Are Dog Training Classes Worth the Money?

So you just got a puppy recently are torn between enrolling it in a dog training class and buying a training program? It’s always a good thing to consider the pros and cons of one method, and whether or not it gives you value for money.

Now, dog-training classes are popular ways to instill some much-needed obedience to your dog. But with their hefty prices, you may want to know if they are worth the money. There is no doubt that they work, however, they have a few drawbacks. One of them is that it doesn’t give you the time to bond well with your dog since all the training will be done by another person and not you. Here are more reasons why you may want to think before you enroll your dog in that class.

They Are Expensive

If you are a little low on the cash but still want to give your dog proper behavior and obedience training, you may want to consider other options because enrolling it in a puppy training class isn’t for the penny-pinching. You should be prepared to pay a few hundred dollars per month at the very least. And given that it will take a few months before your dog learns the commands, the cost of training your dog can easily add up.

On the other hand, online dog training programs (Brain Training for Dogs truly stands out) are cheaper than and just as effective as the more expensive options. With such programs, you only pay a one-time fee and can access its member’s area where you link up with fellow dog owners and share with them your secrets and strengths.

They are Impersonal

A dog is a man’s best friend and you want to establish this from the get-go. Enrolling your dog into a puppy training class is not the way to start off with your dog on the right foot. This is because it will build a relationship with someone else other than you. Choosing to own a dog is a commitment that you will not only provide for it material things but that you will be there for her and donate your time to her. Therefore, even if you are busy, you need to spare some time to be with your dog and there is no better time to do that than during training. Training is not only a great time to bond with your pup but is also a rewarding experience. Some people enjoy training their dogs so much that they invest in a pet training franchise to get that same satisfaction from enhancing the lives of others and their pets.

Difficult Environment for Dogs to Learn

One of the disadvantages of puppy training classes is that it’s a difficult environment for most dogs to begin their training. If you opt for group training sessions, your dog will be in the company of other dogs and this might mean giving it more time to adjust to the new surroundings. Also, it will meet new people and probably different food and environment to what it’s already used to. All these will eat into its time and make you pay more for its training.

Distracting Environment

With all the new dogs and the other people who have also brought their dogs for training, there is distraction everywhere. Compare this with training your pup at home where there’s just the two of you. The chances that it will understand your instructions are much better and this will also quicken the learning time.

Includes other Costs

The only thing you will be concerned with when you enroll your dog into a puppy training class is not just the training fees. You will also need to factor in the time you need to take it and the fare if it’s not in your locale. Also, if you are the busy type, you might want to get someone to take it for training and that only adds to the cost of training your dog.

My experience with Brain Training for Dogs is that it enabled me to decide which time I trained Nikki, my dog. It contains lessons that are structured from simple commands all the way to the more difficult ones. If you get stuck along the way, there is always a dedicated support team and the community in the Members’ Area who are ready to help.

They Limit the Training to One Family Member

It is also worth remembering that obedience classes are mostly limited to one family member. This is because it’s only one person who will be taking it to the classes and so it is likely to only listen to them.

On the other hand, DIY solutions such as online dog training programs enable every family member to be a part and parcel of the training process. These programs not only save money, but can bring success beyond your wildest dreams.

When deciding whether or not to enroll your dog into an obedience class, you may want to attend one class session or two. Most trainers don’t charge anything for auditing or if they do, it’s usually very little. This will give you a chance to decide whether the training will work for your dog and your family. If they are unwilling to let you get a feel of how their training is, just know something is afoot.

They are not as effective

The high price point is not the only reason you shouldn’t opt for dog training classes. Another thing you need to be aware of is that online dog training courses usually come with videos that you can watch repeatedly to ensure you do exactly as the author instructs. If you are short on cash but still want an effective technique to train your pup, you are better of trying programs like Brain Training for Dogs.

Conclusion

I’m not sure I’d recommend a dog training class for people who are getting started with their pups. Sure it has high chances of training your dog but the inconvenience that comes with it is a big turn-off for me. Also, it’s more expensive but not overly better than dog training programs, for instance. If you want a good training program that works just as well as a personal dog trainer, you may want to give Brain Training for Dogs a try. It is much more affordable and focuses on positive reinforcement to train your dog.

 

Feature Image by Katrin B. from Pixabay