Comparing training quotes in the DMV
Board and Train Cost: Comparing the Whole Quote
To compare board and train cost, multiply each provider's rate by the number of units in its proposed plan. Then check the included work, separately agreed costs and anything still unknown. A nightly price alone cannot tell you the full quote.
Work out the starting base in the right unit
Use nights for a nightly rate and days for a daily rate. If a provider quotes one package amount, record that amount and its scope instead of treating it as a nightly price.
These examples use Raja's published starting rates. The quantities are chosen to show the maths, not a recommended program length or a final quote for your dog.
Board and train: count nights
Starting rate: $200 per night.
- Illustration: 5 nights
- $200 × 5 nights = $1,000 starting base.
- Illustration: 8 nights
- $200 × 8 nights = $1,600 starting base.
Compare night counts within the proposed overnight plan. The full quote remains unknown until the rate, length and separate costs for your dog are agreed.
Day training: count days
Starting rate: $110 per day.
- Illustration: 3 days
- $110 × 3 days = $330 starting base.
- Illustration: 5 days
- $110 × 5 days = $550 starting base.
Compare day counts within the proposed day-training plan. A day and a night are different care arrangements, so these examples do not measure equivalent programs.
Keep the cost calculation separate from the format decision. If you are still choosing how the work should happen, read the comparison of board and train with private lessons.
Copy this worksheet for each provider
Copy these fields into your notes once for each quote. Fill them from the provider's written plan. Put any unanswered item in the last column, then ask about it before comparing totals.
On a small screen, scroll the worksheet sideways to see all three columns.
| Field to copy | This provider's quote | Still unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Provider and quote date | Name, date and quote referenceYour notes: __________ | To confirm: __________ |
| Training goal and format | Starting work; day training, overnight stay or other formatYour notes: __________ | To confirm: __________ |
| Billing unit | Day, night, session or whole packageYour notes: __________ | To confirm: __________ |
| Proposed quantity | Number of billed units in this planYour notes: __________ | To confirm: __________ |
| Rate for this plan | Amount per unit; starting rate or agreed rate?Your notes: __________ | To confirm: __________ |
| Base calculation | Unit rate × quantity, or the quoted package amountYour notes: __________ | To confirm: __________ |
| Included work and care | Training, overnight care if relevant, transport and other listed inclusionsYour notes: __________ | To confirm: __________ |
| Owner instruction | Handover, practice guidance and any included follow-upYour notes: __________ | To confirm: __________ |
| Separately agreed costs | Each extra item or support visit, its price and whether you want itYour notes: __________ | To confirm: __________ |
| Plan changes | How a change in work or quantity affects the quoteYour notes: __________ | To confirm: __________ |
| Full quoted total | Base plus agreed separate costs; leave unknown if a cost is unresolvedYour notes: __________ | To confirm: __________ |
An unknown charge is not zero. If a separate cost has not been settled, keep the known base on its own and mark the full total unknown. If the provider confirms there is no separate charge for an included item, record it as included rather than adding it again.
Keep included work and extra support separate
A lower base can cover a different scope. Check the work and care beside the number, including what you will be taught when your dog comes home.
Owner instruction matters because you need to keep practising with your dog after a training stay. AKC trainer Stephanie Gibeault explains why owners need to learn the cues and continue the training. Record the handover and follow-up offered by each provider, then separate what is included from support you would agree to add.
Raja's published day-training and board-and-train starting rates include pickup and drop off. Michael shows you what to keep doing at home. Extra help at home can be agreed separately after the main program if useful; a home visit is not included automatically. See Raja's boarding and daycare with training for the program details.
Start with the plan for your dog
Bring your training goal and any quote questions to the evaluation. It sets Raja's starting plan; the work can change as your dog responds. Agree how a change affects the quantity, work and price before choosing.
See what the evaluation involves