Therapy dogs are beneficial in helping people who are facing emotional, psychological, or physical issues. For example, in old homes for senior citizens, in schools for anxious kids, and hospitals for patients dealing with mental disorders. Investing in these dogs is investing in yourself because they will be your real partner through your thick and thin.
In this blog post, we will discuss therapy dog training cost in detail. We will also discuss service dog training costs because both types are different in their functions. This article will elaborate on many factors that affect pricing and help prospective handlers make informed decisions.
What is Therapy Dog Training?
Therapy dog training means training a specialized therapy dog for specific purposes. Usually, these dogs calm and heal people in anxiety, stress, and trauma situations. They are not trained to do routine tasks but to give comfort to their owners.
You should know the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs. Service dogs help people with specific disabilities by performing tasks such as guiding the blind or alerting to seizures. On the other hand, therapy dogs give emotional relief and comfort.
Therapy dog training includes
- Basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, heel, and come
- Socialization with all age groups of people
- Good behavior in different environments with public access skills
- Desensitization to medical equipment, loud noises, and crowds
Factors That Influence Therapy Dog Training Costs
Therapy dog training cost varies in different situations. Mainly, the cost depends on different factors, and we will discuss all these factors so that you can get the exact budget idea according to your circumstances.
The list of major factors that influence therapy dog training costs is as follows:
Type of Training Program
The cost of training depends on the type of training you choose. For example, private classes cost more as compared to group classes. In private classes, the instructor invests time in only one dog as compared to a group in which many dogs are involved.
Trainer Expertise
Trainer expertise also determines the therapy dog training cost. For example, a well-qualified and experienced trainer charges more as compared to a trainer who is at his beginning of her career.
Location
Usually, training centers in urban areas charge higher rates as compared to the centers in rural areas. Training in urban areas is more advanced with highly qualified trainers. That is why they charge more.
Dog’s Age and Behavior
The age and behavior of a dog also determine the cost of training. Older dogs with behavior issues may need corrective behavior training that increases the overall cost.
How Much Does it Cost to Train a Therapy Dog?
Whenever you think of purchasing a therapy dog, the first thing that comes to mind is its training. You will think, “How much does it cost to train a therapy dog?” We can give you an estimated idea that will let you know your budget and will prevent you from extra costs.
Here’s what you can expect in terms of pricing for many training options:
Private Lesson
As we discussed above, private training sessions need more effort and time. A trainer will invest 2-3 hours a day in a single dog. These personalized classes will include customized commands that you want to insert into your dog. Usually, trainers charge between $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the trainer’s experience and your location.
Group Classes
Group classes are a cost-effective option for your therapy dog training. A trainer can educate different dogs at one time, which will save the time of trainer. Further, it will help your dog in socializing with other dogs. Usually, trainers charge between $200 to $500 for a multi-week course.
Board and Train Programs
This package includes different specialized training programs, such as a 28-day dog obedience training program. In this category, you pay according to a customized plan. Usually, $1,000 to $3,000 per train program, depending on program length and trainer experience.
Certification Fees
Certification is important for gaining access to certain facilities and programs. Many therapy dog organizations need dogs to pass an exam. Certification costs range from $50 to $250, depending on the organization.
Service Dog Training Costs:
Service dog training costs differ from therapy dog training costs. The purpose of each type of dog is different, so their training methods also vary.
Service Dog Training
Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities. For example, guiding a blind person or alerting someone with epilepsy. This type of training is intensive and specialized, which is why it costs more than therapy dog training. Service dog training costs fall in between $5,000 and $30,000, depending on the services you add to in program.
Task-Specific Training
In some cases, a therapy dog may need to perform specific actions, such as retrieving medication or providing mobility support. These additional tasks will increase training complexity and costs. Thus, this increment leads to service dog-level pricing.
Additional Costs
You should keep in mind some additional costs in your budget for therapy dog training. It will protect you from surprise charges and will balance your budget.
Ongoing Training and Refreshers
Refresher sessions and programs are necessary to keep your dog well-trained and skilled. These sessions are low-cost and important for the consistent performance of a therapy dog.
Vet Costs and Health Requirements
Therapy dogs must be in excellent health, with innovative vaccines and routine check-ups. That is why you should set a budget for veterinary care to keep your dog healthy and active.
Do You Need a Professional Trainer or Can You Train Your Dog?
Some people prefer to train their dog by themselves, especially when they have experience with training. Some new owners of dogs that not have enough knowledge and experience with therapy dogs hire professionals for training.
Let us see where the difference lies:
The benefits of self-training are:
- It is cost-effective because you do not pay for trainers.
- It builds a strong bond between the dog and owner in the training journey.
- You have a flexible schedule of training; you can train your dog whenever you find time.
Disadvantages of self-training are:
- An experienced trainer can guide better than a novice owner.
- You may not meet certification standards without professional guidance
- You have the risk of missing key behavioral milestones
Benefits of hiring a trainer for therapy dog training are:
- A qualified trainer can train a therapy group quickly and effectively.
- Professionals understand the behavior of a dog.
- They know how to address behavioral issues
The overall decision is that you should prioritize hiring professionals for training old dogs and puppies. It is the best route for those who want a reliable, well-prepared therapy dog.
Cost-Saving Tips for Therapy Dog Training
Therapy dog training cost will not break your bank. Some cost-saving tips that can help you save money are as follows:
- Choose group classes in the starting stages of training for socialization.
- Choose nonprofits, shelters, or community centers that offer discounted or free programs.
- Break the process into affordable steps over time instead of enrolling in high-cost programs all at once.
Conclusion
In conclusion, therapy dog training cost is an investment, not just financially, but also emotionally and in terms of time. The impact that a well-trained therapy dog can have on people in need is profound, and the bond developed through training can be incredibly rewarding for the owner as well.
Before embarking on the journey, ensure you’re prepared for both the financial and time commitments. With patience, the right resources, and a clear plan, you’ll be well on your way to raising a therapy dog that can make a real difference in the world.
If you’re looking for expert guidance and personalized training programs, Prestige Dog Training is here to help. With a team of certified professionals and a proven track record of success, Prestige Dog Training offers tailored therapy dog training services to fit your dog’s unique needs. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need advanced behavioral support, Prestige Dog Training is your trusted partner on this rewarding journey.
