{"id":1670,"date":"2017-04-27T12:41:57","date_gmt":"2017-04-27T16:41:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sitmeanssit.com\/dog-training-mu\/metro-detroit-dog-training\/?p=1670"},"modified":"2017-04-27T12:41:57","modified_gmt":"2017-04-27T16:41:57","slug":"the-cost-of-a-good-dog-trainer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sitmeanssit.com\/dog-training-mu\/metro-detroit-dog-training\/the-cost-of-a-good-dog-trainer\/","title":{"rendered":"The Cost of a Good Dog Trainer"},"content":{"rendered":"

What does<\/em> a good dog trainer cost? Do you have a number in mind? Read on to find out if you\u2019re in the ballpark.<\/p>\n

The short answer is, of course, it varies. But as dogs grow in esteem as valued family members, the value of having a polite dog is also growing.<\/p>\n

And let\u2019s be hones\"17986277<\/a>t. It\u2019s not always easy to get that polite furry family member.<\/p>\n

Our team came back earlier this week from a four day annual conference at Sit Means Sit corporate. There our entire team learned a nearly overwhelming amount of new ideas, techniques, things to avoid, and everything else you can imagine.<\/p>\n

As the owners of SMS Metro Detroit, we know that our value in our community and the families we serve lays in the knowledge we provide our clients and the service we offer. This year, we were blessed to take nearly our entire team, ten people. Ten airline tickets, lodging, meals, etc. This is a significant investment of resources. Not just the dollars, but the time.<\/p>\n

Why do we make this investment? Because we recognize we provide a tremendous service and we have to have an equal amount of knowledge and experience to match. That, and we can always get better.<\/p>\n

\"40983888<\/a>
Dog training is an investment.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n

It\u2019s true dog trainers\u00a0don\u2019t come out of a four-year college with large student loans, but the lessons we learn take time and experience. In some ways, it\u2019s more difficult to excel at dog training than other professional services. We need to seek out the knowledge and track it down. We need to decide which areas on which to focus. Performance sports? Pet obedience? Behavior modification? Aggression? Any of a dozen other areas which people come to us for assistance?<\/p>\n

In each of the past five years, SMS Metro Detroit has trained north of 600 dogs each year, some years significantly more than that. Thousands of dogs worth of experience.<\/p>\n

Even so, when people do not hire us, cost is usually cited as the primary reason. Which made me wonder\u2026 how much do people think<\/em> a dog trainer should cost?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s true, most people have a general idea of the cost of group classes for a typical dog training operation. From my experience, I\u2019d say that\u2019s usually under $300. For that money, you get a set number of weeks in a group setting with other people who are struggling with their dogs and shared time with a trainer who needs to focus on all those dogs (and usually the worst one or two demand the majority of the trainer\u2019s time.)<\/p>\n

With the exception of puppy class, where our focus is on socialization, our model is different. We start with individual attention or we start with the trainer skill-building with the dog, either in an immersion program or a day train program. Why? Because we don\u2019t so much care about getting you into a group class, we want to get you results and we don\u2019t want you or your dog frustrated. We know placing an untrained dog into a distraction filled environment (group class) is not a very effective way to start. It makes it difficult for the dog to focus and perhaps even more difficult for the handler get traction.<\/p>\n

But if you\u2019re thinking that a private lesson is more expensive than a group class, you would be right. Here\u2019s a side by side comparison:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
 <\/td>\nCompetitors \/ Group Class model<\/td>\nSit Means Sit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Initial Investment<\/td>\n$150 per class (average 3-4 sessions for a total of $450-600)<\/td>\n$852 and up<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Duration<\/td>\n12 weeks to 24 weeks<\/td>\nAnywhere from 12 weeks to lifetime<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Private Lessons<\/td>\nNo. Additional Cost.<\/td>\nAlways included<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Group Classes<\/td>\nUsually between 4-6 weeks per session.<\/td>\nAlways included<\/p>\n

Minimum of 8 weeks, most programs come with one year of classes, and go up to lifetime<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Result<\/td>\nVariable. On leash control.<\/td>\nOff leash control<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Access to Trainer in between sessions<\/td>\nUsually none.<\/td>\nAt minimum phone consultation with trainer.<\/p>\n

Lifetime private lessons and group classes also an option<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

The cost of a dog trainer isn\u2019t really as variable as it may initially seem, but the value is far and away different.<\/p>\n

The result is commensurate with the investment. Or, you get what you pay for.<\/p>\n

When hiring a dog trainer think about these things:<\/p>\n