weeks of private lessons at $210 to $600. Its guide is dated April 2023. Aggression work costs more, at about $125 an hour.

Is board and train worth it for a puppy?

For most puppies, a class is the better first step. Unless your dog struggles around other dogs or strangers, the AKC calls classes a fabulous alternative. If you do book one, insist on visits and a go-home lesson, and keep practicing afterward.

About this guide: Sources are linked beside the advice and listed below. This is educational guidance, not an individual assessment or a hands-on product test.

Sources

1. PetSmart: Dog Training, puppy and adult class prices (read October 2026)
2. Petco: Dog and Puppy Training Classes (read October 2026)
3. HomeGuide: How Much Does It Cost To Train A Dog?, by Tom Grupa
4. American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB): Position Statement on Puppy Socialization
5. American Kennel Club (AKC): The Power of Proper Puppy Socialization and Training Classes, by Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT
6. American Kennel Club (AKC): Are Board and Train Programs a Solution to Your Training Problems?, by Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT
7. MSPCA-Angell: Should I Send My Dog Away for Training?, by Terri Bright, PhD, BCBA-D, CAAB (archived copy)
8. American Kennel Club (AKC): How to Find and Choose a Dog Trainer, by Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT
9. Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT): How to Choose a Professional Dog Trainer or Behavior Consultant
10. Better Business Bureau (BBB): How to Find a Good Dog Trainer
11. ADA.gov: Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA
12. Canine Companions: FAQs
13. FOX 2 Detroit: Livid dog training customers say they paid thousands to SE Michigan business (June 2026)