Can I Buy a Trained Dog? Everything You Need to Know About Pre-Trained Pups

Have you ever thought, “Wouldn’t it be great to skip the puppy chaos and just get a dog that’s already trained?” I’ve been there too! The good news is YES – you absolutely can buy a trained dog, and it might be one of the best decisions you’ll make for your family.

Training a new dog takes tons of patience, consistency, and let’s be honest. time that many of us simply don’t have. That’s why I wanted to explore the option of purchasing a fully trained dog and share everything I’ve learned with you.

Why Consider Buying a Fully Trained Dog?

Getting a pre-trained dog isn’t just about convenience (though that’s definitely a perk!). There are several compelling reasons why this option might be perfect for your situation

• Saves precious time – No need to spend months on basic training
• Removes extra responsibility when bringing a new dog home
• Helps dogs settle into family life faster
• More bonding time instead of correcting behaviors
• Avoids accidentally creating bad habits through inconsistent training
• Generally safer as trained dogs respond reliably to commands
• Eases the transition of having a new dog in your home

As the experts at A&T Trained Dogs point out, “Training a new dog in the home can be a long process that requires skill, knowledge, and patience.” With a pre-trained dog, you’re essentially skipping ahead to the good part – having a well-behaved companion from day one!

What to Expect from a Professionally Trained Dog

So what exactly can a pre-trained dog do? While it varies by trainer and program, most fully trained family dogs will come equipped with:

• Basic obedience commands – sit, stay, heel, recall
• House training – no more accidents on your favorite rug!
• Good home behavior – not jumping on furniture (unless you want them to)
• Socialization skills – getting along with people, children and other animals

A professional training program like the one at A&T Trained Dogs teaches dogs these essential skills through a structured Residential Dog Training Programme lasting between three and six weeks. This intensive training creates a dog that’s ready to be a well-mannered family member.

How Much Does a Trained Dog Cost?

Let’s talk about what everyone wants to know – the price. I won’t sugarcoat it – fully trained dogs aren’t cheap. At A&T Trained Dogs, prices start at £8,995 for fully trained family dogs.

While that might cause some sticker shock, it’s important to consider what you’re paying for:

1. Expert selection of dogs with excellent temperaments
2. Professional training by specialists
3. Health screening and verification
4. The convenience of skipping months of training
5. A dog that’s immediately ready to integrate into your life

Many training facilities also offer payment plans to make this investment more manageable. A&T, for example, offers finance plans from £500 up to £55,000 (subject to terms and conditions).

The Selection Process: Not Just Any Dog Will Do

What surprised me in my research was learning about the rigorous selection process that goes into choosing dogs for professional training programs. It’s not just about taking any cute puppy and teaching it commands.

A&T Trained Dogs, for instance, has a two-stage process:

Stage One: Expert Dog Selection

They only accept dogs that meet strict criteria:

• Good breeding with excellent pedigree
• First-class health record
• Good social behavior
• Well-behaved around children and animals
• Positive interaction with other dogs

Stage Two: Comprehensive Training

Only after passing the selection process will dogs enter their training program where they learn all the essential skills I mentioned earlier.

This careful selection means you’re not just getting a trained dog – you’re getting a dog that was chosen specifically for its trainability and temperament.

What Breeds Are Available as Trained Dogs?

From browsing the A&T website, I noticed they offer a variety of breeds as fully trained dogs, including:

• Golden Retrievers
• Labradors
• Labradoodles
• Cavapoos
• English Springer Spaniels
• Kangal Shepherds

This variety means you can still choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and preferences, while benefiting from professional training.

Is a Trained Dog Right for Everyone?

While buying a trained dog has many advantages, it’s not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Here are some factors to consider:

Reasons to Buy a Trained Dog:

• You have a busy lifestyle with limited time for training
• You want to avoid common training mistakes
• You need a dog that can immediately adapt to your household
• You’re not experienced with dog training
• You have specific requirements for your dog’s behavior

When Traditional Adoption Might Be Better:

• You enjoy the training process and have experience
• You’re working with a tighter budget
• You specifically want to rescue a dog in need
• You prefer to develop training methods personalized to your lifestyle

The Adoption Process for Trained Dogs

If you’re thinking, “Alright, I’m convinced! How do I get one of these amazing pre-trained pups?” – here’s what the process typically looks like:

1. Research and contact reputable trainers – Look for established businesses with proper facilities and credentials
2. Discuss your specific needs – Be clear about your lifestyle, living situation, and what you need in a dog
3. Meet potential matches – Most good trainers will want to ensure a good fit between you and the dog
4. Complete the adoption process – This usually includes paperwork and possibly a home check
5. Handover training – Learn how to maintain the dog’s training and understand their commands
6. Follow-up support – Many trainers offer ongoing support as you and your dog adjust

At A&T Trained Dogs, they’re temporarily not taking new dog orders due to their current schedule, but you can leave your contact details for when they resume accepting inquiries.

Common Questions About Buying Trained Dogs

Can you buy a dog that’s already potty-trained?

Yes! House training is typically part of any comprehensive training program. This means no accidents around the house – a huge relief for new dog owners!

Can older dogs be trained?

Absolutely. According to A&T, “Any dog, no matter what their age, can be trained.” While puppies may learn some things more quickly, adult dogs can be excellent candidates for training too.

How do I maintain my dog’s training?

Most training facilities will provide guidance on maintaining your dog’s skills. Consistency is key – using the same commands and enforcing the same rules will help your dog remember their training.

Are trained dogs still playful and affectionate?

Yes! Professional training doesn’t change a dog’s personality or diminish their capacity for affection. In fact, well-trained dogs often have more opportunities for positive interactions since they know how to behave appropriately.

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

Bringing any dog into your home is a big decision, and choosing between a trained dog or training one yourself depends on your specific circumstances. Here are some final thoughts to consider:

• Be honest about your lifestyle – Do you really have time for training?
• Consider your experience level – Are you confident in your training abilities?
• Think about your household – Do you need a dog that’s immediately well-behaved around children or other pets?
• Evaluate your patience – Training takes consistent effort over months

My Personal Take

I believe that buying a trained dog is an excellent option for many families, especially those with busy schedules or limited dog training experience. While the upfront cost is significant, the value of bringing home a well-mannered, obedient dog shouldn’t be underestimated.

Think about it this way – you’re not just paying for training; you’re investing in years of easier, more enjoyable companionship and avoiding countless hours of frustration and potential property damage!

If you’re considering a trained dog, I’d recommend reaching out to reputable training facilities like A&T Trained Dogs to discuss your specific needs and see what options might be available for your family.

Have you had experience with trained dogs? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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Note: Prices mentioned in this article are based on A&T Trained Dogs’ rates as of September 2025 and may vary by location and training facility. Always research current pricing and options in your area.