Dog Training: The Pros and Cons of Doing It Yourself vs. Hiring a Professional

You just brought home your new, darling puppy and cannot wait to make this little dog your new best friend. You cannot wait to snuggle up together on the couch, go for sunny walks, and play fetch. Then the puppy reality sets in, and you are frantically trying to prevent your rambunctious pup from chewing everything in sight, peeing everywhere in your home, jumping on every human they are in contact with, and playing fetch is a distant dream. If you are like most pet owners, you realize that dog training is necessary. The question is whether you should do the dog training yourself or hire a professional. We have listed the pros and cons for both options below to help make the decision easier for you.

Do-It-Yourself Dog Training

• Pro: DIY dog training can be a great way to establish a healthy relationship between you and your dog. It can also be more cost-effective than hiring a professional.
• Con: DIY dog training takes time, patience, and knowledge. Some individuals may not be up for the commitment or have the expertise. Some DIY dog trainers even opt for professional training after trying to do it themselves out of frustration and lack of results.

Professional Dog Training

• Pro: When you elect for professional dog training, you can most often find programs that guarantee your dog can master specific skills. Additionally, you can be sure that the professional has the most up-to-date knowledge, training, and skills to ensure your dog’s experience is happy and effective.
• Cons: The biggest con to professional dog training is cost. It will likely be more expensive than doing it yourself, although the positive results are often worth the investment.