As a picky shopper and retail expert, I know that investing in professional training is one of the most important things you can do for your dog. Well-trained dogs are safer, happier, and easier to integrate into your daily life. But with so many training options out there, it can be tough to know where to start – especially when it comes to cost.
If you‘re considering signing up for dog training classes at PetSmart, you‘re probably wondering how their prices compare to other options, what the classes actually entail, and whether they‘re effective in the long run. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision about PetSmart training.
Types of Dog Training Classes at PetSmart
PetSmart offers an impressive array of classes for dogs of all ages and skill levels. Whether you have a brand-new puppy or an adult dog in need of some obedience refinement, there‘s a class to fit your needs. Here‘s an overview of the main types of classes:
Puppy Training
Designed for puppies between 10 weeks and 5 months old, this 6-week class focuses on critical early socialization and basic manners. Each week, you and your puppy will practice key skills like:
- Potty and crate training
- Socialization with people and other puppies
- Basic cues like sit, down, and come
- Loose-leash walking and polite greetings
By the end of the course, your puppy will have a strong foundation for future training and a head start on becoming a well-behaved adult dog.
Beginner Training
If your dog is over 5 months old and has never had any formal training, Beginner Training is the perfect place to start. This 6-week class covers essential obedience skills and manners, including:
- Basic cues like sit, down, stay, and come
- Loose-leash walking and polite greetings
- Impulse control and focus around distractions
- Positive socialization with people and other dogs
Whether you have a newly-adopted adult dog or an older puppy who missed out on training, this class will help you build a strong bond and communicate effectively with your pet.
Intermediate & Advanced Training
Once your dog has mastered the basics, Intermediate and Advanced Training classes help take their skills to the next level. In these 6-week courses, you‘ll focus on adding duration, distance, and distractions to make sure your dog can perform even in challenging real-world situations. Skills covered include:
- Proofing basic obedience cues like sit, down, and stay
- Advanced loose-leash walking and heel work
- Reliable recall (coming when called) even with distractions
- Impulse control around food, toys, and other exciting stimuli
These classes are a great way to solidify your dog‘s training and ensure that they‘ll respond reliably even in busy environments like parks or city streets. Intermediate is a prerequisite for Advanced.
Private Training
For dogs with specific behavioral issues or owners who prefer a more tailored approach, PetSmart offers Private Training sessions. These one-on-one lessons with a certified trainer can be customized to your dog‘s individual needs and your unique training goals.
Private sessions are a good option for dogs who may be too anxious or reactive for a group class setting. They‘re also ideal if you have a busy schedule that makes it difficult to commit to a weekly class time.
Specialty Classes
In addition to their core training curriculum, PetSmart offers a range of specialty classes for dogs with particular needs or interests. Some examples include:
- Therapy Dog Training to prepare your dog for therapy work in hospitals, schools, or nursing homes
- Stress Less classes focused on helping anxious dogs build confidence and coping skills
- Brain Games sessions that provide mental stimulation and deepen the bond between dog and owner
- CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Prep classes that get your dog ready for the official CGC certification test
No matter what your goals are for your dog, there‘s likely a PetSmart class that can help you achieve them.
PetSmart Dog Training Prices
Now that you know the types of classes offered, let‘s dive into the specifics of PetSmart dog training prices. Keep in mind that exact pricing may vary slightly by location.
Group Classes
| Class Type | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Training | $139 | 6 weeks |
| Beginner Training | $139 | 6 weeks |
| Intermediate Training | $139 | 6 weeks |
| Advanced Training | $139 | 6 weeks |
| Therapy Dog Training | $139 | 6 weeks |
| Brain Games | $139 | 6 weeks |
| Stress Less | $79 | 3 weeks |
| StartSmart Puppy Workshop | $25 | Single 1-hour session |
As you can see, most group classes at PetSmart run for 6 weeks and cost $139. The exceptions are Stress Less, which is a 3-week course for $79, and the StartSmart Puppy Workshop, which is a single 1-hour session for $25.
Private Training
Private sessions are priced individually by length:
- 30-minute session: $45
- 1-hour session: $89
- 4 1-hour sessions: $219
Many owners find that booking a package of sessions is more cost-effective than paying for individual lessons.
Day Training & Boot Camps
If you‘re boarding your dog at PetSmart‘s PetsHotel or Doggie Day Camp, you can add on training with a Boot Camp package:
| Package | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 30-minute session | $35 |
| 4 30-minute sessions | $120 |
| 8 30-minute sessions | $200 |
These sessions are a convenient way to work training into your dog‘s boarding or daycare stay.
Virtual Dog Training
For owners who prefer to train from home, PetSmart now offers Virtual Dog Training sessions via video chat. A 30-minute private session costs $35, or you can purchase 4 sessions for $126.
Training Packages
If you plan to enroll your dog in multiple classes, you can save by bundling them in a training package:
| Package | Classes Included | Total Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamental | Puppy or Beginner + Intermediate | $219 | $59 |
| Advanced | Intermediate + Advanced | $219 | $59 |
| Premium | Puppy or Beginner + Intermediate + Advanced | $329 | $88 |
These packages offer significant savings compared to purchasing classes individually.
How PetSmart‘s Prices Compare
To put PetSmart‘s dog training prices in perspective, let‘s take a look at how they stack up against some other common options.
Private Dog Trainers
The cost of hiring a private dog trainer can vary widely based on your location, the trainer‘s experience level, and the type of training you‘re looking for. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $100 per hour, with most trainers charging between $50 and $80 per hour according to Thumbtack.^1^
For a 6-week program meeting once per week, that would come out to a total cost of $300 to $480. Compared to PetSmart‘s 6-week group class price of $139, it‘s clear that you can save a significant amount by opting for a group class format.
Of course, private training may still be the best choice for dogs with severe behavioral issues or very specific training needs. But if your goal is basic obedience and manners, a group class at PetSmart is a much more affordable option.
Other Pet Store Classes
PetSmart‘s main competitor when it comes to dog training classes is Petco. Like PetSmart, Petco offers Puppy, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced level group classes for $149 each.^2^
They also provide private training sessions starting at $70 for a 30-minute lesson and going up to $250 for four 30-minute lessons.^3^
As you can see, PetSmart‘s prices are very much in line with (and in some cases, slightly cheaper than) similar pet store training programs.
Effectiveness of PetSmart Training
Of course, cost is only one factor to consider when choosing a dog training program. The most important question is, does it actually work? Let‘s take a look at some key indicators of PetSmart training‘s effectiveness.
Training Methods
PetSmart uses positive reinforcement training techniques, which have been scientifically proven to be effective in changing behavior. Unlike punishment-based methods, which can lead to fear and aggression, positive reinforcement helps build a strong, trusting bond between dog and owner.[^4^]
Numerous studies have shown the benefits of reward-based training for teaching obedience skills, reducing problem behaviors, and improving the overall wellbeing of dogs.[^5^]
Trainer Qualifications
All of PetSmart‘s dog trainers are certified through an internal PetSmart training program. To become certified, trainers must:^6^
- Complete a hands-on training course in positive reinforcement methods
- Shadow an experienced trainer for a minimum of 80 hours
- Pass a written and practical exam demonstrating their skills
PetSmart trainers also participate in continuing education to stay up-to-date on the latest science and techniques in dog behavior.
Customer Reviews
One of the best ways to gauge the effectiveness of a training program is to look at feedback from real customers. On Consumer Affairs, PetSmart Dog Training has an overall satisfaction rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars, with 69% of reviewers saying they would recommend the program to others.[^7^]
Positive reviews frequently mention the knowledgeable and patient trainers, the convenience and affordability of group classes, and the noticeable improvements in their dog‘s behavior and obedience skills.
Of course, no training program has a 100% success rate, and some reviewers did have negative experiences. Common complaints included inconsistency between trainers, classes that were too large or distracting, and a lack of individualized attention.
As with any service, it‘s a good idea to talk to the specific trainer leading your class and make sure their personality and approach are a good fit for you and your dog.
Additional PetSmart Training Services
Training classes aren‘t the only way PetSmart can support your training journey. They also offer several add-on services that can help reinforce your dog‘s skills:
Doggie Day Camp
PetSmart‘s Doggie Day Camp provides a fun, social setting for your dog to practice their training skills around other dogs. Campers are divided into playgroups based on size and temperament, and supervised by trained camp counselors.
Day camp can be a great supplement to training classes, as it allows your dog to generalize their skills to a new environment with more distractions. Prices start at $23 per day, with discounts for multi-day packages.^8^
PetsHotel
If you‘re traveling and need to board your dog, PetSmart‘s PetsHotel offers a safe, comfortable option. Overnight guests receive one-on-one attention from staff, playtime, and even a Turn Down Service with bedtime treats.
As an added perk for training class students, you‘ll receive a coupon book with over $300 in savings on PetsHotel and Doggie Day Camp services that can be used within the next year.^9^
Total Cost of Dog Training
While training classes are a significant expense, they‘re just one piece of the larger cost of owning a dog. According to the American Kennel Club, dog owners can expect to spend $1,750-$3,000 per year on food, medical care, grooming, toys, and other basic needs.[^10^]
Here‘s a sample breakdown of first-year costs for a medium-sized dog:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Food & Treats | $350 |
| Routine Medical (vaccines, exam fees, etc.) | $350 |
| Spay/Neuter | $150-$450 |
| Preventative Medications | $200-$600 |
| Supplies (leash, collar, bed, crate, etc.) | $200-$500 |
| Training Classes | $140-$440 |
| Grooming | $30-$90 |
| Total | $1,420-$2,780 |
As this breakdown shows, training costs make up a relatively small portion of the overall cost of dog ownership. Investing in training early on can actually save you money in the long run by preventing costly behavior problems.
Conclusion
As a picky shopper and retail expert, I know that every dollar counts when it comes to caring for your furry family members. While dog training is an added expense, it‘s ultimately an investment in your dog‘s lifelong wellbeing and your overall quality of life.
PetSmart offers a wide array of training options at prices that are competitive with other leading pet retailers. Their certified, knowledgeable trainers use science-based positive reinforcement methods that have been proven effective in improving obedience skills and reducing problem behaviors.
By choosing the right PetSmart training class for your dog‘s age, temperament, and your goals as an owner, you‘ll be setting your pup up for success and strengthening your bond in the process. And with additional services like Doggie Day Camp and PetsHotel, you can continue reinforcing those skills in a range of real-world settings.
No matter where you are in your training journey, PetSmart has options to fit your needs and budget. With a little research, planning, and commitment, you and your dog will be on your way to a lifetime of happiness together.
[^4^]: VCA Hospitals. "The Pros and Cons of Positive Reinforcement Training"[^5^]: Companion Animal Psychology. "The Ultimate Dog Training Tip" [^7^]: Consumer Affairs. "PetSmart Dog Training" [^10^]: American Kennel Club. "Costs of Dog Ownership"
