Affordable Dog Training: Resources On a Budget

Dog Training

WRITTEN BY:

Meg Marrs

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Don’t have a ton of cash on hand but need dog training help? Even if you did everything you could to budget appropriately for a dog, unexpected training issues can occur that require attention.

Thankfully there are a lot of great resources online and new tools that can help make dog training affordable.

Here are a few tips we have for low cost dog training!

Volunteer At An Animal Shelter & Learn Training Yourself

Volunteering at your local animal shelter is a great way to help pets in need, as well as provide access to some great knowledge. Many larger shelters have volunteer orientation and animal shelter training programs that teach you the basics of how to handle dogs. Some shelters also offer more intensive workshops or seminars on more advanced behavior issues.

Of course it will take a while for you to obtain the knowledge needed to really help resolve any issues with your own dog, and requires a level of commitment.

Certain classes and workshops may only be offered once every month or so, which means this isn’t an instant solution. However, it’s a way to get free dog behavior training insights while also helping out shelter pups and contributing to your community!

volunteer at a shelter
Photo taken by Sarah Jurgensen Throop, AAC photographer

On top of that, while you shouldn’t take resources away from shelter dogs in need, you may be able to get to know some more experienced trainer or dog behaviorists while spending time at the shelter.

Some shelters – especially larger ones – may even have teams of behaviorists on staff. You could either consult them when appropriate, or even potentially enlist their help for training. If you’re friendly and have built up a relationship, they may be able to offer help at a discounted rate.

Read Through Our Dog Training Articles

We’ve amassed a hefty collection of dog training resources answering the most common canine issues, from how to train a leash-reactive dog to how to socialize a puppy properly (as well as how to socialize an aggressive dog).

To start, check out our favorite dog owner resources and begin exploring!

Take an Online Dog Training Course

There are tons of dog training tips online – some are great, while others are ill-informed and even downright dangerous!

We’ve compiled a list of the best free dog training videos online. There are also some paid options in there as well that are worth your time and very affordable.

Private one-on-one dog trainers can be expensive, but you can easily get access to an entire online dog training course for the same price (if not less) than just one consultation with an in-person trainer!

Just keep in mind that if your dog is struggling with more serious behavior issues or aggression, you’ll likely still need to work with a certified dog behavior consultant.

Get Help From An Online Trainer or Behaviorist

The internet has opened up some truly amazing possibilities that weren’t an option 10 or even 5 years ago. Some dog trainers and behaviorist have begun to offer consulting online, allowing them to broaden their client radius while saving them car rides to and from a client’s house.

While there are many great trainers offering online consultations, our favorite is of course Kayla Fratt, who has written tons of fantastic training guides for K9 of Mine. You can learn all about Kayla, her experience and background, and pricing here.

Talk To Your Vet

Vets often hear the same complaints and problems from clients, and some offices may offer pamphlets or other materials for handing common canine issues.

Veterinarians will also often have the inside scoop on good local dog behaviorists and trainers, so be sure to reach out to your vet for any tips (although your vet probably can’t negotiate a discount for you, there is a chance that some trainers may have some kind of discount agreement with your vet).

networking-with-vets

Take a Group Class at Petco or PetSmart

Many dog shops like Petco and PetSmart offer affordable group classes (usually in the $100 – $150 ballpark for 6-8 weeks of classes). Most of the classes cover basic commands and training, but there are even some classes for training a therapy dog, advanced tricks skills, and more (although these more specified classes are offered less frequently).

Group classes are cheaper, but you won’t be able to take a dog-reactive pooch. These trainers are also probably not equipped to deal with more serious behavioral problems.

Do you have any additional tips on how to get low cost dog training? Share anything we missed in the comments!

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Written by

Meg Marrs

Meg Marrs is the Founder and Director of Marketing at K9 of Mine. She is a lifelong canine enthusiast and adores dogs of all shapes and sizes! She loves iced coffee, hammocks, and puppy-cuddling!

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  1. Mallory Breaux Avatar
    Mallory Breaux

    My dog since we got him when he was a couple of months old he doesn’t like people other than us and I’m so scared he will bite someone i get on to him and tell him no but it never tops him he is a border collie

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      Hey there, Mallory. Sorry to hear about the problems with your pooch!

      We typically recommend that owners work with a canine behaviorist anytime they’re dealing with aggression-related issues like reactivity (which is what it sounds like may be happening with your dog). But given that you’ve left this comment in an article about affordable training solutions, that may not be in the cards.

      So, we’d recommend that you try to implement management techniques to keep everyone safe until (and if) you’re able to get him to feel comfortable around other people. For example, just keep more space between your pooch and other people during walks (if that’s when he’s displaying aggressive behaviors) and consider fitting him with a muzzle if this isn’t possible. Most importantly, you just have to prevent him from biting anyone — that will only compound your troubles.

      Lastly, we’d discourage you from getting “on to him” (if that means yelling at him or scolding him) when he acts out — this may only exacerbate his anxiety, which will just make things worse. Instead, just try to avoid situations in which he feels threatened.

      Best of luck!

  2. Jake Avatar
    Jake

    These are some great tips! Thanks for sharing

    Jake @ Puppy training Charlotte

  3. Wendy Hernandez Avatar
    Wendy Hernandez

    I am on A And D I have had my Dog sence she was 2 weeks old I really need help on house breaking her and teaching her to not jump on people and to listen I love her I am disabled mentally and physically and love my four legged family member help