If you've been searching for a dog trainer in Austin, you've probably noticed that nobody wants to tell you what it costs. You get a form, a "request a quote" button, or a phone call that turns into a sales pitch.
I'd rather just tell you, and I post my prices on my website for exactly that reason. I'm Casey, I run Legion Dog Training out of West Oak Hill, and I've been working with dogs for over twenty years. Here is how I think about price, what my programs cost, and how to avoid paying for something that won't work for your dog.
Why the price range is so wide
You'll see wildly different numbers because "dog training" covers very different things. A group class teaching sit and down is a different product from a two-week program where your dog lives with a trainer. Comparing them by price alone is like comparing a gym membership to a personal trainer who moves in with you.
So instead of asking "what's the cheapest?" ask "what does my dog's problem actually need?"
What my programs cost
I keep it simple. There are three ways to work with me.
The Foundation: $1,800
Four weeks, one in-person session a week, about two hours each. You hold the leash the entire time. This is the right choice if you're willing to do the work and want to understand what you're doing, because the training only lasts if you can do it without me.
Board and Train: $3,000
Fourteen days. Your dog lives with me, and gets my full attention, one dog at a time. You get a written home plan so the changes carry into your family's routine. This fits bigger problems, or families whose schedules make daily practice hard.
Adventure Dogs: $450 to $800 a month
Small packs on a fixed West Austin route, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This isn't training in the formal sense. It's structured time outdoors with a handler, and it's good for dogs who need more than a walk around the block.
Every training spot takes a $500 deposit, which comes off the total. It holds your dog's place on the calendar.
Why I post my prices
Most trainers in Austin keep their prices off their websites. In my experience, the goal is to get you into a conversation, and the price you end up paying depends on how that conversation goes. Two people can sign up for the same program and pay different amounts.
I don't work that way. My price is the price. Everyone who works with me pays the same for the same program, and you can see it before you ever message me.
I do it this way for a few reasons:
You shouldn't have to guess. You can decide whether this fits your budget before spending an hour on the phone.
It's fair. Nobody gets a better deal because they negotiated harder or didn't ask.
It brings the right clients. People who contact me already know the cost and want what I do. That makes for better working relationships and better results for your dog.
Once a year I run a single, public sale, the same for everyone. Other than that, the number on this page is the number.
What you're really paying for
When someone quotes you a price, here is what I'd ask about:
Who actually works with your dog? The trainer, or an assistant?
How many dogs is the trainer handling at once? Attention is the whole product.
What happens after? A good program ends with a plan for your home, not a handshake.
Do they teach you? If you aren't part of the training, the results rarely last.
A cheaper program isn't a worse deal if it fits your dog's problem. An expensive one isn't a better deal if it doesn't. What matters is the fit.
How to choose
Choose the Foundation if your dog's issues are manageable, you can practice every day, and you want to learn how to do it yourself.
Choose Board and Train if the problem is bigger, has been building for a while, or you simply can't make daily practice fit your life.
Add Adventure Dogs if your dog needs structure and outdoor time on top of training, or on its own.
And if you aren't sure, ask. I'll tell you honestly which one makes sense, even if it's the cheaper one.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dog trainer cost in Austin? It depends on the type of training. Group classes cost the least, private lessons cost more, and board and train programs cost the most because your dog gets daily, one-on-one work. My programs run from $450 a month for Adventure Dogs to $3,000 for a 14-day Board and Train.
Is board and train worth it? For the right dog, yes. It's most valuable when the problem is significant or you don't have time for daily practice, as long as the program includes a real plan for continuing at home.
How long does it take to train a dog? Basic skills can come together in a few weeks, but reliable behavior takes consistent practice for months. That's why my programs end with a plan, not a finish line.
Do I need to pay a deposit? Yes. All training programs require a $500 non-refundable deposit, which is deducted from the total.
Ready to talk about your dog?
Message me with your dog's name, age and what's going on. I'll tell you honestly what I'd recommend. You can reach me through legiondogtraining.com.