Is This Price Reasonable?

[Tara]

So we just had our first complimentary in home training session for Seymour.  The trainer had a lot of great tips and has a solid in home program in place.  It's been a long time since I've had to do this so I don't know if his price is reasonable.  I looked into Petsmart and Petco but their classes are in the evening and that's when all my kids activities are.  So I thought I would go with the in home training. 

This is what is included: 

6 1hr training sessions plus what's below for $675.

We will teach your dog how to be polite so that s/he can be a part of the action!  In just two months, our Mannerly Dog training program will have your dog listening to you at home and on your walks or trips to the park.

During the first month, we’ll meet once a week to teach your dog how to sit, down, stay, relax on his bed, come when called and walk nicely next to you.  We’ll also address proper play time rules and how to behave when the doorbell rings (or other unwanted behaviors specific to your needs).  Our next two lessons will be every other week and will ensure that your dog not only listens in your home but also out in public.

As an added bonus to this program, you’ll receive a Freedom No-Pull Harness (not available in stores!) and 1 Full Year of our Dog Trainer’s Support via email, phone or text.  You’ll also receive exclusive invites to our Training and Socialization and Private Facebook Groups to keep your dog well socialized and listening with ease.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It sounds reasonable to me, especially considering the follow-up support.  I would definitely ask for a reference or two and talk to them to see how successful the training was for them.  It's reasonable if their process works...there are lots of trainers out there making promises with marginal success. 

[Jenn and Bogey]

Sounds reasonable to me. We are also doing private training at home and that's about what my trainer charges. I only wish we started sooner so that some of our issues did not turn into habits.

[Amy and Annabelle]

Annabelle's in home trainer was $125.00 a session and didn't include any extras. Certainly no support without an additional fee.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Just my opinion, but I think that there is some value to having your puppy in a class with other dogs and lots of other distractions.  Most puppies will do things at home that they won't do out in public ... there is nothing to distract them.  While you will get lots of one on one attention, IMO that price is a lot for basic puppy training.  I think that you are going to miss out on a lot by being in a class alone.  I personally think pretty much any trainer can tell you how to teach a puppy to sit, down and come ... it is the work that you put into it after class that is going to account for how much success you have with whatever trainer.  Again, IMO,  the only time I would pay this for training is if I had a dog with issues that I seriously needed help with.   FYI, I bought my Freedom No-Pull Harness in a store, and it is available on line.  I love mine.  However, the trainer should be teaching loose leash walking and then you wouldn't need one.

[Amy and Annabelle]

I had an in home trainer before she had all of her shots. Plus it was winter and I didn't want to have to travel to a class then. Her classes were in the evening and I don't drive in the dark in the summer let alone the winter unless it is an emergency. I live in the country and have had too many close calls with deer.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Those are some good points Sheri. The trick is finding a class taught by a really good, experienced trainer. My experience has been that you don't often find those at Petsmart or Petco classes.

I've had the best luck with dog training classes offered through Park Districts. 

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Sounds good.  You will be the one doing the training everyday from what you learn in your lessons.  If you liked your first lesson, I would go with it.  I have had personal trainers charge me any where from $25/hour to $100/hour.  This seems reasonable especially if you have read good reviews.  Have fun.  They are worth the investment.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Sounds reasonable and worth it especially if classes just don't fit into your busy mom schedule. Certainly better than not getting training. But, Again, it's all about how much time and practice you put into the training 24/7, not just the hour a week. And for the rest of the family to follow through as well.  My two are 6 and 7.5 years old and I don't think there is a day that goes by that we aren't reinforcing some training of some sort. But I really only have a few 'must have' commands that are non negotiable : Sit/lay down, Come and Leave it.  Each one has been a life saver when it came to their safety. 

The follow up support is very nice, because as they grow, new habits and behaviors emerge. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is so true. The trainer should have said "We will teach YOU how to teach your dog how to be polite" etc. and "We will teach YOU to teach your dog how to sit, down, stay, relax on his bed, come when called and walk nicely next to you."  

Because that's really how training works. And it's ongoing, for the life of the dog. You learn from the trainer what to do, but it's the work you do day in and day out that actually trains the dog. 

[Tara]

When I met with the trainer, he said that a lot of the training is teaching me how to work with Seymour.  He will show me what to do and then have me practice while he watches.  He even gives us homework that we have to do each week.  And they offer social groups at a local park twice a month so that the dogs can socialize.

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

This is great.  I did private training and several classes through petsmart and another agency here in our town.  Loved the socialization part with the group,  but did not get the one on one that you will be receiving through private training.  With my experience, group vs. private,  I would go with the private training...then you can have your dog socialize with groups of dogs that have some manners! ;)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

That sounds quite expensive to me (over $100 per class), on the other hand PetSmart classes don't teach much per set of classes.  If I paid that much money,  would expect my dog to be absolutely perfectly trained (obviously with me doing the proper amount of practice), both on and off leash. Also, you should NOT need a harness after your dog is trained - think about it - a NO PULL Harness - training and a special harness - sort of like using floaties for swimming lessons.  This is just my opinion and not meant to incite unrest.  You need some instruction, but dogs learn what you teach, and the amount of time you put into training is where the progress is made.  Expect to put in at least 40 minutes per day practice (doesn't have to be done in one session).