Online Dog Training Can Work. Here Are Your Best Options

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

As of June 2022, Rover and GoodPup are subsidiaries of Rover Group, Inc.

From college degrees to lessons in home repair, virtual learning has exploded in popularity over the last few years—and not just for humans. More and more pet parents are opting to teach and train their pups using online resources. And under the right circumstances, it can be just as effective as traditional training.

But the huge range of online training options out there can make it hard to know where to start. You’ll find:

• Group classes that cover general obedience or basic skills, like puppy foundations, socialization, or trick training
• Private sessions with trainers who will craft a training plan for just you and your dog, often tailored to particular behavioral issues or skills
• Pre-recorded video lessons that you can follow along with at your own pace
• Advanced sessions meant to prepare dogs for tests like the CGC
• Sporting sessions that train dogs for agility and scent work competitions

To learn more about these options and their benefits, we sought input from several dog experts, trainers, and pet parents. They offer their first-hand experience and knowledge to help you figure out the right online dog training for you and your pup.

Benefits of Online Dog Training

When locations, schedules, or other circumstances make in-person training difficult, online dog training comes out on top.

• Accessible. You don’t have to drive or take the bus to class—or even stay in one place. All you need is a reliable internet connection.
• Affordable. Online training is often cheaper than in-person classes, especially when you participate in group or pre-recorded sessions.
• Low-stress. According to Mindy Waite, certified dog behaviorist at Senior Tail Waggers, many dogs behave differently around other people or pups than they do in the comfort of their own home. “Working virtually can avoid stress for both the human and dog while still providing the pet parent with critical training assistance,” she says.
• Less distracting. Your dog may be able to focus better in an online setting. “Learning in a familiar environment like the home or yard is easier because there are fewer distractions than in a training facility,” explains Lorrie Reynolds, owner of Maximum Fun Dog Sports and pet expert with 20 years of experience in trick training and judging.
• Strong on feedback. “Online training often requires the owner to submit videos of the behavior and/or their training, which allows the trainer to provide feedback relatively quickly as opposed to waiting for the next in-person session,” says Waite.
• Good for bond building. Tina Walker, manager of training development at GoodPup, points out that online training puts pet parents in a unique position where they have to learn how to think like a trainer. This direct communication helps build a deeper relationship between humans and pups.
• Transferrable. Walker adds that online training isn’t confined to the home, either. “Once established, virtual training can then be taken on the road, to backyards, parks, coffee shops, and walks through downtown,” she says.

That’s what pet parent Linda Bang discovered after bringing home her Sheepadoodle puppy Remy at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It really set us up for continued success as both puppy and humans continued to learn and grow,” she says.

Dogs that especially benefit from online training

Lots of dogs can get good mileage out of online training, but some in particular are likely to see benefits they couldn’t get elsewhere.

It’s especially helpful for fearful and reactive dogs, Reynolds says. “Dogs who have difficulty with people or other dogs can start learning a sport or tricks at home while working through the issues that are keeping them out of an in-person class.”

For dogs with particularly sticky issues like aggression, resource guarding, and generalized anxiety disorder, a veterinary behaviorist who offers online services can be a wonderful resource, as Lauren Novack of Behavior Vets explains.

“In these scenarios, having a new person in their space only causes stress for the dog, which inhibits learning. Working virtually allows the trainer to see what is happening without their presence interfering and changing the dog’s behavior,” she explains. “And it allows the trainer to incorporate those scary things in an appropriate way, at the appropriate time, instead of right up front when the dog might not be ready yet,” she says.

Cons of Online Dog Training

As fantastic as online training is for many dogs, it’s worth noting that it might not be the best fit for some pups and their pet parents.

Here are some of the downsides:

• No socialization. For puppies, one of the biggest perks of in-person classes is getting them used to other dogs, people, and stimuli in a safe space. With online training, pet parents have to source those opportunities themselves.
• No helper dogs. In-person trainers often help pet parents set up a scenario to practice behaviors. For example, if working on reactivity, a trainer might use a well-socialized and even-keeled helper dog to assist in the training.
• No equipment. Dog behaviorist Waite adds that training at a facility is better when your dog is learning anything that requires expensive equipment and safety precautions, such as introducing beginners to agility.
• Limited space. For pet parents in small spaces, having more room to work with your pup is a benefit of on-site training.
• Lack of real-time assistance. Your online trainer can’t be with you when you take your skills out in the wild. In-person trainers, on the other hand, can help with in-the-moment management if a trigger suddenly appears and your dog has a big reaction.

That’s what Hannah Carver and her Standard Poodle Winnie found. Initially drawn to the affordability and flexibility of online training, Hannah reached a point in her training where she wanted in-person assistance.

“On a personal level, I was looking for someone I could meet face-to-face to give me more confidence handling my reactive dog in the real world and also comfort me through some of our difficult times,” she says.

Online Dog Training Courses To Consider

With so many free and paid online dog training resources available, it can be overwhelming to find the right option for your pup. Here are five highly rated online dog training resources to consider—all of which use science-backed, positive-reinforcement methods.

Best Private Sessions: GoodPup

GoodPup offers an app-based training option that includes weekly video calls with a certified and vetted trainer. Between sessions, the app provides tailored training guides and a daily log to keep you on target. Users can also access a library of training materials and an unlimited 24/7 chat feature to get answers any time from a professional network of trainers and vets.

Reviewers of GoodPup say it works best with daily practice, making it a good fit for pet parents who are ready to do the homework. Our testers liked the app for both general training and specific goals.

Best Video/Self-Taught: Dog Training by Kikopup

Respected dog trainer and founder of Dogmantics, Emily Larlham (aka Kikopup) has made a name for herself online, offering pet parents a plethora of positive reinforcement and fear-free training resources. Through Dogmantics, Larlham offers ongoing memberships, videos on demand, and self-study courses to help with new puppy training, reactivity, and more.

She’s also a content creator and host of the YouTube channel Dog Training by Kikopup, where she posts hundreds of free basic training videos to help train dogs—and their humans—at home.

Best for Sports: Fenzi Dog Sports Academy

As the name suggests, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy is designed for competitive dog sports training, like scent sports and agility. But the site hosts a wide variety of excellent trainers, and many pet parents use their extensive training options for behavior training, too.

Rover pup Roo particularly benefited from animal behaviorist Amy Cook’s Management for Reactive Dogs online course, where she and her human learned how to better manage encounters with triggers.

Pet parents also give the six-week Baby Genius course high marks for training young puppies. With a wide range of on-demand and live courses, webinars, and workshops, Fenzi has something for everyone.

Best for Puppies: Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution

Zak George is a celebrity dog trainer and author. His YouTube channel, Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution, features hundreds of free videos to help pet parents with everything they need for a well-behaved pup. George offers his expert advice on how to welcome a new puppy into your home, as well as how to train specific issues, like capturing and holding your dog’s focus.

George also leads several training courses on the Pupford dog training app, including a free 30-day class with guided videos, an e-book, and daily tips. This course is geared more toward new pet parents looking to teach their pups the basics.

Best Online Service Dog Training: DOGGY•U

For pet parents looking to train their own service dog online, DOGGY•U is led by Laura Demaio-Roy, a certified dog mobility instructor and service dog trainer with over 15 years of experience placing service dogs throughout North America.

The website offers easy-to-understand online dog training courses that allow pet parents to work at their own pace. Paid programs include Service Dog 101 and Task Training courses, as well as over 150+ members-only Patreon videos.

DOGGY•U also has hundreds of free videos on YouTube that cover other topics like foundational skills and tricks in addition to service dog training.

How To Pick an Online Trainer

When considering the best online dog training options for your dog, there are a few things to watch out for. “Make sure that the trainer uses science-based, positive methods,” Reynolds says, adding to find someone who has notable experience in your dog’s particular niche. “If you want to learn dog agility, look for someone who has competed and won at a high level,” she explains.

Anyone can say they’re a dog trainer, but the best trainers should have verifiable certifications to back up that claim. Just like with in-person training, you’ll want your online trainer to be credentialed.

• For basic training and common behavior concerns, look for KPA CTP, IAABC-ADT, CTC, and VSA-CDT certifications.
• If your dog has anxiety, you’ll want a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) or Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP).
• Dogs with reactive or aggressive concerns may need to go up a tier to a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, represented by CBCC-KA and PCBC-A.
• Behavior concerns with medical overlaps require a veterinary behaviorist with DACVB credentials to prescribe medication.

When to choose in-person training

Sometimes, it makes more sense to opt for in-person training, whether that’s taking your pup to a class or having a trainer come to your home.

Puppies who don’t have a wide circle of dog friends—or a pet parent able to dedicate a lot of time to introducing them to new people, animals, and places—can benefit from the socialization a class offers.

If dog training isn’t going well, an in-person option can be really helpful. A trainer can help you pinpoint what’s going wrong quickly.

Pet parents working through behavioral issues might also want an in-person trainer to help them with their mechanics. Timing is imperative in behavior modification and counterconditioning, and having a professional around to catch handler errors can help you communicate effectively with your pup.

For dog sports enthusiasts, a training facility makes more sense and will likely be less costly than investing in expensive equipment at home. Your dog will also be able to practice calmly waiting their turn, an essential skill if you want to participate in competitions.

Regardless of whether you’re training your dog in person or online, try to have fun and enjoy the process!