Getting a new puppy is exciting, but it also means a lot of training. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are tons of online resources out there to help you and your furry friend get on the right track. We’ve looked into some of the top puppy training online courses to make choosing easier for you.
Key Takeaways
- Online puppy training courses offer a flexible and often cheaper way to learn how to train your dog compared to in-person classes.
- Many courses use positive reinforcement methods, rewarding good behavior to help your puppy learn effectively.
- Look for courses that offer personalized plans and support, like Q&A sessions or community forums.
- Some platforms provide free introductory videos or workshops, letting you sample their teaching style before committing.
- Consider your budget and what features are most important, such as live trainer access or a wide variety of course topics.
1. K9 Training Institute
K9 Training Institute is a program founded by Dr. Alexa Diaz, who has spent over 20 years working with animal behavior. The main idea here is to help owners communicate better with their dogs, using less talking and more body language. This approach aims to fix common issues like excessive barking, pulling on the leash, jumping up, and dogs bolting out the door. Eric Presnall, who you might recognize from the TV show "Who Let the Dogs Out?", is also a big part of the institute as the lead trainer. He’s known for making the lessons easy to get through and even fun.
They offer a free workshop, which is a good way to get a feel for their training style without spending any money. It gives you a taste of their methods, but if you want the full picture, you’ll need to sign up for their 10-week "Total Transformation Masterclass." This longer course goes deeper, sharing specific techniques that are apparently based on research from places like Harvard and Stanford. Once you’re in, you get access to a digital portal with all the materials. It’s set up so you get new lessons and online classes each week for ten weeks. If you want to revisit something, the portal stays open for you.
Here’s a look at what the masterclass focuses on:
- Using body language to stop problem behaviors.
- Teaching your dog to listen without needing treats every time.
- Helping your dog think more like a service animal.
- Getting your dog to behave well when you’re out in public.
- Keeping your dog calm and collected even in busy or stressful places.
The K9 Training Institute’s 10-week masterclass costs $497 and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee. While it might seem a bit steep compared to some other online options, the program claims to teach unique methods, like the "watch and touch" technique, which can be really effective for correcting unwanted behaviors. They also support animal shelters, which is a nice bonus.
One thing to note is that you don’t get all the lessons at once. The program is spread out over ten weeks, so you have to wait a week between new sets of materials. This is designed to pace your learning, but it might not be ideal if you prefer to have everything available immediately.
2. SpiritDog Training
SpiritDog Training really focuses on the idea that you, the owner, are your dog’s best trainer. They back this up with online courses taught by some pretty experienced people. Steffi Trott, a lead trainer there, learned from top trainers in Europe and the US and has helped tons of people since 2013. They say over 78,000 dog owners have used their methods successfully, and they have a 100% satisfaction rate, which is pretty impressive.
What’s cool is they offer a bunch of different courses, covering everything from basic puppy stuff to more specific things like dealing with reactivity or getting your dog to focus. They also have game-based training, which sounds like a fun way to learn. Plus, their courses are affordable and you can access them on pretty much any device, anywhere. They even have a community for members to support each other.
Here’s a quick look at what they cover:
- Puppy Training
- Dog Reactivity
- Leash Walking
- Perfect Focus
- Rescue Dog Training
- Recall Building
One thing to note is that while the courses themselves are reasonably priced, you might have to pay extra if you want one-on-one live sessions with a trainer. They also offer a week-long trial for about $2 to check out over 700 lessons, which is a nice way to see if it’s a good fit before committing. They also have a 60-day money-back guarantee.
SpiritDog Training aims to make training accessible and affordable, empowering owners with practical skills through a variety of engaging courses. They believe in building a strong owner-dog partnership.
If you’re looking for a solid online program that doesn’t break the bank and covers a lot of ground, SpiritDog Training is definitely worth checking out. It’s a great way to get started with essential items for training.
3. Dunbar Academy
Dunbar Academy, founded by Ian Dunbar and his family, offers a pretty extensive library of dog training courses. They’ve been around for a while and have a solid reputation, even getting shout-outs in places like Forbes and The New York Times. If you’re looking for a structured approach, they break down training into different ‘schools’ like preschool, elementary, high school, and even college for your dog. It sounds a bit funny, but it’s basically a way to progress through different skill levels.
Their courses cover a lot of ground, from basic obedience to more complex stuff like impulse control and even fun tricks. They have over 100 hours of video content, with each lesson usually being pretty short, around five to ten minutes. This makes it easy to digest and practice without feeling overwhelmed. They really focus on positive reinforcement, which is great for building a good relationship with your dog.
Here’s a look at some of their course structures:
- Preschool: Focuses on getting your dog to pay attention and be obedient.
- Elementary School: Uses games to help your dog improve skills and follow commands.
- High School: Teaches patience and impulse control through games like ‘jazz up and settle down’.
- College: Helps develop your dog’s motor skills and concentration.
- University: Aims to build your dog’s intelligence and patience, strengthening your bond.
- Graduation: Advances motor skills and intelligence for better obedience.
- Einstein: Teaches fun party tricks.
When it comes to pricing, they have a couple of options. You can buy individual courses, which can be a bit pricey, sometimes up to $200. But, they also have a monthly membership for about $20. This membership gives you access to all their courses, which is a pretty good deal if you plan on using a lot of their material. They even offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out without too much risk.
One thing to note is that some of the older videos might not have the best quality, which can be a bit of a bummer. Also, if you’re on the monthly plan, you can’t download the videos, so you’ll need to be online to access them. It’s definitely geared towards owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to train their dogs consistently.
4. Goodpup
Goodpup really stands out because it’s all about one-on-one training sessions, right through your phone or tablet. You can connect with a certified trainer pretty much anytime, day or night, which is super handy if your dog decides to get into mischief at 2 AM. They focus on force-free methods, which is great for building a positive relationship with your dog.
What’s cool is that between your live video calls, you get access to practice guides and can even text your trainer with quick questions. They really try to make it work around your schedule and your dog’s specific needs. They even have a library of videos and other resources you can check out whenever you need a refresher.
Here’s a quick look at what they offer:
- Live, private video sessions with a trainer
- 24/7 availability for training help
- Personalized training plans
- Resource library with videos and guides
- Text support from your trainer between sessions
While Goodpup offers a lot of flexibility and personalized attention, some users have reported occasional issues with trainer knowledge or the initial sign-up process. It’s always a good idea to do a quick evaluation before committing.
Overall, if you’re looking for immediate, personalized help and appreciate having a trainer available on demand, Goodpup is definitely worth looking into. It’s a solid choice for dog training apps that fit into a busy lifestyle.
5. Masterclass by Brandon McMillan
Brandon McMillan, the guy you probably know from the TV show ‘Lucky Dog,’ has his own Masterclass, and it’s pretty interesting. He really focuses on building trust and control with your dog, which, let’s be honest, is the whole point, right? The course is packed with actual clips from his training sessions, which is super helpful. You get a ton of high-quality videos, and it all relies on positive reinforcement, which is what most of us want for our pups.
Here’s a quick look at what the modules cover:
- Module 1 (Preschool): Making your dog obedient and keeping their attention.
- Module 2 (Elementary School): Using games to improve skills and get your dog to follow commands.
- Module 3 (High School): Games like ‘jazz up and settle down’ to teach patience and impulse control.
- Module 4 (College): Developing your dog’s motor skills and focus.
- Module 5 (University): Boosting intelligence and patience while strengthening your bond.
- Module 6 (Graduation): Advancing motor skills and intelligence for better obedience.
- Module 7 (Einstein): Teaching fun tricks like ring stacking or playing the piano.
It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for general dog training advice. While it doesn’t offer one-on-one live sessions or super personalized plans, it’s reasonably priced and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It covers a lot of ground, making it a good starting point for many dog owners. Building a strong foundation is key for any puppy, and this Masterclass touches on many important aspects of puppy training.
6. Dog Training Depot
Dog Training Depot offers a straightforward approach to online dog training, aiming to simplify the process for owners. Instead of buying individual courses or bundles, you get access to everything with a one-time purchase. This program tackles common issues that many dog owners run into. It’s designed to be a complete package for training your dog at any life stage.
The team behind Dog Training Depot includes Judy Lowery, a seasoned Golden Retriever breeder with decades of experience helping owners; Kim Downing, a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers; and Scott Cook, who has trained with notable experts like Dr. Ian Dunbar and Michael Ellis. Their combined knowledge forms the backbone of the training materials.
For $97, you get a 12-week digital video course, 24 high-quality videos, 35 problem-solving presentations, and a four-week trial of their bi-monthly webinars. After the trial, webinars are available for $7.95 per month. They also provide a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 14-day free trial, which includes three sample videos so you can get a feel for their style before committing. While it might not be as extensive as some other programs, and doesn’t offer live Q&A sessions, it’s a solid option for many. You can find inspiring stories showcasing how dedicated training transforms challenging behaviors at The Dog Training Depot’s Official Site.
7. Good Dog Everyday
Good Dog Everyday is a solid choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to get your dog trained. It’s a one-time payment, which is nice, and they throw in a bunch of freebies like eBooks and extra video lessons. You can even chat with the trainers by leaving comments under the videos, which is pretty cool for getting specific questions answered.
The program is broken down into modules, kind of like school. You start with the basics, understanding why dogs do what they do, and then move on to teaching obedience commands. They cover everything from "sit" and "down" to more helpful things like "get in" (maybe for a crate or car) and "look at me." They even have modules that focus on developing your dog’s motor skills, patience, and intelligence, which sounds pretty advanced.
Here’s a quick look at what the modules cover:
- Preschool: Focuses on obedience and keeping your dog’s attention.
- Elementary School: Uses games to improve skills and response to commands.
- High School: Teaches patience and impulse control through games.
- College: Helps develop motor skills and concentration.
- University: Builds intelligence and patience while strengthening your bond.
- Graduation: Advances motor skills and intelligence for better obedience.
- Einstein: Teaches fun party tricks like stacking rings or playing the piano.
They offer lifetime access to the course, which is a big plus. You get about 25 video lessons, and you can interact with the trainers. The whole thing costs $94, but they often have a 50% discount, bringing it down to $47. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out without much risk.
This program seems to really focus on building a strong relationship with your dog through training, not just getting them to follow commands. It’s nice that they break down complex ideas into manageable steps.
8. Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution
Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution is a fantastic resource, especially if you’re on a budget or just starting out. Zak offers over 900 free videos on YouTube, covering everything from basic manners to more complex tricks. It’s pretty amazing how much content he puts out there without charging a dime.
The videos are really easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions that make training feel less intimidating. He covers a lot of ground, so whether you have a brand-new puppy or an older dog with some quirks, you’ll likely find something helpful.
Here’s a quick look at what makes it stand out:
- Vast Free Content: Access to hundreds of training videos at no cost.
- Clear Instruction: Step-by-step guidance that’s easy for anyone to understand.
- Wide Range of Topics: Covers everything from puppy basics to advanced behaviors.
One of the best things about Zak’s approach is how he emphasizes building a positive relationship with your dog. It’s not just about commands; it’s about understanding your dog and working together. This positive reinforcement method makes training a more enjoyable experience for both of you.
While the sheer volume of free content is the main draw, it’s the practical, down-to-earth advice that really makes this a go-to resource for many dog owners.
9. Ian Dunbar’s Dunbar Academy
Ian Dunbar is a big name in the dog training world, and his academy offers a ton of courses. They really focus on positive reinforcement, which is great for building a good relationship with your dog. You can find classes on everything from basic puppy stuff to dealing with more complex issues like aggression.
What’s cool is that they have a monthly membership option. For a pretty reasonable fee, you get access to all their courses. This can be a really good deal if you plan on training multiple dogs or want to keep learning over time. They also have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out without too much risk.
Here’s a look at some of the course structures:
- Preschool: Focuses on obedience and getting your dog’s attention.
- Elementary School: Uses games to improve skills and responsiveness.
- High School: Teaches patience and impulse control through fun games.
- College: Helps develop motor skills and concentration.
- University: Aims to boost intelligence and patience while strengthening your bond.
- Graduation: Advances motor skills and intelligence for better obedience.
- Einstein: Teaches fun tricks like playing the piano or stacking rings.
Some of the older videos could be better quality, which is a bit of a bummer. Also, if you’re on the monthly plan, you can’t download the videos, so you’ll need to be online to access them.
If your dog has serious aggression issues, it might be best to get some hands-on help from a professional trainer first before diving into online courses. This academy is best suited for owners who can commit time to practice what they learn.
10. Positive Reinforcement Training
Positive reinforcement training is a really popular way to teach your dog new things, and for good reason. It’s all about rewarding your pup when they do something right. Think of it like this: when your dog nails a command, you give them a treat, some praise, or a favorite toy. This makes them more likely to repeat that good behavior.
This method works because dogs naturally want to please their owners and get rewarded for it. It builds a strong bond between you and your dog, making training feel less like a chore and more like a fun game. Plus, it’s great for teaching all sorts of things, from basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ to more complex tricks.
Here’s a quick look at how it generally works:
- Identify the desired behavior: Know exactly what you want your dog to do.
- Mark the behavior: Use a clicker or a verbal marker like ‘yes!’ the moment your dog performs the action.
- Reward immediately: Follow the marker with a high-value treat, praise, or a quick play session.
- Repeat consistently: Practice regularly, gradually phasing out treats as the behavior becomes reliable.
Sometimes, trainers use a clicker along with treats. The click sound acts as a precise signal, telling your dog exactly when they did the right thing, right before the reward comes. It’s a neat way to get really clear communication going.
Focusing on what your dog does right, rather than punishing what they do wrong, creates a much more positive and less stressful training environment for everyone involved. It helps build confidence in your dog and strengthens your relationship.
Using rewards to teach your dog good behavior is a great way to build a strong connection. This method, known as positive reinforcement, focuses on making training fun and effective for both you and your furry friend. It’s all about celebrating the good stuff your dog does! Want to learn more about making training a positive experience? Visit our website for expert tips and resources.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it. Picking the right online dog training course can feel like a lot, but honestly, there’s something out there for pretty much everyone. Whether you’re looking for something super structured or just need a few pointers, these programs make it easier to teach your dog new things without breaking the bank or messing up your whole week. We’ve looked at some of the top options, but remember, the best one is really the one that fits you and your dog’s needs. Don’t be afraid to poke around a bit more and find that perfect fit. Happy training!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is positive reinforcement training?
Positive reinforcement training means rewarding your dog when they do something right. You can use treats, praise, or toys. This makes them more likely to repeat good behavior. It’s a kind and effective way to teach your dog.
Can online courses really train my dog?
Yes, online courses can be very effective! They offer video lessons and support from trainers. You learn the techniques and then practice with your dog at home. It requires your effort and consistency, but many people find great success.
How do I choose the best online course?
Look for courses that match your dog’s needs and your training goals. Consider the trainer’s experience, the teaching methods (like positive reinforcement), and what kind of support they offer. Reading reviews can also help you decide.
Is clicker training part of online courses?
Some online courses use clicker training as part of their positive reinforcement methods. A clicker is a small tool that makes a clicking sound. When used with a treat, it helps your dog understand exactly what they did right, making training clearer.
What’s the difference between professional trainers and DIY training?
Hiring a professional trainer, whether in person or online, can be costly. Training your dog yourself (DIY) saves money but needs a lot of your time, patience, and effort. Online courses offer a middle ground, giving you expert guidance at a more affordable price.
Are there free online dog training resources?
Yes, many trainers offer free videos and workshops online. Sites like YouTube and some training institutes provide free content to get you started. These can be a great way to learn basic skills or get a feel for a trainer’s style before committing to a paid course.