Are puppy training classes or dog training in general worth the money? Or do you think it’s better to train your dog on your own?
I might be getting a dog next year and I’m just doing some research. I’m still deciding whether I’ll adopt a rescue or get a dog from a breeder. I’d love to hear about people’s experiences with training classes for puppies and older dogs.
Welcome to this forum! We’re here to help dog owners, share experiences, and provide advice.
Before posting or commenting, make sure to check the forum rules. Posts that don’t follow the rules will be removed.
Our goal is to help everyone understand dogs better, promote responsible ownership, and create a space for people to connect. We encourage training advice that follows positive and gentle methods, which focus on minimizing harm.
Please note, we support ethical breeding as well as adoption. Low-effort comments about ‘adopt don’t shop’ won’t be tolerated.
Also, let’s keep things respectful—if you see something inappropriate, report it to a moderator. Feel free to check out our Daily Bark threads to introduce yourself and share about your dog!
I think training classes are definitely worth it if you choose a good trainer. They can help you fix mistakes in how you communicate with your dog, like giving unclear commands or timing rewards wrong. Having an expert’s advice is always helpful.
Here’s a good resource for finding a dog trainer. I personally prefer trainers with CCPDT certification because they follow the LIMA method and are usually fear-free. You can search for certified trainers here.
There’s an important point here—training classes don’t teach your dog much. They teach YOU how to teach your dog.
For example, if your dog can sit in a noisy class, that’s a big achievement, but it might not carry over well to other situations. Just because your dog recalls in your yard doesn’t mean they will do the same in a busy park.
Training is a lifelong process, and you need to teach your dog how to behave in different environments. This is why I’m against board and train programs that promise fast results with harsh methods.
I think group classes, especially puppy kindergarten, are definitely worth it, even if you already know a lot about dogs. It’s not just what you learn in class—it’s also about the experience of working with your dog in a new setting with other dogs and people. Plus, having a trainer watch you and give advice is always useful.
@Bright
Absolutely! I’ve had a lot of dogs, but I still signed up for classes. The facility was great, and I loved it so much I signed my 6-year-old up too. She had a blast, and since she was already good with most things, we worked on more advanced stuff. It was so much fun!
If you’ve never had a dog before or don’t know much about training, I’d suggest puppy classes. They give you a good structure for training at home and help clear up confusion, since there’s so much conflicting advice online. There are also many different training styles, so it’s helpful to talk directly to a trainer about any questions you have. Plus, it’s a great way to help your puppy socialize with others, which is very important.
Group classes are definitely worth it. Even though I’ve worked with dogs my whole life and could train on my own, classes provide a great setting to teach your dog to stay focused and calm with distractions. Everyone there is working with their dogs, which creates a good environment for training. I’ve taken several group classes with my dog and really enjoy them.
I think it’s worth it. I trained my puppy on my own, but I was planning to go to classes. Unfortunately, COVID got in the way, so I had to train him by myself. He did great, but I read books and took an online course to help. If you choose a trainer, make sure they focus on reward-based methods and help you build up to more advanced skills. Also, avoid places that make you feel bad if your puppy isn’t perfect.
I compete in dog sports, and I don’t know any serious competitor who doesn’t take their puppy to classes. Puppy classes are not just about basic commands—they teach your puppy how to work with you in a busy environment and how to focus on you, even with distractions. Training methods are always improving, and there’s nothing wrong with learning from other trainers. I think the reason top competitors are so successful is because they keep learning and improving.
Yes, obedience training is a must. If you don’t train your dog, they won’t respect you. It’s best to start training early and trust the experts—those who have spent their whole lives learning this stuff. If you don’t get results, you can always ask for your money back. DIY training is more of a backup plan if you can’t get professional help.
I would recommend looking into ethical adoption or purchasing practices. It’s crucial to pick a dog that suits your lifestyle and experience level to prevent any issues down the road.
Freya said:
I would recommend looking into ethical adoption or purchasing practices. It’s crucial to pick a dog that suits your lifestyle and experience level to prevent any issues down the road.
People should be encouraged to adopt or buy dogs responsibly. Not all dogs are a good match for every family, and pushing people to adopt dogs that aren’t right for them can lead to problems.
It really depends on the trainer. There are good and bad stories out there. My advice is to look at the dogs the trainer has worked with—if they behave the way you want, that’s a good sign.
I didn’t go to training classes, but I trained my dog as a bonding activity. It’s been fun, and we’ve had consistent training sessions since she was a puppy. If you don’t know what you’re doing, though, I’d definitely recommend puppy classes. Training requires consistency, and if you’re unsure, classes are a good option.
It depends on how much you’re willing to put in the work. Some people send their dogs off to training for a week, and while they come back improved, they quickly go back to their old habits because their owners don’t put in the effort. Training should be something you also learn to do on your own.
These classes are often more about human training than dog training, so whether they’re worth it depends on your own needs and experience. There are a lot of different methods out there, and if you’re serious about having the best relationship with your dog, do your homework. Pick what works best for you and your dog.
Finding the right training facility can be tough, but it’s worth it, especially for first-time dog owners. Puppy classes can be really helpful for socialization and teaching basic skills. If you’re adopting an adult dog, though, it’s better to let them settle in first before considering a group class. If they have behavior issues, a private trainer might be more helpful.