Choosing a trainer
How to choose a dog training program on a budget
A training budget goes furthest when it is spent on the right problem first, not the biggest package. Every price we charge is published, all plus GST, so you can plan before you call. Here is how to rank your dog's problems, what each price band buys, and the questions to ask so you are not paying for skills you do not need yet.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026
Rank the problem
Decide which single problem costs you most.
List what your dog does that genuinely affects daily life: pulling that makes walks a chore, a recall you cannot trust, barking that worries the neighbours, fear that keeps you home. Then rank them by cost to you, in stress, damage or missed outings. The top item is where the first dollar goes. Polishing a tidy sit can wait.
Safety problems jump the queue. Growling, snapping, guarding or any bite are not budget items to postpone, and a professional assessment is the right next step, along with a vet visit to look at pain or health causes. For everything else, one targeted goal is easier to practise well than a broad wish list, and cheaper to pay for.
- One problem ranked first
- Safety issues before manners
- Every price plus GST
- Included gear and follow-ups counted
Price bands
Read what each published price actually includes.
Private Training at $150 + GST buys a one-hour session, behaviour troubleshooting and a written plan for your home. Arithmetic only: four sessions would total $600 + GST, which is not a forecast of what your dog needs. Day Training is $650 + GST per week, Monday to Friday, with a weekly one-hour go-home lesson included in that price.
Board and train prices bundle gear and follow-ups, so compare them whole. On-Leash Foundations is $1,865 + GST for 2 weeks with a slip lead, training collar, a free follow-up session and lifetime phone and email support. Puppy Fundamentals is $2,775 + GST. Functional Off-Leash is $3,030 + GST and includes a Micro or Mini Educator remote collar. Ask whether a smaller option covers your top problem.
Asked and answered
The questions people ask us.
What is the cheapest way to get a dog trained?
Our lowest published price is Private Training at $150 + GST for a one-hour session with a written plan you practise at home. It suits owners who can put in the practice themselves. Whether it is enough for your dog is something we answer honestly at the consultation.
Does a board and train price include equipment?
Yes, for the published programs. On-Leash Foundations and Puppy Fundamentals include a slip lead and training collar, and Functional and Advanced Off-Leash include a remote collar. Free follow-up sessions are included too.
Private lessons or a full program first on a tight budget?
Start with the smallest option that addresses your top problem, and treat safety concerns like growling or snapping as a reason for an assessment first. At the consultation we recommend a program, including a smaller one when it is enough.
Are dog training prices plus GST?
Yes. Every published price is plus GST, including Private Training at $150, Day Training at $650 per week, and board and train programs from $1,865.
Keep reading
Spend on the right thing first
Book a consultation with your top problem in mind. We will point you to the smallest option that covers it.
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