Would you buy a 'trained' dog?

[crazedACD]

I don't think I've ever thought too much about this, but an ad got me wondering.

Obviously there's a market for puppies, a market for the mysterious shelter dogs, a market for rehomes or aged breeder dogs, a market for even trained protection dogs.

Next new thing...professionally trained companion dogs? The kennel in question is selling two purebred dogs (lab and a boxer) for $7500 and $6500, "fully trained in on/off leash obedience".

I do think it's kind of a good idea for people that have had trouble starting dogs or have specific requirements, but I think the cost is a little silly. I'm not sure someone that has trouble training their dogs will even be able to keep those dogs behaving..I really think a lot of training troubles is more the owner than the dog.

Oh..and you can buy one of their personal protection dogs for $65,000 if you wish..

[RBark]

I definitely would not mind this. In fact, I've spoken (a bit, and months ago) with a friend whom I may get a pup from about going this route in part due to my living situation not lending itself to the puppy training that would be required.

And even with my last puppy, Priscilla, I did look for an older dog that was pre-trained. The convinence is compelling when one works as much as I do.

[yoko]

I could see why someone would want that but I really like working with my dogs. I always thought of that as part of the whole bonding thing.

But I could easily undercut their price... Hmmmm.

[thehoundgirl]

For that much? No way. I prefer training my own dogs. I could see it working for someone who isn't very dog savvy or whatever, but I wouldn't pay that much for a dog of my own. Training your dog or puppy no matter where the dog came from helps you bond more. So yeah, I don't think I would personally pay that much for a "fully trained dog" when I can train the dog or puppy myself.

[Maxy24]

No. For one I feel like they've probably been trained by methods I would not agree with. I don't know why, just the vibe I get from those sort of things. That's probably the biggest reason I wouldn't do it, I'd be worried about the dog having been trained with physical punishments and thus having a dog who listens to me out of fear.
Secondly, I think changing owners will make a big difference in the dog's behavior. Many dogs will only listen to those who have trained them, not random people. The new owner would still have to train the dog. Also, if the dog's ARE trained with punishment you'd likely have to make them equally afraid of you in order for them to listen.

I also happen to enjoy training my dog and think it is a huge part in building the bond between dog and human.


ETA: I'm not talking about "pre owned" dogs that are simply being rehomed and happen to have been trained while in their home. I'm more refering to kennels or training facilities that seem to buy dogs just to train and sell. I'm also not referring to manners, I'm referring to commands. Manners I could see working better.

[Fran101]

Would I buy one if I was at the point in my life that I wanted an adult trained well bred dog and didn't have time for puppy madness? Sure, I think it's a great idea. As long as there was AMPUL proof of these dogs (videos etc.) being well trained (sit, down, stay, come, off leash, off the sofa, crate training), great around children, people,other dogs, other pets etc.. and great out and about.. I think it's a splendid idea. If they were CGC certified and such, even better!

Would I pay THAT MUCH? No. Professionally protection trained dogs.. I get the high prices. That's a lot of work, man hours, liability.. pet dogs that could pass a cgc and have basic training any beginner trainer could do with some time and patience.. no way that is worth THAT MUCH.
I'd say.. because of cost of raising them from puppies as well as training.. $2000ish would be fair.

[RBark]

Originally Posted by yoko

I could see why someone would want that but I really like working with my dogs. I always thought of that as part of the whole bonding thing.

But I could easily undercut their price... Hmmmm.

Oh, I do like working with dogs too. My puppy fever is entering nuclear reactive levels, as some may have noticed. I'd take a pup in a heartbeat if I could, and I'd love to raise another pup of my own. But I'd settle for a good pup, no matter whether it's 2 months or 8 months old, as long as I could make it fit with my lifestyle.

EDIT: Tons of comments came in while I posted lol. I should note that I've known this person for many, many years and am relatively familiar with her training style.

If that were not the case, I would definitely not buy a pup from a breeder that trains with harsh corrections.

[BostonBanker]

Me personally? No. But I do think it is something for which there is probably a decent market. The price would have to be lower though. I think even something like $2000 or $3000 might sell. People are paying nearly that for puppies half the time. A ten month old or 15 month old dog of the same quality, who is housebroken, crate trained, walks nicely on a leash and comes when called? Heck, you've hit the holy grail for a lot of people.

[Kat09Tails]

Depends on what I'm buying for but sure... if my purposes were big and my time to train small.. why not?

There is an advantage to owning a green older dog - just as there is an advantage to owning a fully trained dog.

Personally I think a high price for this is good. You are after all getting an animal someone has invested a crap ton of time in to prepare, socialize and raise right.

[Kilter]

A lot of rescues fit that bill, housebroken, basic training, spayed and neutered too, and even purebred in some cases. They still have to scramble for homes sometimes and they don't charge that much.