Are Professional Puppy Training Classes Worth It?

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

If you’re wondering whether professional puppy training classes are worth it, you’re not alone. Lots of pet parents find it tricky to weigh the costs—which can be pricey—against the benefits. Should you get help with socialization, developing focus, and bonding, or are these things you can tackle on your own?

To get an idea of what puppy classes cover, how much they cost, and what you’ll need to do yourself if you skip them, we’ve interviewed certified professional dog trainer Paige Gordon of SpiritDog Training.

Are Puppy Training Classes Worth It?

Puppy training classes can have many benefits if you find the right class to fit you and your pup. As Ms. Gordon explains, classes give your puppy a unique opportunity to explore in a safe environment away from home. They experience new stimuli, pick up social skills, and learn to focus on you while training—despite other temptations.

Socialize your puppy to new environments

Because training environments are controlled, your puppy has an opportunity to experience new things in a safe way. They will hear new sounds, see new sights, smell new smells, and be exposed to new textures in a controlled way.

This is part of socialization, and it’s a great way to lower the risk of your dog developing reactivity, fear, aggression, and anxiety later in life. The more your puppy experiences safely now, the less they’ll be scared of down the road.

Teach your puppy how to behave around other dogs

As your puppy socializes, they’ll learn how to interact with other dogs—everything from how to play politely to how to ignore misbehaving fellows. Unless you have a wide range of friends and family with dogs, this socialization can be a hard task to undertake on your own.

Show them how to focus on you

It might not sound like it, but distractions are actually a key part of puppy training. A class full of puppies—and an expert trainer—can help your dog learn when it’s okay to focus on their environment and when they must focus on you.

Get tools to grow with

The basics of dog training can be useful to you long after your puppy training class wraps up. With the foundational principles down, you can teach any number of skills. Plus, an experienced trainer can give you insights about your puppy’s temperament and tips about what to expect as your puppy grows.

Puppy training classes are for pet parents too

As an added bonus, taking your puppy to training can also help you adjust to having a new puppy. Raising a puppy can be difficult. Other people experiencing and learning the same things can be a great source of community and support.

How To Find Puppy Training Classes Near You

Having a successful puppy training class experience starts with finding the right trainer and choosing a good fit in class structure and size.

Trainer credentials and methods

There are lots of different certifications in the dog training world. Your goal will be to find a trainer whose methods align with your expectations.

Ms. Gordon recommends that pet parents look for trainers who use force-free methods and positive reinforcement. You might also consider:

• How long they’ve been training
• Client reviews
• Experience raising puppies (a big plus)

Class structure

Puppies need different resources at different ages, and some classes will specify an optimal age range for participants.

If they don’t, you’ll want to do some tailoring yourself. For younger puppies, prioritize less structured classes that expose your dog to new environments. For older puppies, aim for a training-heavy class that teaches focus and interaction with you despite distractions.

If you need maximum flexibility in class structure, consider online training courses. These can be a great option if you can’t find a local trainer who fits your needs, or if you’re looking for a 1:1 approach. Just note that you’ll have to supply your puppy’s socialization outside of class.

Class size and length

Puppy training classes come in different lengths, typically ranging from 4 to 10 sessions. Each session will come with homework, so consider both in-class and out-of-class training hours when you commit.

If your puppy will have a speciality (such as a therapy dog or a sport dog), you might aim for a continuing class that helps you to grow into these more advanced skills.

When it comes to class size, consider how much individual attention you’d like. Smaller class sizes will offer a more personalized approach—but they’ll also be more expensive. Large classes can be cheaper, with a wider range of playmates for your puppy.

Puppy camps and board & train

Some trainers offer more expensive options for puppy camps, where your dog can attend a long session (with or without a pet parent). You might also see “board and train” classes where your puppy resides at a trainer’s home or facility for a period of time.

These more intense training programs are popular among pet parents who:

• Intend for their puppy to specialize in a specific skillset
• Have a health or schedule concern that makes training difficult
• Have a puppy with medical or behavioral concerns that could benefit from professional attention

How Much Do Puppy Training Classes Cost?

On average, Ms. Gordon says puppy classes typically cost about $175 per set of six one-hour classes.

Costs vary based on class length and size. Location and demand, too, may cause your classes to be more or less expensive.

Pet parents may be able to save on group sessions by signing up for classes hosted at a local pet store, since these stores don’t typically need to rent space.

Type of Class	Description	Average Cost
Socialization	These classes are geared toward exposing your puppy to new environments, other dogs, and other people. Popular for the youngest group of puppies, they teach safe and positive interactions, reduce anxiety, and prioritize fun and bonding. Off-leash sessions are common.	$30-$80 per class
Behavior	Behavior classes are aimed at teaching basic manners, skills, and focus. Class size vary and will affect cost. Private classes are typically the most expensive.	$20-$100 per class
Playgroups	Playgroups are generally less structured sessions organized by age and size. These usually are off-leash sessions designed to help puppies burn off energy and socialize in a safe environment.	$15-30 per session

What about free puppy training classes?

If you adopt your puppy from the humane society, they may offer discounted or even free basic classes. These are aimed at teaching your puppy basic manners and socialization. Shelters have an interest in ensuring that puppies who are adopted are well-adjusted—and that pet parent and puppy learn how to work together as a team.

How Many Training Sessions Does a Puppy Need?

Ms. Gordon advises that one set of six classes is usually enough to get you started on the right foot (and paw). After that, you can do a value assessment to see if you want to continue.

Even if you opt to stop at six classes, training and socialization should continue throughout your dog’s life. Your puppy’s first year of life is all about growing and learning under your guidance. You should expect to participate in follow-up training, particularly during their “teenage” stage, which can occur anytime between one and two years, depending on your dog’s breed.