PetSmart training costs between $149 and $399 for their standard programs, depending on which level you choose and your location

PetSmart offers four main training tiers: Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Obedience, Intermediate Obedience, and Advanced Obedience. Puppy Kindergarten runs around $149 for a six-week course. Basic Obedience costs roughly $199 to $249 for six weeks. Intermediate and Advanced programs run $299 to $399. Prices vary by store location and can shift seasonally, so calling your local PetSmart training center for exact pricing is the fastest way to know what you'll pay.

Beyond group classes, PetSmart also offers private training sessions, which cost more per hour but let you work one-on-one with a trainer on your dog's specific problems. Private sessions typically run $55 to $125 per hour depending on the trainer's experience level and your region. Some stores bundle private sessions into packages that reduce the per-session cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Group classes at PetSmart range from $149 for Puppy Kindergarten to $399 for Advanced Obedience, with most courses running six weeks.
  • Private training sessions cost $55 to $125 per hour, and bundling multiple sessions often lowers the per-hour rate.
  • Prices differ by store location and time of year, so you should contact your local PetSmart training center directly for current rates.
  • Group classes teach basic commands and socialization in a classroom setting, while private sessions target specific behavioral issues one-on-one.

What each training level covers

Puppy Kindergarten is designed for puppies 8 weeks to 5 months old and focuses on socialization, basic manners, and introducing straightforward commands like sit and come. Classes are shorter and more play-focused than adult dog training because puppies have shorter attention spans and need exposure to other dogs in a controlled setting.

Basic Obedience teaches dogs to respond to sit, down, stay, come, and loose-leash walking. This is the most popular program and works for dogs of any age. The trainer demonstrates each command, you practice with your dog during class, and you get homework to do at home between sessions.

Intermediate Obedience builds on Basic by adding off-leash work, distance commands, and distraction training. Your dog learns to respond even when you're farther away or when other dogs and people are nearby. This level assumes your dog already knows the basics.

Advanced Obedience covers complex behaviors like heel, directed jumping, and reliable recalls in high-distraction environments. It's for dogs that have completed Intermediate or for owners working toward competition or service dog standards.

Group classes versus private sessions

Group classes put your dog in a room with 4 to 8 other dogs and one trainer. Your dog learns commands alongside other puppies or dogs, which builds socialization skills. The trainer can't focus exclusively on your dog's individual problems, but the group setting teaches your dog to listen to you even when distracted. Group classes also cost less per hour of instruction.

Private sessions are one trainer, one dog, one owner. The trainer can diagnose and address specific issues—aggression, extreme fear, jumping, leash reactivity—that might not improve in a group setting. Private training is faster for dogs with behavioral problems, but you pay more because the trainer's time is yours alone. Many owners do a mix: group classes for socialization and basic commands, then private sessions if their dog needs help with a particular issue.

What to expect during the first class

Before your first session, PetSmart will ask you to bring proof of current vaccinations (rabies, DHPP, and bordetella for group classes). They need this because puppies and dogs from different households are in close contact. You'll also fill out a brief form about your dog's age, any behavioral concerns, and training history.

The first class is usually a meet-and-greet where the trainer assesses your dog's temperament and comfort level. If your dog is extremely fearful or shows signs of aggression, the trainer may recommend private sessions instead. Otherwise, class begins with a short explanation of what you'll learn that week, then the trainer demonstrates a command and you practice it with your dog while the trainer walks around giving feedback.

Classes typically last 30 to 60 minutes depending on the program. You'll leave with written instructions and a handout explaining the week's focus so you can practice at home. Most trainers emphasize that the class teaches you how to train your dog—the real learning happens in the 15 to 20 minutes you practice each day at home.

How to find pricing at your local store

PetSmart's website has a store locator and a link to training services, but it doesn't always show current prices. The most reliable way is to call your local PetSmart's training center directly. Ask for the training department, not the main store line. They can tell you which classes are currently running, when the next session starts, and the exact cost at your location.

You can also visit in person and ask to see the training area. Some stores have a dedicated training facility with a separate entrance; others run classes in a back room. Seeing the space and meeting the trainer can help you decide if it's a good fit for your dog.

Other costs to budget for

Training classes don't include treats or toys, though many trainers recommend bringing high-value treats (small pieces of chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats) to class. You'll use these to reward your dog when it does what you ask. A bag of training treats costs $5 to $15.

If your dog needs a new collar, leash, or harness for training, PetSmart sells these in-store. A standard 6-foot leash runs $10 to $30, and a collar or harness is $15 to $50 depending on size and material. Some trainers recommend specific equipment—like a front-clip harness for dogs that pull—so ask during your first class if your current gear will work.

When to choose private training instead

Private training makes sense if your dog has a specific behavioral problem that group classes won't fix: aggression toward other dogs, extreme separation anxiety, resource guarding, or severe leash reactivity. It also works better for very young puppies under 8 weeks, senior dogs that tire easily, or dogs with medical conditions that make group settings stressful.

Private training is also faster if you're on a important date—for example, if you're adopting a dog and need it housetrained and calm before a certain date. A private trainer can focus entirely on your dog's needs and adjust the pace to match how quickly your dog learns.

The downside is cost and time commitment. Private sessions are more expensive per hour, and you're responsible for scheduling and showing up consistently. Group classes run on a set schedule, so you just show up each week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to complete all six weeks of a class, or can I drop out early?

Most PetSmart training programs require you to commit to the full six-week session when you enroll, and you pay upfront. If you need to stop early, policies vary by location—some offer a partial refund or credit toward a future class, while others don't. Ask about the cancellation policy before you pay.

What if my dog doesn't get along with other dogs in group class?

Tell the trainer before the first class starts. They can often place your dog in a different group, move your dog's spot in the room, or recommend private training instead. A good trainer won't force a fearful or reactive dog into a group setting where it will fail.

Can I use PetSmart training if my dog is already an adult?

Yes. Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Obedience classes accept dogs of any age. There's no upper age limit. Older dogs learn just as well as younger ones, though they may tire more quickly during class.

Do I need to bring anything to the first class besides my dog?

Bring proof of current vaccinations, a collar and leash, and high-value treats if you have them. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes because you'll be moving around and practicing commands. Bring a pen to take notes on the handout the trainer gives you.

What happens after the six-week course ends?

You can enroll in the next level (Basic to Intermediate, for example), take a break and practice at home, or sign up for a different program like Puppy Kindergarten if you got a new puppy. Many owners repeat Basic Obedience once or twice to reinforce what their dog learned before moving up.