The Cost of Pre-Trained Puppies: What Prices to Expect

Bringing a new puppy home comes with its share of challenges. House training, teaching obedience commands, and managing a young dog’s boundless energy are often daunting tasks, especially for first-time pet owners or those with busy lifestyles.

This is where pre-trained puppies come into play, offering an option that might seem more expensive upfront but saves both time and effort in the long run. But how much do these pre-trained puppies cost, and is it worth the price?

Let’s explore the factors contributing to the cost of pre-trained puppies, typical price ranges, and whether investing in one of these pups is a smart financial decision for you. 

TLDR:

• Pre-trained puppies come with varying levels of formal training, offering basic obedience, house training, or advanced training.

• Types of training include basic commands, potty training, socialization, and specialized tasks like service or emotional support.

• Benefits of pre-trained puppies include convenience, saving time, and reducing stress for busy owners or families.

• Cost factors depend on the breed, training level, puppy age, breeder reputation, and location.

• Price ranges: Basic obedience-trained puppies cost $2,000 to $8,000; advanced training raises prices to $5,000 to $20,000.

• Hidden costs may include transportation and additional training, but long-term savings come from avoiding behavioral problems and damage.

• Value assessment involves weighing time saved, reduced stress, and long-term behavioral benefits against the initial financial investment.

Types of Training for Pre-Trained Puppies

Pre-trained puppies generally come with one of several levels of training. Here are the most common categories:

1. Basic Obedience Training 

These puppies have been taught foundational commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “heel.” They may also have some understanding of boundaries and house rules, making them easier to integrate into your home.

2. House Training/Crate Training

One of the biggest pain points for new dog owners is potty training, which can take weeks or even months. Pre-trained puppies are often housebroken, saving you the hassle of accidents. Many are also crate-trained, meaning they are comfortable sleeping or resting in a crate, which is helpful for travel or alone time.

3. Advanced Training

Some puppies are trained beyond the basics and may even receive specialized education for roles such as therapy dogs, emotional support animals, or service dogs. This training involves learning how to behave in various public settings, respond to specific cues, and assist their owners with tasks.

4. Socialization Training

Puppies that have undergone socialization training are introduced to various environments, people, and other animals in a controlled way. This helps them develop well-rounded temperaments, reducing the risk of behavioral issues as they grow older.

Why Consider a Pre-Trained Puppy?

The biggest advantage is convenience. You don’t have to go through the often stressful process of training your puppy from square one. Pre-trained puppies can fit more seamlessly into your lifestyle and alleviate the frustration and setbacks that typically come with early puppyhood. A pre-trained puppy is a game-changer for busy professionals, families with young children, or those who simply want a head start in dog ownership.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Pre-Trained Puppies

The price of a pre-trained puppy can vary dramatically, and a range of contributing factors influence how much you might end up paying. 

1. Breed and Size

The breed of the puppy plays a major role in determining its price. For instance, a pre-trained Goldendoodle may cost more than a similarly trained Beagle due to the higher demand for Goldendoodles. Additionally, certain breeds known for their intelligence and trainability—such as German Shepherds or Poodles—tend to be more expensive, especially when they have undergone specialized training.

Smaller breeds may also cost less than larger dogs, simply due to lower care and feeding costs during training. However, popular small breeds like French Bulldogs or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can still carry hefty price tags.

2. Level of Training

A puppy that has only received basic obedience training will usually cost significantly less than one that has completed advanced or specialized training programs. If a dog is trained to perform specific tasks, such as helping someone with mobility issues, you can expect the price to rise accordingly. Specialized service dogs, for example, require extensive training, and that additional investment in their education is reflected in the price.

3. Age of the Puppy

The older the puppy, the more training it is likely to have received. Puppies that have been through extended training programs—often continuing into their adolescence or early adulthood—can be much more expensive. In contrast, a younger puppy with only a few weeks of training will cost less. Keep in mind, though, that older pre-trained puppies may offer more stability and obedience right from the start.

4. Reputation of the Breeder or Trainer

High-quality breeders and professional trainers with certifications or long-established reputations often charge a premium for their services. These professionals invest time, effort, and resources into providing thorough training and care for their puppies. Many people are willing to pay more for a dog that has come from a reputable source because they can trust the quality of the training and the health of the puppy.

5. Training Location

Geography also plays a role in pricing. The cost will be greater in urban areas or regions where demand for pre-trained puppies is high. By contrast, breeders or trainers in more rural areas might charge less due to lower living and operating expenses. That said, additional transportation costs may apply if you need the puppy shipped to you from a distant location.

Typical Price Ranges for Pre-Trained Puppies

Understanding the typical price ranges for pre-trained puppies can help you determine what kind of investment you’re looking at. These prices can fluctuate based on the breed, training level, and other factors we’ve discussed, but here are some general guidelines:

1. Basic Obedience Trained Puppies

These puppies typically cost between $2,000 and $8,000. At this price, you can expect the puppy to know basic commands and be on its way to becoming house-trained. These puppies are often younger and may require additional training from their new owners to reinforce what they’ve learned.

2. Advanced Obedience and House-Trained Puppies

If you’re looking for a fully house-trained puppy with advanced obedience skills, prices generally range from $5,000 to $20,000. This category includes puppies that may already be crate-trained, leash-trained, and socialized in different environments.

3. Specialized Service or Emotional Support Dogs

The highest price tier is reserved for puppies trained as service animals or emotional support dogs. These can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000, or even more, depending on the extent of their training. These puppies are equipped to assist their owners in specific tasks and usually require rigorous, long-term training programs before being placed with a family or individual.

Hidden Costs to Consider

When purchasing a pre-trained puppy, it’s incredibly important to account for potential hidden costs that may not be immediately apparent. For example, transportation fees can significantly increase the overall price if the puppy needs to be shipped from a distant breeder.

Additionally, many breeders or trainers include health guarantees and vet checkups in their prices, but you’ll want to confirm these details beforehand to avoid unexpected expenses.

Is It Worth the Cost? Evaluating the Value of a Pre-Trained Puppy

With the potentially steep price tag, you may wonder if buying a pre-trained puppy is worth the cost. While the upfront investment may seem high, there are several factors to consider when evaluating the overall value.

1. Time vs. Money

Training a puppy from the base level requires not just financial resources but a considerable amount of time. If you have a busy schedule, you may find it difficult to dedicate hours each day to consistent training, which is crucial for a well-behaved dog.

A pre-trained puppy saves you that time, allowing you to enjoy the companionship of your new dog without the daily grind of teaching basic obedience and potty training.

2. Stress Reduction

For first-time dog owners, the early stages of puppyhood can be overwhelming. Accidents, chewing, barking, and disobedience are all common struggles that come with raising a puppy. A pre-trained puppy, however, is far less likely to exhibit these problematic behaviors, making the transition to pet ownership smoother and less stressful.

3. Long-Term Benefits

A well-trained dog can enhance your lifestyle for years to come. Pre-trained puppies often have a head start in terms of socialization, making them more adaptable and easier to manage in public settings. Additionally, if your puppy has been trained for a specific role—such as therapy work or emotional support—you’ll benefit from their specialized skills long-term.

Hidden Savings in the Purchase of a Pre-Trained Puppy

Although pre-trained puppies can be expensive, they may actually save you money in the long run by reducing the need for additional training and avoiding certain costly mistakes. Let’s take a closer look at how these savings stack up:

1. Training Class Costs

Group training classes can cost anywhere from $150 to $300 for a series of sessions, while private training lessons can easily exceed $100 per hour. Over time, these costs can add up, especially if your dog requires more intensive training. By purchasing a pre-trained puppy, you eliminate—or at least reduce—the need for these additional training expenses.

2. Potential Medical Bills and Damage

Untrained dogs can cause accidents and damage to your property, leading to unforeseen costs. From chewed-up shoes to torn furniture, the expenses of a mischievous puppy can add up. Pre-trained puppies, with their established obedience, are less likely to engage in destructive behavior. Additionally, their proper socialization can prevent them from getting into dangerous situations that might result in costly vet bills.

3. Avoiding Behavior Problems Later in Life

Behavioral problems in dogs are often a result of improper training or lack of socialization during puppyhood. These issues—such as aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking—can require expensive professional intervention. By investing in a pre-trained puppy, you’re laying the groundwork for a well-adjusted dog, potentially avoiding the need for costly behavior modification later on.

JennaLee Designer Doodles' Puppy Preschool: A Tailored Approach to Training

At JennaLee Designer Doodles, we know how exciting it is to welcome a new doodle puppy into your family. But we also understand that training can feel like a daunting task, especially if you're short on time or unsure where to start.

That’s where our Puppy Preschool comes in—a unique, comprehensive training program designed to ensure your puppy grows into a well-mannered, socialized dog. Unlike many other training options, our programs offer personalized care grounded in our deep knowledge of your puppy’s upbringing and individual personality.

Why Choose JennaLee's Puppy Preschool?

Our hands-on experience with each puppy from birth sets us apart. We don't just meet your puppy when they arrive at eight weeks old—we’re there from day one, nurturing, caring, and watching as they develop their unique personalities.

This intimate understanding helps us tailor our training programs to fit each puppy’s specific needs, offering a level of care that generic training programs simply can’t match.

Tailored Training Programs for Every Puppy

We offer several levels of training to meet your puppy where they are, whether they’re just embarking on their journey or ready for advanced lessons. Here’s a quick breakdown of our available programs:

4-Week Beginner Puppy Preschool

Perfect for puppies starting from the ground level, this program introduces crate and potty training, basic obedience, and socialization with other puppies and dogs. 

8-Week Intermediate Puppy Preschool

Builds on the basics with additional on-leash training, house manners, and intermediate obedience skills.

12-Week Advanced Puppy Preschool

Includes intensive crate and potty training, advanced socialization, and exclusive excursions to strengthen your puppy’s ability to navigate the world.

16-Week Advanced Plus Puppy Preschool

A more intensive program that prepares puppies for advanced off-leash training and obedience, culminating in a Canine Good Citizen Certification.

20-Week Pre-Service/Pre-Therapy Puppy Preschool

Customized for puppies with specific future roles, including advanced obedience and regular one-on-one training sessions.

By enrolling in JennaLee Designer Doodles' Puppy Preschool, you’re not just investing in basic training—you’re giving your puppy a foundation rooted in expert care, personalized attention, and thorough socialization. Each step of the way, we’ll help ensure your new furry friend is prepared to thrive in your home and beyond.

Whether or not a pre-trained puppy is right for you really depends on your unique situation. If your schedule is packed or you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of training a new puppy, opting for a pre-trained pup might be the perfect choice. With a pre-trained puppy, you’ll enjoy the benefits of having a well-behaved companion from the beginning, making the transition into your family smoother and more joyful.

On the other hand, if you love the idea of bonding through training and are ready for the ups and downs that come with raising a puppy from scratch, you might prefer the traditional route. There’s something special about watching your puppy learn and grow alongside you.

Whatever path you choose, it’s important to take your time, do your homework, and find a reputable breeder or trainer who truly understands your needs. Ensuring the puppy you bring home is a good fit for your lifestyle will set the stage for a lifetime of happiness and connection with your new best friend. After all, the love and companionship of a dog brings joy for years to come, no matter how you start your journey together.

Jenna and the JLDD Team