Dog Training

Question: How much should i charge for dog training?

(Posted by: on 2012-01-17 21:17:10)

I am a 14 year old girl and I am going to charge money to teach dogs how to walk on a leash properly. I researched everything on how to do it, so now I know how to do it. It's called loose leash walking, and basically every time they tug you simply stop, wait until they come back, praise them, and move on. I was wondering what I should charge for my services. It'll be 1- on- 1, me with their dog, at their home or a well spaced area. What should I charge? How long should the session last?

Posted by: David Livingston on 2012-01-17, 21:19:51

If there is a pet store that gives similar lessons in your city, call them and see how much they charge. If you are just starting out charge less. It's up to you on how much less. Raise your prices if get get referrals for customers.

Posted by: Hailey on 2012-01-17, 21:22:33

You should charge around 10 dollars for a 30 minute lesson. You can charge more as you get more experienced and for longer lessons.

Posted by: Sammy Gabbie GO VEGAN! on 2012-01-17, 21:26:21

You're better off doing an apprenticeship with a professional trainer. No one with a tame dog will be your clients. The clients you'll get will have dogs with a lot of problems. Why? Because those people are too cheap and lazy to train the dog. Too much can go wrong, and too many legalities involved. A professional trainer has insurance, bonding, licensing, etc. So anything goes wrong they have the know how ti handle it and can revlcover medical bills and such. Training dogs, especially aggressive dogs, isn't as easy as it looks.

Posted by: codykato on 2012-01-17, 21:29:39

Whatever you charge, please make sure you have adequate insurance cover. I was researching a similar job, and it appears that if the dog gets loose, and causes problems then you are potentially liable. I was paying $20 for one-on-one obedience training with an extremely experienced and qualified trainer. This is dead cheap, but just a comparison - if you don't have experience and background, you may not be able to charge too much at all. Maybe $5 an hour? Sessions shouldn't be too long, maybe 1/ 2 hour at a time.

Posted by: Jennifer on 2012-01-17, 21:32:55

Have you trained your dog or a friends dog? I know that you have read up on the subject, but having hands on experience is very important. I can read up on how to sail a boat but it doesn't mean I can. If you have had successfully trained dogs to walk on a leash, you now have experience and references! Both of which is very important in starting your own business. I would offer your services for 15 for 30 minutes and 25 for an hour. This will make people want to book you for an hour since they are getting a deal! Most dogs will need more than an hour of training. Once the get used to walking on a leash around their backyards/ houses, I would then teach them to walk in the outside world. Take them for a long walk around the neighborhood. This way they can learn to ignore all those scents and walk the right way on the leash! You can even print out "diplomas " and hand them out to the pet parents once they have "graduated " for leash training! People love that kind of thing Reading the other comments, its sad to think we live in such a litigious world. You could probably print out a form stating that you can not be held responsible for lost/ aggressive/ hit by a car pet.

Posted by: FidosCityGuide on 2012-01-17, 21:42:37

You have done research, how about experience? Do you have a dog? Have you trained it? Sorry at $5 an hour I wouldn't hire you with what you have said. Research, is not the same as practical experience. From what you have said her you are have shown no sign of being a do lover, and I wouldn't pay you anything to walk my dog. In addition to costs you need to look at marketing, and you need to have more to your marketing than researched, you need experience. Don't tell customers what you have learned, tell them what you have done. These dogs are their babies, treat them with respect and if you don't have the experience to provide security to the dogs, don't ask them to pay you.

Posted by: Helen Rempel on 2012-01-17, 22:08:13

I can't imagine a worse trainer than a 14 year old who thinks she knows everything. Keep in mind you won't be getting many well-behaved dogs...those owners have no need of you. You'll be getting the large, wild, out-of-control maniacs that the owners have given up on. And you won't have a clue. You could pay *me*, and you wouldn't get your hands on one of my dogs. Sorry if that sounds harsh, it's just reality.

Posted by: Rayven ~ SCAdian girl on 2012-01-18, 07:26:45

Research doesn't mean you are qualified to train anyone's dog, least of the type of dogs you'd be presented with. I don't know anyone who'd trust a 14 year old with their dog. My advice? When you get older 16+ find a pro trainer to mentor you. Jennifer: And no one is stupid enough to even sign such a waiver. People with problem dogs want capable trainers, not children wasting their time and money. Besides she's a minor and as such cannot legally enter contracts with ANYONE without her parents also signing off on the contract as well making THEM responsible for what happens to the dogs left in their child care. 15-25 bucks? Are you crazy?

Posted by: ladystang on 2012-01-18, 07:39:55

Up to what you can get i would say about $5 for about an hour