How much should you spend on dog training?

How much is enough? Well, it all depends…

How much should you spend on dog training, is one of the most common initial questions from dog owners.

The only way to answer that question is first to put things into perspective.

With most things we are passionate about, we tend to overlook the negative aspects.

As any classic car owner will tell you, it’s not all wind in your hair and the sun on your back, especially when your snappy little red convertible overheats in traffic and leaves you stranded by the side of the road.

I’m happy to say my dogs have never let me down in such a way, but that is because I instilled in them the good sense they possess now.

The reality is that without proper instruction, your dog has the potential to cost you an absolute fortune.

One thing I will say is that you can achieve impressive results with only a few sessions, and if you can be consistent and reinforce what you’ve learned, the dog will do 99% of the hard work for you.

Investing in dog training is one of the single greatest investments you will make in your life.

Not only will it make your life easier, but it will also save you thousands of dollars.

A well-trained dog is generally happier, healthier, and better-behaved than an untrained one.

Use the calculator to the right to estimate how much you could save, assuming a base cost of training. You may be surprised that dog training usually pays for itself in under a year.

Dog Training Savings Calculator

Dog's Age (years): Dog's Size: Small Medium Large Training Cost ($):

Problem Behaviors (check all that apply):
Chewing Furniture

Damage to chairs, couches, woodwork, shoes, and personal items.

Aggression

Growling, lunging, or biting that may lead to liability, vet bills, or increased insurance costs.

Barking/Nuisance Complaints

Frequent loud barking can lead to neighbor complaints or municipal fines.

Jumping on People

Jumping can cause injuries to guests or damage to clothing and furniture.

House Soiling

Accidents indoors may ruin carpets and flooring and require professional cleaning.

Pulling on Leash

Can result in strained walks, injuries to the handler, or damaged equipment.

Escaping/Running Away

Dogs that bolt may require recovery services or may suffer injury/loss.

Destructive Separation Anxiety

Chewing, barking, or property damage when left alone; often extensive.

Years of Expected Benefit: Calculate Savings

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of actual savings. Cost estimates are based on common dog behavior issues and average potential expenses. Actual savings may vary depending on your location, the severity of the behavior, and the effectiveness of the training program. Always consult with a professional trainer or veterinarian for advice tailored to your specific situation.

Assumptions:

1. Problem Behavior Costs Are Estimated Annually:

   • Each selected behavior has a fixed average cost assigned per year:

     • Chewing Furniture – $300

     • Aggression – $500

     • Barking – $150

     • Jumping on People – $200

     • House Soiling – $250

     • Pulling on Leash – $100

     • Escaping – $400

     • Separation Anxiety – $600
       (These are generic estimates and may vary widely based on location, severity, and circumstances.)

2. Costs Are Avoided if Training Is Completed:

   • The calculator assumes that professional training will effectively eliminate or greatly reduce the selected behaviors for the duration of the benefit period.

3. Training Cost Is a One-Time Investment:

   • User enters a one-time fee for training. No additional costs (like follow-up sessions or boarding) are included.

4. Savings Are Calculated Over a Fixed Benefit Period:

   • Default is 5 years unless changed by the user.

   • Assumes behavior improvements from training remain consistent throughout the selected timeframe.

5. No Discounting for Future Value:

   • The calculator does not account for inflation or net present value — it assumes all dollars are equal across years.

6. Savings = Avoided Costs – Training Investment:

   • Lifetime savings are calculated simply by subtracting the training investment from the total avoided behavior-related costs over the benefit period.