How much did you pay for a dog training class?
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We've taken two six-week / one-hour-per-week classes at two different places. The first was $150 and the second was $155. I signed up for two one-hour single topic sessions that were $35 each.
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I live just outside DC which is a very high cost of living area so I'm sure this thread will depress me with how much cheaper classes are across most of the country haha.
We've taken two levels of obedience classes (2nd one ended with a CGC test), an agility class, and a nose work class. They all ranged from $175-$210 for 6-8 one hour classes. I just started looking around for treibball classes in the area today (still a lot more to look into) and saw 4 classes for $140 at one school and 6 classes for $190 at another school. Still need to decide if I want to try treibball or try and get into a level 2 agility class which would be $185 for 7 weeks (I think I have to buy textbook for $42 for that class as well).
We've taken two levels of obedience classes (2nd one ended with a CGC test), an agility class, and a nose work class. They all ranged from $175-$210 for 6-8 one hour classes. I just started looking around for treibball classes in the area today (still a lot more to look into) and saw 4 classes for $140 at one school and 6 classes for $190 at another school. Still need to decide if I want to try treibball or try and get into a level 2 agility class which would be $185 for 7 weeks (I think I have to buy textbook for $42 for that class as well).
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Four week CGC training class. Paid the price of gas to get there. (In other words, it was free.) CGC test costs $10 but is not required. I can take regular training classes by the same people for $2 a week if I wanted as well. I guess I've got it good in terms of how much I pay for classes.
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Around here (a midwestern, midpriced city) training in classes runs between about US$75-100 for an 8 week basic or intermediate obedience class. One training place offers a $300 per year, show up to as many classes as you wish (including agility) deal. A small (<4 dogs) class for reactive and aggressive dogs runs about $100/6 weeks. Private sessions for problem dogs are about $50/hour.
I won't completely say that "you get what you pay for" since as an example, our local humane society runs quality classes but as a non-profit is aiming more to cover costs and set some aside to run the shelter. Another very good trainer works strictly outside (lots of real world distractions) and so has no building rental or facility upkeep to pay for. In general though, someone who charges middle of the road is less likely to raise red flags and make me question their prices, but I still want a LOT of good word of mouth. Sometimes it is hard to tell who is good and who is not, especially if they do any training without the owner present.
I won't completely say that "you get what you pay for" since as an example, our local humane society runs quality classes but as a non-profit is aiming more to cover costs and set some aside to run the shelter. Another very good trainer works strictly outside (lots of real world distractions) and so has no building rental or facility upkeep to pay for. In general though, someone who charges middle of the road is less likely to raise red flags and make me question their prices, but I still want a LOT of good word of mouth. Sometimes it is hard to tell who is good and who is not, especially if they do any training without the owner present.
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Thanks for the replies. The obedience class I was looking at was a private one (trainer comes to my house) 3xs a week, one hour sessions, for a month. For $250. That's a lot of money especially for Costa Rica. All I want is basic training. After over a year I'm still having a really hard time getting my dog to come when I call her. She knows I'm calling, but just won't come until she wants to. I've read so much online and have decided I just need to take her to a training class.
I'm hoping to find something cheaper. I appreciate the replies!!
I'm hoping to find something cheaper. I appreciate the replies!!
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that's a lot of money compared to the cost of living maybe, but that is still a very good price for private training. Only $20 an hour which I would say is pretty comparable to about $40 where I live (although it's been several years since I was in Costa Rica). So, a reasonable price for a good trainer, especially since the trainer comes to your house rather than you going to the trainer (seems to be more productive to train in the dog's regular environment than in a quiet training facility)
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I agree with Shell. The trainer who held the two one-hour classes offers private in-home training. The first hour is $50 and additional time is $40/hour. For reactive or aggressive dogs, the rates are higher.
We pay 155$ +- for 20 classes of 1 hour per class. We took him to a trainer due to dog reactivity, and now we are doing group classes. But the first classes were individual classes, we only switched to group classes coz he got better with his reactivity.
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Thanks for the comparison. The thing is, my engineer boyfriend doesn't even make $20/hr (he makes about $7/hr). Which is why you can see I think it's too much!
Thanks again for the replies, it's given me a lot to think about. I'm going to really try hard these next couple months to see if I can make any progress with Perlita. If not, I might have to bite the bullet and pay the big bucks to this guy. The other thing is she barfs in the car if it's longer than a few minutes, so the trainer coming to the house would be great.
We'll see! Thanks again!
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You have to take into account that the direct comparison between the two isn't fair. Your engineer boyfriend probably gets paid to work 40+ hours a week, the dog trainer isn't working 40 hours a week with clients so their hourly rate isn't a fair comparison. Your boyfriends weekly take home pay is going to be higher than the trainers.Thanks for the comparison. The thing is, my engineer boyfriend doesn't even make $20/hr (he makes about $7/hr). Which is why you can see I think it's too much!
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That's a good plan. You can also look for a dog club or see if there is a one time class available. If you need help on getting a technique that your dog will respond to but then can practice regularly at home, a single session for $30-40 might be enough.Thanks for the comparison. The thing is, my engineer boyfriend doesn't even make $20/hr (he makes about $7/hr). Which is why you can see I think it's too much!
Thanks again for the replies, it's given me a lot to think about. I'm going to really try hard these next couple months to see if I can make any progress with Perlita. If not, I might have to bite the bullet and pay the big bucks to this guy. The other thing is she barfs in the car if it's longer than a few minutes, so the trainer coming to the house would be great.
We'll see! Thanks again!
Yep, a specific trade like dog training can easily pay more PER HOUR but since dog trainers are often freelance, they have to provide all their own insurance, cover expenses, in the US pay self-employment taxes/their own social security etc and while they are with you for 1 hour, they are likely devoting a total of 2 hours to you as a client (30 minutes each way travel, 1 hour on site), thus lowering their hourly "take home."
I have a professional job with a professional license and a private dog training session costs about 3x my hourly pay. But I have my health insurance, sick days, vacation days, retirement fund etc covered and they don't.
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I pay $90 for 6 weeks of group classes. Same price for agility, nosework, obedience, puppy K, etc.
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Not to continue to get off topic, but no one in all of Costa Rica makes $20/hour. Private tutoring is usually $4/hour. My cleaning lady is $3/hr. I pay $10/day for a private dog sitter. $20/hr is an insane rate. And all that "health insurance, sick days, tax, etc" doesn't exist here. It's just money in their pocket.
annnnyyyywayyyssss...
Thanks again for all the replies!!
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http://www.petsparadisehotel.com/home
This place in Alajuela looks pretty nice; I think I remember you saying you were in San Jose.
Supply and demand- limited dog trainers, the services of someone coming to your house (like I said, you're paying for the travel time and costs also basically), and you end up with a higher rate. Private trainers in home are much higher cost here too than group classes.
This place in Alajuela looks pretty nice; I think I remember you saying you were in San Jose.
Supply and demand- limited dog trainers, the services of someone coming to your house (like I said, you're paying for the travel time and costs also basically), and you end up with a higher rate. Private trainers in home are much higher cost here too than group classes.
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