Dog Training Columbus Ohio Prices: Whats the Average Cost?

Okay, here’s my experience about dog training in Columbus, Ohio, along with the prices I encountered:

So, I’ve got this energetic pup, a golden retriever named Buddy, and let me tell you, he was a handful. I love him to bits, but his boundless energy was turning my apartment into a disaster zone. I knew I needed help, so I started looking into dog training options here in Columbus, Ohio.

First, I hit up Google, just like anyone would, searching for “dog training Columbus Ohio”. The results were overwhelming! There were so many options, from big-name pet stores to individual trainers working out of their homes.

I decided to make a list of potential trainers and check out their websites and reviews. I read through tons of testimonials, trying to get a feel for each trainer’s methods and personality. Some were all about positive reinforcement, others focused on obedience commands, and a few even offered specialized training for things like agility or therapy work. It took me a good week to look up all of the options.

After narrowing it down, I started calling around to get pricing information. This is where things got interesting. The cost of dog training varied wildly depending on the type of training, the trainer’s experience, and the location. I found that as of January 2025, the average cost was $13.93 per hour, $557 per week, and $1,811 per month.

• Group classes were generally the most affordable, around $100 to $200 for a 6-week session. The problem was Buddy is easily distracted, so a group setting seemed like a recipe for chaos.
• Private, in-home training was the most expensive, with some trainers charging upwards of $100 per hour. I did find a few trainers who offered packages, like five sessions for $400, which brought the hourly rate down a bit.
• Then there were board-and-train programs, where you leave your dog with the trainer for a few weeks. These were a big investment, usually around $1,000 to $2,500, but they promised faster results.

I agonized over the decision for a few days. I wanted what was best for Buddy, but I also had a budget to consider. Talking to the trainers helped a lot. Some were very pushy, trying to upsell me on expensive packages, but others were really understanding and took the time to answer all my questions. I finally went for a private trainer that my neighbor recommended to me, and she only charges me $60 per hour.

We decided to go with a trainer named Sarah, who specialized in positive reinforcement. Her rate was in the middle range, around $75 per hour, and she offered a package deal that saved me some money. Plus, she came highly recommended by a friend who had used her services before. We had 6 sessions so far with Sarah. And it only cost me $450 in total.

The training sessions with Sarah were great! She showed me how to use treats and praise to motivate Buddy and teach him basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” She also helped me address some of his specific issues, like his excessive barking and his tendency to jump on visitors. She taught me that it usually takes 6 weeks to teach your dog the basics, but it might take longer if you are busy.

It’s been a few weeks now, and I’m amazed at the progress Buddy has made. He’s still a playful pup, but he’s much better behaved, and our apartment is no longer a war zone. I also learned a lot too. I am so glad I invested in the training. It is worth the money.

I highly recommend searching for a trainer and making a list like I did. It is very helpful to help you understand the market and how much you would spend on your dog. Don’t hesitate to call them and ask them questions. You can even bargain with them to get a better deal sometimes.

If you’re in Columbus and looking for a dog trainer, I hope my experience helps you navigate the options and find the right fit for you and your furry friend. It’s definitely an investment, but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny!