Welcoming a dog into your household is an exhilarating change. Who could resist a lively, lovable pup darting through the rooms?
That said, adopting a dog carries more obligations than many anticipate. Beyond the obvious duties like feeding, walking, and vet visits, basic obedience lessons are essential for every dog guardian.
A well-mannered dog isn’t merely pleasant — it enhances life for both you and your pet. Yet professional dog training can vary widely in price, from about $25 for group classes to upwards of $100 per session for private or in-home instruction.
Teaching your dog to behave reliably on cue may feel like a big undertaking, but it’s well worth it for a loving, harmonious relationship with your companion. Below are practical ways to begin foundational dog training without blowing your budget.
What Does Dog Obedience Training Cost?
Obedience training, whether done at home or in a classroom, is vital to your dog’s conduct, safety and wellbeing. Opting for classroom instruction, however, can be pricey.
For instance, a six-week beginner course at PetSmart costs $129. This introductory class covers basic cues like “leave it” and “drop it,” plus household manners and impulse-control exercises.
A follow-up six-week intermediate class is another $129. That session reinforces the first course and introduces commands such as “heel.”
Even with these classes, ongoing effort from you outside of lessons is necessary. When working with your dog at home, patience and steady practice are key.
The Price of Skipping Training
Instilling basic commands in your dog matters for several reasons, the foremost being safety. Teaching your dog to come when called or stay on command can prevent them from dashing into traffic, getting into fights with other dogs, or shredding your new couch.
Reward-based methods (where your dog earns a treat for performing correctly, like staying seated despite temptations) are excellent for teaching impulse control — a skill that becomes more important as dogs grow larger and stronger.
Note: Even trained dogs can display destructive behavior, which might signal separation anxiety. Talk to your veterinarian about behavioral shifts and potential medications to ease separation-related symptoms.
Basic obedience training may seem intimidating, but with a few simple tools — treats, an upbeat tone, new exercises, and using rewards to gradually increase command difficulty — you could avoid spending thousands on professional help or replacing ruined belongings.
Dog Training Tools and Resources
Thanks to the internet, training has never been more accessible. Apps and videos make it simple to work on basic cues with your dog, and most pups relish the one-on-one attention from their owners.
Here are four resources to help you learn how to train your dog.
1. Apps for DIY Dog Training
There seems to be an app for everything these days, dog training included. If you’re committed to dog ownership, these tools can support that responsibility.
One leading free app is Pupford.
Pupford offers numerous instructional videos led by Zak George, a respected trainer, to curb unwanted behaviors. Download the app to learn how to get your dog to walk calmly on a leash and obey basics like “sit” and “stay.” It also includes guides for crate training and housebreaking puppies.
Consistency is crucial when addressing behavior and teaching new skills. Like people, dogs thrive on routine, which helps them feel secure and learn more effectively.
Pup-to-Date is an affordable option (free for 10 logged events, then $3.99 for unlimited use) that assists with obedience and behavior tracking. You can record everything from potty breaks to naps and successful responses to cues.
Other apps such as Dogo and GoodPup offer interaction with certified trainers (sometimes live), though free trials are limited and ongoing costs can be higher: about $99.99 per year or $29 per week, respectively. Dedicating time to these apps may have you praising your dog more often than scolding them.
2. Online Training Courses
The web is a fantastic place to learn puppy basics. Ali Smith founded Rebarkable, a $24.99 one-year program that teaches dogs to respond to verbal praise and cues, hand signals, treats, and more.
“I’m dedicated to helping new puppy owners get things right from the beginning. Not only training dogs, but also helping owners understand their pups so they can advocate for them,” Smith explained. “I want to help create confident, adaptable pets and keep puppies out of shelters.”
Rebarkable sends a weekly email overview detailing recommended activity, sleep, and feeding, plus advice on socialization and milestones to expect during training.
Rebarkable is one example among many online programs. It’s important to choose courses run by certified trainers (not merely dog enthusiasts) that use humane, positive methods.
Other online obedience programs to explore include Wondrium, GoodPup, SpiritDog and Puppy Trained Right, whose slogan is “Train, don’t complain.” That’s a fair motto even for pups with short attention spans.
Certified trainers might hold credentials from a local shelter, regional organization, or other institutions. A quick online search can help verify the legitimacy of their certifications.
3. Use YouTube as a Training Resource
We often underestimate YouTube’s value as an educational tool. As with other media, be selective about what you follow, but YouTube can offer excellent tips and demonstrations for training.
Smith recommends Kikopup’s channel as a trustworthy and informative source.
Zak George, the creator behind Pupford, also posts videos focused on obedience and behavior solutions.
Stonnie Dennis is another well-known creator who emphasizes positive reinforcement in training both young and older dogs.
These channels are free; they simply require you to dedicate 15–30 minutes a day to practice with your pet.
4. Seek Assistance from Animal Shelters
Animal shelters want nothing more than to see their animals placed in permanent, loving homes. Yet many adopters are surprised by the work required to make a home dog-friendly and end up returning the pet shortly after adoption.
Before surrendering your dog, reach out to nearby shelters to learn about behavior resources they provide. Many maintain free behavioral resource collections and offer regular training classes led by behavior specialists — designed to prevent overwhelmed owners from feeling there’s no way to start training.
Allow your dog to socialize, enjoy playtime, and learn to walk politely on a leash through free or donation-based shelter classes. Shelter behaviorists often offer high-quality training and practical knowledge, and they may be able to recommend medical advice for minor issues.
Dogs, like people, require love, consistency, care, and positive encouragement to thrive and feel secure in their households.
Visit the American Kennel Club for guidance on adopting a dog, breed- and temperament-based training resources, and reliable medical information to help you and your dog explore life together — politely and safely — for many years.
Colorado-based writer Laura Benson focuses on lifestyle and wellness. She contributes regularly to Savinly. Material from contributor Timothy Moore is included in this piece.
